Abstract: A composite material having a plurality of protective elements held such that they comprise substantially all of a fabric material that retains an elastic property that allows the material to freely expand and contract without substantial restriction and such that the material can be used to make a water garment for wearing over a torso of a person in a body of water. The protective elements can be inelastic with a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch or more.

Abstract: The invention is a garment that is made from an elastic and puncture resistant material that provides protection to the wearer against shark attacks. The garment includes at least one elastic base layer, a plurality of protective elements that overlap each other to form a protective layer, and a fabric layer to join the elastic material and the protective element against each other. The protective elements are rigid, but configured in such a way to maintain flexibility in the overall garment.

Abstract: A material that is elastic and cut/puncture resistant, for use in garments. Said material contains a plurality of protective elements 38, at least one elastic base layer 36, and minimal connective area 42 or no connective area (see FIG. 14a&b) between the protective element(s) 38 and the elastic base 36 layer(s). The attachment can be point attachment 42, or attachment of layers of elastic materials to form pockets 108 to capture the protective elements. The protective elements can be flexible (FIG. 3a) or (semi) rigid 82.

Abstract: A digital scanning device 22 (FIGS. 1-7) whereby a digital camera infrastructure 12 is utilized as the primary element to “scan” objects. The scanned object 21 is placed on a translucent plate 14 and the controls 13 are activated initiating the scan. It is possible to arrange the controls, such that pressure on the scanning device 22 affirms the object to be scanned 21 is on the device and initiates the scan function in a fluid motion. The camera assembly 12 captures the scanned image 23 and either a) sends it to digital storage assembly 24, b) sends it to a computer assembly 25, c) sends it to a printer assembly 26, d) sends it to a fax machine assembly 30, e) sends it to a viewing device assembly 36.