Fusion Specialties, Inc.

Noa Brands America, Inc.

Basf Se Corporation

Richard Varner

James D Barber

James Talaric

Derek Johnson

Kirk Firestone

Scott L Amman

David D Peters

Michael L Praw

Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg close to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.

Manikin stretch joint

A composite body is provided that includes a rigid polyurethane foam shell and an elastomeric polyurethane layer disposed over the rigid polyurethane foam shell. The rigid polyurethane foam shell defines a cavity within the composite body. The rigid polyurethane foam shell has a closed cell content of at least 70% and comprises the reaction product of a first isocyanate component and a first isocyanate-reactive component in the presence of a blowing agent. The elastomeric polyurethane layer is disposed over the polyurethane foam shell. The elastomeric polyurethane layer comprises the reaction product of a second isocyanate component and a second isocyanate-reactive component. A method of forming the composite body includes the step of molding the rigid polyurethane foam shell, demolding the rigid polyurethane foam shell from the mold, and applying an elastomeric polyurethane composition upon the rigid polyurethane foam shell after demolding to form the elastomeric polyurethane layer.

Composite body and method of making the same

Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg closer to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.

Systems and cold rotational molding methods are provided for making hollow, foam-backed polymeric molded articles. The molded articles can be manikins or manikin parts, or other articles, such as frames (e.g. for mirrors and pictures), urns, fixtures, furniture, display props, and garden furniture, made of a thermosetting elastomeric material. The articles are more structurally rigid than previous molded articles utilizing the same amount of polymer material, lighter in weight than previous molded articles having the same structural rigidity, and more resistant to deformation under temperatures up to 180 to 185&#xb0; F. The process of making a molded manikin part, from the first injection of polymer into the mold until demolding of the finished part, can be completed in as short a time as 18 minutes without the necessity for cradling of the demolded part, even when the part requires one or more flat surfaces.

Foam-backed, hollow articles made by cold rotational molding

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. The indexing pins allow the limbs to be placed in a variety of positions.

Display form having magnetically attachable parts

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.

Manikin joints

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.

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Longmont, CO, United States of America

Richard Varner