Abstract: An adjustable, resealable and reusable elastic strap worn on the outside of a soccer sock and used for locking the shin guard in its intended protective position. This external shin guard strap includes a piece of woven, braided or knitted elastic material and matched pieces of hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro.RTM.) attached at its ends. The elastic material is provided in different lengths to accommodate use at either the ankle, midpoint of the or knee position and for different sizes of the leg. The elastic material is compatible with inks, dyes or pigments for permanently labeling and/or coloring the device.

Abstract: A vertical culture system including a culture tube having an opening and a bottom opposite the opening and a removable culture unit which has a platform and an elongate handle for disposing the platform proximate the tube bottom and for permitting removal of the culture unit. The culture system also includes a culture substrate carried by the platform and closure means for sealing the tube. The culture system may further include a volume retention element disposed within the culture tube.