Abstract: Protective body apparel, comprising, one or more foundation components adapted to be removably worn proximate one or more parts of said body; and one or more pads comprising, a polymeric material capable of absorbing impact energy, which comprises a plurality of microspheres and which is viscoelastic at room temperature, wherein one or more of said pads is carried by one or more of said foundation components; and method for shaping said polymeric material.

Abstract: A mechanism, suitable for mounting in a sewing machine cabinet, is provided for supporting a sewing machine in a first position in which the work supporting surface of the sewing machine is coplanar with the cabinet top and a second position in which the bed of the sewing machine is elevated above the cabinet top allowing for free arm sewing. The mechanism includes a mounting cradle spaced in parallel relation above a base, which is pivotally mounted to the cabinet, and crossing brackets interconnecting the cradle and the base. A lever actuated linkage raises and lowers the cradle between the two sewing machine positions.