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 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 bi-directional device includes a rotatable control handle, a first line, and a second line, each extending from a housing. When the control handle is rotated in a first rotational direction, at least a portion of the first line is drawn into the housing. When the control handle is rotated in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, at least a portion of the second line is drawn into the housing. Optionally, the control handle is positionable into each of a drive position and a release position. The control handle is generally biased into the drive position by an elastic force such as that of a spring. While the control handle is at the drive position, those portions of the lines drawn into the housing by rotations of the control handle are prevented from being withdrawn. When the release position of the control handle is obtained, drawn portions of the lines can be withdrawn from the housing.

Abstract: A utensil for a digit of a hand includes a cutting board for disposition between a thumb and an index finger. The cutting board is attached to a retainer that receives and retains the thumb such that a cutting surface of the cutting board is oriented toward the index finger. The cutting surface protects the thumb during cutting of items against the cutting surface. Optionally, one or more tools are defined by, or attached to, the cutting board. In a particular example, a utensil for a digit of a hand having a cutting board is useful at least for cleaning, zesting, peeling, and paring or chopping a fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: A device for independently tensioning lines includes: (a) a housing; (b) a control handle extending from the housing and configured for manual rotation by a hand of a person; (c) a first line extending from the housing; and (d) a second line extending from the housing. The control handle is manually rotatable by hand about an axis in a first rotational direction, whereby at least a portion of the first line is drawn into the housing when the control handle is rotated in the first rotational direction. The handle also is manually rotatable by hand about the axis in a second rotational direction, whereby at least a portion of the second line is drawn into the housing when the control handle is rotated in the second rotational direction. The rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.