Abstract: A self-adjusting system for joint protection comprising a joint protector pad aligned relative to a joint and disposable between an operative orientation and a spaced orientation in relation thereto. A first attachment assembly of at least one elongate strap connects the joint protector to a foot or hand of the wearer, and a second attachment assembly of an elongate strap(s) connecting the joint protector to a point near the torso of the wearer, such as a waistband or belt. In a spaced orientation when the joint is straight, the joint protector is spaced apart from the joint so as not to impede movement. In an operative orientation when the joint is flexed, the joint protector at least partially covers the joint, supporting and protecting it from the underlying surface. The strap(s) ensure the joint protector is automatically properly aligned in moving between the spaced and operative orientation.

Abstract: A self-adjusting system for joint protection comprising a joint protector pad aligned relative to a joint and disposable between an operative orientation and a spaced orientation in relation thereto. A first attachment assembly of at least one elongate strap connects the joint protector to a foot or hand of the wearer, and a second attachment assembly of an elongate strap(s) connecting the joint protector to a point near the torso of the wearer, such as a waistband or belt. In a spaced orientation when the joint is straight, the joint protector is spaced apart from the joint so as not to impede movement. In an operative orientation when the joint is flexed, the joint protector at least partially covers the joint, supporting and protecting it from the underlying surface. The strap(s) ensure the joint protector is automatically properly aligned in moving between the spaced and operative orientation.

Abstract: An automatic drinking straw dispensing device having a primary receptacle that contains a plurality of drinking straws therein, a generally elongate slot formed in the primary receptacle and structured to permit the passage of the drinking straws therethrough, a single straw dispensing assembly structured to selectively permit only one of the drinking straws to exit the primary receptacle through the elongate slot at one time and only after a beverage has been dispensed by a beverage dispensing device, a dispensing area disposed beneath said generally elongate slot so as to receive the dispensed drinking straw exiting said primary receptacle, and a switch assembly which is actuated by a user's hand entering the dispensing area so as to trigger the single straw dispensing assembly into dispensing one of the drinking straws through the elongate slot and directly into the user's hand.

Abstract: An automatic drinking straw dispensing device to be mounted within a vending machine and dispense a drinking straw in a generally horizontal configuration, the device including a primary receptacle structured to contain a plurality of the drinking straws therein for individual dispensing through a generally elongate slot formed at a bottom of the primary receptacle. The dispensing device further includes a dispensing platform positioned in dispensing communication with the elongate slot such that the drinking straws which pass through the elongate slot are directed onto the dispensing platform and are retained in an accessible, retrievable orientation.