Biodegradable materials and methods of their manufacture. Certain embodiments of the biodegradable materials include a crustacean shell material, at least one of gelatin, glycerin, and sorbitol, and water, wherein the biodegradable material is characterized in that, when it is exposed to water for an extended period of time, the material at least partially decomposes. Particular embodiments may comprise additional components including sorbitol and glycerin in the case of biodegradable golf ball embodiments, for example.

An exercise mat comprising a base layer, a top layer formed of an absorbent material for absorbing sweat, and a barrier layer bonded between the top and base layers for preventing sweat from seeping from the top layer into the base layer in use. Preferably, the barrier layer is formed of a breathable material.

A yoga block includes a plurality of block panels defining a block outer surface substantially conforming to a cuboid shape with beveled or rounded edges and corners. An inner support interfaces with a plurality of inner surfaces of a portion of the plurality of block panels. The inner support includes a plurality of cross members oriented parallel and diagonally relative to sides of the cuboid shape. The plurality of block panels and the inner support are formed of a biodegradable or recycled material. The block outer surface may be treated with a biodegradable and hydrophobic material.

A bag toss game platform easy to assemble and store is disclosed. Traditional bag toss game platforms are two pre-assembled boxes taking up to 48 inches by 24 inches by 15 inches in total and cannot be dissembled by players after use. But the platforms described herein take (for two sets), in certain embodiments, no more than 48 inches by 13 inches by 3.5 inches (i.e., about of the traditional volume) and can easily be assembled for gameplay and disassembled after use. The platform may include a top surface, at least two side supports, and at least two cross bars connecting the at least two side supports. Because cross lap joints between the side supports and cross bars, and groove joints between the top surface and the side supports and cross bars may be used, the platform is easily assembled for use and disassembled for transportation and storage.

A composite material in the form of a linear structure having a width, a length and a thickness, the composite material having a first component formed by a polymer and a second component formed by a reinforcing material, wherein the first component is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polymers and mixtures thereof, and the second component is platy wood particles. The composite material being formable at a temperature of about 50 to 70 C. and being capable of being employed as a blank for an orthopedic splint.

Biodegradable materials and methods of their manufacture. Certain embodiments of the biodegradable materials include a crustacean shell material, at least one of gelatin, glycerin, and sorbitol, and water, wherein the biodegradable material is characterized in that, when it is exposed to water for an extended period of time, the material at least partially decomposes. Particular embodiments may comprise additional components including sorbitol and glycerin in the case of biodegradable golf ball embodiments, for example.

The present invention concerns a novel low-temperature thermoplastic wood-biopolymer composite comprised of small wood particles and a polycaprolactone (PCL) homopolymer for use in medical procedures including orthopedic casting or splinting. The material is made from a thermoplastic composite that softens when heated to approximately 60 C., after which it can be formed directly on the patient. The composite then retains its shape as it cools down. The material is composed of epsilon caprolactone homopolymer reinforced with discontinuous short length wood particles.

The disclosure describes a novel portable grip and finger strength training hangboard. The apparatus allows user to perform weightlifting exercises, with a focus on grip strength training. The device is unique as it eliminates the use of intermediary items such as ropes, or bolts for latching onto a source of resistance. The source of resistance is gym equipment comprising dumbbells, barbells, and pullup bars. The device of this disclosure has two main components, the gripping mechanism and the built-in hook mechanism. The user interacts with the gripping mechanism and adjusts their hands to the desired grip, such as pinch or crimp grip. The gripping mechanism of the device has varying embodiments and features comprising of grooves, loops and ridges. The built-in hook anchor of the device quickly latches on to the source of resistance and allows the user to easily change resistance from one workout to next.

The invention relates to a sports ball comprising a rubber core and optionally a felt, the rubber core defining an internal volume and an outer surface, the felt being provided on the outer surface of the rubber core, and the rubber core comprising: natural and/or synthetic rubber; and a biodegradability-enabling additive comprising at least one organic compound in a carrier material, wherein the organic compound is a nutrient substrate for an active landfill or marine environment strain of bacteria. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a tennis ball including: a) mixing natural rubber and butadiene rubber with further ingredients and the biodegradability-enabling additive; b) extruding a portion of the mixture; c) utilizing the extruded portion for forming a shellpart; d) assembling a core by attaching at least two shellparts to each other; e) inflating the core; and f) providing a felt on the surface of the core.

A seesaw exercise device includes a rigid frame that has a pair of left and right side walls; and a seesaw base that is interposed between the two side walls facing each other, wherein a central portion of a horizontal base plate of the seesaw base is pivotally supported to the two side walls of the frame by a round shaft having a diameter larger than a thickness of the base plate itself, and when the base plate is pushed down by a user, the base plate performs a seesaw motion slowly in a front-rear direction while drawing an arc along a circumferential surface of the round shaft.