Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support includes: positioning a framework in abutment with an area of a body such that the framework spans a hinge joint, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending completely through the framework and being bounded by the framework, wherein the framework, along its entire boundary with an opening, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to a said extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state such that the framework provides joint potentiation to the spanned hinge joint; applying tension proximate each of opposite sides of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the surface of the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the body; and securing the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body, wherein said framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body; a garment configured for wearing proximate the area of the body; and a fastening mechanism adapted to removably fasten to said garment for securing said surface of said framework in abutment with the area of the body, wherein said fastening mechanism is connected to and applies tension proximate opposite sides of said framework when fastened to said garment such that said framework is expanded and said surface of said framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: Clothing designed to fit a body and span a hinge joint of the body includes an expandable and recoverable framework attached directly to a portion of the clothing designed to span the hinge joint for abutment with and support of an area of the body including the hinge joint when the clothing is worn on the body. The framework includes a surface for abutment with the area of the body including the hinge joint, and the framework defines a plurality of openings in the surface extending completely through the framework, the openings being bounded by the framework and the framework, along its entire boundary with at least some of the openings, being elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states, the framework when expanded to a said extended state storing potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state.

Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A wrist support includes a first section for receiving a forearm, a second section for receiving a hand, and a bridging section spanning a wrist and connecting the first and second sections together. The bridging section is integrally formed with some portion of the first section or second section. The disposition of the second section relative to the first section is variable, for example, according to the tension in a tensioning line, wherein the tension may be adjusted by a rotary device.

Abstract: An article of protective apparel for placement on and protection of a portion of the body of a user includes a protective shell and bi-directional device that receives a first and second line that each extend to the shell. Rotation of a control handle of the bi-directional device causes portions of the lines to be drawn into the device, thereby tightening the protective shell about the user. Optionally, the article is a helmet for having an adjustable chin strap that is capable of being tightened by manual rotation of the control handle of the device. Optionally, the article of protective apparel is capable of being loosened by manual positioning of the control handle into a release position.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposition on appendage, such as an arm or leg, is capable of encircling and applying opposing forces selectively thereto. A C-shaped component receives one side of the appendage, a second C-shaped component receives the other side of the appendage, and a tensioning system draws the two components together for selective application of pressure to the appendage. Outriggers and pressure applicators may be used to apply pressure to extended areas of the appendage that otherwise would not be engaged by the C-shaped components. Side-to-side tissue compression thereby is provided for deflection of muscle forces, functional shortening of muscle length, and the maintenance of neurovascular channels. Circumferential forces may be minimized based on semirigid characteristics of the components. Elbow and shoulder braces apply side-to-side tissue compression to arms.

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.