Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus including a support body for supporting laundry, an air supply unit for supplying air into laundry hung on the support body, and a tensile force provision unit for providing a tensile force to the laundry hung on the support body.

Abstract: A posable toy figure is disclosed. The posable toy figure includes: a limb structure comprising a flexible support member at least partially enclosed in a pliable material member that is physically distinct from the flexible support member; a first rigid body member that encloses a first portion of the limb structure, the first rigid body member comprising a connection interface that extends from an exterior of the first rigid body member; and a second rigid body member that encloses a second portion of the limb structure, the second rigid body member and the first rigid body member being spatially separated such that the limb structure is exposed between the first body member and the second body member.

Abstract: A garment steamer is disclosed. The garment steamer includes a base body including a steam generator for generating steam, a main body disposed at the upper side of the base body for moving the steam generated by the steam generator to the outside, a front press hingedly fixed to the lower part of the main body so as to be attached to and detached from the front surface of the main body, a stretching means disposed at opposite side surfaces of the main body so as to be unfolded outside the main body, and a pair of arm tensioners having lower ends hingedly fixed to the front surface of the front press and upper ends configured to be turned so as to be spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: In order to clean large surface areas using one device a stream of air or water is directed through a rigid tube and exits from a plurality of holes on a pair of sweeper arms that are connected to the rigid tube. Flexible joints are provided on the sweeper arms in order to allow the sweeper arms to bend. Bushings that are connected together permit the operation sweeper arms to be moved from side to side.

Abstract: A board game includes a game metric and a game piece. The game piece is usable within the game metric. The game piece includes a game piece body, and a plurality of interchangeable components that are selectively and magnetically coupled to the game piece body. The game can further include a first magnet that is coupled to the game piece body, and a second magnet that is coupled to one of the plurality of interchangeable components. The magnets can be positioned relative to one another such that the first magnet selectively engages the second magnet so that the one of the plurality of interchangeable components can be selectively and magnetically coupled to the game piece body.

Abstract: A practice hair cutting apparatus. The apparatus in its expanded configuration allows a human mannequin head to be attached and simulates a size and shape of a shoulder portion and/or should and back portion of an actual human subject. The apparatus in its contracted position is easily transportable in a student backpack. The apparatus is attachable to and removable from a variety of chairs, tables, walls and other free-standing objects such as tripods. The apparatus is used for hair cutting students who desire to practice hair cutting skills inside and outside a classroom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of fitting for pre-fabricated compression garments via digital imaging of a wearer body part and measurement of body part circumferences and, optionally, lengths therefrom. The present invention also relates to methods of generating a shape description derived from digital imaging of a patient body part or body area of interest and use of such shape description. Such shape description includes geometric information from which measurement information can optionally be derived. Included herein are methods for diagnosing and monitoring edema and other conditions in patients using shape descriptions acquired from a patient in need of such diagnosis and monitoring. The invention also includes use of the generated shape descriptions to make compression garments specifically configured for a patient's body part or body area. Compression garments generated from the generated shape descriptions are also included herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a set for assisting in the shooting of images of an object including a mobile removable support (120) configured to receive the object, a unit (135) for modifying the pose of a member, including a unit for rigid fastening by suspension of the support, making it possible to modify the pose of the support, image shooting unit (110) enabling images to be obtained representing the support and the object placed on the support as well as computing unit (115) for receiving images from the image shooting unit, analyzing the images received and, in response to an analysis of those images and predetermined position information, controlling the unit for modifying the pose of a member.

Abstract: The invention pertains to upholstery techniques for upholstering the central bust line of mannequins. Particularly a shaping body is coupled to the central line of the upholstery and shaped to conform to the central bust line of an underlying mannequin form. The shaping body includes anchors, preferably, in the form of strings, which can be fed through the mannequin form and tensioned accordingly. The shaping body is preferably elongate with two identical body members coupled by a fold therebetween. The first body member is coupled to a first side of the central bust line seam of the upholstering covering and the second body member is coupled to the second side of the central bust line seam of the upholstering covering. The fold therebetween is shaped to conform to the shape of the central bust line of the mannequin form. The use of such a shaping body results in a natural convex curve of the central bust line.

Abstract: A magnetic bra hanger is provided. The bra hanger is configured to magnetically receive an underwire of a bra to attach the bra to the hanger. The bra hanger may be configured to hang a single bra, or a plurality of bras.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mannequin for presenting or photographing at least one clothing article (K) arranged appropriately on the mannequin (1), with a front side (10) and a back side (11) facing away from the front side (10). It is provided according to the invention that the mannequin (1) has at least one continuous cutout (100, 101) such that the back side (11) of the mannequin (1) is not visible in a plan view of the front side (10) of the mannequin (1) from a predefinable line of sight (3) in the area of at least one cutout (100, 101).

Abstract: A garment dyeing machine (10) includes a container (12), a roller (22) to which brassieres are releasably attachable, the roller (22) being within the container (12) and rotatable relative to the container (12) about an axis of rotation (R-R), the garment dyeing machine having two nozzles (24) for spraying a dye solution onto the roller (22).

Abstract: Various implementations of this disclosure provide a clothes catcher for holding a hanging portion of a clothing item. In some implementations, the clothes catcher can be used with existing or future developed clothes hangers. In some implementations, the clothes catcher can be used to lift a hanging portion of a long dress or other clothing item when hung from a clothes hanger. In some implementations, the apparatus in integrally connected to a clothes hanger.

Abstract: A jewelry organizer stand has a frame with a mesh region for mounting post-type earrings and pins and a mounting bar region of parallel mounting bars for holding various clips with extensions. The clips with extensions can include ring bars for holding rings, necklace bars for holding necklaces, spin-rings for holding beads, pendants and pins, and locking bracelet hooks for holding bracelets. The organizer stand can be pivotably mounted on a base so that it can be turned around. The height can be about that of an adult. The base is at least as wide as the frame so that the organizer will not fall over even if a large unbalanced weight of jewelry is placed on it.

Abstract: A combination protective garment and storage rack comprises a protective garment being operable to resist penetration therethrough of projectiles and having an expanded configuration wherein an inner contour of the garment corresponds to the shape of a human torso. A storage rack has a contoured frame with an external contour that corresponds to the inner contour of the garment.

Abstract: A three-dimensional torso-shaped storage device having a fabric cover in the appearance of a sports jersey being worn on a torso. A frame portion made up of an upper body piece and lower body piece provides a compartment and supports the cover. The lower body piece may be hinged to open at a base of the device to provide access to the compartment. An object retention member may be slidably attached to the frame portion to retain an object in the compartment.

Abstract: A plurality of sheets made of an elastic material such as vinyl and polypropylene are joined together by high-frequency gluing to form an airtight bag body. Then, the bag body is inflated by being filled with air to form a mannequin resembling the shapes of the upper and lower halves of a body. Regarding an upper bag body portion resembling the upper half of the body and a lower bag body portion resembling the lower half thereof, gussets are coupled through curved junction lines with sheets that form the respective base parts. A joining jig is used to join the sheets, thereby forming an airtight bag body. The foregoing provides an inflatable mannequin and a method of manufacturing the same that can express a natural and realistic body shape and that never damage the brand image of clothes a person who sees the mannequin wearing the clothes has.

Abstract: A jersey hanger assembly is described. The jersey hanger assembly allows homes, businesses, schools, or other buildings to display an athletic jersey as a symbol of team pride or of support for an athletic team or an individual player on the team. The jersey hanger assembly includes a bracket member. The bracket member includes a receiving member. The jersey hanger assembly includes a pole with first and second opposing ends. The second pole end is insertable into the receiving member. The pole has a curved shape between the first and second opposing ends. A jersey flag for hanging on the jersey hanger is described. The jersey flag is material of a fabric cut or shaped to resemble an athletic jersey. The material includes a team logo or insignia. A sleeve or an open seam in positioned in the upper portion of the jersey flag to receive the pole.

Abstract: An expandable clothes hanger to hang, display, store, or transport an article of clothing with minimal creasing. The expandable clothes hanger has a hook extending upward from a bar element that supports an upper portion of an article of clothing draped thereon. Downward extending elements extend downward from the bar element and cross each other at at least a single point. Raising the crossing point along the downward extending elements causes the lower portion of the downward extending elements to extend outward, pulling taut the lower portion of draped article of clothing. Lowering the crossing point along the downward extending elements causes the lower portion of the downward extending elements to be pulled together, allowing for more compact storage of the expandable clothes hanger or for easier placement or removal of draped articles of clothing. The downward extending elements can also be configured as an attachment to a conventional hanger.

Abstract: An adjustable dress form has a plurality of body panels and adjustment mechanisms securing between each of the body panels. There are a total of at least four body panels, and the adjustment mechanisms include preferably twelve adjustment mechanisms. A neck girth adjustment mechanism has four extension loops. The four extension loops are attached to an upper portion of each body panel. A turn button is mechanically connected to a plurality of gear teeth on four gear tooth arms that make up the four extension loops. The four gear tooth arms are attached to the upper portion of each at least four body panel. The four extension loops comprise the plurality of gear teeth on the four gear teeth arms. The gear teeth arms engage at about 90° angle to each other and are vertically staggered.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflating body, for the drying and/or pressing of pieces of clothing, whereby said inflating body is made from sections with at least three different air permeabilities.

Abstract: An adjustable clothing display rack includes a base, a waist attached to the base, first and second laterally-spaced adjustable sides, and first and second shoulders. The adjustable sides have respective upper and lower ends. The lower ends are pivotably attached to the waist, such that the lateral spacing of the upper ends is adjustable independent of the lateral spacing of the lower ends. The first and second shoulders are formed at respective upper ends of the first and second sides.

Abstract: A torso, around which clothes can be wound, includes a curved incision on the backface. Preferably, an elastic member is provided at least on the periphery of the incision. The torso may also include a first opening on the backface, an elastic member formed to cover the first opening, and a curved incision on the elastic member, where the incision is exposed from the first opening. Preferably, the incision is formed along the longitudinal direction of the first opening. Furthermore, the first opening may include at least two projections formed on its periphery, and the elastic member may include at least two holes formed at positions opposing the projections, respectively. A fixing member may be provided for fixing the elastic member, and the fixing member includes a second opening having the same shape and size as those of the first opening and formed at a position opposing the incision.

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 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: A method and aperture for providing dress forms. The method comprises taping clothes on a model to retain the figure of the model. The taped clothing is then cut and removed fro the model, creating a shell. The shell is fitted around a pillow and placed on a stand.

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: A dress or clothing form apparatus for holding and supporting garments, comprises a shaped solid body of a polymer material having a first density. The solid body is covered by a skin of the polymer material, but of a second density greater than the first density. The skin is functionally enabled for sealing pin holes therein. The body is made using a two-part exothermic reaction in a chilled mold wherein the skin thickness is determined by the temperature of the mold and the size of the chemical charge.

Abstract: A pole holder is provided which has an outer annular ring, an inner C-shaped partial ring having a circular cross-section with an opening therein, and a screw for exerting pressure on the outer surface of the C-shaped partial ring whereby the size of the opening is reduced with a corresponding reduction in the circumference of the partial ring, causing the partial ring to non-slidably grip the pole. The pole holder permits simple adjustment of the height of an object attached to a pole and can be easily adapted for use with poles of different diameters by changing the partial ring which grips the pole.

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 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 pulp-molded dummy includes vacuum-molded front and back half shells that are dried and compressed to obtain smooth outer surfaces and desired density and hardness approximate to that of wood. The front and the back half shells are provided on inner surfaces with predetermined number of pairs of upper and lower flanges. Horizontal paper partitions may be connected to interior of said front and said back half shells by separately engaging outer peripheral edges of said paper partitions with said pairs of upper and lower flanges in order to reinforce said pulp-molded dummy.

Abstract: Shirt pressing apparatus capable of pressing long or short sleeve shirts. The apparatus includes a buck for receiving a shirt to be pressed and a sleeve expander assembly mounted on each side of the buck, the sleeve expander assembly being adjustable for use with either long or short sleeve shirts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shirt pressing and finishing machine in which body buck assemblies are arranged upright between a pair of front and rear pressplates. The pressplates are provided with a metallic pipe having a superior thermal conduction through which steam is passed. The metallic pipe is contacted with the rear surface of each of the pressplates and bent into a state in which the front surface of each of the pressplates is heated uniformly. The pressplates are formed by sticking metallic plates from each other, and the rear surface of each of the pressplates is formed by a metallic plate having a superior thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A sleeve insert is provided including a tubular body that is selectively inflatable. Further provided is a sleeve insert including a flexible planar plate which is configurable as a tube with varying diameters.

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: A method and apparatus for pressing a shirt comprising a shirt buck having a front and a back and opposite lateral sides therebetween and adapted to hold at least the front and back of the shirt in an orientation for being pressed, drive means to laterally move the shire buck between a loading zone and a shirt finishing zone, and a pair of chests positioned adjacent to the shirt buck at the shirt finishing zone, the chests being movable in pressing contact with a shirt on the shirt buck.

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 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: 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: Method and apparatus for finishing a shirt comprising a buck with a first drive means to move the buck between a loading and a finishing zone; a pair of chests positioned adjacent to the buck at the finishing zone with a second drive means to move the chests between inoperative and operative positions; a pair of clips to receive an area of a shirt on the buck to be pressed at the region between the cuff and sleeve and to form an obstruction for the flow of heated air and steam therethrough during a finishing operation; steam lines for coupling a source of steam to the interior of the chests; air lines for coupling a source of negative air pressure to the buck for drawing a vacuum through the buck when the buck is in the loading zone for holding a shirt against the buck and to provide a positive air pressure to the interior of the buck to force the sleeves outwardly to effect their finishing; and a single blower to generate a positive air pressure and a negative air pressure coupled to the buck with associated

Abstract: A clothing mannequin has a one-piece flexible but stiff sheet formed with a plurality of flaps and with a plurality of small holes, a base plate formed with a central hole, and a plurality of clips engageable through the small holes for securing the flaps and base plate together so that the sheet has the three-dimensional shape of a human trunk with the base plate horizontally secured inside it with its hole centered in the trunk and with the sheet forming a neck hole vertically aligned above the base-plate hole. An upper upright post part projects vertically through the neck hole and the base-plate hole and fits into an upper end of a lower upright support post part to form therewith a support post. A crosspiece projects laterally through the lower post part directly underneath the upper post part and the upper post part rests on the crosspiece. A base adapted to sit stably on the ground is formed with an upwardly open seat in which the post is releasably received.

Abstract: A mannequin-type display assembly (10) for modeling clothing ensembles which includes a body form (16) having a torso portion (20) and a pair of shoulder portions (22). Each shoulder portion (22) includes an upwardly facing shoulder top (24) and an outwardly facing shoulder end (26). The shoulder ends (26) are provided by a pair of flanges (28) extending downwardly from the shoulder top (24). The body form (16) is formed from a substantially planar sheet (14) of impact-resistant, rubberized, acrylic material which is permanently bent in a compound curve at the shoulder portions (22). The compound curve is provided by bending each of the shoulder tops (24) in a fore-and-aft direction and bending each of the flanges (28) in a downward and inward direction relative to the shoulder tops (24). The body form (16) may also include a head assembly (18) for displaying head wear.

Abstract: A mannequin includes a support frame and a horizontal support assembly which includes an upper horizontal support unit, a middle horizontal support unit and a lower horizontal support unit. Each of the horizontal support units includes a generally horizontal middle tube mounted movably on the support frame, two generally horizontal side tubes mounted respectively and movably within two end portions of the horizontal middle tube, and an adjustment unit installed on the horizontal middle tube and actuatable so as to move the horizontal side tubes on the horizontal middle tube. Each of the horizontal side tubes includes a rack secured to an inner end portion thereof. The adjustment unit is provided with a fixed pinion that engages the racks of the horizontal side tubes so that rotation of the adjustment unit moves the horizontal side tubes relative to the horizontal middle tube. A chest-outline simulating plate is supported on the top end portion of the support frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a space efficient garment storage and display apparatus that includes a support stand and a plurality of display units. The display units include display racks supported by an upright support frame and having storage bars extending across each respective display rack. The storage bars simultaneously display and store garments, such as scarves and the like, which are wrapped or draped therearound. The display units may further include a silhouette located generally above the display racks for displaying the garments as they would normally be worn.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises companion inner and outer hollow ball sections each comprising a major segment of a sphere. Spring means within the ball sections urges a friction pad into engagement with the interior surface of one of the sections. Screws within the ball sections adjusts the spring force, the screws being accessible for movement through a series of openings in one of the ball sections.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable mannequin which is both collapsible and attachable to a coat hanger. The mannequin includes a frame member having a bent upper portion, a hoop pivotally mounted to said frame member, and a hoop extension member connected at one end to said hoop and slideably connected at the other end to said frame member and having friction-producing member in the form of a tubular member provided over said frame member to provide friction between said hoop extension member and said frame member.

Abstract: A body relief display device comprises a first torso form shaped as a relief of a body part and including a first outer contour, and a second torso form shaped as a relief of a body part and including a second outer contour, the second torso form being substantially identical to the first torso form. The first torso form is mounted on top of the second torso form. The second torso form also includes a flat surface formed as an extension of the second outer contour. A frame may be mounted on the flat surface. An article of clothing, for example, a swim suit may be fitted onto the first torso form, which is on top of the second torso form. A multiplicity of the devices may be hung by the frames of the second torso forms from a stand. In this way, a multiplicity of different articles of clothing can be presented for viewing and one can leaf through the display devices as the pages of a book.