Abstract: An exercise garment which is stylish and which can be worn on its own. The garment includes various shaped pockets that are located to be out of the way with respect to the activities of the wearer. A rubber-covered weights is contained in each pocket and is shaped and sized to correspond to the size and shape of the pocket in order to fit snugly into the pocket in which it is accommodated.

Abstract: An article of clothing that includes a snugly fitting inner portion having at least one connecting band extending along at least one limb (such as an arm, leg) of the body of the wearer, a more loosely fitting outer portion covering the inner portion, the inner and outer portions being assembled to one another by the connecting band extending along at least one limb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pants capable of lifting sagging buttocks when a user wears them, thereby giving a sense of comfort as well as a good appearance to the user. The pants include elastic first wings, wherein each one side of the first wings is seamed with both outer edges of the upper portion of a rear fabric panel in a longitudinal direction and the other side of each of the first wings is seamed with a front fabric panel along zipper seam lines, respectively, and second wings wherein each one side of the second wings is seamed, independent from the first wings, to the portions seamed with the first wings in a longitudinal direction and the other side of each of the second wings is seamed with each end of band stitched to both upper end portions of the front fabric panel.

Abstract: A mixed-use drinking glove for facilitating handling of a beverage vessel and simultaneous manual activities. The glove comprises a body portion and a container portion joined to back side of glove body, thus leaving user's palm, fingers, and thumb free for manual activities.

Abstract: A sports glove comprising a palm side, including a palm width, a dorsal side position opposite the palm side, and an adjustable fastener position on the palm side to vary the palm width. Preferably the adjustable fastener is position between the finger portion and cuff portion proximate to, but separated from, the cuff portion. The palm side of the glove can further include a palm heel portion wherein adjustable fasteners position on the palm heel portion. The palm width is measured between the first and second sides of the glove proximate to the thumb portion of the glove.

Abstract: A wrinkle-removing device featuring an elastic headband circumferentially placed from the forehead to the back of the head of the user. At least one of the surfaces of the headband has hook and loop material fibers throughout. The headband has at least two elastic bands, each with hook and loop material attached at its ends. The bands are placed over a user's head, and attached to the headband, in such a manner that the headband is pulled upward, and with it, the user's skin. To remove wrinkles, the user first places the headband around the forehead of the user. Then the elastic bands are placed at points about the headband so that wrinkled facial areas are stretched upward. Finally, an ointment is massaged on the areas of the skin that have been stretched.

Abstract: A method and device for administering minoxidil and other topical solutions to the scalp. The method entails administering a minoxidil preparation through a manifold that fits over the scalp of a patient, and placing a moisture barrier over the scalp for a period of time effective to enhance absorption of the minoxidil preparation by the scalp.

Abstract: A reversible sports or baseball cap that can be worn right side out or inside out with full color and design and any desired indicia, logos or information both on the outside of the cap and on the inside of the cap so that during a crucial time of the game, fans may turn their caps inside out to show a message come rallytime in any sport. An alternate embodiment provides a crown insert with full color and design and any desired indicia, logos or information thereon which may be sold alone and would serve as a cap liner for existing sports caps so that when it is turned inside out the liner is then on the outside displaying appropriate information for rallytime.

Abstract: The headgear with eyewear attachment is a device that allows a user to wear and interchange eyewear that is attached to a headgear. The eyewear is attached to the visor of the headgear by a removably attachable fastener that can be separated when desired. The headgear may be any sort of hat or headband having a visor. The eyewear may be prescription glasses, or ultraviolet eyewear. The headwear and eyewear combination would also have an envelope to hold personal possessions such as money, credit cards, identification cards. The envelope would be disposed in the visor where a top brim portion and a bottom brim portion of the visor would define the envelope. The envelope would be accessed from the inside of the headgear where the user's forehead meets the visor. The entire headgear could be waterproof being made of buoyant material to keep the headgear afloat if dropped in water.

Abstract: A sock for use in athletic activities comprises at least one substantially rod-shaped pad (3) in the area of the ankle region of the sock. In preferred embodiments, the sock includes at least two such rod-shaped-pads, which are preferably of different lengths and arranged essentially parallel to one another. Preferably, air channels (25) are provided on at least one surface of the sock (e.g. made from a climate regulating knit mesh fabric). In other embodiments the sock includes at least one climate channel (26) is in the tread area (13) of the sock.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved suspender for providing support for women's maternity clothes and women's non-maternity clothes. An advantageous embodiment of the suspender comprises an elastic strap that has a first fastener connected to the first end of the strap and a second fastener connected to the second end of the strap. The first fastener is used to fasten the first end of the strap to a supported garment such as a pair of pants. The second fastener is used to fasten the second end of the strap to a woman's foundation garment such as a brassiere. One suspender is used to suspend the supported garment on the left side of the woman and another suspender is used to suspend the supported garment on the right side of the woman.

Abstract: The invention provides tights that are capable of efficiently training the psoas major while preventing discomfort of wearing the tights due to the high elastic portions provided over an area in which no load for the psoas major is required. There are provided tights characterized in that it includes a high elastic portion that is formed in a predetermined area of a back side of the tights, which area corresponding to a region of the buttocks and the posterior thigh of the human body in which the skin of the region is stretched greatly when the femoral region of the human body is lifted, the high elastic portion being higher in elastic modulus in the height direction than the area of the back side of the tights other than the predetermined area and an area of a front side of the tights corresponding to at least the abdomen and the anterior thigh.

Abstract: A system and method for a refuse-incinerating toilet is provided. The system includes a seat on which a user sits to direct refuse, via a funnel and through a flapper that is opened when a user is present, into a combustion chamber. When the user is finished, the flapper is shut and the user sets a timer for the amount of time a burner, tiltedly mounted to the combustion chamber and whose flame is directed at the refuse in the combustion chamber, is to operate to burn the refuse. Any fumes or vapour may escape the combustion chamber via an exhaust. A fan, insulation of various system components, and a false bottom are provided to aid cooling of the system after the burner incinerates the refuse.

Abstract: A toilet odor exhaust device for a toilet having a toilet bowl with a rim portion and a hinged seat. The device comprises an air intake nozzle and a vacuum filtering unit. A conduit connects the air intake nozzle to the vacuum filtering unit. A structure is for removably attaching the vacuum filtering unit to the rim portion of the toilet bowl, so that the air intake nozzle will fit between the rim portion of the toilet bowl and the seat. A mechanism is for activating the vacuum filtering unit, when a person sits upon the seat on the toilet bowl. Foul air in the toilet bowl will be sucked through the air intake nozzle, the conduit and into the vacuum filtering unit, in which clean air will exit from the vacuum filtering unit.

Abstract: A sealed device for installing a toilet stool on the floor surface includes a sealed body and a plurality of ears protruded from the outer periphery of the sealed body. Said sealed body is made of ductile material and is fastenably mounted on the locating member by ears. The sealed body includes a central opening that served as an access between the inlet port of the drainage pipe and drainage trap outlet port of the toilet stool. By the means of the sealed device, the toilet stool is capable of being installed more rapidly and conveniently and prevents occurrence of sewage leakage.

Abstract: A sanitary system for a motor vehicle includes a bowl assembly, a base coupled to the bowl assembly and a mobile holding tank removably coupled to the toilet for receiving waste from the toilet and stowable within a storage area defined by the base. The sanitary system further includes a pumping arrangement having a first portion carried by the base and a cooperating second portion carried by the mobile holding tank. The first portion engages the second portion when the mobile holding tank is positioned within the storage area so as to define a fluid path from the mobile holding tank to a remote waste storage tank for pumping of waste from the mobile holding tank to the remote waste storage tank.

Abstract: A plastic lift arm for toilet flushers having enhanced-function flush handles—such as a Flush Handle Night Light carrying a standard, 9-volt battery—that exerts a torque sufficient to maintain an enhanced-function flush handle in a generally horizontal position when not in use. The plastic lift arm completely encapsulates a steel or iron counterweight and thus eliminates the need to plate the metal to prevent rusting in a moist environment. In order to maximize leverage, the counter-weight is located close to the conventional series of holes for chain clips. The counterweight has a diameter as large as possible consistent with the need to preserve moldable wall thickness. The lift arm may be bent or shortened to conform to almost any existing installation without compromising its ability to maintain the enhanced-function flush handle in a horizontal, at-rest position.

Abstract: A toilet flusher in which the plastic lift arm normally hidden from view inside a toilet tank comprises a bi-concave segment readily bent by hand, allowing the toilet flusher to integrate well with a wide variety of flush mechanisms already found installed inside toilet tanks. Bending forces are concentrated along a line rather than at a point, so that the inadvertent cracking of the lift arm during on-site modification that sometimes occurs in lift arms having cruciform cross sections is much less likely to occur.

Abstract: A toilet flusher comprising an exterior flush handle and a means for limiting the flush handle's rotation, the means being located entirely within the toilet tank. The means involve both the rear planar as well as the side cylindrical walls of the spud, in order to enhance the spud's strength and rigidity. The means further comprise a bent lift arm within the tank, and a motion limitation hub on the lift arm. The hub is sufficiently distant from the bend of the lift arm that conventional attachment of the toilet flusher to the front wall of a toilet tank, by passing the conventional left-handed nut over the entire visible length of the lift arm, including over the motion limitation hub, and onto the threads of the spud, may be easily accomplished. This is particularly advantageous for enhanced-function flush handles that are designed to be connected removably to the remainder of the toilet flusher and that will thus typically lack space within their housings to accommodate the usual, motion limitation means.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling temperature of warm water of a bidet. The method includes: a first step of detecting a current temperature of warm water stored in a storage tank; a second step of gradually adjusting intensity of power supplied to a heating means depending on a difference when the current temperature of the warm water is lower than a target temperature; and a third step of cutting the power supplied to the heating means when the current temperature of the warm water is equal to the target temperature after the second step. Therefore, the warm water can be precisely maintained at a set temperature by checking a temperature of cleaning water in a storage tank using a sensor in real time, and gradually controlling intensity of power supplied to a heating means on the basis of the checked water temperature.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for sanitizing or sterilizing one or more surfaces of a toilet accessory by directing a sanitizing or a sterilizing dose of germicidal electromagnetic radiation onto those surfaces are provided. The germicidal electromagnetic radiation may be ultraviolet (UV) radiation provided by at least one UV lamp integral with the toilet accessory. The UV lamps may be light-emitting diodes. Surfaces that may be sanitized or sterilized include a toilet seat surface, and a retractable nozzle surface. Systems include a toilet accessory, a source of germicidal electromagnetic radiation, a fluid connection and a power connection. Methods include steps of irradiating a surface with a sanitizing or sterilizing dose of germicidal electromagnetic radiation, and may further include steps of closing a toilet lid prior to an irradiation step, steps of extending a nozzle prior to an irradiation step, and steps of retracting a nozzle prior to an irradiation step.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic flushing apparatus of a bidet and a method of controlling the same. The automatic flushing apparatus includes: a flushing switch; a flushing drive motor driven under control of a controller; a flushing switch; a flushing drive motor driven under control of a controller; a rotating body connected to a shaft of the drive motor and having a magnet buried in its outer periphery; a hole sensor formed adjacent to an outer periphery of the rotating body to detect the magnet; a timer for counting seconds in real time; and a controller for driving the drive motor to set to an initial position such that the magnet is detected by the hole sensor when the flushing switch is input, and varying an operation time of the drive motor depending on urine or feces to perform the flushing operation.

Abstract: A profile for assisting in the construction of a pool floor is capable of floating or being immersed. At least one internal ballast cavity crosses the profile longitudinally. The profile has first and second ends sealed respectively by first and second end pieces having a connection arrangement through which the profile can be filled or emptied. The connection arrangement is connected respectively to first and second channels respectively opening out into upper and lower sections of the cavity. A floor constructed with such profiles moves while remaining horizontal during its immersion or emersion into and from the pool.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa, said spa cover being movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The hinge assembly includes a mounting bracket adapted to be installed near a top of the spa, and adapted to be coupled to a first end of a spring member; and a support arm pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation, adapted to be attached on an outside surface of the spa cover, and adapted to be coupled to a second end of the spring member. At least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm has a plurality of openings for selectively coupling the first end or the second end of the spring member, so as to adjust a coupling location between the spring member and the at least one of the mounting bracket or the support arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimising entanglement and bunching of a retracting or extending cable (10, 11) for a swimming pool cover, comprises a shaft (4) with a roller (5, 6) to guide the cable. The roller slidably rotates on the shaft so that it rotates and moves axially in response to any forces provided by the cable when being retracted or extended, to minimise entanglement and bunching.

Abstract: A laminar jet for a hydrotherapy tub having a water inlet adapted for attachment to a water circulation system, a flow inducer section and a cap having a water outlet at one end of the cap. The cap may be rotated so the jet directs a substantially laminar water stream from the water outlet substantially parallel to tub surface. The jet cap may be locked in a desired position. A bathtub may have a number of laminar jets which may be direct water streams toward convergent zones and may simulate natural laminar flows. The zones or streams may be associated with recesses, channels or protrusions on a tub wall or directed to or around an object or occupant in the tub. The jet may be optimized for laminar flow by CFD, including streamline adjusting, eliminating negative pressure drop, and maximizing volumetric flow.

Abstract: The present invention is a shower curtain made of a backing sheet and several disposable layers. The backing sheet defines the overall size and shape of the shower curtain. The disposable layers are separably adhered to each other so as to be individually removable in sequence. At least one disposable layer is removably adhered to the backing sheet. The backing sheet and each disposable layer provide a barrier against water and are substantially aligned with each other, except for perhaps near one edge of the backing sheet for purposes of facilitating individual removal of disposable layers.

Abstract: A method bathing a baby is provided by a thermally buffered clean water flow universal baby bathing tub which includes a tub body. A baby bathing portion is formed in the tub body and a reservoir is formed in the tub body having a reservoir weir exiting the reservoir into the baby bathing portion, wherein baby bathing portion is configured to receive the bathing water from the source of bathing water through the reservoir and the reservoir weir, whereby the reservoir will provide a thermal buffer for the bathing water between the source of bathing water and the baby bathing portion. A clean water flow baby bathing tub further includes a bathing height regulating hole configured to define the conventional bathing height of the bath in the baby bathing portion. The bathing tub provides a clean water circulating flow for bathing the baby.

Abstract: A thermally buffered baby bathing tub includes a tub body, a baby bathing portion formed in the tub body, configured to receive a baby to be bathed therein and bathing water from a source of bathing water therein, and a reservoir formed in the tub body having a reservoir weir exiting the reservoir into the baby bathing portion, wherein baby bathing portion is configured to receive the bathing water from the source of bathing water through the reservoir and the reservoir weir, whereby the reservoir will provide a thermal buffer for the bathing water between the source of bathing water and the baby bathing portion. A clean water flow baby bathing tub further includes a bathing height regulating hole in the sidewall thereof spaced from the floor and configured to define the conventional bathing height of the bath in the baby bathing portion.

Abstract: A shower assembly includes a case having an inner layer which includes a plurality of concavities for storage of the parts of the shower assembly, and an outer layer. Water or sands can be filled in the space between the inner and outer layers. A main pipe unit has a connector connected to an end thereof and a shower head is connected to the connector. The other end of the main pipe unit is connected to the case which provides a solid and heavy base. Water hose is connected to the connector and water goes out from the shower head.

Abstract: A portable sink having a hot and cold water faucet connected to an electric water pump and fresh water tank and a wastewater outlet from said sink connected to a wastewater tank and cabinet mounted on wheels having one upper door that has a dipwell attached that is connected to the fresh and waste-water systems and one lower door to access the interior thereof. The dipwell is mounted on the upper door that is rotatable about a vertical access. The dipwell is within the cabinet when the door is closed and outside the cabinet when the door is rotated 90 degrees in a locked open position. One tank for fresh water is mounted in the cabinet and a tank for wastewater is mounted outside the cabinet. There is an electrical connection for powering the water pump and water heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for affixing a drain assembly in a drain port in plumbing fixture. The drain assembly includes a drain ring affixed to a drain pipe. The drain pipe is positionable through the drain port in a bottom surface of the plumbing fixture, such that the drain sink abuts the upper surface of the plumbing fixture. The drain pipe extends through the drain port, past an underside surface of the plumbing fixture surrounding the drain port. A drain nut is rotatably fastened onto the drain pipe. The drain nut includes a first and second of bore therein. A drain nut driver tool is provided, which includes first and second angular extensions for engaging the drain nut. The drain nut driver tool engages the drain nut by removably positioning the first and second angular extensions about the drain pipe into the first and second of bores of the drain nut. The drain nut driver tool is rotated about the drain pipe to secure the drain nut onto the drain pipe.

Abstract: This invention involves an apparatus for lifting and transporting toilets. The apparatus includes a base portion, at least two toilet lifting members, a toilet securing member, and a lifting mechanism. The toilet lifting members are configured for positioning underneath the bowl portion of a toilet. The toilet securing member extends upward from the base and contains a u-shaped upper portion that is designed to fit over the rim of the toilet bowl and secure to the inner portion of the toilet bowl. The lifting mechanism preferably comprises a handle attached to a piston. The base portion includes wheels for transport. The toilet lifting members and the toilet securing member contain a padded region for contacting the toilet to prevent damage. The toilet securing member is height adjustable to accommodate various sized toilets. An extension portion is provided for attachment to the u-shaped portion to secure larger toilets.

Abstract: A support frame for a headboard for a bed is provided. The support frame of the present invention comprises generally L-shaped support structures which are connected together via at least one frame member. Each support structure comprises a first generally horizontal, elongated and generally flat portion adapted to be sandwiched between the box spring and the floor and a second elongated portion extending substantially upwardly from the first portion. The second portions of the support structures are further adapted to receive the frame member and a headboard. Being distinct components, the support structures can be used with headboard and frame member of different width. The support frame is preferably mounted near the head portion of the bed.

Abstract: A bed frame having a base portion and a mattress support portion articulated thereto and pivotable about an axis between an open position and a closed position. The base portion has exterior sidewalls and is adapted for use as a storage compartment. At least two sidewalls are covered with a plastic panel attached thereto.

Abstract: A pillow case for a bed pillow comprises a first layer and a second layer, each one of the layers comprising a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, the short sides disposed between the long sides, the sides forming a rectangular layer. The long sides of each layer comprise releasable fastening means. The first layer coupled to the second layer along one of the short sides of each layer forming a seam. The layers folded about the seam, with the releasable fastening means coupling the long sides of the first layer to the long sides of the second layer.

Abstract: A pillow is provided for the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. The pillow preferably has arms which define a void with varying diameters to facilitate holding an infant's head to cause reshaping of the posterior of the skull. An anchoring mechanism may also be included to hold the pillow in place.

Abstract: A pneumatic cushion having an inner pneumatic structure constructed from a casing and webs or a plurality of tubes. The webs produce a plurality of chambers. The inner pneumatic structure may be pressurised at a pressure p1. At least one reinforcing and stiffening means is present on or in the pneumatic structure and disposed in such a manner that the pneumatic cushion's dimensional stability is increased.

Abstract: A disposable diaper changing pad for positioning on a supporting structure such as a diaper changing table provides a barrier between the diaper changing table and a child positioned on the top surface of the pad. The changing pad includes a liquid absorbent material and a latent elasticity formed in the pad proximate a peripheral edge of the pad. The pad can be stretched over a top surface of the table and contract against the table so that the pad maintains complete coverage over the top surface of the changing table. The latent elasticity can be provided by an elastic band positioned within the pad.

Abstract: A pneumatic structure for sitting, lying and reclining cushions including a plurality of cells disposed together in rows and frictionally interconnected at a plurality of sides along a transversal web thereby forming a layer, the layer being charged with compressed gas through at least one valve and made from a membrane of flexible, gas-tight material. The structure displays a plurality of frictionally interconnected layers, the layers being interconnected such that a longitudinal web separating the layers is present. A casing made from flexible, elastic material is present and envelops the plurality of layers. The casing is frictionally connected partly or across a full length of a contact line to at least one cell.

Abstract: Mattresses and improved fabric covers for providing mattresses that have smooth surfaces. Additionally, methods for manufacturing non-quilted mattress covers and for manufacturing mattresses employing non-quilted mattress covers. The systems and methods described herein include mattress panels that can be manufactured separate from the inner core construction, and laid over the inner core to be fastened in place as a sleeping surface for the mattress. Optionally, these mattress panels can include a layer of fire retardant material, that may be added as a layer of material or that may be incorporated into one or more of the layers, such as a filler layer, in the mattress panel.

Abstract: A method of applying cleaning and treatment compositions to substrates, especially nonwovens, by incorporating air into a heated gel composition allows good coverage of the substrate.

Abstract: A composition comprising a self-emulsifiable or self-dispersible aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one urea linkage-containing alkoxypolyoxyalkylene fluorocarbamate prepared by contacting (a) at least one polyisocyanate which contains at least three isocyanate groups per molecule, (b) at least one fluorochemical reagent of the formula F(CF2)aCH2CH2OH, wherein a is 4, 6, or 8, or mixtures thereof, provided that a is a maximum of 50% of 8, and (c) at least one hydrophilic, water-solvatable reagent which contains per molecule a single functional group which has at least one reactive Zerewitinoff hydrogen atom, said hydrophilic, and thereafter with (d) water, the equivalent weight of said polyisocyanate and said reagents (b) and (c) being such that said reagents react with 55% to 95% of said isocyanate groups, and water reacts with all of the remaining isocyanate groups, said composition imparting durable hydrophilicity and stain release properties to a substrate treated therewith is disclosed.

Abstract: Dispersible aqueous textile treatment compositions, such as fabric softeners, which include biodegradable quaternary ammonium fabric softener actives, and which exhibit excellent long-term storage stability, even where the storage is at elevated temperatures over long periods of time. The compositions comprise a biodegradable, fatty ester quaternary ammonium compound derived from the reaction of an alkanol amine and a fatty acid derivative, followed by quaternization; together with a periodate salt, such as potassium periodate.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the selective assembly of proteins into a structure. The method has a first step of the inclusion of a first partial protein sequence -GYG- into a further protein sequence. The protein sequence has in its native state a loop structure. A second step involves the addition of metal ions to thereby form the selective assembly.

Abstract: Capsules which comprise an immobilized active ingredient in a matrix, wherein the active ingredient is bound to a substrate, and cleaning/detergent compositions comprising such a capsule and a surfactant, methods for the preparation of such compositions and their use are described.

Abstract: A fabric treatment composition that includes at least one zeta potential modifier and a hydrophobic agent with a melting point or glass transition temperature below 100° C. that imparts fabric protection benefits, including improved stain and soil resistance, oil repellency, water repellency, softness, wrinkle and damage resistance, and better handfeel to treated fabrics. Particularly preferred compositions include at least one zeta potential modifier in an amount sufficient to adjust the zeta potential of the composition to be positive and greater than zero millivolts. Particularly preferred compositions also include a fluoropolymer. The composition can be used as a pretreatment prior to washing, through soaking or direct spray application, or added to the treatment liquor, that is either the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine, or used prior to or during the drying cycle of an automatic drying machine or refresher machine, or used prior to or in conjunction with an ironing device.

Abstract: A method of delivering liquid fabric treating compositions to clothing in a clothes dryer is provided which employs a dryer sheet, preferably a substrate such as a sheet of non-woven material, having a liquid fabric treating composition retained in liquid form on or in the substrate. The dryer sheet is introduced into a rotary clothes dryer with laundered, damp clothing and a transfer cycle is initiated wherein little or no heat is applied to the clothing or to the dryer sheet thus allowing an effective amount of the liquid fabric treating composition to be transferred from the dryer sheet into the fabric of the articles of clothing as a result of contact of the composition with the water contained within the clothing. At the conclusion of the transfer cycle, a drying cycle may be initiated to introduce sufficient heat into the dryer so that water may be removed from the clothing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and composition for dyeing hair, the composition containing: (a) greater than about 10% by weight, based on the weight of the composition, of at least one fatty acid alkanolamide; (b) at least one C6-C36 dicarboxylic acid; (c) at least one water soluble base capable of reacting with (b) to form a soap; (d) at least one conditioning polymer; (e) at least one oxidation dye; and (f) at least one oxidizing agent, wherein the composition is in cream form.

Abstract: A process for making a colored article of manufacture is disclosed. Accordingly an article of manufacture is first prepared of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, glass, ceramic, masonry and polymeric materials. A polymeric coating (superstrate) is then applied to at least a portion of the surface of the article. At least a portion of the superstrate is brought into contact with a material system that contains (i) water, (ii) a carrier, (iii) a dye and (iv) a diol, under conditions calculated to bring about diffusion of said dye into said superstrate.