Abstract: An elongate pad made out of a compressible material for providing a cushioning effect to a strap or handle is disclosed. The elongate pad has a plurality of tubular cavities. Each cavity is positioned in the interior of the pad and extends from one end of the pad to the other end. The pad is typically used with an optional cover that substantially encloses the pad and provides a space for a strap to pass through. In one embodiment, the pad has a cross section in the shape of a section of an ellipse, and its longitudinal axis may be curved to better conform to the torso of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a shock absorbing capability to a strap system is disclosed. A first embodiment of the shock absorbing apparatus presented herein, designed for use with a single flat strap, is comprised of two components, a bracket and a compressible member constructed out of foam, rubber, or similar material. The bracket has two loops that the strap feeds through and a third loop that allows the compressible member to be attached to it. The compressible member and bracket are sized and configured so it can be coupled with the single strap in a manner that provides a shock absorbing capability to the strap system. When the strap is tensioned, it presses against the compressible member and compresses it, providing a shock absorbing effect. Multiple additional embodiments are presented that accommodate one or two straps and singular or multiple compressible members.

Abstract: The device comfortably supports the hand of the user while the thumb and fingers are associated with keys, a trackball, and a scrolling wheel carried on the device. The overall configuration of the device and the arrangement of these actuators permits the user to operate all of the functions provided by the actuators while the forearm is in a neutral posture zone between pronation and supination of the forearm, and the wrist and fingers are minimally extended and comfortably flexed, respectively.

Abstract: The device comfortably supports the hand of the user while the thumb and fingers are associated with keys, a trackball, and a scrolling wheel carried on the device. The overall configuration of the device and the arrangement of these actuators permits the user to operate all of the functions provided by the actuators while the forearm is in a neutral posture zone between pronation and supination of the forearm, and the wrist and fingers are minimally extended and comfortably flexed, respectively.