Abstract: A compressible insulating material for use in active garments and other gear is provided herein. The material comprises an insulating material including one or more types of fiber, with portions of the insulating material removed or cut to improve the warmth-to-weight and compression characteristics of the insulating material. In some embodiments, the insulating material is an elastic insulating material that defines perforations or other features that expand or contract depending on stretching or relaxation of the elastic insulating material. Stretching and relaxation may vary an insulating property of the compressible, low-weight insulating material. The material may further be secured to a stretch-resistant material to provide a reference point for stretching and for and elastic memory. A garment comprising one or more panels of a compressible, low-weight insulating material as described herein is also provided.

Abstract: A laminated pouch includes a layer of woven synthetic fabric, a layer of polyfoam and a layer of liner material, the layers being bonded together under heat and pressure. During the molding process selected areas of the laminate material is compressed under substantial heat and pressure to permanently deform the laminate into areas of substantially less thickness than uncompressed areas, the compressed areas being of substantial stiffness. The laminate is also formed with edges, and corners of substantial stiffness. The pouch is formed of two such laminate layers which are trimmed and fastened together at the edges. The resulting pouch retains its shape well and is not significantly deformed by the weight or pressure of its contents.

Abstract: A syringe is molded with an integral needle cover or guard that pivots about a main living hinge on the side of the syringe near the base of the needle. A tension spring formed from an L shaped integrally molded part of the syringe and guard extends from a location closer to the syringe than the main living hinge to the center part of the pivoting guard. The user, while holding the syringe with one hand, can extend a finger to initiate rotation of the guard toward the needle. This extends the tension spring at first, but beyond a certain angle, the tension spring contracts again, pulling the guard the rest of the way into a position surrounding the needle.