GB2411595A - Body covering - Google Patents

Abstract

A body covering comprising a sheet of flexible material having a pair of side edges opposite one another and each spaced from a central region of the sheet, characterised in that the sheet has elongate openings extending inwardly of the sheet from said opposite side edges to said central region to provide the sheet with a plurality of lateral limbs that can be individually wrapped over and unwrapped from off selected parts of a human or animal body lying on the central region of the sheet. This allows parts of the body to be individually exposed one at a time for treatment (e.g. massage or therapeutic treatment or medical, health, health-related or beauty treatment) whilst other parts of the body remain covered by the lateral limbs.

Description

2411 595 - 1

BODY COVERINGS

D E S CR T PTI ON

Technical Field

This invention relates to body coverings to cover the human or animal body.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a body covering comprising a sheet of flexible material having a pair of side edges opposite one another and each spaced from a central region of the sheet, characterised in that the sheet has elongate openings extending inwardly of the sheet from said opposite side edges to said central region to provide the sheet with a plurality of lateral limbs that can be individually wrapped over and unwrapped from off selected parts of a human or animal body lying on the central region of the sheet.

This allows parts of the body to be individually exposed one at a time for treatment (e.g. massage or therapeutic treatment or medical, health, health-related or beauty treatment) whilst other parts of the body remain covered by the lateral limbs.

The sheet may comprise a single layer or a plurality of layers-optionally with alternative material in the space between them, e.g. a cushioning and/or insulating material.

Conveniently the openings may be provided by slits cut into the side edges of the sheet.

Optionally a plurality of said openings are provided on each side edge and advantageously these openings are spaced such as to provide lateral limbs that can be e KT-13103 L 03/2005 e e e e e e e e . c oe e e e e ë- see .e

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wrapped individually over one or more of head, arms, upper torso, midriff, abdomen, legs, and feet of a human body lying on the central region of the sheet.

Optionally the central region is provided at one or each end with an extension located inwardly of said side edges and to support the head and/or the feet of a human.

Optionally the extension to support the head is of rectangular shape.

Preferably the extension to support the head is of double thickness and provided with an opening for the insertion and removal therethrough of a cushion.

Preferably the extension to support the feet may be of triangular or frusto-triangular shape..

Brief Description of the Drawings

By way of example, embodiments of this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention, Figure 3 is an underneath plan view of the embodiment of Fig 2, Figure 4 is an underneath plan view of a third embodiment of the invention, Figure 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention, Figure 6 is a plan view of a cover unit embodying the invention on its own and/or constituting a fitment for the embodiment of Fig S. Figure 7 is an underneath plan view of the cover unit illustrated in Fig 6, Figure 8 is a plan view of a disposable covering embodying the invention on its own and/or constituting a fitment for the embodiment of Fig 5 or for the combination of Figs. 5 and 6, Figure 9 is an underneath plan view of the disposable covering of Fig 8, Figure lo is a plan view of a body covering conforming to still another embodiment of the invention, . Kr-0103 1 ()3/2005 ee.

. ë. .. e - 3 Figure 11 is a plan view of a cover unit suitable for the body covering of Fig 10 and itself conforming to yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 12 is an underneath plan of the cover unit of Fig 11, Figure 13 is a plan view of a covering suitable for overlying the cover unit of Figs 11 and 12 and/or the body covering of Fig 10, and itself conforming to still another embodiment of this invention, Figure 14 is an underneath plan view of the covering of Fig 13, Figure 15 is a plan view of a modification to the covering of Figs 13 and 14, and Figure 16 is an underneath plan view of the modified covering of Fig 15.

Detailed Description of Example(s) of the Invention Each of the embodiments illustrated in Figs 1-4 provides a body covering 10 comprising a sheet 12 of flexible material having a pair of side edges 13, 14 opposite one another and spaced from a central region 15 of the sheet. The sheet 12 has an elongate openingl6 extending inwardly of the sheet from each side edge 13,14 to said central region]5 to provide the sheet with a plurality of lateral limbs that can be wrapped individually over selected parts of a human or animal body lying on the central region of the sheet. The openings 16 are each provided by a slit cut into the associated side edge 13,14 of the sheet. These slit-like openings 16 provide upper and lower pairs of lateral limbs 17,18 that can be wrapped individually over one or more of the arms and upper torso (using limbs 17) , and/or the midriff, abdomen, legs and feet (using limbs 18), of a human body lying on the central region 15 of the sheet.

The plurality of lateral limbs 17,18 allow selected parts of the user's body to be individually exposed one at a time by opening out a selected one of the limbs 17,18 to permit the exposed body part to be subjected to treatment, e.g. massage or therapeutic and/or medical treatment or one or more beauty treatments, whilst other not-under treatment parts of the body remain covered by the closed over lateral limbs of the sheet.

In the embodiments of Figs 1 to 4 the central region 15 is provided at its upper end with a rectangular extension 25 to support the user's head, and at the lower end with e 13l03 lr03I2of)S a e - 4 a triangular extension 27 to support the user's feet (when that extension is placed below the user's feet) or to cover the user's feet (when that extension is folded over the user's feet) . These two extensions are located inwardly of said side edges 13, I 4. The inclined edges of the triangular extension 27 are referenced 28,29. It will be appreciated that the lower triangular extension 27 may be folded under the central region 15 to provide (additional) cushioning for the feet of a user.

In the embodiment of Fig 1, the body covering 10 is a quilt formed of two layers of flexible material with the space between them filled or containing a cushioning and/or a thermally insulating material (not shown) . The two layers are connected to one another all around their perimeter and at intervals, e.g. by lines of stitching. An example of lines of stitching is shown in Fig l by broken lines 22,23.

The lines of stitching referenced 23 may coincide with fold lines whereby the upper and lower lateral limbs 17,18 can be selectively folded over the central region 15 and such as to cover all or only selected parts of the body of the person lying on central region 15. Such folding over (to cover all of the body) is to the positions shown in Fig 1 by the longer broken lines in which the selvedges adjacent side edges 13,14 overlap one another. In an alternative arrangement the fold lines 23 may be provided by elongate narrow strips of single ply fabric or of unfilled two-ply fabric.

The triangular extension 27 forms a flap that can be folded upwardly about its base line -which is substantially colinear with the bottom of limbs 18-such that its inclined selvedges overlie (or are overlain by) the lower regions of those limbs 18 (when they, themselves, are folded over) as shown by the longer broken lines 28,29 in Fig 1.

It will also be noted in Fig I that the lower corners of limbs 18 are cut away to provide inclined edges 26. These are preferably inclined similarly to (i.e. parallel or, as shown, co-linear to) the inclined edges 28,29 of the unfolded triangular extension flap 27. As is clear from Figure l, this flap 27 is selectively to cover or expose the user's feet as that flap is folded over or left free (in the position shown by full lines in Fig 1). As KT-R 1 03 .t (3/2005. . . , . . ..

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already indicated this triangular extension can alternatively be folded under the central region to provide a cushion effect.

It will be appreciated that by providing for the quilting (lines 22) to extend upwardly to the head supporting extension 25, that extension can serve as a cushion for the user's head. A similar quilting through the flap 27 ensures that a similar cushioning and/or an insulating effect is provided for the user's feet.

The quilt arrangement of Fig 1 may be used on its own or, in a modification shown in Figs 2 and 3, may be incorporated within a cover unit 30 composed of 'inner' and outer' sheets 31, 32. These sheets 31,32 are in substantial registry with one another and seam stitched to one another at their boundary edges, the seam stitching being located inside the cavity formed between them. The quilt arrangement 10 of Fig 1 is accommodated fittingly within this two-ply cover unit 30 and a slot or other opening 33 is provided in 'outer' sheet 32 through which unit 10 can be inserted into and removed from the cover unit 30. The cover unit 30 also has elongate openings 16 a corresponding to the elongate openings 16 of body covering 10.

The selvedge edges of the limbs 37,38 (covering the quilt's limbs 17,18) are each formed with a flat strip of single ply fabric or of unfilled twoply fabric, e.g. to provide a so-called placket 30a. Each placket may be for example 3.75cm (1.5") wide. These plackets, optionally with regions inwardly of their side edges, are provided with mutually engageable releasable fastening means 35 to permit the limbs to be fastened in positions fully or partially enveloping selected parts of the user's body.

:25 Advantageously further fastening means 34 may be provided on the upper limbs 37 such that they can hold those limbs in partially folded over condition, i.e. partially open positions, e.g. with just the upper corners folded over. This allows for facial treatment only, say, whilst other parts of the user's body remain fully covered. Preferably the releasable fastening means 34 and 35 comprise pairs of resilient, mutually engageable press-studs or so-called "poppers". For the quilt cover these will preferably be of plastics material.

Cl-n103 ok 03/2005 e e e e e e e e e - 6 Before assembly, sheet 32 may be formed with an overlap of, say 5cm (2") to allow for suitable seamed stitching.

The outer sheet 32 of the two-ply cover unit 30 may be of any suitable material, although a waMe/seersucker cotton is preferred. The inner sheet 31 of two-ply cover unit 30 may be of any suitable material although, to improve thermal insulation and user comfort, a flannelette material (e.g. in a contrasting colour to sheet 32) is preferred.

Alternatively, the cover 30 may be of inexpensive natural fabric or synthetic material to constitute a wholly disposable item. An example of this is the embodiment shown in Fig 4 which is similar to that of Figs 2 and 3 but has externally visible raw stitching at its edges (instead of internally stitched seams) and has large elasticated oval openings 43 and 46 instead of the narrow slot-like openings 33 and 36 of Fig 3. For such a disposable item and as an alternative to poppers, the releasable fastening means may be of a releasable hook-and-eye variety, (e.g. that known by the Trade Mark "VELCRO"). This disposable item may be used as a cover for the quilt of Fig 1 or, in modified form of use, it may be fitted over a combination of quilt unit 10 that is encompassed in a two-ply intermediate cover unit 30 such as described in the preceding paragraphs.

In each of the particular embodiments described above, the dimensions may be approximately as follows: the limbs 17 are 40.5cm (16") wide and 68. 5cm (27") long, the limbs 18 are 40.5cm (16") wide and 81cm (32") long, the slot-like openings 16 are 40.5cm (16") long, the central region 15 is 71cm (28") wide, the top extension 25 is 71cm (28") wide, the top extension 25 has a length (height) of 43cm (17"), and the base of the triangular extension 27 is 71cm (28") wide.

Icrnlo3 toq/2005 *'* ,. .., . **, .e 2 , * - 7 It will be appreciated that these dimensions can be modified to suit different circumstances and the present invention is not restricted to them.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the quilt unit 50 is generally similar to that of Fig 1 except that, in this embodiment, the bottom end portions of limbs 18 have inclined cut-away lower edges 56 that are co-linear with the inclined edges of a trusto-triangular foot extension portion 57. The longer base of this inverted trusto-triangular extension 57 has a width corresponding to the overall width of the body covering 50 (i.e. between side edges 13,14). The shorter "head" of this inserted trusto-triangular extension 57 is of the order of 45cm (18") in length. The other dimensions of body covering 50 are approximately as follows: the limbs 17 are 60cm (24") wide and 72.5cm (29") long, the limbs 18 are 60cm (24") wide and 95cm (38") long, the slot-like openings 16 are 60cm (24") long, the central region 15 is 80cm (32") wide, and the top extension 25 is 80cm (32") wide, and has a length (height) of 37.5cm (15").

In addition, the spacing between the lines of stitching 22,23 is preferably 20cm (8").

As an option, a separate cushion 58 may be associated the quilt unit 50. Preferably, this separate cushion is of triangular form.

Optionally the quilt unit 50 is in use covered by a cover unit 60 as that shown in Figs 6 and 7. This cover unit 60 can itself be considered a separate embodiment of the present invention. It is a two-ply structure providing a hollow "pocket" between the plies, and has a shape corresponding to that of quilt unit 50 (and with elongate openings 16 or 16a). The side edges 63,64 of cover unit 60 are provided by elongate flat strips of fabric having no such "pocket", and releasable fasteners such as snap-connect press studs or "poppers" are provided on the strips 63,64 to permit inter-engagement of strips 63,64 when the limbs 17,67 and 18,68 are folded over to meet generally centrally of central region 65.

ICr-111()3 1, ()q/2001 a a a . a ä a a a - 8 The rear ply of the cover unit 60 is provided with an elongate slot, e.g. 115cm (46") long, through which the quilt unit 50 can be inserted (and removed) and maneuvered to ensure the quilt unit's limbs 17,18 enter into the pockets 67,68 of the cover unit 60 and are fittingly accommodated by them. The head extension 66 of cover unit 60 is provided with an upper addendum consisting of a triangular-shaped two-ply pocket 62 connected to the head extension 66 by a connecting strip 61. The connecting strip 61 is of single ply fabric to permit the triangular pocket 62 to accommodate a cushion 58 therein-inserted via an elongate base opening 69 adjacent strip 61. This head extension can then be folded over, or under, the head extension 66 and provide (additional) cushioning support for the user's head.

To prevent, or at least minimise, soiling of the cover unit 60 it may be covered by a disposable or re-usable exterior covering 70 (Figs 8 and 9). This covering 70 may itself be considered a separate embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the covering 70 is in the form of a large pocket formed of two layers in registry with one another and/or inter-edge connected, e.g. by sewing. Covering 70 is made of thin, absorbent, preferably non-woven material (e.g. a cellulose fabric) that is inexpensive and readily disposable. It can therefore be suited to just a single-occasion use in the treatment of just one user, and then replaced by a fresh such covering 70 for each of subsequent users. To facilitate fitting of covering 70 over cover unit 60 (or, in an alternative use mode, where cover unit 60 is omitted, directly over the quilt unit 50) the covering 70 may be of two parts 71,72 with a tail 73 depending from upper part 71 and insertable inside the upper mouth 74 of the lower part 72. Such a two-part arrangement allows for replacement of just one part rather than the entire covering, e.g. where treatment has been just to the lower body or to the face and/or upper body.

In an alternative arrangement, the covering 70 may be provided as a single unit, combining parts 71,72 into one. Such a single unit has slits in registry with the slits 16 of the quilt unit 10 or 50 (and the slits 16a of the cover unit 60, if provided), and is also provided with an opening in the exterior ply for the insertion and removal therethrough of the quilt unit 50 (with or without its enveloping cover unit 60 thereon).

KT-n1 of.,1. 03/200$ e e ë a . . . ... . In another modification, the covering 70 (in one part or in two) is of a waterproof material. An example of this might be to provide each layer of the covering as two superimposed plies, one being absorbent and the other being waterproof to protect the underlying quilt (and any cover unit enveloping the quilt unit).

In general, the reference numerals used in Figures 10 to 16 correspond to those used in Figures 1 to 9 for similar features with the addition of 100.

The embodiment of Fig 10 is a quilted body covering 110 substantially similar to the body covering 10 of Fig I save for the following: a) The upper edges of 117a of the limbs 117 are curved and this provides a contoured neck zone-when limbs 117 are folded over-to facilitate access to the face and neck of a user, e.g. for massage or therapeutic treatment or medical, health, health related or beauty treatments of the face or neck of a user. These contoured edges 117a avoid the need of "poppers" or other fastening means 34 to hold back the corners of folded-over limbs 117 (as is preferred for the limbs 17,37 of the embodiment of Figs 1 to 9).

b) A frusto-triangular cushion 125a is provided to support the user's head. This may be loose or may be inserted into an opening 125b provided in the top edge of a double-thickness, rectangular, top extension 125 of the body covering 110. An alternative use of this cushion is beneath the abdomen of the user when he/she is in a face-down position-thereby permitting better upward access to the user's face.

c) The bottom of the body covering has a generally rectangular extension 127 (in place of triangular extension 27 in the embodiment of Fig 1). The bottom of limbs 118 are defined by laterally extending edges 126, and the extension 127 has longitudinally extending edges 128, chamfered corner edges 129 and a central, end edge 126a between the chamfered corner edges 129. This shape minimises the "bulkiness" of the bottom end of body covering 110 when the limbs 118 are folded over : ':: : .:. ::: For nl03 I.L oq/20s e e.. - 10

Although the body covering 110 can be made in any suitable material, it is preferably formed of a fleece-like fabric or of a blanket-like fabric. A ribbon binding may be provided on some or all edges of the fabric to enhance its durability and appearance.

Optionally, the quilted body covering 110 of Fig 10 may be used on its own.

Preferably though, the body covering 110 is intended to be inserted into a more easily washable cover unit 130 (shown in Figs 11 and 12) that conforms generally to the shape of the body covering 110. This cover unit 130 is preferably of a poly-cotton fabric, has an opening 133 in the back layer of the unit through which the body covering 110 can be inserted, and has elongate openings 116a to be aligned with the elongate openings 116 of the body covering. This provides wing-like pockets 137,138 to accommodate the limbs 117,118. Furthermore, the cover unit 130 has a long tapered frusto-triangular bottom edge 130c that, in use, has its inclined edges extending generally parallel to the chamfered edges 129 of the body covering 110 from the side edges 113,114 of the body covering 110 to the bottom end edge 126a of the body covering 110. The cover unit also has each of its side edges (that in use extend substantially parallel to the side edges 113,114 of the body covering 110) defined by a placket 130a provided with co operable two-part press-studs or "poppers" 35.

In addition the cover unit 130 has a pocket-like "head" extension 135 to accommodate the head extension 125 of the body covering, this head extension 135 having a frusto triangular top portion 135a to accommodate the similarly shaped cushion 125a. The latter is inserted into top portion 135a via an opening 135b provided in a placket 135c extending across the junction between parts 135 and 135a.

In an alternative form, rather than providing a pocket or envelope for the body covering 110, the cover unit l 30 may be of just a single layer (without opening 133) to overlie the body covering 110. In such a case, double pocket-like layers may be provided at 135a (with the opening 135b) to accommodate the cushion 125a.

. . ..:: . :. A:: Icr 13103 .L ov200s . - 11 The quilted body covering 110, either on its own or enveloped by the cover unit 130, may be in use covered by a disposable or re-usable exterior covering 170 (Figs 13 and 14). The exterior covering 170 has features corresponding to those of the exterior covering 70 of Figs 8 an 9 save that: a) its shape conforms to that of body covering 110 and cover unit 130; b) it has fastening means 175 in the form of adhesive strips rather than the press-studs or poppers 34,35; c) each of the upper part 171 and the lower part 172 have a "tail" 173' and 173" for insertion into openings 174' and 174" respectively provided in the lower and upper parts 172, 171 of the covering 170; d) a slit opening 183 is provided in the underneath layer of the covering 170 to facilitate insertion of the quilted body covering 110 (and any cover unit 130 enveloping it) into the disposable or re-usable exterior covering 170; e) the opening 179 in the underneath layer of covering 170- corresponding to opening 79 in Fig 9-provided to facilitate insertion of the cushion 125a, is adjacent to a placket 171c that extends across the width of the head portion 171a of upper part 171.

In the modification illustrated in Figs 15 and 16, the covering 270 corresponds generally to the covering 170 of Figs 13 and 14 and has the following features: A. The covering 270 is formed as a single unit conforming in shape generally with units 110 and 130.

B. This single covering 270 has slits 216 in registry with the slits 116 of the quilt unit of Fig 10 (and the slits 116a of the cover unit 130, if provided), C. The covering 270 is also provided with an opening 233 in its the exterior (underneath) layer through which opening the quilt unit 110 (and cover unit 130, if provided) are inserted and removed. Advantageously, the opening 233 is formed as an elliptical cut-out having an elasticated boundary.

D. The underneath layer of covering 270 is also provided at its upper end with a pocket having a mouth 279 through which the cushion 125a can be inserted and removed.

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. KT.1 03 AL ()3/2005 . . . . ë ., ... - 12

lt will be apparent from the foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments of this invention that it is possible to provide a three-part cover system for users undergoing treatment of the kind indicated above. The elongate opening such as 16, 16 a, 116, 116a, 216 provide limbs or wings such as 17,18; 117,118; 137,138 that can be individually wrapped or folded over selected parts of the user's body, e.g. one or both arms, legs, feet, midriff and abdomen. The releasable fastening means 34,35; 175 maintain the "wings" of the cover items in position and avoid problems of slip and drift that can arise with the blankets and towels used in the past. The bottom extension of the central region (such as 15,65,115) can be selectively folded over the feet to conserve body heat or tucked under to provide added foot support during leg or foot treatment. Furthermore, the optional disposable or re-usable covering such as that of Figs 8,9 or Figs 13,14 permits easy pull-on of top and bottom parts 71,72 or 171,172 to protect the cover unit such as 30,130 and/or the body covering such as 10,100. This two-part construction provides flexibility in usage, e.g. for just facial treatment of a user or for just body treatment of a user, whilst dispensing with the need for towels.

By use of one or more elements of the three-part cover system described, treatment can be given to a user whose comfort can be enhanced even if his/her body temperature falls due, for example, to relaxation-a fact sometimes overlooked b therapists as their exertions often increase their own body temperature. Embarrassment of the user during a treatment requiring undressing is minimised as the above-described and illustrated embodiments of the invention can be manipulated to maintain the user's modesty and so boost his/hr confidence. For example, the user's arms and shoulders can be kept under wrap during an entire face treatment as the system permits easy access to the neck, decollete and upper arms without requiring re-arrangement of any linen, and in general, various areas of the body may be accessed independently during body treatments.

Furthermore, individual disposable coverings provide a useful hygienic alternative to using towels as, when soiled, they can be disposed of and recycled-which is far more A. en. A. : He a ë e . . .. . KT hlo3 AL 03/20os. . . . . . . . . . . - 13 environmentally and user friendly than operations involving the expensive laundering required of large towels.

Other modifications and embodiments of the invention, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art, are to be deemed within the ambit and scope of the invention, and the particular embodiment(s) hereinbefore described may be varied in construction and detail, e.g. interchanging (where appropriate or desired) different features of each, without departing from the scope of the patent monopoly hereby sought in the following Claims . .. . : .. .

KT-103 AL 03/2005 a . ... ... - 14

Claims (14)

1. A body covering comprising a sheet of flexible material having a pair of side edges opposite one another and each spaced from a central region of the sheet, characterized in that the sheet has elongate openings extending inwardly of the sheet from said opposite side edges to said central region to provide the sheet with a plurality of lateral limbs that can be individually wrapped over and unwrapped from off selected parts of a human or animal body lying on the central region of the sheet.

2. A body covering according to Claim l, wherein the sheet comprises a single layer.

3. A body covering according to Claim 2, wherein the she sheet comprises a plurality of layers.

4. A body covering according to Claim 3 and comprising an alternative material in the space between the plurality of layers.

5. A body covering according to Claim 4, wherein said alternative material comprises a cushioning and/or insulating material.

6. A body covering according to any preceding Claim, wherein a plurality of said elongate openings are provided on each side edge.

7. A body covering according to any preceding Claim, wherein said openings are arranged such as to provide lateral limbs that can be wrapped individually over one or more of head, arms, upper torso, midriff, abdomen, legs, and feet of a human body lying on the central region of the sheet.

8. A body covering according to any preceding Claims, wherein the openings are provided by slits cut into the side edges of the sheet.

a ë . e ICr-lil O3.l1' (13/200S - 15

9. A body covering according to any preceding Claim, wherein the central region is provided at one or each end with an extension located inwardly of said side edges and to support the head and/or the feet of a human.

IO. A body covering according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the central region is provided at a top end with an extension of rectangular shape located inwardly of said side edges and to support the head of a human.

l l. A body covering according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the central region is provided at a top end with an extension located inwardly of said side edges and to support the head, the extension to support the head being of double thickness and provided with an opening for the insertion and removal therethrough of a cushion.

12. A body covering according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the central region is provided at a bottom end with an extension of triangular or frusto-triangular shape located inwardly of said side edges and to support the feet of a human.

13. A body covering substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figs l to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A body covering substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figs 10 to 16 of the accompanying drawings.

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. KT-0103 ILL 03/200; e-. ë- .