Abstract: A wrist support includes a first section for receiving a forearm, a second section for receiving a hand, and a bridging section spanning a wrist and connecting the first and second sections together. The bridging section is integrally formed with some portion of the first section or second section. The disposition of the second section relative to the first section is variable, for example, according to the tension in a tensioning line, wherein the tension may be adjusted by a rotary device.

Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A stroller for transporting a child includes a wheeled frame including at least two base rails interconnected by a cylindrical hub, a spine, and a bracing linkage. A basket attaches to the spine, confining the child and supporting a seat ring. The seat ring includes upper and lower connected concentric arcs having different radii and supports a seat back on its lower arc. The seat back reclines, and the seat ring rotates from center. A seat base is supported on the frame and includes a platform movable between an extended position disposed inside the seat ring and a retracted position withdrawn from the seat ring. The stroller permits the child to be safely and comfortably transported in a standing, seated, or reclined position.

Abstract: A container of a pet transporter defines an interior space for a pet. An interior space of the container is defined by a rigid chassis including a platform bounding a bottom of said interior space, a rear panel attached to said chassis and bounding a rear of said interior space, side panels respectively attached to opposite lateral sides of said chassis and bounding sides of said interior space, and a flexible top covering that is releasably fastened, directly or indirectly, to said chassis and which, when fastened thereto, extends in a closed covering position from the rear panel to a front of said chassis thereby bounding a top of said interior space. The chassis further includes a rear support frame and two pairs of side support frames. The platform, rear support frame, and two pair of side support frames comprise a single, inseparable structure.

Abstract: An article of adjustably fitted protective apparel includes a vest and an adjustable tensioning system for selective tensioning of the vest into a snug fit on a body of a wearer of the vest. The adjustable tensioning system includes a rotary tension adjuster disposed on the vest and including a housing and a first spool disposed within the housing, and a tensioning line extends from the housing. The tensioning line is attached directly or indirectly to the vest. A portion of the tensioning line is configured to be wound upon the first spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in a first rotational direction thereof. Winding of the portion of the first tensioning line draws together first portions of the vest for providing a snug fit of the first portions.

Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.

Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.

Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.

Abstract: A method of donning a support includes: positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning a framework in abutment with the area of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings therein regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support for a body's hinge joint includes: positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending there through regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body, wherein said framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body; a garment configured for wearing proximate the area of the body; and a fastening mechanism adapted to removably fasten to said garment for securing said surface of said framework in abutment with the area of the body, wherein said fastening mechanism is connected to and applies tension proximate opposite sides of said framework when fastened to said garment such that said framework is expanded and said surface of said framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body including a hinge joint includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, said framework defining a permanent opening in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body, said permanent opening extending completely through said framework; and a member removable from said framework that is positionable proximate to said permanent opening of said framework for disposition between said permanent opening of said framework and the area of the body to be supported, said removable member being contoured to receive therein a joint protuberance of the hinge joint.

Abstract: A shirt includes two expandable and recoverable frameworks, wherein each framework is attached to a respective sleeve of the shirt and defines a plurality of openings extending completely there through to expose portions of the respective sleeve underneath the framework that otherwise would be covered by the framework. Pants also includes two expandable and recoverable frameworks, wherein each framework is attached to a respective sleeve of the pants and defines a plurality of openings extending completely there through to expose portions of the respective sleeve underneath the framework that otherwise would be covered by the framework.

Abstract: Clothing designed to fit a body and span a hinge joint of the body includes an expandable and recoverable framework attached directly to a portion of the clothing designed to span the hinge joint for abutment with and support of an area of the body including the hinge joint when the clothing is worn on the body. The framework includes a surface for abutment with the area of the body including the hinge joint, and the framework defines a plurality of openings in the surface extending completely through the framework, the openings being bounded by the framework and the framework, along its entire boundary with at least some of the openings, being elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states, the framework when expanded to a said extended state storing potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state.

Abstract: A potentiating support for a hinge joint includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body's hinge joint. Furthermore, the framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body, said openings extending completely through said framework and being bounded by said framework; said framework, along its entire boundary with an openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to a said extended state, said framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to said initial state; and a particular said opening of said framework comprises an alignment opening that is dimensioned to receive therein a joint protuberance of the hinge joint, said alignment opening serving to maintain the support in a proper orientation when the support is worn.

Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, said framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in said surface; and two strut members each attached to said framework such that each said strut member spans the hinge joint when said framework is disposed in abutment with the area of the body, said strut members providing a measure of rigidity to said framework in the direction of their respective lengths, each respective said strut member including an intermediate portion thereof spanning the hinge joint that is expandable and recoverable between a first initial state and extended states wherein, when expanded to a said extended state during flexing of the hinge joint, said respective strut member stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to said initial state.

Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support includes: positioning a framework in abutment with an area of a body such that the framework spans a hinge joint, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending completely through the framework and being bounded by the framework, wherein the framework, along its entire boundary with an opening, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to a said extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state such that the framework provides joint potentiation to the spanned hinge joint; applying tension proximate each of opposite sides of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the surface of the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the body; and securing the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A wrist support includes a first section for receiving a forearm, a second section for receiving a hand, and a bridging section spanning a wrist and connecting the first and second sections together. The bridging section is integrally formed with some portion of the first section or second section. The disposition of the second section relative to the first section is variable, for example, according to the tension in a tensioning line, wherein the tension may be adjusted by a rotary device.

Abstract: An article of protective apparel for placement on and protection of a portion of the body of a user includes a protective shell and bi-directional device that receives a first and second line that each extend to the shell. Rotation of a control handle of the bi-directional device causes portions of the lines to be drawn into the device, thereby tightening the protective shell about the user. Optionally, the article is a helmet for having an adjustable chin strap that is capable of being tightened by manual rotation of the control handle of the device. Optionally, the article of protective apparel is capable of being loosened by manual positioning of the control handle into a release position.