Abstract: A cone staging apparatus for production of smoking articles includes (a) a frame, and (b) a cone pallet releasably supported by the frame. The cone pallet includes a plurality of cavities. Each cavity has an open upper end for receiving a cone therein. The apparatus further includes (c) a cone magazine adjacent the frame for holding a supply of cones. The cone magazine includes at least one escapement alignable over the open upper end of a respective cavity of the cone pallet to facilitate transferring a single cone from the supply of cones to the respective cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter component comprising a plug of filter material comprising a body of a first filtering material and at least one element of a second filtering material, wherein the at least one element of the second filtering material is inserted in the body of a first filtering material, and wherein a volume ratio between a volume of the at least one element of a second filtering material and a volume of the plug is comprised between about 0.3 and about 0.8.

Abstract: A non-nicotine e-vaping device may include a non-nicotine pod assembly and a device body. The non-nicotine pod assembly has upstream and downstream ends and is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The upstream end may define at least one upstream recess, and the downstream end may define at least one downstream recess. The device body defines a through hole configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly. The through hole includes an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall. The upstream sidewall may include at least one upstream protrusion, and the downstream sidewall may include at least one downstream protrusion. The at least one upstream protrusion and the at least one downstream protrusion may be configured to engage with the at least one upstream recess and the at least one downstream recess, respectively, so as to retain the non-nicotine pod assembly within the through hole of the device body.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette, including: a mouthpiece; a first seal ring; a glass tube; a hollow rod; a permanent seat; a first piece of cotton; a ceramic atomization core; a second piece of cotton; an annular sleeve; two second seal rings; a base seat; an insulation ring; and a joint comprising an anode and cathode. The mouthpiece is disposed on the glass tube. The first seal ring is disposed in the mouthpiece to seal a gap between the mouthpiece and the glass tube. The hollow rod is disposed in the glass tube, and the two second seal rings are disposed on one end of the hollow rod away from the first seal ring to seal a gap between the glass tube and the hollow rod. The first piece of cotton and the second piece of cotton are disposed on two ends of the ceramic atomization core, respectively.

Abstract: Phyto material tablets, tablet vaporizers, methods and apparatus for forming phyto material tablets. The tablets are formed to increase vaporization efficiency. Tablets can include break regions to facilitate fracturing into multiple pieces for vaporization. The tablets can also include multiple layers of different phyto material mixtures. Compression molds are used to shape the tablets. The compression molds can be provided on a rotational assembly to facilitate rapid manufacturing of multiple tablets. The vaporizers include heating chambers that are configured to increase the surface area of the tablets exposed for vaporization. The heating chambers include compression or fracture members that compress and/or encourage fracturing of the tablets to assist vaporization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vaporizing liquid into the surrounding environment, including directing liquid from a liquid source through an inverse-opal wicking structure to a vaporization port where the vaporization port is formed by a through-hole in a structure connecting a first side of the structure to a second side, with all dimensions ranging from 10 um to 300 um, that is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the surrounding environment so that fluid is transported through the vaporization port between the first and the second side. The methods and apparatus includes plurality of heating elements that may be individually and/or selectively addressable by at least three electrode leads.

Abstract: A heating device includes a base; a supporter disposed on the base, the supporter has a chamber therein and the chamber being configured for receiving the tobacco cigarette; an electromagnetic induction coil, wound around the supporter and configured for generating an alternative magnetic field in the chamber; at least one first heating element disposed in the chamber; when the tobacco cigarette is disposed in the chamber, the at least one first heating element contacts an outer surface of the tobacco cigarette and is configured for generating a vortex in the alternative magnetic field to heat the tobacco cigarette; and a second heating element disposed on the base; when the tobacco cigarette is disposed in the chamber, the second heating element is inserted into the tobacco cigarette and configured to generate a vortex in the alternative magnetic field to heat the tobacco cigarette.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating article is provided, including a cartridge, the cartridge including: a first compartment including a nicotine source; a second compartment including a second substance source; a first susceptor arranged within the nicotine source in the first compartment and being configured to heat the nicotine source; and a second susceptor arranged within the second substance source in the second compartment and being configured to heat the second substance source.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device comprises a device housing comprising a first receiving chamber configured to receive and accommodate a first consumable and a second receiving chamber configured to receive and accommodate a second consumable. The device further comprises a power source in an internal space defined by the device housing and a controller configured to control aerosolization of an aerosol-forming substrate in a consumable in one of the first receiving chamber and in the second receiving chamber. At least the second receiving chamber includes electrical contacts configured to be detachably connected to a battery based on the separate power source being in the second receiving chamber such that the electrical contacts provide additional power from the separate power source to the aerosol-generating device.

Abstract: A device for generating an aerosol includes: a body portion including a controller, a heater, and a magnetic sensor, and a sliding member including a magnet and configured to move between a first position and a second position along the body portion, wherein the magnetic sensor detects movement of the magnet, and wherein the controller activates the device when the magnetic sensor detects that the sliding member is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating article (100) comprising an article housing (110) and an aerosol-forming substrate (300) disposed in the article housing. The system further includes an aerosol-generating device (200) comprising a device housing (210) that defines a receptacle (220) configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The device further includes control electronics (250) disposed in the device housing and includes a sensor (260) operably coupled to the control electronics and configured to detect a state of the device or the article when the article is received in the receptacle. In addition, the system includes a shape-changing element (270) disposed on or in at least one of the article housing and the device housing. The shape-changing element changes shape in response to the state of the device or the article detected by the sensor to cause a sufficient change in shape of an exterior surface of the device or the article to provide tactile feedback to a user.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device includes a heater configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate; and a controller configured to control power to be supplied to the heater by a battery using a control signal, wherein the controller is further configured to identify state information of the battery at a heating start time point when the heater starts to be heated and calculate a duty ratio of the control signal based on the identified state information.

Abstract: Examples of a breast support garment are disclosed. The breast support garment comprises a front panel with a chest area configured to support a wearer's breasts and dampen an accelerating movement of the breast tissue, and a hydration system that comprises a hydration reservoir and a dispensing tube connected to the reservoir. The breast support garment further comprises a holder that is dimensioned to receive the reservoir of the hydration system and one or more guides to support the dispensing tube. The breast support garment of the present invention integrates the functions of a high support sports bra and a hydration vest or backpack.

Abstract: A modular brassiere that serves as both a modesty garment and an easily-donned support garment. The modular bra includes an elongated support band that is preferably made of elastic material. Hook-and-loop type of engaging panels are used to secure the band around the user's chest. A separate strap assembly may be added to transfer load to one or more of the user's shoulders. The support band includes a proximal end and a distal end. A pocket is preferably included, proximate the distal end. The user can place one or more fingers into this pocket to assist in donning the device. A grip panel is preferably included as well. The grip panel includes a strap loop which the user can employ to also assist in donning the device.

Abstract: A garment with a built-in stretch bralette comprises an outer garment and the built-in stretch bralette, wherein the built-in stretch bralette is attached to the outer garment using intermittently secured attachment means.

Abstract: A garment structure for making a base layer or midlayer jersey for sporting activities that includes a first tubular element that corresponds to both the front and the rear zone of the torso and a second tubular element that affects arms, shoulders and part of the torso in which both the first element and the second are obtained with circular machines making a knitted fabric that provides different processing that enable functional and structural features to be given to the knitted fabric and to the garment. In particular, the first tubular element has a cylindrical conformation with a lower edge that bounds the length of the jersey and an upper end divided into a pair of profiles: a first profile defined, laterally, by the line of the sides and a second profile that leads away from the line of the sides continuing the first profile with a trapezium configuration.

Abstract: A system for reducing trauma in the head or neck of a living being caused by acceleration of the head relative to a torso of the living being within a range of motion. The system includes a support engaging at least one of the head, neck, and shoulder of the living being without limiting the range of motion of the head or neck relative to the torso; a sensor in electrical communication with the system; a user interface in electrical communication with the sensor; and a damper associated with the support that is configured to mitigate the position, speed or acceleration of the head relative to the torso in response to information received by the sensor or user interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an upper garment with a customized spine support device. The upper garment includes an upper garment body having a back plate portion and a front plate portion and applied to an upper body; and a spine support device that presses and supports a spine of a wearer to maintain a spacing between vertebras.

Abstract: Examples of a sleeve for a garment are disclosed. The sleeve comprises an outer panel attached along respective side edges thereof to form an outer sleeve and an inner panel attached along respective side edges thereof to form an inner liner of the sleeve. The inner liner and the outer sleeve are attached at least along respective edges of their respective lower ends forming a hand opening. An elastic band is attached to the inner liner proximate a wrist area of the sleeve and is spaced apart from the outer sleeve. The elastic band is configured to draw the inner liner into contact with and hug a wrist area of the wearer while the outer layer is loosely fitted around the wrist area of the wearer.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a hand-tied hair weft having at least two hair bundles fixed to three or more thread-like filaments that provide a cortex, where each two adjacent hair bundles are separated by one or more knots formed by the three or more thread-like filaments. In an illustrative example, the two adjacent hair bundles may be separated by, for example, at least two knots. The knots may include overhand knots. By introducing one or one or more knots, the width of the hand-tied hair weft may be customized without the weft shedding or unraveling.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a seamless threading method of inserting hair extensions in a user's hair. The method includes sectioning and beading a user's natural hair. A bottom hair extension weft is then positioned under the beaded sections of hair. The beaded hair is then laid on top of the bottom weft and clipped to secure the bottom weft in place. A top hair extension weft is positioned above the bottom weft in a reversed orientation, with the beaded hair in between the two wefts. Next, a user sews through the top weft, bottom weft, and optionally the beads. The threading begins on a first side of the upper and lower weft strips, extends across the wefts to the second side of the wefts. The threading can then be reversed and sewn back to the first side using a single portion of thread. The upper weft can then be inverted, and the upper weft hair flipped back and smoothed down. Advantageously, the thread is seamless without being visible because the weft strips are sewn from the inside out.

Abstract: Mannequin for the surface treatment of pants. Mannequin for the surface treatment of pants, comprising an upper support structure from which two legs extend, wherein each of said legs has an inflatable balloon arranged at its rear part. Each of said inflatable balloons has its outer lateral section folded upon itself at least once around a folding line extending from the upper edge to the lower edge of the balloon. The upper edge is fixed to the rear upper end of the corresponding leg and the lower edge is fixed to a rear intermediate point of the corresponding leg, such that the parts of the edges corresponding to the outer lateral section are also fixed to the leg of the mannequin.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and a method that maintains a patient's body temperature during surgical exposure and, more specifically, to a surgical, insulative cap that forms a viewing window and is used in conjunction with a medical temperature trend indicator. The cap is contoured to the patient's head. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A face shield for use with protective headgear can be shipped flat and easily assembled from a kit of parts without the use of tools or adhesives. The face shield protects against disease, aerosols and splatter that may contain pathogens; may include a curved lower perimeter to facilitate head movements, and can be taken on and off easily.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a sole structure with a knitted fabric and a sole structure. The method comprises steps of: placing a thermoplastic filling material in a knitted fabric, sealing an opening of the knitted fabric, placing the knitted fabric with the opening sealed in a mold, applying a heating temperature to melt the thermoplastic filling material of the knitted fabric, and restricting a shape of the knitted fabric via the mold to make a sole structure. The sole structure includes a compressible elastomer and a knitting texture wrapped around the compressible elastomer and fused with a surface of the compressible elastomer. The compressible elastomer is formed from the thermoplastic filling material after being melted and cooled. The knitting texture is formed from the knitted fabric and is capable of being directly observed from an appearance of the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The upper includes a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region disposed between. The upper defines a throat opening sized to receive a foot. The upper includes a main upper body and a strap coupled to the main upper body, wherein the strap extends from the midfoot region of the upper at the throat opening, down toward the heel region of the upper, wherein the strap is configured to provide stability, and the strap is configured to keep a wearer's heel contained down and back in the article of footwear.

Abstract: Provided in the present disclosure is an outsole including a sheet body which includes a substrate sheet and an injection molded article fixed to the substrate sheet, and a shoe that has the injection molded article having a certain melt viscosity and thereby being excellent in grip performance and long-term durability.

Abstract: Sole structures (e.g., midsoles and/or outsoles) and articles of footwear include heel-supporting areas and/or forefoot-supporting areas that include a central area (e.g., a central recessed area) and a plurality of surrounding rings. Additionally or alternatively, the sole structures (e.g., midsoles and/or outsoles) may include bands of material defined by recessed grooves to provide a bumpstop type impact-force attenuating structure.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber includes first subchamber having a substantially U-shape. The fluid-filled chamber also includes a second subchamber having a substantially U-shape and being spaced apart from the first subchamber in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis of the fluid-filled chamber.

Abstract: An article may include a first polymeric material layer having a surface. A first conductive trace may form at least a portion of the first layer surface. The article may further include a second polymeric material layer. The second layer may have a first surface, a portion of the second layer first surface being bonded to a portion of the first layer surface. The second layer may have a portion of a channel defined therein, the channel at least partially coinciding with a portion of the first conductive trace. The article may also include a first patch interposed between the first layer surface and the second layer first surface. The first patch may span the channel and cover a portion of the first conductive trace.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity. The bladder element has a surface with a groove that extends generally parallel with a transverse edge from a lateral side to a medial side, and has a reduced thickness at the groove. A first length along a longitudinal midline of the bladder element from a longitudinal extremity of the bladder element to the groove corresponds with a first footwear size, and a second length along the longitudinal midline of the bladder element from the longitudinal extremity to the transverse edge corresponds with a second footwear size larger than the first footwear size. The sole structure is used in a method of manufacturing an article of footwear.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile element. The outer barrier may have a first portion, an opposite second portion, and an interior surface defining an interior void. The tensile element may be secured to the first portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of first bond areas and may be secured to the second portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of second bond areas. Each of the bond areas may be connected to portions of the tensile element spaced from the interior surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper at least partially formed of a textile element. The textile element includes a yarn matrix having a plurality of interlocked strands oriented in predetermined directions. A structural element may be captured within the matrix at selected locations. In operation, the matrix is stitched onto a temporary substrate. The substrate is removed and the article coupled to a sole structure to form the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe garment may have a generally tubular body and include a heel slot generally configured to receive heel, a bottom support slot configured to encircle a portion of the shoe and/or foot, and a top support slot configured to encircle approximately at or above the user's ankle. The shoe garment may be used to secure the shoe to the foot, improve fit, provide an alternate style option, and/or provided added support and/or warmth to the user.

Abstract: A tethered anchor point for a footwear lace element includes various elements. For example, the tethered anchor point includes a tensile strand that attaches to a portion of the footwear article. In addition, the tethered anchor point includes a tensile-strand reinforcement. The tensile-strand reinforcement provides a sliding surface against which the lace element of the footwear article may slide when the lace element is threaded through the tethered anchor point.

Abstract: A last extension for a shoe last provides a pattern defining an origin location. The origin location on the last extension can be used to identify locations or points on a last or a shoe component on a last for control of location-critical manufacturing operations, including decorative and functional operations.

Abstract: A method of customizing a boot, for example a skate boot, includes generating a tridimensional digital representation of a wearer's foot using numerical data obtained by scanning the wearer's foot. A boot with a foot size corresponding generally to a foot length of the wearer's foot is selected. A core is also selected. The core, a medial side insert and a lateral side insert are inserted into an internal space of the boot such that the medial side insert and the lateral side insert straddle the core. The medial side insert and the lateral side insert are manufactured based on the tridimensional shape of the foot. At least a portion of the boot is then heated such that the boot is thermoformed to follow surfaces of the medial and lateral side inserts. The core, the medial side insert and the lateral side insert are then removed from the boot.

Abstract: A fastener for accessories includes a pair of a female part (1) and a male part (2). The female part (1) includes a holding frame body (12), a holding space (13) which is surrounded by the holding frame body (12), and an opening part (14) which can close elastically. The female part (1) further includes a guide part (15) for insertion at an outer side of the opening part (14). The male part (2) includes a circular locking frame body (22), a locking accepting part (25) which is surrounded by the locking frame body (22), and a locking part (21) which can close elastically at a tip of the locking frame body (22). The male part (2) further includes a guide part (23) for engagement/disengagement at an inner side of the locking part (21) and an outer shell on a periphery of the locking frame body (22).

Abstract: A key ring comprising a ring portion having a first end and second end, a rigid loop affixed to the first end, and a catch affixed to the second end for securely engaging and disengaging the rigid loop affixed to the first end is disclosed. The rigid loop and the catch can be typically disposed apart from each other with the ring portion in a relaxed state such that engaging the catch and the rigid loop holds tension between the first end and the second end to secure engagement of the catch and the rigid loop. The catch can be a hook having a tip extending into an enclosed area of the hook. The catch and the rigid loop can be oriented either in or transverse to the plane of the ring portion.

Abstract: This disclosure enables various piercing techniques, earrings therefor, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, these technologies can preclude a bystander from readily comprehending how an earring is attached to an ear of a wearer when the bystander views the ear of the wearer frontally straight-on. This preclusion occurs by providing a floating effect for the earring based on where the ear is pierced and how the earring is structured.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a sun shade assembly. Particularly, the assembly includes a sail that releasably attaches to a pair of ribs, providing shade to the user. At least one support arm can be used to reinforce the ribs. A mast provides height to the assembly and includes an anchor that allows the assembly to be secured into a support surface (e.g., sand). The ribs and support arms rotate about the mast, thereby self-adjusting the direction of sail in response to the wind blowing. The assembly further includes a tension adjuster that can be tightened or loosed to control the rotation of the ribs and support arms in response to wind conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact wallet designed to present a minimal silhouette in a shirt, pants or purse pocket. Novel features hold the silhouette to the minimal dimensions of a credit card while affording maximal expandability for content storage and accessibility. A novel method makes additional features modularly available.

Abstract: Systems and methods for luggage systems are provided. The luggage systems and methods include a luggage housing assembly having a front housing portion and a rear housing portion connected to the front housing portion by a hinge. The luggage systems and methods include a set of wheels mounted to the luggage housing assembly. The luggage systems and methods can include a rechargeable power supply assembly that includes a housing component and a battery module casing configured to receive a rechargeable battery module. The luggage systems and methods can include a compression pad subsystem configured to compress contents of the luggage within the housing portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag or purse for containing valuables. The bag or purse includes a rigid endoskeleton, an exterior covering disposed over the rigid endoskeleton, a lock assembly coupled to the endoskeleton, a biometric sensor and a microcontroller. The lock assembly prevents access to the interior space when the lock assembly is in a locked state. The lock assembly includes a handle and an actuator. The actuator is arranged within the lock assembly to selectively allow the lock assembly to unlock from a locked state. The microcontroller is programmed to determine whether an input provided to the biometric sensor corresponds with an authorized user and, if affirmative, activate the actuator to allow the lock assembly to achieve the unlocked state, and if negative, to not allow the lock assembly to achieve the unlocked state. A quick release cross body shoulder strap and GPS tracking feature can also be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are shoulder belt sliding-down preventing method, and a related preventing tool, shoulder belt, and bag. The belt-shaped neck hanging element is connected to a belt at positions separated from each other via connecting members. A loop-shaped space is thereby formed between the belt body and the neck-hanging element. The head passes through this space, and the neck hanging element contacts the side of the neck. In operation, the connecting member is removed and held with one hand, the belt body is hung on the shoulder, the connecting member is passed around the back of the neck, the neck hanging element is hung around the neck, and the connecting member is engaged again with the belt body. The belt body of the shoulder bag can hang on the shoulder and the neck hanging element can be wound around the neck, thereby preventing the belt body from sliding down the shoulder.

Abstract: A hair treatment kit comprises a hair treatment composition selected from the group of semi-permanent oxidative and/or direct dye hair colorant compositions, hair bleaching compositions, highlighting compositions, and combinations thereof, a reservoir for holding the temporary hair treatment composition, and an applicator fluidly connected to the reservoir for selectively applying the hair treatment composition to a targeted area of hair. Methods of applying the hair treatment composition comprise selectively engaging the applicator with a targeted area of hair, leaving the hair treatment composition in the targeted area for a time period, washing the hair treatment composition out of the targeted area, closing the reservoir to preserve remaining hair treatment composition for later use, and reapplying the hair treatment composition to the targeted area.

Abstract: A cosmetic container for storing cosmetic product is disclosed herein. The cosmetic container comprises a container having a thermal container receiving section. The cosmetic container further comprises a first end and a second end with the container including an opening at the second end used to store cosmetic product such as sunscreen therein. The second end of the cosmetic container also includes a neck portion comprising a threaded portion to receive a head. The cosmetic container further comprises a thermal container for storing a cooling agent. The thermal container is received in the thermal container receiving section for cooling down the cosmetic product stored in the container. When the thermal container is adapted onto the container, the product enclosed within the container is then cooled down. The cosmetic product thereby provides a cooling effect when applied on user's skin making the application of a cosmetic product a more comfortable action.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a wearable drinking device and a method of using the same. In embodiments, the wearable drinking device comprises at least one retaining member; a frame member; and two arms. The at least one retaining member is configured for being secured to the at least one retaining member. In embodiments, the wearable drinking device comprise at least one cap detachably secured to the at least one retaining member. In embodiments, a method of using the wearable drinking device comprise providing a wearable drinking device comprising at least one retaining member, at least one cap and a frame member; filling the at least one retaining member with a liquid; securing the at least one cap to the at least one retaining member; securing the at least one retaining member to the frame member; and positioning the frame member on a user's face.

Abstract: A load carrying and force distributing device to be worn on a user's limb is described. The device has one or more support members and a plurality of elongated compression members that couple with each of the support members at locations that are circumferentially spaced around the user's limb. The space between the plurality of compression members provides a relief area. The load carrying and force distributing device compresses the soft tissue of the limb against the bone structure to thereby reduce motion of the bone structure towards a wall of the load carrying and force distributing device when worn on the limb. A method of fitting a load carrying and force distributing device to a limb is also described. The method includes coupling the elongated compression members to each of the support members and adjusting compression to thereby reduce motion of the bone towards a wall of the device.

Abstract: A system for a carrying device to carry and transport bags including a carrier assembly and a closure assembly. The carrier assembly includes a carrier body that is U-shaped and grasped within the palm of a user. The carrier body includes a foam outer portion to provide comfort to the user during usage. The carrier body also includes a rigid inner portion which is where bag handles are secured thereto. The bags remain secured within a cavity defined by the inner portion. To ensure that the bags remain secured within the carrier body a closure of the closure assembly is secured to the carrier body. The closure selectively opens to allow access to the cavity to secure or remove bags from carrier body.