Abstract: A hat pallet for use in a printer which prints an image onto a hat of the type having a cap and a brim attached thereto includes a bottom plate and a top plate mountable in a closed position over the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a printing plate and a brim support fixedly mounted thereon. The top plate has an opening exposing at least a portion of the printing plate when the top plate is in the closed position. The brim support is positioned relative to the printing plate such that when the hat is mounted in the pallet with the top plate in the closed position, a portion of the cap on which the image is to be printed is supported on the printing plate and exposed through the opening of the top plate and the underside of the brim of the hat is supported by the brim support.

Abstract: A garment drying device configured to care for drying garments, comprising: a pocket and a sachet disposed within the pocket. A loop securing member is coupled to a top portion of the device, wherein the loop securing member extends outwardly from the top portion of the device. The device includes a loop hanging member, wherein the loop hanging member extends upwardly from the top portion of the device. The loop hanging member may be coupled at opposite ends of the top portion of the device. The loop members may be made of a flexible textile material. The pockets are substantially air-permeable. The device also includes a plurality of loop securing members and a plurality of pockets disposed in a downward array configuration from the top portion of the device. A loop length of the loop securing member is substantially identical to a depth of the pocket, and vice versa.

Abstract: A washing net bag is disclosed. The bag comprises a washing net frame having a plurality of supports and ribs forming a spacing which withstands external force; a washing bag made of soft fabric material enclosing the external layer of the washing net frame, and having a zip and a plurality of zip heads; and a plurality of laundry balls in the washing net frame.

Abstract: An inflatable body for de-wrinkling garments comprising an air inlet opening, wherein the inflatable body comprises a nonwoven substrate having an air permeability of from 0.005 m3/m2/min to 30 m3/m2/min, a kit comprising the inflatable body, and a method of de-wrinkling garments.

Abstract: A bra-washing device includes a shell and a divider removably insertable into the shell. The divider keeps one cup of the bra in one location of the shell and the other cup of the bra in another location of the shell. A system for washing garments includes a shell and two or more inserts each interchangeably coupleable to the shell. Each insert includes a three-dimensional form that is different from the three-dimensional form(s) of the other inserts. The openings in the shell may be sized to inhibit a bra strap from extending through the shell through the openings. A device may have buoyancy such that substantially all of the garment is maintained below the surface of water in a washing machine when the device and the garment are placed in the washing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing and tying a necktie, shawl, scarf or the like, comprising a clip device, particularly a fixing clip (3) and a tube-like element (5), wherein the clip device includes a folding aid around which at least one end of a necktie, shawl, scarf or the like can be wound, the tube-like element being able to be freely fixed relative to the folding aid in a number of positions at least in areas.

Abstract: To provide an utensil adapted to wash a brassiere without loss of shape in cup portions, damage of fabric such as lace and cloth, and deformation and twisting of wires. A brassiere holder (20) is configured by two cup receiving portions (21), a connecting portion (22) and a hook portion (24). When the cup receiving portions are pressed from the side, the connecting portion is elastically deformed to allow the two cup receiving portions to be folded back on each other such that a part of a flange portion of the two cup receiving portions is brought into contact with the other part of the flange portion and a gap gradually increasing toward the upper side is formed between the two cup receiving portions.

Abstract: A mannequin, particularly a child sized mannequin, that includes articulating joints which permit a considerable range of movement. In accordance with a preferred variant of the present invention, special accommodations are made for wrist joints on a mannequin. The present invention broadly encompasses not only full or partial body mannequins, but any portions thereof that include an articulated connection between one part of the mannequin and another.

Abstract: An inflatable portable wig, hairpiece and hat stand which is interchangeable between an inflated and a deflated position and includes a base member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. An inflatable support member, for supporting at least one of a wig, a hairpiece, a hat and a combination thereof, is operably connected to such base member adjacent an outer periphery thereof. The inflatable support member is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size. A mechanism is in fluid communication with the inflatable support member for communicating air into and out of the inflatable support member.

Abstract: An improved structure mannequin model foot comprised of a mannequin model calf and a foot piece designed to be separable into two physical entities, the foot piece and calf detachment capability enabling the assembling of different height and size heeled foot pieces to the calves of one single mannequin, thereby facilitating the wearing of different shoes on different foot pieces, to achieve, on the same single mannequin model, the objective of alternating the assembly of different foot pieces to display assorted footwear (such as low, medium, and high heel shoes as well as riding boots, etc.).

Abstract: This invention comprises the torso 2 covered by the cover 1 and the press iron 4 for pressing the front part and the rear part of the torso 2 to press finish the shirt 3 put on the torso 2. The torso 2 is set such that the side surfaces 2c are formed into an opening with plates 2a, 2b oppositely arranged at the front part and rear part. This invention is set such that the hooks 11 are hung down at both side positions of the inner surface of each of the plates 2a, 2b through the pulling members 12. The linear locations at both sides of the front part 1a and the rear part 1b of the cover 1 are formed with tubular bags 1c. This invention is set such that hard rods 15 are stored in the bag 1c. This invention is set such that the hooks 11 are engaged with the bags 1c having the rods 15 therein and both ends of the cover 1 are pulled inwardly of the torso 2. This invention can prevent the pulling wrinkles from being generated at both front and rear sides of the cover at the time of fixing the cover.

Abstract: A hanger for a bra has a body section in a shape of a female torso. The body section has a front surface having a neck and a pair of concave members located below the neck. The concave members being formed in a predetermined cup size for retaining a shape of a bra positioned on the body section.

Abstract: A container for supporting a brassiere or a similar garment for cleaning and storage includes opposed flat plate members connected by a hinge, and opposed container cup members connected to the respective plate members at hinge connections for folding the container cup members over the plate members and for folding the plate members with respect to each other to form a closed container for supporting a brassiere. The plate members include hinged support members, each having an arcuate cross shape, for supporting brassiere cups between the plate members and the container cup members. Spaced apart clips secure the brassiere straps to the plate members. Spaced apart latches releasably secure the cup members to the plate members and the plate members to each other for placing the container in a compact folded position.

Abstract: A body panel is fabricated of a generally rigid sheet with a periphery and with interior and exterior surfaces. A layer of coupling material is provided on the exterior surface. A locator panel has a periphery with interior and exterior surfaces. The interior surface of the locator panel includes a coupling material separably couplable to the coupling material of the body panel. The exterior surface of the locator panel has upstanding pins. An exterior ring and an interior locking ring with each ring having an interior and an exterior face. The lower exterior ring is removably positioned on the locator panel. The exterior face of the lower exterior ring is in contact with the pins of the locator panel. The upper interior locking ring is removably positioned within the lower exterior ring.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A frame for maintaining the shape of a brassiere during drying and storage includes one or more hemispherically-shaped shells having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. The shells may be formed from a first polymeric material and may further include a second polymeric material disposed on an outer surface thereof, to frictionally retain a cup of the brassiere. In one embodiment, first and second shells are joined by an interconnection extending therebetween. The interconnection may maintain the shells in a tandem arrangement, or may permit the shells to be positioned such that their respective peripheral edges confront one another.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable decorative framework system has a vertical member with an axis with an upper end, a lower end, and a circular cross sectional configuration with a common diameter over the majority of its axial extent with a semi-cylindrical recess at the central extent and an aperture through the midpoint. A horizontal member has an axis with a first end and a second end having a circular cross sectional configuration with a common diameter equal to the diameter of the vertical member over the majority of its axial extent with a semi-cylindrical recess at the central extent and an aperture through the midpoint. A central bolt and an associated wingnut extend through the aperture of the vertical member and the horizontal member whereby the wing nut may be loosened to vary the angular orientation between the members and tightened to retain the angular orientation between the members.

Abstract: A low relief clothes display form has notches in the shoulders to prevent clothing straps from slipping off the shoulders. The display form is displayed in vertical position, typically through the use of a hanging hook at the top of the display form. The notches may include an undercut on the downward side of the notch to minimize the chances of a strap slipping out of the notch and falling off of the shoulder.

Abstract: A mannequin form having a first section and a second section is provided. The first and second sections are made of a selected material that is resistant to damage from a stress selected from the group consisting of heating, cutting, dying, and any combinations thereof. The second section is releasably secured to the first section to define a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The first section abuts the second section to define a first smooth mating line.

Abstract: A merchandise display, comprising a substantially planar display board having the form of a profile of a human head including a headwear portion, a head portion, and a neck portion. Merchandise is mounted to the display board. The merchandise includes a main section and a strap. The strap engages the headwear portion of the display board. The main section is suspended from the strap and covers a part of the head portion, thereby displaying the merchandise on the display board as the merchandise would appear in normal use.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for organizing and displaying clothes having a three-dimensional, humanlike form supported by a base, the form having at least one projection from which to suspend clothing, hangers, accessories, or other suspendable articles. The form also has hands having a flat or concave palm upon which loose articles such as coins and jewelry can be placed. A tray may be removably attached to the hand. The apparatus may be adjustable, allowing the form to “grow” in conformity with the growth of a child.

Abstract: A repositionable display system in the shape of a human figure that can be used to communicate information by holding signs or by making simple gestures; or it can be used to support various items such as clothing or accessories. The repositionable display is in the shape of a life-size human form comprising a head, torso, arms, and legs. A two-pin connection forms each shoulder and hip joint, thereby allowing for positioning of the arm and legs in multiple planes. A single-pin connection forms the wrist, elbow, and knee joints. Each of the pin connections are removable, thereby allowing for assembly and disassembly of the repositionable display system. A stand may be provided to maintain the repositionable display system in a substantially upright position. Cedar wood may be used to construct the repositionable display system which assists in repelling insects while emitting a pleasing aroma.

Abstract: A thermal manikin has a closed perforated rigid frame covered by a breathable fabric extending over the frame and forming arms and legs. Water passages and a pump inside the manikin direct water around the manikin to simulate natural blood flow. The manikin is provided with a controller and sensor for measuring conditions inside and outside the manikin that enables simultaneous determination of Clo (thermal resistance of clothing placed on the manikin) and Im (the permeability index of the clothing).

Abstract: A holiday display including a base portion including a body portion having an upper end, a lower end, and side walls extending therebetween. The base portion includes a pair of arms extending outwardly from the upper end of the body portion. The base portion includes a head portion swively secured to the upper end of the body portion. An outer decorative portion is provided that is adapted for removably covering the base portion.

Abstract: A joint for rotatably connecting a distal part to a proximal part of a testing and training target the joint including a first member attachable to one of the distal part and the proximal part of the target, a second member attachable to the other of the distal part and the proximal part of the target with the first and second members being rotatable relative to each other and engageable with each other such that the first member may be rotated with respect to the second member between first and second positions and upon the application of a predetermined force rotated past the second position to a third position. A detent communicates with one or both of the first and second members preventing movement of the members past the second position to the third position until at least the first predetermined force is applied to one or both of the members.

Abstract: A set of human torso manikins for use in fabrication and evaluation of body wear for a group of human beings, the torso manikins being shaped and dimensioned to conform to selected parameters derived from statistical analysis of the group. The manikins include a central human torso manikin of a shape corresponding to a multivariate center of anthropometric distributions of selected members of the group, and a plurality of extreme human torso form manikins each of a shape corresponding to a multivariate extreme suitable for accommodation of 90% of the group. About half of the plurality of extreme human torso form manikins exhibits a dimensional specification substantially less than a corresponding specification of the central human torso manikin and about another half of the plurality of extreme human torso form manikins exhibits a dimensional specification substantially greater than the corresponding specification of the central human torso manikin.

Abstract: Device for assessing the likely fit of a garment on a wearer, the device comprising a support shaped to resemble a body part onto which the garment is to be fitted, an artificial tissue layer and at least one pressure sensor, the arrangement being such that the pressure sensor can detect and measure pressure exerted by a garment on the artificial tissue layer.

Abstract: A display device having a rigid based form is provided for supporting collectible items. The display device includes at least two arms which support the collectible item, such as a miniature jersey, and a seat which supports a novelty item, such as confectionary.

Abstract: Device for assessing the likely fit of a garment on a wearer, the device comprising a support shaped to resemble a body part onto which the garment is to be fitted, an artificial tissue layer and at least one pressure sensor, the arrangement being such that the pressure sensor can detect and measure pressure exerted by a garment on the artificial tissue layer.

Abstract: A mannequin using ball joints for movably connecting a neck and extremities to a two-piece trunk section is disclosed. Each ball joint is provided with a built-in spring to allow free movement of the mannequin as desired by its user. The trunk sections are connected together by a flexible elbow to permit various positioning of the trunk section of the mannequin.

Abstract: A device for protecting a brassiere and other delicate undergarments during laundering includes a pair of domed or hemispherically shaped shells adapted to assemble together over a cup of the brassiere as a protective covering for the cup. The outer shell has a circularly shaped first rim portion and a hemispherically shaped first dome portion larger than the cup of the brassiere that extends to the first rim portion. The inner shell has a circularly shaped second rim portion and a hemispherically shaped second dome portion that extends to the second rim portion, said second dome portion having a size adapted to fit within the first dome portion of the outer shell with the first and second rim portions in concentric relationship and the cup of the brassiere disposed intermediate the first and second dome portions.

Abstract: A dress or clothing form includes a sheet metal back to which are attached a plurality of reinforcing strips. A support rod is carried on one of the reinforcing strips and on the back. Leg supports are attached to the back to which are attached a pair of flat leg panels. Front and back molded plastic body panels are secured by fasteners to the metal back and similar molded front and back leg panels are secured to the flat leg panels. The support rod includes a large diameter portion at its top which includes a tapered surface. This surface mates with a socket on a support arm attached to a stand for supporting the form at the desired height. The stand includes telescoping members each including a rack with one member including a gas spring connected to a pinion positioned between the racks. The gas spring is arranged to essentially balance the weight of the dress form and garment so that a worker can move it up and down with little effort.

Abstract: A dress form shaped mannequin for the holding, containing and display of doll fashion ensembles. A mannequin comprising a human shaped Torso (#1) for the display of garments from a fashion ensemble. Bottom of Torso (#1) is permanently connected to Uppere End of Stem (#7) and supported upright by a vertical Stem (#2) that fits into and is removable from a Tray Base (#3). The Stem (#2) is held upright by the Lower End of Stem (#8) being placed in the Stem Holder of Tray Base (#6). A mannequin comprising a Tray Base (#3) to hold, contain and display the accessories from an ensemble of doll fashions. A Rim on Tray Base (#4) that is attached to the outer edge of the Tray Base (#3) and that contains and keeps in place, accessories from an ensemble that are placed on a Horizontal Plate of Tray Base (#5).

Abstract: A foldable limb for a model includes two or more segments pivotally coupled together for forming the foldable limb and for allowing people to easily dress the model. One of the segments includes a ball and a pivot shaft engaged through the ball. The other segment includes a coupler having a socket rotatably engaged with the ball and a post extended from the socket for slidably receiving a hook. The hook is hooked to the pivot shaft and a spring may bias the hook to resiliently engage with the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A device for protecting a brassiere in a washing machine includes a pair of hemispherically shaped shells (preferably injection molded polypropylene material) adapted to assemble together over a cup of the brassiere as a protective covering for the cup. The outer shell has a circularly shaped first rim portion and a hemispherically shaped first dome portion larger than the cup of the brassiere that extends to the first rim portion. The inner shell has a circularly shaped second rim portion and a hemispherically shaped second dome portion that extends to the second rim portion, said second dome portion having a size adapted to fit within the first dome portion of the outer shell with the first and second rim portions in concentric relationship and the cup of the brassiere disposed intermediate the first and second dome portions.

Abstract: A clothing form or mannequin comprising a laminar construction spine including left and right outer spine sections and a central spine section, which are of laminar form and in profile are generally similar to the side profile of a human spine. A plurality of spaced parallel slots extend inwardly from the forward-facing edges of the spine sections, which slots are identically located in each of the spine sections so as to be in registration when the spine sections are positioned side-by-side so as to define a plurality of sets of aligned slots. A flat modular lamina is positioned in each slot at a right angle to the spine. The laminae are configured to resemble cross-sections of a human torso at different positions along the length of a human spine, each of the laminae corresponding to a specific one of the sets of slots in the spine sections, so that the laminae as positioned in the spine give the appearance of a stylized human torso.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment pressing machine for ironing shirts, blouses and similar articles of clothing. The machine is provided with a dressing station, a pressing station, and a mannequin movable between the dressing station and the pressing station. The mannequin has an inflatable body which is inflated while the mannequin is still at the dressing station to allow an operator to remove creases from a garment draped over the mannequin before the mannequin is moved into the pressing station, where the garment is contacted by heated pressing plates to facilitate ironing of the garment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mannequin or form for displaying clothes accessories or other articles, comprising at least two parts which are separable at a respective joint to allow the mannequin or form to be dressed, the or each joint comprising a joint-surface on each part, at least part of which joint-surfaces engage each other when the joint is assembled, magnetic material being contained in or behind both of the joint-surfaces, the magnetic material in at least one of the parts comprising, or being magnetised by, a permanent magnet sufficient to hold the joint together in use. This arrangement is much simpler to assemble than the prior art arrangements. The two parts of the joint merely need to be brought into proximity and magnetic forces then draw them together. There is no necessity to rotate one part relative to the other, with a resultant reduction in the likelihood of damage to the clothes.

Abstract: A wire form for displaying, storing, and transporting clothing has a torso and hips. A bust line attached to the form under the arms with double curved portions extending laterally from the plane of the torso simulates a human, especially a female bust line to enhance the appearance of a garment.

Abstract: An integrated automated manufacturing system for finishing individual garments is provided. The system includes a conveyor system, a fixture constructed for movement on the conveyor in a predetermined orientation, a form mounted on the fixture for holding a garment for finishing in a predetermined fixed orientation relative to the fixture, and finishing stations to which the conveyor carries garments mounted on the fixtures. The fixture mounted form can be inflatable so that the garment mounted thereon can be inflated to its fully extended, three-dimensional form, and the finishing station can include a blower to inflate the form prior to the initiation of a finishing step. The finishing stations can include robot-manipulated tools, such as spray guns or abrasive wheels, for applying chemical or mechanical finishes to selected areas of the fixture mounted garment, washing and drying of the garments, automated garment inspection, or the application of tags and labels to the garments.

Abstract: A hair growing mannequin head for practicing hair styling and hair cutting. The inventive device includes a mannequin head having a removable hair supply assembly mounted thereon for dispensing hair from an upper portion of the mannequin head. The removable hair supply assembly includes a pair of perforated helmet portions pivotally mounted together and a reel supplying hair for protrusion through the perforations. The helmet portions are biased into an offset position to lock the hair extending through the perforations for permitting cutting and styling of the hair exterior of the hair supply assembly.

Abstract: A wire-form mannequin formed by a wire and wire sections bent into a shape of a human torso for hanging, displaying and storing clothes in a presentable manner. The wire-form mannequin comprises a wire bent to provide a plurality of portions including a neck plateau portion, first shoulder support portion, second shoulder support portion, first lateral support portion, second lateral support portion, first hip portion, second hip portion, and a torso end loop portion or a pair of hip wire ends with a wire end cap on each hip wire end, a chest support wire that is either a singular-curve chest support wire or a feminine chest support wire, an abdominal support wire, a holder connecting wire with a cylindrical stand holder, a tripod, a head hanger hook that may be attached to the neck plateau portion, and a pair of lateral hooks that may replace the neck plateau portion.

Abstract: A kit of contoured foam pads (FIGS. 3 and 3a) is provided for attachment to an existing garment form (FIGS. 1 and 4) with double-sided adhesive tape (42), in order to duplicate the shape of a person to be fitted by a dressmaker or tailor. The pads are further secured by a fabric cover of stretch material (38 and 62) thus supporting the size and shape of the garment form (FIGS. 2 and 4) to accommodate many different individuals. The pliable foam pads are held to the form by the elastic cover (38 and 62) stretched over the form. The cover is then secured at the bottom with a drawstring (40). Each pad, labeled according to its appropriate position (56), enlarges any or all anatomical parts of the garment form (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). For even further flexibility, smaller pieces of foam (36) can be attached to any of the individual foam pads to enlarge selected sections of the form. The flexibility in the sizing of an existing garment form greatly broadens the use of conventional garment forms.

Abstract: An intimate garment protector for protecting a garment or multiple garments, namely bras, during laundering. The device comprises first and second basket members that are designed and configured to receive the cup portions of at least one bra. Preferably, the basket members have a generally dome-like or conical-like shape. The device further includes first and second biasing members wherein the first biasing member is designed and configured to be received within the first basket member and the second biasing member is shaped and configured to be received within the second basket member. Accordingly, by placing the cup portions of the bra or bras in the basket members and then placing the biasing members thereupon, a sandwich-like configuration is formed that protects the shape and contours of the bra during the washing process.

Abstract: A mannequin having a plurality of body sections with each of the body sections being shaped in the form of a mannequin shape of a portion of an individual's body, and a plurality of hinge assemblies for interconnecting the body sections to form a mannequin shape of at least a portion of an individual. Each of the hinge assemblies is adjustable for adjusting the force required to hingedly move one of the body sections relative to the other body section connected thereto. In one embodiment, the hinge assemblies also include a portion for rotating one body section relative to the other body section connected thereto.

Abstract: A system for simulating human gait embodied as a human-like model, for example, a mannequin, a scarecrow and the like depending on the intended application of the system, driven by a driving system along a pair of tracks. The driving system includes rotatable terminals for reversing the direction of advancement of the model. The model has legs which are pivotally connected to one another in a spaced alignment at a waist enabling a scissor-like action during the step-by-step advancement of the model along the tracks. The waist includes a balancing mechanism for maintaining a substantially even keel of the model during the gait-like motion. Furthermore, the legs include an upper segment pivotally connected at a knee-like joint to a lower segment such the legs have a tendency for a flexion movement and urging mechanisms for straightening them. Still further, the legs terminate in feet pivotally connected thereto which are provided with front and rear shock absorbers for smoothing the gait-like motion.