Abstract: A glove includes: a first leather member on a side of a ball catching plane; a second leather member disposed to face the first leather member; and a connection portion in which the first leather member and the second leather member are connected at a part of an outer peripheral portion of the ball catching plane. The connection portion includes a first loop contiguous to the first leather member and having a central axis, a second loop disposed adjacent to the first loop in a direction along the central axis and contiguous to the second leather member, and a string member passing through the first loop and the second loop along the central axis. At least one identical string member passes through the first loop and the second loop.

Abstract: A membrane serves as the base layer for a knee pad, with a rigid shell being connected to an exterior surface of the membrane and a combination of elastic webbing and a padded layer being connected to an interior surface of the membrane. A user places there knee in the central portion, with their weight causes the elastic webbing to contract and pull a first form fitting brace and second form fitting brace about the sides of the user's knee. The elastic webbing further serves to help suspend the user's knee above the rigid shell. The form fitting nature of the present invention, which adheres to the contours of the user's knee, allows it to remain in place whether the user is kneeling or standing.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is based on a rehabilitation garment allowing a user to take cold or heat therapy while performing other tasks. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a rehabilitation garment comprises a single layer of material made of a stretchable material. The stretchable material covers a user's body, and has inserts for temperature control elements. The temperature control elements are placed over areas of the body needing rehabilitation. In one embodiment, the stretchable material is an insulating material. In other embodiment, the stretchable material is a thin breathable material.

Abstract: A clothing system with a concealment pocket for concealing a weapon or other items. The concealment pocket includes internal stitching which may follow the outline of a weapon, such as a handgun. The internal stitching maintains the orientation of the handgun when placed in the concealment pocket. The concealment pocket is located on the clothing system such that when a weapon or other item is inserted in the pocket, the outline of the weapon is not visible and the pocket retains the weapon despite movements by the clothing system wearer. The concealment pocket is constructed of materials that offer high strength, resist abrasion, and reduce friction with an inserted weapon allowing for the weapon to be removed with little resistance. Padding attached to the concealment pocket provides a cushioning layer to the clothing system wearer. A cargo pocket may be located in proximity to the concealment pocket. The cargo pocket placement aids in disguising the concealment pocket and its contents.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, the article or piece of clothing includes a hat having a crown and a bill extending outwardly from the crown. A wrap-around shoulder-length sun shade or sun screen is releasably coupled, by separating zippers, to the crown and bill of the hat. If the separating zippers are closed, the wrap-around shade or wrap around screen is connected to the crown and bill. If the separating zippers are open, the wrap-around sun shade or sun screen can be detached from the crown and/or the bill.

Abstract: A convertible garment for skin-to-skin care of an infant, the garment including a flexible panel having a panel width disposed between panel first and second ends which removably couple to one another to dispose the panel width about a torso of a wearer to define an interior space between a panel internal surface and a front torso portion of the wearer, whereby the interior space can be configured to receive an infant; a first support element coupled to the panel proximate a panel first side top portion; and a second support element coupled to the panel proximate a panel second side top portion; whereby the first and second support elements can be configured to couple to one another to support the panel about the torso of the wearer.

Abstract: The Undershield Roof Jacket, Is a stylist outdoors jacket. An anytime wear jacket clothing with a anytime convertible cloth roof cover, that can be worn outdoors in good or bad weather conditions. It is worn with the convenience of the built in cloth roof, collapsed down adjacent on the jacket lower backside at all times. Then it is there also for whenever you need to use it, to convert it, just by pulling two adjustable cloth roof straps upward and forwards to elevate overhead to fasten to the front of the jacket, to wear an jacket with built in overhead roof closer.

Abstract: A multi-use garment includes a generally rectangular body of fabric material, a first and second arm hole defined through the body of fabric material and symmetrically disposed side to side. A first and a second pocket may be provided as well as a plurality of connecting elements and/or sleeve fastening elements.

Abstract: An athletic glove is provided, comprising a palm portion and a digit portion having a plurality of generally hollow digit sleeves extending from the palm portion. Each of the generally hollow digit sleeves is configured to generally confine a respective digit of a wearer. Spacers are provided between the generally hollow digit sleeves and generally maintain a predetermined abduction of the digits upon a relaxation of the wearer's hand, while generally permitting an adduction of the plurality of digits upon a predetermined adductive force exerted by the wearer. The spacers comprise a generally rigid member having a predetermined compressibility. The generally hollow digit sleeves may be closed or open at a distal end thereof. The palm portion may be a flexible fabric and a fitment apparatus selectively tightens the palm portion on a hand of the wearer. One or more padding portions may be further configured to distribute a force experienced by the wearer upon engagement with a ball.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a therapeutic, moisturizing coating composition for elastomeric articles which is applied directly onto the skin-contacting surface of the article as part of the manufacturing process. The coating composition is thermally stable and subsequently hydrates when contacted with a moisturized skin surface to convert into a liquid “lotion” form during wearing of the article. The coating composition provides therapeutic benefits to the wearer's skin as a result of wearing the article, such as improved skin moisturization, softness of feel, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced redness and irritation. The invention is particularly useful in medical gloves, including examination and surgical gloves.

Abstract: A cap is constructed using multiple uni-axially stretchable woven gore fabric all of which are connected to a crown portion. A single-layer headband is stretchable along a peripheral edge and at 45 degree angles to the crown portion and is connected to the lower peripheral exterior edge of the crown portion. A narrow, highly-stretchable flat band of woven material that is stretchable along the peripheral edge of the crown portion and at 45 degree angles to the peripheral edge of the crown portion is connected and stretchable to the lower peripheral interior edge of the crown portion. The headband, lower peripheral edge of the crown portion and narrow, highly stretchable flat band are then folded upward into the crown portion. These three components are then connected with a loose single-needle stitching to allow for maximum materials stretch along the peripheral axis and at 45 degree angles to the peripheral axis.

Abstract: Trousers with concealed pockets constructed utilizing pocket assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pair of trousers having a concealed pocket, includes a front leg panel including a bottom edge and a pocket edge, a pocket assembly, including: at least one panel of fabric stitched to form a primary pocket including an opening having a first edge and a second edge, at least one panel of fabric stitched to form a secondary pocket including an opening having a first edge and a second edge, where a first stitch attaches the first edge of the secondary pocket along at least a portion of the second edge of the primary pocket, where the pocket assembly is attached to the front leg panel by: a second stitch that attaches the second edge of the secondary pocket along at least a portion of the pocket edge of the front leg panel.

Abstract: An interchangable fashion accessory is disclosed that may be used with different articles of clothing. In a first configuration, the fashion accessory may be worn around a user's waist to provide a different appearance for a dress. In a second configuration, the fashion accessory may be secured around a hat or other article of headwear.

Abstract: A system for securing a shirt is provided that includes a retainer having an anterior portion and a posterior portion, the anterior portion of the retainer having a fastener for securing the anterior portion of the retainer to a corresponding fastener on an anterior portion of the shirt, and the posterior portion of the retainer having a fastener for securing the posterior portion of the retainer to a corresponding fastener on a posterior portion of the shirt. The system may be part of the shirt or discrete from the shirt.

Abstract: At least one reflective element may be integrated into or otherwise coupled to any suitable undergarment, where the reflective element may enable a user wearing the undergarment to see a reflection of the user's genitalia. For example, this may substantially improve a woman's ability to see her own genitalia any time she is wearing an undergarment without the necessity to carry and hold a separate mirror.

Abstract: A device for use with a helmet in contact sports, which includes a curved body connected with the helmet and configured for disposal along a front part of a user's neck. The body includes: (i) planar first and second surfaces, the first surface defining a slot; and (ii) a third surface that is curved along the front part of the user's neck and configured to be spaced from but does not contact the user's neck. The device is configured to absorb an impact force and resist the user's neck from moving forward during a sports collision. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A shell-less helmet is provided with resilient material and a stainless steel interior member to protect the individual from head trauma while at the same time preventing the use of the helmet as a weapon due to the resilient helmet outer layer.

Abstract: A protective helmet which employs an inner shell, an outer shell, and dampeners positioned between the inner and outer shells which facilitate rotational movement between the inner and outer shells. The dampeners also provide shock absorption to counter the rotational acceleration caused by an impact to the helmet.

Abstract: A sport helmet comprising an outer shell, an inner padding for covering at least partially the wearer's head, an occipital inner pad for facing the occipital region of the wearer's head, a rear support comprising an upper part hingedly mounted to the helmet and a lower part mounted to the occipital inner pad, and a biasing member having a portion abutting the rear inner surface of the outer shell such that the rear support and occipital inner pad are movable between a first position wherein the rear support is biased to extend inwardly from the rear inner surface, and a second position when the wearer puts on the sport helmet, wherein the rear support and occipital inner pad are deflected towards the rear inner surface while the rear support and occipital inner pad maintain pressure on the occipital region of the wearer's head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal safety equipment for use by athletes, military personnel, motor sports participants and the like and in particular, protective headgear adapted to minimize rotational acceleration and/or axial compressive forces incident on the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A helmet an include a shell, a liner disposed within the shell, a flexible band disposed between the shell and a portion of the liner to releasably couple the liner to the shell without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. The helmet can also include an energy-absorbing layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) including a groove. The comfort liner can be attached to the energy-absorbing layer without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps, and a flexible band can be releasably disposed between the energy-absorbing layer and the comfort liner. The helmet can also include a groove on an inner surface of an outer shell. An energy-absorbing liner can include expanded polypropylene (EPP), and a flexible band can be disposed between the outer shell and the energy-absorbing liner to provide additional energy management, to releasably couple the energy-absorbing liner to the outer shell, or both.

Abstract: A helmet cover includes a cover configured to extend over a helmet and at least one mount attached to the cover. In one embodiment, a backing plate is coupled to the at least one mount and the cover is sandwiched between the backing plate and the at least one mount.

Abstract: Swimming goggles include left and right frames each having an inner peripheral face and an outer peripheral face and being assembled with a lens, a connecting element interconnecting the left and right frames, skirt portions being respectively attached to the inner peripheral faces, and head strap apparatuses. Each of the inner peripheral faces is defined with a first arc face and a second arc face, in which the first arc face connected with the outer face, and the second arc face connected with the skirt portion. The first and second arc faces cooperatively form an angle less than 180 degrees so as to enable the skirt portions to be hermetically attached to contours of eye sockets and a nose of a wearer, whereby providing a comfortable wearing of the swimming goggles for the wearer.

Abstract: A toilet seat attachment assembly that when fully deployed onto a conventional toilet, to form a self-cleaning adjustable height urinal. The seat assembly is comprised of separate upper and lower seat sections. The upper seat section is adapted to be lifted upward and rotated forward a maximum 90 degrees relative to a rear of the seat assembly, adjacent a toilet tank of a conventional toilet. Once fully deployed, the seat assembly reveals a series of self-cleansing outer and inner flexible shields connected together in an accordion like manner, which are attached at ends thereof to both the upper and lower sections of the seat assembly. The upper seat section is comprised of an encapsulating shell that is designed to encase the outer shield of the collapsible funnel, so as to support the weight of a seated user when the seat assembly is lowered and used as a conventional toilet seat.

Abstract: A grid drain for use on a sink to prevent large objects from entering the drain. The drain includes a tube (12) and a cover (20) that attaches to the top of the tube. The cover has a flat middle (72) and has a peripheral portion (74) that is curved to form a dome, with two circles of holes (46, 52).

Abstract: A flush toilet has a reservoir tank, a toilet main unit, a water supply apparatus, a water discharge apparatus, and a control device for controlling flushing of the bowl portion of the toilet main unit; wherein this control device includes a time measurement device for measuring the time after the water discharge apparatus has been driven for a predetermined time to discharge flush water, until the water level rises from a dead water level inside the reservoir tank with the water discharge apparatus in an off state to a predetermined stopped water level prior to start of flush; and the driving time of the water discharge apparatus responsive to pressure losses in the toilet main unit is adjusted by comparing the water level rise time measured by the time measurement device with the water level rise time in a standard toilet.

Abstract: A wave pool having multiple wave breaking zones extending across the pool floor, wherein different wave breaking formations with different wave characteristics can be generated within each zone, using the same wave energy derived from the same original wave, wherein surfers with different abilities can surf in different locations within the same pool. Specific features are provided that enable breaker waves to be properly managed and controlled such that intermediate/advanced surfers can surf in one zone and beginner surfers can surf in another zone. Included are special dividers to prevent surfers from crossing from one zone to the next, while at the same time, allowing wave energy to pass through. An attenuating means is provided to help reduce the choppiness of the waves.

Abstract: A preformed swimming pool assembly, including a preformed swimming pool body outer surface and a plurality of stabilizing sheets connected to the preformed swimming pool body outer surface. The stabilizing sheets may be extended away from the preformed swimming pool body for anchoring underground.

Abstract: Apparatuses for removing excess water from a swimming pool, including a device that measures the level of water in a tank that corresponds to water in a swimming pool. Upon the water level rising above a predetermined maximum amount, a switch in the tank actuates a pump located in the tank and water is pumped from the pool to either be stored or removed from the property containing the swimming pool. Upon water dropping below the predetermined maximum amount the switch deactivates the pump.

Abstract: A two-port (or multi-port) shower fixture that can be hung or otherwise attached to a bathroom ceiling above a tub or wall near a tub. The invention can be added to an existing tub/shower. The invention includes an elongated member with internal plumbing which may be rectangular or circular in cross-section, or have any cross-section. It can be several feet long. The elongated member typically has two or more shower ports on its lower surface typically equipped with normal shower heads. The elongated member has a connection hose that can be attached to a normal wall shower water outlet port. Embodiments of the invention can have an external valve that controls each of the shower ports separately and can include electric motors for raising and lowering the device over a tub. The invention can have optional LED lighting and wireless or wired sound.

Abstract: Described is a one-piece shower pan with a seat having no openings for water leakage, other than the drain hole. The shower pan includes a drain hole designed to fit a conventional drain pipe such that when the conventional drain pipe is fastened to the shower pan, the conventional drain pipe extends ½ to 2 inches above the bottom of the shower pan. In this way, when cement or other adhesive is floated on the interior surface of the shower pan, tiles of varying thickness can be installed in such a manner that the top surface of the tiles are substantially flush with the top portion of the conventional drain pipe. The shower pan also has a water dam with a fin extending vertically on the outer edge of the water dam as added protection against water migration outside the shower pan.

Abstract: A bathtub drain and overflow fitting kit is provided having a drain fitting, an overflow fitting and/or an adapter fitting, for connecting the bathtub drain and overflow openings to the household waste plumbing. The overflow fitting has a ball and socket connection between its inlet and outlet. Preferably, the overflow fitting has an abutment member which limits the range of angles created by the joint socket and joint ball within a range of angles to about 10°. The kit includes a gasket having a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a tapered sealing portion between the first and second sealing portions, and is configured so that the same gasket may be used at the drain opening or the overflow opening. The drain and overflow fittings have at their inlets retaining features that interengage matching retaining features on the gasket to hold during installation.

Abstract: A foldable bed, including a frame with a first end and a second end, a pair of side rails, each side rail including a first end disposed at the first end of the frame and a second end disposed at the second end of the frame, each side rail being parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the bed, at least one leg assembly secured to the pair of side rails, and an end rail including a first portion, a second portion and a center hinge. The first portion and second portion each including a proximal end secured to the center hinge and a distal end rotatably secured to the first end of a corresponding side rail so that the first and second portions of the end rail are movable from a first position in which the first and second portions of the end rail are axially aligned, to a second position in which the first and second portions are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: An assemblable mattress support can be shipped with all of its components compactly packed into the headboard. The mattress support includes a foldable longitudinal bar, a lateral bar, side panels, wooden slats, block legs and a footboard, all of which fit inside a compartment in the headboard. In an assembled state of the mattress support, a first connector at one end of the longitudinal bar attaches to a third connector on the outside of the headboard. A second connector at the other end of the longitudinal bar attaches to a fourth connector on the footboard. The middle of the lateral bar connects to the middle of the longitudinal bar. The block legs are attached to the bottom sides of the headboard and footboard. The slats are attached to one another by fabric ribbons and are placed in parallel over the longitudinal bar and support ledges on the side panels.

Abstract: A cover for hiding slats of an upper bunk is disclosed. The cover may be wrapped around the head and foot slats of the upper bunk or around left and right rails of the upper bunk. The cover is tensioned with a strapping mechanism to hold the bottom side of the cover in a substantially flat configuration. Moreover, an intermediate strap may be strapped around an intermediate slat to further maintain the substantially flat configuration of the bottom side of the cover. Flaps may also be attached to the bottom side of the cover and be traversable between first and second positions to display two or more motifs. The cover serves to conceal the aesthetically displeasing slats and also to provide a protective barrier over the splinters on wooden slats.

Abstract: An adjustable, collapsible mattress support for a box spring has cross bars with slidably connected sections. A first section of each cross bar is fixedly attached to a band that folds around the second section and slides along the second section. A bolt that passes through holes in the second section slides into a slot in the band. By aligning the slot over one of the holes through which the bolt passes, the length of the cross bars can be adjusted to accommodate the widths of different sized box springs and mattresses. The first section is fixedly attached to a hinge plate. First and second bars are pivotally attached to the plate. The first and second bars pivot about parallel axes that pass through the plate at separate fixed locations and that are orthogonal to the plate. The mattress support accommodates full, Queen, California King and Eastern King sized mattresses.

Abstract: A central bed having a single longitudinal bed frame and a bed section mounted to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical axis between a home position aligned with the bed frame and an away position and with a lower leg bed section that is movable away from the central bed section to enable rotation of the central bed section.

Abstract: A support pillow includes a flexible outer sleeve and a deformable inner cushion positioned wholly inside the outer sleeve. Both the outer sleeve and inner cushion are elongate. The outer sleeve is longer than the inner cushion and defines a pair of free end portions extending beyond the inner cushion. The inner cushion is moveable inside the outer sleeve such that the length of each of the free end portions is adjustable. A gripping device can be moved along each end portion to close the outer sleeve around the inner cushion and fix the length of the free end portion extending beyond the inner cushion. The free end portions extend far enough to enable a user to connect the end portions together to fix the support pillow in a desired shape.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a multi-sleep position head and neck pillow apparatus. The apparatus includes a front, a rear, two ends, a center section, and side sections on opposite sides of the center section. The apparatus also includes a base layer and a top cushion layer. The base layer includes a base at the center section of the apparatus and a side at each side section of the apparatus. The base includes a top surface and the sides include an incurved top surface. The top cushion layer includes a neck cushion attached to the top surface of the base. The top cushion layer also includes a side cushion attached to the incurved top surface of each side. The side cushions include an aperture that extends through the side cushion to form an ear cradle.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a Compartmented Cushioning Device and Method offering one or more cool or warm feeling compartments, formed between or surrounded by one or more components, with each component, including filler material encased in surface material. The presence of one or more compartment openings provide access to the one or more compartments; whereby a user has multiple options when placing all or part of one or more of their fingers, hands, wrists, or arms into either the same or separate compartments to cushion, insulate, or protect them; while in addition, allowing the user to cushion, insulate, or protect, as well as support, adjust, or precisely position their head, face, or other parts of their body. An assortment of configurations, ranging from soft to firm, can be designed in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, for a wide variety of uses: indoors, outdoors, or in vehicles.

Abstract: An improved infant changing board utilizes a shaped support board enclosed in a washable cover and a safety strap in order to provide a relatively rigid surface upon which a caregiver can place an infant in order to change his or her diaper. The infant changing board is shaped so as to fit within most infant carriers and can transition from an upright position to an infant changing configuration. In the upright configuration, the apparatus is stored mainly behind the back of the infant, between him or her and the back support of the infant carrier. In the infant changing configuration, the apparatus is pulled forward and out to rest in an approximately horizontal position, yet securely braced within the carrier. In this configuration, the caregiver can place the infant on the changing board and have easy access to the diaper and the infant's groin area for changing.

Abstract: A mattress includes a mattress body having a top substrate and a bottom substrate separated by a resilient layer having a mattress thickness to resiliently conform to a body of a person. The mattress includes an aperture formed in the top substrate and the resilient layer mattress that is oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person. The mattress includes an insert that is shaped to be received in the aperture and has an upwardly open recess to receive an upper portion of the body of the person. An upwardly open recess can be formed directly in the top resilient layer of the mattress body oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person.

Abstract: An adjustable body support system for accommodating the needed or desired support of multiple users. The system comprises an enclosure for housing a first support member and a second support member in respective first and second chambers. The first support member has a first foam layer secured to a second foam layer, wherein the first and second foam layers have different support characteristics. The second support member has a third foam layer secured to a fourth foam layer, wherein the third and fourth foam layers have different support characteristics. The first and second support members are removable from and securable in the first and second chambers, respectively.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress having a plurality of pneumatic cells so connected that sets of them can be selectively and cyclically pressurised and exhausted in sequence to support a user, or permanently inflated. The mattress also including an air flow manifold within a cover around the cells for providing air flow to spaces between some of the pneumatic cells beneath of the cover. The cells are provided transversely of the mattress with longitudinal edge cells, and the air flow manifold is provided inwards of the longitudinal cells across the ends of the transverse cells. The cover is semi-permeable to allow moisture from the patient to be carried away by the air flow. Between the cells and the cover, a replaceable open weave or gauze layer of non-woven material is provided, allowing air flow from one inter-cell space to the next with the cover held from the cells by the gauze layer.

Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.

Abstract: A configurable foam cushioning structure for providing variable support profiles in mattress components is disclosed, and related mattress assemblies and methods. In one embodiment, a plurality of extruded support members are provided each having a top surface and a bottom surface that extend in an extrusion direction and two end surfaces that extend in a direction transverse to the extrusion direction. The extruded support members are connected to each other in a linear array defining a substantially planar lower surface, with one end surface of each of the plurality of extruded support members is substantially coplanar with the lower surface. In this manner, the structure can be easily extruded as one long, continuous piece, and reconfigured into a structure having a relatively short dimension in the extrusion direction and a relatively long dimension in the transverse direction.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: A method for producing a seamless shoe upper includes the following steps of: providing a covering piece, a lining piece, and first and second screen-printing jigs having first and second screen portions respectively; surface treating the covering piece using a first treating agent through the first screen portion and the lining piece using a second treating agent through the second screen portion; distributing an adhesive onto the covering piece and the lining piece respectively through the first and second screen portions, so as to form first and second adhesive layers thereon; and bonding the covering piece with the lining piece by overlapping and pressing the first and second adhesive layers together.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a scrubbing disc that includes sacrificial electrodes of an electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Provided is a self-cleaning substrate system. The system includes a substrate and a cleaner coupled to the substrate, wherein the cleaner includes at least one of an electrode, an ultrasound emitter, or a coronal wind generator. The system includes a circuit configured to determine a characteristic of the substrate. The system further includes a power source. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the cleaner, the sensor, and the power source. The circuit provides a feedback signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the controller, and wherein the controller is coupled to the cleaner such that the cleaner can be controlled by the controller.