Abstract: A collapsible fabric display system comprises a frame and a fabric membrane configured for securement to the frame, which includes a hollow tubular spine and a pair of opposed fabric spreaders attached to the spine—the spreader being located within the spine. The spreaders are movable along the spine under urging of a spreader drive mechanism between a retracted condition of the frame in which the spreaders are located proximate one another, and an extended condition of the frame (illustrated) in which the spreaders are remote from one another. The spreaders each comprise a hub mounted on the spine and a plurality of spreader ribs pivotably connected to each hub, made up of a set of internal ribs and a set of external ribs. The free ends of the ribs are configured for connection to the fabric in use and the use of two sets of three ribs give the display an A-frame configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible fabric display system 10 comprises a frame 12 and a fabric membrane 14 adapted for securement to the frame 12, which includes a hollow tubular spine 16 and a pair of opposed fabric spreaders 18, 20 attached to the spine 16—the spreader 18 being located within the spine 16. The spreaders 18, 20 are movable along the spine 16 under urging of a spreader drive mechanism 30 between a retracted condition of the frame 12 in which the spreaders 18, 20 are located proximate one another, and an extended condition of the frame 12 (illustrated) in which the spreaders 18, 20 are remote from one another. The spreaders 18, 20 each comprise a hub mounted on the spine and a plurality of spreader ribs pivotably connected to each hub, made up of a set of internal ribs 22 and a set of external ribs 24. The free ends of the ribs 22, 24 are adapted for connection to the fabric 14 in use and the use of two sets of three ribs 22, 24 give the display 10 an A-frame configuration.

Abstract: This invention provides a flag (1), consisting of a flexible membrane (2), a shaft (3) and a distending mechanism comprising resilient rods (4.1) and (4.2). The shaft (3) is hollow and forms a sleeve about a flag staff (7). The flexible membrane (2) has a leading end (5) and a trailing end (6). The leading end (5) is removably attached to the shaft or sleeve (3). Each rod (4.1) and (4.2) has a fixing end and a free end. The fixing ends are frictionally fixed to the sleeve (3) by a collar (8) located on the sleeve, and the free ends are retained in pockets (6.1) and (6.2) provided in the trailing end (6). In use, the rods (4.1) and (4.2) exerts a pressure from within the membrane (2), resulting in the distended state of the flag (1) under all weather conditions.

Abstract: A dispersion for carrying at least one water-soluble material or water-dispersible material (especially ascorbic acid, Vitamin C) in a relatively stable form is described, the dispersion comprising an oil phase containing particles comprising water-soluble polymer, water-soluble material or water-dispersible material (ascorbic acid), and water. The dispersion preferably comprises particles which have number average diameter dimensions of less than 2 microns, more preferably less than 1 micron. The dispersion may comprise oil components such as, for example only, a mineral oil, silicone oil, or cosmetic oil. A method of forming a dispersion of solid particles which comprise water-soluble material or water-dispersible material (e.g.

Abstract: A process is described for applying a solid coating onto a surface of an article. The surface of an article has a first physical property measurable as a degree of hydrophobicity and/or hydrophilicity. A liquid coating of an oxidizable material containing at least one element other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen is applied onto the surface of the article. The oxidizable material is oxidized on the surface to attach an oxidized material having said at least one element other than carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen onto said surface. This process thereby changes the first physical property with respect to its hydrophobicity and/or hydrophilicity. The process is relatively gentle to the underlying surface, at least in part because of the moderate temperatures which may be used for oxidation, and a wide range of properties may be provided onto the surface by appropriate selection and/or mixing of the liquid material and selection of the surface.

Abstract: A process for making metal oxide hydrophobic by coating the metal oxide with a silicone polymer is disclosed. The hydrophobic metal oxide is prepared by contacting the metal oxide with a reactive silicone compound and then in a subsequent step the coated metal oxide is heated to 40.degree. to 100.degree. C. for between 1 and 10 hours. The resulting metal oxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, not affected by water and can be applied to the skin for protection from ultraviolet light of the sun.

Abstract: The invention encompasses topical sunblock formulae for shielding skin from ultraviolet radiation, and a composite sunblocking component thereof. The sunblocking component of the formula includes an effective amount of a plurality of particles having diameters in the range of about 0.01-100 microns, each particle including a matrix and a UV-attenuating compound incorporated into the matrix. The composite sunblocking component may include a particle that is colored or transparent, depending upon the matrix, UV-attenuating compound and the particle size. The sunblocking component is dispersible in water and thus in water-based dermatological carriers. The formula includes these particles dispersed within a dermatologically acceptable liquid carrier in at least an amount sufficient to shield substantially all of the skin over which the formula is applied from hazardous effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Cosmetically acceptable physical sunscreens which remain visibly transparent upon the skin while remaining capable of absorbing substantial UV radiation. A first embodiment is directed to the use of a dispersion of micronized particles of zinc oxide having a diameter of less than about 0.2 .mu. and a very low trace metal content. A second embodiment utilizes substantially larger crystals of substantially pure zinc oxide, measuring between about 1-100 microns in diameter, formed by a process, such as chemical vapor deposition, which produces symmetrical, substantially optically perfect crystals with a relatively smooth outer surface and which are substantially free of internal fractures and imperfections. Visibly transparent glass particles having a diameter of between about 0.01-100 .mu. may also be utilized as the UV absorbing agent. A further embodiment utilizes visibly transparent plastic spheres measuring between about 0.

Abstract: A silicone composition and process for hydrophobizing titanium dioxide, and the resultant hydrophobic titanium dioxide are disclosed. The silicone composition is a reactive alkoxy silicone which is applied to the titanium dioxide then in a subsequent step the coated titanium dioxide is heated to 40 to 100 C. for between 1 and 10 hours for the reaction to occur. The resulting titanium dioxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water.

Abstract: A process for protecting skin with a hydrophobized titanium dioxide is disclosed. The silicone composition is prepared by the reaction of a reactive alkoxy silicone which is applied to the titanium dioxide then in a subsequent step the coated titanium dioxide is heated to 40 to 100 C. for between 1 and 10 hours for the reaction to occur. The resulting titanium dioxide which is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water, is applied to the skin for protection from Ultra violet light of the sun.

Abstract: A process for protecting the skin from ultra violet rays of the sun which comprises contacting the skin with an effective protecting concentration of a hydrophobized zinc oxide, is disclosed. The zinc oxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water.

Abstract: Cosmetically acceptable physical sunscreens which remain visibly transparent upon the skin while remaining capable of absorbing substantial UV radiation. A first embodiment is directed to the use of a dispersion of micronized particles of zinc oxide having a very low trace metal content. A second embodiment utilizes substantially larger crystals of substantially pure zinc oxide, measuring between about 1-100 microns in diameter, formed by a process, such as chemical vapor deposition, which produces symmetrical, substantially optically perfect crystals with a relatively smooth outer surface and which are substantially free of internal fractures and imperfections. Visibly transparent glass particles having a diameter of between about 0.01-100 .mu. may also be-utilized as the UV absorbing agent. A further embodiment utilizes visibly transparent plastic spheres measuring between about 0.

Abstract: A silicone composition and process for hydrophobizing zinc oxide, and the resultant hydrophobic zinc oxide are disclosed. The silicone composition is a reactive alkoxy silicone which is applied to the zinc oxide then in a subsequent step the coated zinc oxide is heated to 40.degree. to 100.degree. C for between 1 and 10 hours for the reaction to occur. The resulting zinc oxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for application to a surface to protect the surface from ultra-violet radiation, which include zinc oxide particles having a substantially rod shape.