Abstract: An aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material; a wick configured to receive the aerosolizable material from the reservoir, a vaporizer configured to vaporize the aerosolizable material received in the wick, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to measure at least one parameter of the wick to determine a status of the wick The parameter may be the moisture content of the wick, at least one physical dimension of the wick, and/or an optical parameter, such as the color of an external surface of the wick, or the reflectivity of an external surface of the wick.

Abstract: A heater assembly for an aerosol-generating device is provided, including: a heating chamber configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; a heater casing arranged around the heating chamber, the heater casing being arranged radially distanced from the heating chamber; a first connecting wall and a second connecting wall; and an air-tight hollow space defined between the heating chamber, the heater casing, and the first and the second connecting walls, the air-tight hollow space being filled with a gaseous composition at ambient pressure, and a heating element being arranged at least partly around the heating chamber. An aerosol-generating device including the heater assembly, and an aerosol-generating system including the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-forming substrate, are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic vaporization apparatus includes a vaporization core, which includes a porous substrate and a heating element. The porous substrate includes a liquid absorbing surface and a vaporization surface. The heating element is arranged on the vaporization surface. The porous substrate includes a liquid penetration portion close to the vaporization surface, and a temporary liquid storage portion, which is a portion of a volume of the porous substrate occupied by e-liquid with a maximum vaporizable volume Qc1 in an inhalation cycle of the vaporization core. In any inhalation cycle of continuous inhalations, the vaporization core meets: Qcn?Qxn?Qbn, where Qcn represents a volume of e-liquid stored in the temporary liquid storage portion before an nth inhalation cycle starts, Qxn represents a volume of e-liquid actually vaporized during the nth inhalation cycle, and Qbn represents a volume of e-liquid entering the porous substrate during the nth inhalation cycle.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer includes a heating element having a generally upside-down cup shape. An air warming space is defined within the cup shape, and intake air is delivered into the air warming space. Vaporization media is delivered adjacent a top wall of the heating element. The heating element warms the vaporization media so that it flows downwardly along a side wall of the heating element. The side wall of the heating element is heated sufficient to atomize the vaporization media. Warmed intake air from the air warming space is drawn through the atomized media, forming a vapor that can be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: A cartridge for an aerosol generating device includes a reservoir for containing an aerosol generating liquid, an inductively heatable susceptor for heating the aerosol generating liquid, and a liquid transfer element configured to convey aerosol generating liquid from the reservoir towards the inductively heatable susceptor. The inductively heatable susceptor includes a susceptor ring extending around the liquid transfer element. The cartridge includes a recess configured for receiving, in a releasable connection a coil support having an induction coil of an aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device and a cartridge releasably connected to the aerosol generating device, are also described.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including: a liquid reservoir; a susceptor assembly including a susceptor element in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir such that liquid from the liquid reservoir is conveyed to the susceptor element in use, the susceptor element being substantially planar and extending parallel to a first plane; first and second inductor coil, the first coil positioned on a first side of the susceptor assembly and extending parallel to the first plane, the second coil positioned on a second side of the susceptor assembly opposite the first side and extending parallel to the first plane, in which the susceptor element is positioned between, and substantially equidistant from, the first and the second coils; and control circuitry connected to the first and the second coils and configured to provide alternating current to the first and the second coils.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol generating apparatus including: a susceptor configured to heat an aerosol generating article inserted into an accommodation space of the aerosol generating apparatus; an induction coil arranged around the susceptor and configured to heat the susceptor by induction heating; a switching module configured to switch an electrical path of the induction coil; and a controller electrically connected to the switching module and configured to detect insertion of the aerosol generating article on the basis of a change in an inductance of the induction coil by setting a control mode for the induction coil to a reception mode, and when the insertion of the aerosol generating article is detected, switch the control mode to a transmission mode for activating the induction heating, via the switching module.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of coils which have different numbers of windings and generate an alternating magnetic field when alternating current is applied; a susceptor for generating an aerosol by heating adjacent aerosol-generating substrates using heat generated through the alternating magnetic fields generated from the plurality of coils; and a controller for controlling a predetermined alternating current to be supplied to each of the plurality of coils, wherein the controller controls a first portion and a second portion of the susceptor to be heated differentially by alternating current supplied to the plurality of coils.

Abstract: This application provides a vaporizer and an electronic vaporization device. The vaporizer includes a porous body, including a liquid channel running through the porous body in a length direction; a support frame, configured to accommodate and hold the porous body, where at least one air channel is provided on the support frame, the air channel includes an air inlet end and an air outlet end, and the air outlet end is close to the liquid channel; a flexible seal element, positioned between the support frame and the porous body, where the seal element includes a block portion that blocks or seals the air outlet end of the air channel, and the block portion is configured to bend or deform in response to a negative pressure change in the liquid storage cavity to open the air channel for external air to enter the liquid channel.

Abstract: A method, performed by an aerosol generating device, of performing a self-diagnosis, includes: when the aerosol generating device does not normally operate by an error, determining whether to activate the self-diagnosis for analyzing the error of the aerosol generating device; when the self-diagnosis is activated, performing a function self-test by checking whether each of functions required for a normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device is operative; determining a faulty component of the aerosol generating device based on a result of the function self-test; determining a faulty function of the faulty component based on an error log recorded in the aerosol generating device; determining a severity of the determined faulty function; and outputting a final diagnosis result with respect to the self-diagnosis based on the faulty component, the faulty function, and the severity.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating system has a housing defining a liquid containing volume. The housing includes a sidewall extending from a mouthpiece end to a power supply end. The housing includes a transparent region forming at least a portion of the sidewall. The housing includes a light source fixed to the sidewall. The light source is configured to transmit light into the liquid containing volume. The light source may be fixed to an inner surface of the sidewall, fixed to an outer surface of the sidewall, or form a portion or the sidewall.

Abstract: A portable vaporizing device and/or cartridge comprises a product chamber capable of holding a vaporizable product therein, and a porous valve element configured to be heated to flow the vaporizable product therethrough and generate vapor from the vaporizable product, and optionally including a heat transfer element to heat the vaporizable product as it flows through the product chamber towards the porous valve element. Also provided are methods and automated systems for filling the cartridge used in the portable vaporizing device with a vaporizable product.

Abstract: A smoking substitute device having: a control unit; a battery configured to supply power to the smoking substitute device; a movement sensing component configured to sense movement of the smoking substitute device; and a battery level indicator configured to, when activated, provide an indication of charge remaining in the battery. The control unit is configured to activate the battery level indicator when a predetermined movement of the smoking substitute device is detected using the movement sensing component.

Abstract: A swaddle device and method for treating and/or preventing plagiocephaly. The swaddle device includes a fabric garment having an internal cavity configured for housing a positioning support device, one or more wrap layers, and a lower pouch flap. In an embodiment, the swaddle device comprises an inner wrap layer and an outer wrap layer, and the internal cavity and positioning device comprise an internal pocket and a bolster, respectively. In an embodiment, a baby is positioned on the open swaddle device with the positioning support device in relation to the baby's body in a desired position; the inner wrap layer is tightly wrapped around the baby's upper body; the lower pouch flap is wrapped around the baby's legs and lower torso; and the outer wrap layer is tightly wrapped around the baby, positioning support device, inner wrap layer, and lower pouch flap.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a cradle structure (200) for forming a garment cup in a garment. The cradle structure (200) comprises: a fabric layer (210) comprising a cradle centre region (212) and a cradle peripheral region (214) surrounding the cradle centre region (212); a polymer peripheral layer (220) formed on the cradle peripheral region (214) for stiffening the cradle peripheral region (214) to enhance support of a user's breast wearing the garment cup; and a polymer band layer (230) joined to the cradle peripheral region (214) below the cradle centre region (212) for elasticizing the cradle structure (200) to fit the garment on the user, wherein the cradle structure (200) is shaped to volumize the cradle centre region (212) and accommodate different shapes (240) of the garment cup.

Abstract: A bra is provided in the form of a base structure having a front portion, the front portion including a first cup, a second cup, and a center portion disposed therebetween. A first plurality of elongated elements is coupled to the base structure and are arranged in a substantially parallel manner. A second plurality of elongated elements is also coupled to the base structure. Each elongated element of the second plurality of elongated elements further includes an upper portion, and each upper portion the elongated elements of the second plurality of elongated elements is positioned within or proximate to the center portion of the bra to form a reinforcement zone. In addition, the first plurality of elongated elements at least partially overlies the second plurality of elongated elements.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to evaluate a breast area of a user and provide a prediction associated with the breast area of the user is provided. The wearable device includes a garment insert detachably coupled to a garment designed for at least partial contact with the breast area of the user and sensors configured to collect data associated with the breast area of the user. The sensors may collect first breast data at a first time and second breast data at a second time, different from the first time. A breast area prediction may be generated based on comparing the first breast data to the second breast data, and may define an estimation of breast area risk for the user. A feedback indication may be provided to a user interface based on the breast area prediction, indicating whether the user should receive a breast area evaluation from a medical professional.

Abstract: A garment, such as a bra, can include a closure system that facilitates operation by a user with limited dexterity. The closure system can include a first clasp member, a second clasp member, a first finger pocket dimensioned to receive a first finger, and a second finger pocket dimensioned to receive a second finger. In use, the wearer can insert first and second fingers into the respective finger pockets and pinch or otherwise move their fingers toward each other to move the first and second clasp members together. The first and second clasp members can be selectively coupled or decoupled to secure or remove the garment from the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a weft knit spacer fabric (200) having variable thicknesses, comprising a first surface layer (210) formed from a first set of yarn (215); a second surface layer (220) formed from a second set of yarn (225); and a set of spacer yarn (230) between the first and second surface layers (210, 220), where the thickness is varied by varying in each course one or both of: the density of tuck stitches (235) formed by the set of spacer yarn (230) with the first and/or second surface layers (210, 220); and the thickness of the spacer yarn (230) in each course, provided that when the fabric (200) has a free-standing 3-dimensional shape, it is a moulded fabric.

Abstract: An article of apparel and method include a structure configured to enclose a human body part, a pressure sensor array including multiple pressure sensors separately positioned at locations within the structure, wherein each pressure sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of an amount of pressure being exerted on the pressure sensor by an external mechanical force, an electronic display, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive signals from the pressure sensors and, based on a sequence and a timing of the signals as received, determine a command related to a function of a device. The electronic display is configured to display information related to the function.

Abstract: A system includes an electronic module containing an electronic component and a connector in communication with the electronic component, and a housing defining a chamber and having an opening providing access to the chamber to receive the electronic module. The housing has an interface for removable electronic connection to the connector of the module when the module is received in the chamber, and the housing further has a magnet connected to the housing. The module includes a sensor configured to sense the magnet when the module is received in the chamber, and the module is configured to deactivate the connector when the sensor does not sense the magnet and to activate the connector when the sensor does sense the magnet. The sensor may be a Hall effect sensor and/or the connector may be configured for connection to a USB port in various configurations.

Abstract: A dress pattern and dress that may be worn in different configurations. The dress as described herein may be worn in the different configurations either as a primary garment or as a garment over, under, or otherwise in conjunction with a wearer's primary clothing.

Abstract: A hooded garment may include a torso portion configured to be worn over a wearer's torso, the torso portion defining a neck opening configured to surround a neck when worn. A hood is connected to the torso portion and a face opening. A screen has a mesh panel, an edge portion secured to the hood in a vicinity of the face opening, and a free edge portion. Connector is or are inside a head-receiving volume and/or torso portion at least in a posterior half of the hooded garment. A complementary connector(s) is on the free edge portion of the screen. The screen is movable between a screening configuration in which the mesh panel screens the face opening, and a stowed configuration in which the free edge portion is connected to the inside of the head-receiving volume and/or torso portion via engagement of the at least one connector with the at least one complementary connector.

Abstract: An electrically heatable article of apparel, in the form of a vest is equipped with a discrete and concealed control module which is provided with a finger actuating switch positioned for easy access by the fingers of a wearer person. The control module switch transmits communication signals in the form of time retention presses on the finger actuation switch button to cause the programed control circuit of the module to perform stored programmed functions. An haptic feedback device is mounted on a printed circuit board of the control module to generate vibration communication signals to a wearer person's body by the sense of touch. The printed circuit board also acts as a vibration transmitting medium to the finger actuating switch to permit a user person to feel the vibration times of the retention presses through its finger.

Abstract: Provided is a knitted protective cut-resistant compressive sleeve configured to protect a human arm, comprising: a contoured tubular body having a length and two ends with openings at both ends, the tubular body formed of a cut-resistant yarn and an elastic yarn, and providing ergonomic or safety improvements.

Abstract: A hand shield may be installed onto an ultrasound probe to protect the operator from needle sticks. The transparent shield may be a disposable, sterilized film attachable to a frame which, when securely attached to the frame, blocks the needle from accidentally contacting and sticking the operator's hand during needle insertion. The shape and size of the frame avoids interference with the operator's hand and maintains normal operation of the ultrasound probe, thus recognizing the need for the angle of insonation (i.e., angle of the ultrasound beam relative to the tissue or organ of interest) to be adjusted and the ultrasound probe to be pressed into the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face mask including a mask body and an aromatic portion. The aromatic portion is arranged on an inner side of the mask body. The aromatic portion contains an aromatic substance, and is located at a position with air ventilation once the face mask is worn by a user. Accordingly, the user wearing the mask is provided with a sense of aroma, and an unpleasant odor produced by wearing the face mask for over an extended period of time can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mask having a three-dimensional structure, wherein the mask may comprise: a mask body; ear loops coupled to both sides of the mask body so as to be worn on a human body; a plurality of wrinkle portions located in the horizontal direction on the mask body; and a surface expansion portion for increasing the surface area of the mask body by having a horizontal support positioned on all or part of the wrinkle portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of clothing, and more particularly to a kind of anti-allergic clothing. The anti-allergic clothing includes a body and two sleeves. The two sleeves are connected to the body. Each of the two sleeves includes a glove. The anti-allergic clothing of the present invention adopts sleeves with gloves. The gloves can at least cover the palms of the patient. In this way, the sleeves can reduce the patient's scratching force on the arms and palms, thereby relieving the discomfort caused by repeatedly scratching the affected part. In addition, because the gloves can also increase the sun protection area, the discomfort of skin allergy can be further relieved.

Abstract: A smart mask includes a first material layer, at least one display, a first sensor, and a control module. The first material layer is configured to cover a portion of a face of a person. The at least one display is connected to the first material layer and configured to display images over a mouth of the person. The first sensor is configured to detect movement of the mouth of the person and generate a signal indicative of the movement of the mouth. The control module is configured to receive the signal and display the images on the display based on the movement of the mouth.

Abstract: The presented invention is a durag with an enclosure in its crown configured to accept a bump cap insert. The durag has a hair shoot in the back portion that allows long hair or other headwear to be funneled away from the durag for comfort and security. The bump cap insert has a hinged rear section that allows hair or other headwear to leave the bump cap and the durag and allowed to be funneled down the hair shoot of the durag. The bump cap insert is ventilated and adjustable through trim notches and flex joints to accommodate various heads shapes and hair styles.

Abstract: The presented invention is a bump cap. The bump cap has a hinged rear section that pivots away from the body of the bump cap to allow hair or other headwear to leave the bump cap. The bump cap insert is ventilated and adjustable through trim notches and flex joints to accommodate various heads shapes and hair styles.

Abstract: A headwear insert, system, and methods to define and control the shape of an article of headwear are provided which may be used to change the shape of an already manufactured cap to the shape of the insert, completely changing the shape and style, and the headwear insert may include an elongated body having a first end, a second end, an elongated upper surface, an elongated lower surface, an elongated first side surface, an elongated second side surface, and a curved body section. The elongated upper surface, the elongated lower surface, the elongated first side surface, and the elongated second side surface may each extend between the first end and the second end, and the curved body section may be formed by a first portion of the elongated upper surface having a convex curve shape and by a first portion of the elongated lower surface having a concave curve shape.

Abstract: Helmet prevent or mitigate cervical spine fractures, including the type of injuries associated with axial compression of the spine and fracture of the spine which may otherwise result in deformation and/or injury to the spinal cord. Helmets convert an impact force with a component aligned with the axis of the spine (a “spinally axial component”) to rotational motion. In the event of a head-first impact, such helmets flexion of the neck so that the head and the cervical spine are not aligned (or less aligned) with the direction of an impact force, thereby mitigating the likelihood and/or severity of cervical spine fractures.

Abstract: An improved padding system for a helmet and process for designing the padding system are described. In one example, a helmet for an individual can include an outer shell having an inner surface. The helmet can further include a padding system coupled to the inner surface. The padding system can include pad clusters that are respectively positioned at different locations on the inner surface. Each of the pad clusters can include discrete pads that are individually coupled to the inner surface in a defined arrangement. In one example, the defined arrangement can be a certain arrangement that allows the discrete pads to collectively provide a desired system stiffness for the padding system. The desired system stiffness in this example can be a certain system stiffness that can reduce at least one of peak linear or peak rotational accelerations to the head of the individual during an impact.

Abstract: A system of head protection with an integrated air filtration mechanism for protecting the user from impact/concussion and ambient air pollution. Example embodiments comprise a rigid helmet shell covering the head of the user and a fabric air barrier around the user's neck, a battery powered filtered centrifugal fan contained inside an external detachable cowl apparatus adjoins to a helmet external top spoiler with a mounting system that is easily removable to meet impact attenuation standards. The cowl apparatus directs clean filtered air into the duct system—a top spoiler funnel connected to an internal clean air duct and exits the visor air curtain providing continual clean laminar airflow between the user's face and the face shield. One or more sensors, calibrated to detect harmful particulates and a processor to automatically activate the system as a protective measure when harmful particulates are encountered and a sensor to detect when filter element needs replacement.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems for training users in sports using mixed reality. The method includes retrieving data from athletes wearing helmets, wearable glasses, and/or motion-capture suits in real time. The helmets and the wearable glasses are integrated with mixed-reality technology. Further, physical performance data of the athletes is captured using a variety of time-synchronized measurement techniques. Thereafter, the athletes are trained using the captured data and audio, visual and haptic feedback.

Abstract: A wind resistant cap has a cap body having a brim extending outwardly from the cap body. The cap body has an inner circumference that includes a front portion adjacent the brim, a rear portion, and opposing sides. A securing strap has a strap body that extends to ends, each end being attached to one of the opposing sides of the inner circumference of the cap body, such that the strap body extends across the front portion of the inner circumference of the cap body.

Abstract: A motorized personal transportation article is described which transports a person by wearing a pair of power-assisted motorized shoes, wherein the shoes provide an increase in a user's walking speed in a forward walking action through supplementary motion of moving or propelling means based on an intended walking speed of the user, such that when a user's intended walking speed changes or when a user intends to substantially decelerate or immobilize, the speed of the supplementary motion can be adjusted before the step is completed. The sole of each of the shoes houses at least one plate coupled to moving or propelling means such as conveyor assemblies, and the moving or propelling means are designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt the operation of the moving or propelling means during a forward walking action or the balance and comfort of the user.

Abstract: A golf shoe with a sole assembly having a regionally time-dependent midsole is provided. The midsole may include a lateral region constructed of a first material and a medial region constructed of a second material, where elastic properties of the lateral region and viscoelastic properties the medial region provide a neutral support platform when a relatively brief compression load is placed on the midsole (e.g., when a wearer is taking a step while walking), and further provide an everted supported platform when the compression load is placed on the midsole for a longer period of time (e.g., when the wearer is swinging a golf club).

Abstract: A skate includes a skate boot with two opposed boot side portions extending from heel and ankle portions to a forward edge of the boot side portions. A forward-most eyelet is the eyelet closest to the forward edge. A toe cap is connected to the skate boot at a front end, and the toe cap has toe cap side portions extending rearwardly to a rear edge of the toe cap disposed forward of the forward-most eyelet. A toe cap extension extends rearwardly from the rear edge of the toe cap and over a portion of the boot side portions defined rearward of the forward edge and below the forward-most eyelet. The toe cap extension engages the portion of the skate boot and allows movement of at least the skate boot rearward of the forward-most eyelet during formation of the skate boot or use thereof.

Abstract: A training shoe includes a bottom sole, a midsole disposed above at least a portion of the bottom sole, one or more panels attached to one or both of the midsole and the bottom sole to define an enclosure for a person's foot, and a sidewall comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The sidewall may be disposed on at least a portion of the midsole and at least a portion of the one or more panels so as to define part of an external surface of the training shoe. The sidewall may extend upward past a bottom of the enclosure on either or both of an outer side of the training shoe and an inner side of the training shoe. The sidewall may extend from the outer side of the training shoe to the inner side of the training shoe along a rear of the training shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bendable shoe (100), in particular casual shoe and/or a sneaker for a foot, comprising at least one sole structure (104), an upper structure (102), and at least one bending module (118), wherein the bending module (118) is arranged at least partially within the sole structure, and wherein the sole structure (104) and the bending module (118) are bendable between at least one unbent position and at least one bent position.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole coupled to the upper. The midsole includes a cavity formed in a heel portion of the midsole, and the cavity has an interior surface. The article of footwear includes a dome-shaped support member disposed within the cavity, and a foam insert disposed below the support member. A top surface of the dome-shaped support member abuts the interior surface of the cavity of the midsole.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary sole protector device for extending the life of an outsole and heel is presented. The sole protector device is easy to place on a shoe and keeps the sole of the shoe free of dirt, mud, grime, etc. The sole protector fits over the sole of a shoe. The sole protector has a bottom that is a traction surface. The sole protector may be any color or have patters, designs, emblems, etc. The sole protector further is reusable, custom made to fit, made of a silicon material, waterproof and stretchable. The sole protector may have a light, such as an LED, that is powered by solar power and controlled by an actuator such as a switch.

Abstract: Provided is an anti-slip member for wearable equipment or sports equipment, the anti-slip member composed of an elastomer composition including an elastomer and water-soluble particles dispersed in the elastomer. Also provided are wearable equipment and sports equipment including the anti-slip member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of forming a modular footwear sole. The modular sole includes a midsole layer having a first attachment fixture disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the midsole layer. A heel member includes a deformable heel layer that includes a plurality of deformable elements having the same or different mechanical properties. The heel member includes a second attachment fixture that couples to the first attachment fixture. An outsole member includes a deformable outsole layer that includes a plurality of deformable elements having the same or different mechanical properties. The outsole member includes a third attachment fixture that couples to the first attachment fixture. The deformable elements may be selected based on a user's foot pressure map.

Abstract: A multi-layered orthopedic insole has at least four layers. The first layer is leather, the second layer is molded high-density recycled latex foam, the third layer is a molded, rigid density cork-EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) footbed, and the fourth or bottom layer is moleskin or moleskin coated to provide a natural grip for gripping a shoe insole. The different layers are fused to form the orthopedic insole of the present invention. The third layer of the multi-layered insole is generally thicker than the other layers and includes sidewalls covered in a leather wrap. The multi-layered orthopedic insole is specifically designed to provide comfort and support to a user's foot using the specified materials, shapes, and contours.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism for an article of footwear, the fastening mechanism including a tensioning member having a member opening, a first tensioning element extending along a first side of an upper of the footwear, and a second tensioning element extending along a second side of the upper, opposite the first side. The first and second tensioning elements are operatively coupled with the tensioning member about the member opening. The fastening mechanism is configured to be moveable between a loosened configuration, in which the first and the second tensioning elements are tensioned to a first tension, to a tightened configuration, in which the first and the second tensioning elements are tensioned to a second tension that is greater than the first tension, when the tensioning member is rotated relative to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A support belt (10) includes an elongate belt (12) having a dead end region (14) and a live end region (16) and buckling (18) to releasably connect the dead and live end regions in a relaxed tightness condition of the support belt and secure the dead and live end regions in a tightened closed condition of the support belt in which a free end of the live end region overlies a free end of the dead end region. The buckling (18) has a first anchor portion (24) fixed to the live end region (16), a second anchor portion (26) configured to releasably engage apertures 28 provided in the dead end region and a locking mechanism (30) pivotally connected with the first and second anchor portions and operable to draw the first anchor portion towards the second anchor portion to change the tightness condition of the support belt from the relaxed tightness condition to the tightened closed condition.