Abstract: A folding pen with two handle sections and a body is disclosed where the handle sections are attached to the body at hinges and rotate between two positions. The first closed position may cover the body and the second open position may reveal the body providing a writing implement with a pen point and a handle.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes an application assembly comprising a non-rigid container including an upper opening, a neck adjacent thereto, and a reservoir for storing a liquid cosmetic; and a massaging mechanism; and a vibration mechanism mounted to an outer surface of the container by securing to the neck and a lower portion of the container. The cosmetic applicator can provide a user with a pleasing “feel” when rubbed against the skin with the dispensed lotion and when the vibration mechanism activates.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly including a toothbrush and a toothpaste cartridge. The toothbrush includes: a handle having a compartment to receive the toothpaste cartridge; a head having bristles; a door covering an opening of the compartment; and a conduit running from the compartment to the head to deliver toothpaste from the toothpaste cartridge in the compartment to the head and the bristles.

Abstract: A novel applicator with a changeable applying pad. An applicator with an elongated body and an round applicator head coated with a layer of ‘Hook and Loop’ material and a synthetic cotton like pad or disposable fabric sheet attaches to the applicator head through the ‘Hook and Loop’ layer so that different pads may be used for different lotions and remains for good hygiene during use.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, an apparatus for applying lotion is provided, comprising a smooth, non-absorbent sheet for receiving lotion on an inner surface thereof; a first flexible handle extending from one corner to another corner of one side of the sheet; and a second flexible handle extending from one corner to another of an opposing side of the sheet, the first and second handles being arranged for receiving the arms of a user therethrough.

Abstract: A writing assist device includes a hand-receiving body having an exterior surface with a convex contour for ergonomically receiving the palm and/or fingers of the hand of a user from underneath and a base adapted to easily move by pushing or pulling on a writing surface to allow writing by the user. The body includes an inclined channel for receiving a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, and a securing element to releasably secure the writing instrument at an inclined angle in the channel. The channel is disposed on the body such that the thumb and index finger of the user lie on opposite sides of the channel during writing in manner that generally resembles the natural gripping of a pen or pencil between the thumb and index finger of an able-bodied person to impart a more natural feeling of writing control. A removable, stretchable cover can be placed on the exterior surface of the body for the comfort of the user before the user places his/her hand on the device.

Abstract: A pen with adjustable holding structure is essentially for the user to write with his/her specified finger to lean against a stop protuberance. The pen has a penholder with a writing end formed at its front tip for writing. The stop protuberance is provided ahead of the holding position, and an adjustable holding part is formed on the penholder behind the stop protuberance. With this structure, when manipulating the pen, the user may select one of five fingers as a specified one to lean against the stop protuberance to settle thereat. The adjustable holding part is bendable at random according to the user's manipulation habit so as to lead the specified finger to lean against the best position on the stop protuberance to perform writing with the pen.

Abstract: A writing instrument grip apparatus for holding a writing instrument for performing writing, the apparatus includes a first member adapted to receive a user's thumb and index and side of middle fingers and having a substantially vertical cylindrical chamber for receiving the writing instrument adapted to extend past a bottom surface of the first member for contacting a surface for performing writing; and a second member adapted to receive a user's middle, ring, and small fingers coupled to a top of the first member so that motion of the hand of the user powers the writing instrument for performing the writing in response to the motion; wherein pressure is directed away from joints of the thumb and at least one finger of the hand of the user.

Abstract: A writing implement capable of eliminating troubles associated with the adoption of a grip member having an end surface inclined from a vertical surface perpendicular to a central axis of a shaft tube. The inclination angle ? of a step-facing surface 5A of the grip member 5 is made smaller than the inclination angle ? of an inclined step surface 12 of the shaft tube 10. A gap G is partially formed between the step-facing surface 5A and the inclined step surface 12 when a compressive force is not applied to the grip member 5. When the grip member 5 is compressed, the whole of the step-facing surface 5A is further inclined and comes into contact with the inclined step surface 12.

Abstract: A pencil having a longitudinal axis and a gripping recess, in which the inside contour of the gripping recess in a first sectional plane transversely to the longitudinal axis has at least one concave portion. The inside contour of the gripping recess in a second sectional plane intersecting the first sectional plane at the longitudinal axis has at least one convex portion.

Abstract: A device designed to assist with the convenient and easy application of suntan lotion to all areas of the body. The device comprises a lifelike, hand-shaped applicator that allows even and comfortable spreading of the lotion on a user's skin. Further, the applicator includes human-like features, such as wrinkles and nails, and has fingers capable of manipulation to provide a more human feeling. The device further comprises a handle with one or more hinges, allowing the device to be folded and stored in a small bag or purse. The device does not require disposable pads, and provides a user with a lotion applicator that eliminates straining or missed application regions such as the back and legs.

Abstract: An applicator includes a hollow body having a central longitudinal axis to hold a colored ink, a shoulder portion, a central recessed portion, and a base portion. The shoulder portion is located above and merges with the central recessed portion at an upper end thereof and includes a top wall having an opening. The base portion is located below and merges with the central recessed portion at a lower end thereof and includes a bottom wall. The central recessed portion has a smooth continuous sidewall formed as a triangle with three sides of substantially identical dimensions. The central recessed portion merges with the shoulder portion and the base portion at upper and lower flared surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: An application device for applying a flowable substance is proposed, comprising: an outer sleeve (12) which has an outer peripheral wall (14) and an outer bottom (16), an inner sleeve (18) which has an inner peripheral wall (20) and an inner bottom (22), is guided in the outer sleeve (12) in a sealed manner and can be displaced between a closed position and an open position, an applicator (30) that engages at least partially in the inner sleeve (18), wherein the inner bottom (22) of the inner sleeve (18) has at least one opening (32), which in the closed position of the inner sleeve (18) is closed by a closing device (34) and in the open position of the inner sleeve (18) allows the flowable substance to pass through at least partially, wherein the applicator (30) during the movement of the inner sleeve (18) out of the closed position into the open position due to displacement is subjected to the flowable substance received in the receiving chamber (38) between the outer sleeve (12) and the inner sleeve (18) i

Abstract: An applicator device, including a holder for holding a substance, an applicator for applying the substance, and a temperature control circuit for controlling the temperature of the applicator and the substance to be applied by the applicator. The temperature control circuit includes a microprocessor unit for control and a temperature changing element located in close proximity to the applicator for changing the temperature of the applicator to a predetermined temperature under the control of the microprocessor unit.

Abstract: The Penz Mate is an external extension tool made to accompany writing utensils like pencils, pens, and markers, etc. giving the user an added holding advantage to the writing tool. The Penz Mate provides the user's finger easier access to grab the writing implement and also enables the Penz Mate user to switch stimulatingly and more efficiently and effectively between a variety of tasks to writing function and vise versa, with the least amount of time lost. The Penz Mate minimizes the misplacement of loss of writing utensils, as long as it is in use, while at the same time, is attached to the user's desired finger.

Abstract: A pen or pencil comprising a casing, the outside contour of which forms two or more gripping surfaces (12, 14, 16). There is at least one intermediate region (18, 20, 22) which is between two adjacent gripping surfaces in the peripheral direction and in which the outside contour of the casing is radially within a notional intersection line (24) of the two adjacent gripping surfaces.

Abstract: An adjustable liquid-wiping device includes an adjustable handle and a serving container. The adjustable handle is a shaft which is flexible and telescopic. The serving container, connected to one end of the adjustable handle, forms a liquid-reserving space therein for containing lotion, medical liquid, or other liquid. The serving container is provided with a liquid supplying portion. Whereby, the adjustable liquid-wiping device is very convenient for assisting a user in wiping liquid on any parts of user's body by utilizing the adjusting function.

Abstract: A method of moulding a composite member and a composite member are provided in which a convex part can be formed at one member by moulding the other member integrally to the one member. A concave part 10a is provided at least at a part inside a metal mould 10 located on the side opposite the second member fusion bonding surface side of the above-mentioned first member 6b, the above-mentioned second thermoplastic material is melted and ejected to the second member fusion bonding surface side of the first member 6b, the first member 6b is changed in shape by injection pressure of the melted second thermoplastic material, and a convex part 6a is formed at the first member.

Abstract: Container for receiving a composition, a device including such a container, a use and a method for applying the composition contained in such a container on the nails, the container comprising a side wall that extends along a central axis between a bottom and an opening, the side wall presenting a first outside constriction shaped to receive two adjacent fingers, other than the thumb, of a first hand of a user. The side wall also includes a second outside constriction shaped to receive two adjacent fingers, other than the thumb of a second hand of the same user, the second constriction being spaced apart from the first constriction along the central axis.

Abstract: A dry eraser is disclosed including an eraser body having an upper region and a lower region, a layer of erasing material having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion affixed to the lower region of the eraser body, at least one socket on the upper region for accommodating at least a portion of a writing utensil, and a magnetic member operatively engaged to the eraser body between the top portion of the layer of erasing material and the upper region of the eraser body.

Abstract: An article, in particular a writing implement, has a gripping zone with raised structures. In which case, in a region of the gripping zone, the article is coated with a film which has the raised structures on its surface. In particular, the adherence of the raised structures to the surface of the article is improved.

Abstract: Hand-held device that accommodates an instrument, preferably a writing instrument. In certain embodiments, the device is a unitary elongated member that is shaped and configured to receive an instrument such as a pen or pencil, thereby defining a holder and instrument assembly. It has a curvilinear generally central portion which is shaped and positioned to rest against the hand of the user between the index finger and thumb. A plurality of bores receive the instrument and secure it in place to create a unitary assembly that allows the user to readily and easily control the instrument. The instrument is readily removable from the device.

Abstract: A sanitary disposable writing instrument for minimizing the transfer of bacteria, viruses and/or chemicals from one person to another including a strip of flexible holding material, a writing implement removably secured to the flexible holding material, and a writing tip associated with the writing implement. At least a second writing instrument can be provided to form a series of removably secured writing instruments wherein removal of one writing instrument from the series causes a next writing instrument to be positioned for removal from the series. Combination dispenser and holding members for dispensing the series of writing instruments in a sanitary manner is also provided. The holding members can be mounted on either a vertical or horizontal support surface and can receive replacement dispensers therein.

Abstract: A casing for a writing instrument comprises an outer shaft, an inner shaft, and a nib. The outer shaft is formed using dual injection molding. An outer surface of the outer shaft includes a raised hard part and a raised soft part. The inner shaft is formed of a thin-wall tube having an upper end and a lower end, the inner shaft being configured for insertion inside the outer shaft. The inner shaft further includes a fastener protruding on its upper end that engages an upper end of the outer shaft. The nib is configured to engage the lower end of the inner shaft to help secure the inner shaft within the outer shaft. The raised hard or soft parts on the outer surface of the outer shaft may include an oblique loop-shaped part, a strip-shaped part, and/or an arc-shaped part.

Abstract: A nail polish bottle has a pair of external generally arcuate depressions formed in opposite walls of the bottle that are sized to accommodate a respective one of adjacent fingers of a user's hand when those fingers are spread apart so that the fingers exert a gripping and stabilizing force against the bottle. The preferred location for the generally arcuate depressions places them at the lower portion of the bottle at approximately the same distance from the base of the bottle, and preferably close to the base.

Abstract: The present invention comprises several variants of means for facilitating hand removal of a nail polish cap from a nail polish bottle. One variant of the present invention comprises a free-standing, reusable grip placed over at least a portion of the cap of a nail polish bottle to assist in opening said bottle when it would otherwise be difficult to do so by hand without a grip. A kit containing several of these grips can be provided by my invention. The present invention further comprises a cap made of one material with grips of a different material integrated therein. The present invention further comprises a cap made either entirely or mostly of grip material. The present invention still further comprises a nail polish bottle having either a cap with integrated grips or a cap made of grip material.

Abstract: A device for packaging and applying a product including a container holding the product. In an example, the container has a lengthwise axis X and is provided with an applicator element designed to come into contact with a surface to be treated in order to apply the product. The applicator element is in fluid communication with the container when it is in contact with this surface to be treated. A support defines a seating for the applicator element, with the support being at least in a fixed axial position relative to the container. The device further includes a grasping element connected to the support by a resiliently deformable connecting element in a manner such that, in response to a force exerted on the applicator element when the device is being held by the grasping element, the support is able to move relative to the grasping element. In addition, the support is preferably designed to revert to its initial position when the exertion of force ceases.

Abstract: A writing implement. A tubular outer shell (11) is provided outside a grip member (10), an inner shell (12) made of a soft material is provided entirely inside the outer shell (11), and the inner shell (12) is covered with the moderately hard outer shell (11). Thus, while the inner shell (12) inside can allow the user to feel the fit, the outer shell (11) outside prevents the inner shell (12) from getting damaged or worn even if the inner shell (12) is soft, so as to fully secure durability of the grip member (10). Since a thin part (11A) of the outer shell (11) is sufficiently thin on a swell (13), the excellent fit can be given to the user even if the outer shell (11) is formed of a hard elastic material to fully secure the durability of the grip member (10).

Abstract: The compact toothbrush (10) has a handle that is designed so that the toothbrush (10) can be held within a user's open palm. The toothbrush's lower portion (12) has a substantially triangular contour. The toothbrush has a bristled head (14) and an oppositely disposed support rib (26). The support rib extends along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush from an upper edge of the toothbrush's head (14), to a central region of the toothbrush's lower portion. The lower portion of the toothbrush handle has first and second opposed, outwardly flared side edges (30, 32) that are joined together at the lower edge (34) so that the lower portion has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional contour. The user cups the toothbrush (10) in the palm of his hand and extends two fingers adjacent to the support rib to stabilize the toothbrush (10) while brushing his teeth.

Abstract: A sanitary disposable writing instrument for minimizing the transfer of bacteria, viruses and/or chemicals from one person to another is provided. The sanitary disposable writing instrument comprises a strip of flexible holding material having a writing implement with a writing tip attached to the flexible material. A grasping means is formed from a portion of the holding material. This grasping means allows the user to grasp the writing implement to write with the writing tip. The disposable writing instruments are provided in a series of instruments that may be removed, used, and disposed of leaving a subsequent, untouched sanitary writing instrument in place for the next user. A dispenser for dispensing these writing instruments and a method of making such instruments is also provided in this invention.

Abstract: Ink formulation comprising liquid medium and colorant dispersed in the liquid medium wherein the liquid medium comprises an unsaturated resin derived from natural sources. Also, writing instruments containing such ink formulation.

Abstract: A barrel for a writing implement includes a barrel body having a gripping part, and a grip member of layered structure formed by assembling an inner member of a soft material and an outer member, and is put on the gripping part of the barrel body. The inner member is covered with the outer member, and at least one of the outside surface of the inner member and the inside surface of the outer member is formed in an assembly facilitating shape for facilitating putting the outer member on the inner member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for applying floor finish. The system can include a back or other pack configured to hold one or more containers of liquid floor finish, a wand applicator, and metering valve. The wand applicator can include handle and conduit. The conduit can provide fluid communication of floor finish from the container to a floor. The metering valve can be configured to controllably provide fluid communication of floor finish through the conduit and to release floor finish onto the floor. In an embodiment the system also includes a cleanout coupler. In an embodiment the system also includes a filter configured to filter the floor finish. In an embodiment, the backpack includes a grip configured for carrying the backpack. In an embodiment, the backpack includes positioning portion or surface configured to support portions of the container. In an embodiment, the backpack includes padded attachment apparatus configured to support the backpack on a wearer.

Abstract: A writing implement holding device includes at least one finger receptacle configured to receive a finger of a user and a fastening element attached to the at least one finger receptacle. The fastening element is configured to be removably secured to a writing implement, such as a pen or pencil or the like. The at least one finger receptacle includes side wall portions and an open insert end. The insert end is configured to enable a user to insert at least one finger into the at least one finger receptacle such that the side wall portions surround a segment of the inserted finger or fingers. The finger receptacle may be generally parallel to or generally along the writing implement, such that when the finger of a user is inserted into the finger receptacle, the finger may also be generally parallel to or generally along the writing implement.

Abstract: An ergonomic pen having a convex device for an index finger exerting force thereon includes a first indentation proximate a tip thereof, a second indentation besides the first indentation, and an elongate member between the first and second indentations. The elongate member has a convex top surface. The first indentation is adapted to be urged by the muscle opposing the finger nail of the thumb, the second indentation is adapted to be urged by the muscle opposing the finger nail of the middle finger, and the elongate member is adapted to be urged by the muscle opposing the finger nail of the index finger, respectively, with the wrist being disposed in a relatively relaxed position in writing. Easy, labor saving writing can be effected.

Abstract: A medical liquid applicator system that includes an applicator grip assembly, a flexible reservoir and an applicator head. The applicator grip assembly is composed of a first section with a first distal end and a second section with a second distal end, a longitudinal axis, a front side, a back side, a predetermined grip length, a predetermined grip width, a fold axis separating the first section and the second section, the fold axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a fold-activated dispensing slit located on the fold axis. The flexible reservoir is joined to a back side of the applicator grip assembly and is in liquid communication with the fold-activated dispensing slit. The applicator head is joined to the front side of the applicator grip assembly at the fold axis and is in liquid communication with the dispensing slit.

Abstract: A writing utensil includes a body including a sleeve to receive a single finger tip of the user during writing conditions. A reservoir contains the ink and releases it via an orifice formed at a distal-most end of the body. A mechanism may be included for releasing the ink from a distal end of the body when an external force is applied against the sleeve and towards the distal end of the body. The mechanism may include a nozzle may additionally be conjoined directly to the orifice and contiguously abutted thereagainst so that the ink may be discharged away from the reservoir past the ball bearing while exiting the distal tip of the nozzle.

Abstract: A finger attachable writing apparatus includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The housing has a first end and a second end. A conduit is coupled to and is angled downwardly from the bottom wall. An aperture extends into a free end of the conduit and into an interior of the housing. A finger engaging member is attached to the housing and is configured to releasably attach the housing to a finger. An ink dispensing assembly is mounted in the housing. The ink dispensing assembly is positionable in a deployed position extending outwardly of the conduit or in a stored position. The ink dispensing assembly is configured to dispense ink from the conduit when in the deployed position.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing cleaning or scrubbing device that includes a handle and a scrubbing head. The handle is hollow and holds a cleaning liquid. The head twists from an open position to a closed position. When the head is an open position, the user pushes a button on the back of the head to deliver a substantial amount of cleaning liquid to the bottom of the scrubbing head. The head receives liquid through a re-sealable inset screw cap filler port. The filler port is on the bottom of the head, and when the scrubbing device is fully assembled the filler port is completely and conveniently out of the user's way.

Abstract: The invention provides an ergonomic handle for a writing instrument, having a writing tip at its proximal end, the handle being designed to facilitate the positioning of the user's hand grip, the handle comprising a longitudinally extending body substantially oval in cross-section and being provided with four, substantially concave indentations positioned towards the proximal end of the handle, a first concave indentation being provided along a top surface of the handle, second and third indentations being provided along lateral surfaces, and a fourth indentation being provided along the bottom surface of the body, characterized in that the surface of the top of the handle is contoured such that extending from its distal end toward its proximal end and approaching the proximal end there is provided the concave indentation which extends and merges into an elevated ridge-like surface support which tapers angularly towards the proximal end of the handle, so as to allow for positioning of the user's index finger

Abstract: A pen with adjustable holding structure is essentially for the user to write with his/her specified finger to lean against a stop protuberance. The pen has a penholder with a writing end formed at its front tip for writing. The stop protuberance is provided ahead of the holding position, and an adjustable holding part is formed on the penholder behind the stop protuberance. With this structure, when manipulating the pen, the user may select one of five fingers as a specified one to lean against the stop protuberance to settle thereat. The adjustable holding part is bendable at random according to the user's manipulation habit so as to lead the specified finger to lean against the best position on the stop protuberance to perform writing with the pen.

Abstract: In an offset pen structure for rapid assembling, a holding portion is disposed, and an offset portion extends from the side at the front part of the holding portion, and a writing device base is disposed at the end of the offset portion, wherein the offset portion together with the holding portion has a hollow passage formed therein such that the hollow passage has an opening formed at the front end of the offset portion; the opening being used for mounting a recording device and covered by a lid; the writing device base is disposed at the front end of the lid; a fixing portion is disposed at the rear end of the lid, the fixing portion being fixed at the end of the offset portion to fix and position the writing device base on the holding portion; and further a cap is disposed on the writing device base to form a protection, with a clip disposed on the side thereof, the clip being used to be inserted into a pocket of the user for convenient carry.

Abstract: A writing instrument that includes a body extending along a central axis between a front end provided with a writing tip and a rear end, the body presenting a grip zone and comprising at least first and second elements that are assembled together, and a tubular grip sleeve covering the grip zone at least in part. The grip sleeve presents at least one projection extending towards the central axis, and the first and second body elements define a housing adapted to receive the projection of the sleeve, the projection being pinched in the housing by the first and second assembled-together elements.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for a writing instrument that can be manipulated into an infinite number of shapes and configurations. The invention can be applied to relieve minor stress as well as strengthen hand muscles, rehabilitate finger and joint movement, and improve overall range of hand motion. A textured coating can be applied to the surface of each segment that gives the writing instrument a unique feel, thereby creating a pleasant sensation and feel to the hands and fingers. Segments can operate as a holder for a writing instrument body, and similarly can be arranged to provide a creative sculpture. Segments can be removed as desired by the user.

Abstract: A unique apparatus for the application of lotions, balms and creams to a person's back area includes interchangeable applicators each having a removable connection through which lotions is introduced to the applicator. Soft, flexible tubing transmits the lotion throughout the interior of the applicator that, in turn, has a series of small apertures allowing the liquid-based material to be dispersed onto the applicator pad when gently squeezed. In use, a person pulls the pad back and forth across their back using the long straps attached to each end. It is also envisioned that the pad could be supported from a shower wall to allow the user to rub their back against it. One side is the applicator pad while the other side and side edges are coated with a waterproof sealant to keep the material from saturating the side that is not is use.

Abstract: An applicator for treating hard to reach body parts without assistance. The applicator in one embodiment includes a folding handle that nests into itself for compact storage and transport. The applicator includes an applicator head with removable pads that can be removed and sanitized or disposed. The pads can be impregnated with products, have products applied to them, have exfoliating cloths on them or otherwise configured. The applicator of another embodiment includes a flexible backing member onto which applicator inserts can be attached. The flexible member can be applied to a body part and manipulated to treat the body part. The inserts can be removed, sanitized for reuse or disposed.

Abstract: An applicator of application substances, which can be repeatedly used and can be mounted on various containers, is provided. An applicator 10 comprising: an application surface 11 to be in contact with a target application surface and a support surface 13 to be in contact with a finger being formed as integrated front and back surfaces; a mounting port 14 matching an opening of an application substance container 20 for housing an application substance; a discharge port 12 being opened in the application surface 11; and a flow path 15 guiding the application substance from the mounting port to the discharge port 12, penetrating between the application surface 11 and the support surface 13.

Abstract: A writing assistance device including a hand support and at least one writing instrument holder. The hand support includes a base member adapted for contacting a surface upon which a user intends to write, and an upper member movably connected to the base member. The upper member is preferably dimensioned to accommodate a substantial portion of a user's hand and the writing assistance device is designed such that manipulation of the device is accomplished, in part, by downward force generated by the weight of a user's hand and forearm on the hand support rather than gripping of the hand support. The device includes resilient biasing structure to achieve effective separation of the upper member from the base member in order to raise a writing instrument when a user lifts his or her hand (or causes his or her hand to be lifted) from the upper member.

Abstract: A bath product includes a flexible main body having an inside provided with a receiving space to receive a soap and a side provided with an entrance connected to the receiving space. Thus, the main body can co-operate with the body lotion or the soap to clean a user's body. In addition, when the main body is combined with the soap, a large number of bubbles are produced by the three-dimensional multi-layer porous hollow structure of the main body to clean the user's body easily and quickly. Further, the residual water contained in the main body is drained quickly by the three-dimensional multi-layer porous hollow structure of the main body, thereby enhancing the drying effect of the main body.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that includes an elongated, substantially hollow body having at least one opening, and a recoil mechanism integrally formed in the body and comprising a lanyard configured to extend from and recoil into the body. The container also includes a plunger slideably coupled with an interior surface of the body and configured to one of extend the item outward from an opening in the body, or, retract the item inward into the body. The container may include a flip-top cap integrally formed with the body, and an advance mechanism that causes the plunger to extend or retract in response to the direction of a rotating force.