Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel is provided. The waistband may comprise at least one tunnel structure through which one or more cords may extend to allow tensioning of the waistband through pulling of the cord(s), while additionally providing comfort, stretchability, breathability, and adjustability for the wearer through integration of one or more elastic or elastically resilient portions into the waistband.

Abstract: A system for rapid application and adjustment of protective cushioning employs a garment component covering a body portion and having a securing element affixed thereto. A pad having a mating securing element affixed thereto is releasably attachable to the securing element to engage the pad to the garment component to protect the body portion.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a base layer and a cover layer. The cover layer may be stitchlessly-secured to an exterior surface of the base layer and positioned to extend along a side area and from a pelvic region to a leg region of the base layer. A width of the cover layer may be greater in the pelvic region than the first leg region. In some configurations, a frictional resistance of the exterior surface of the base layer may be greater than a frictional resistance of a surface of the cover layer.

Abstract: Body protection padding with non-bursting gas cells preferably includes at least one base shell, an inside gas cell impact layer and an outside gas cell impact layer. The gas is preferably air, but could be any other suitable gas, such as pure nitrogen or argon. Body protection padding includes shoulder-chest pads, knee pads, hip pads, thigh pads and any other type of sports protective padding. The gas cells in the inside and outside gas cell impact layers do not burst upon impact. The at least one base shell is typically used in the body protection padding. Each gas cell layer includes a plurality of gas cells created between two plastic sheets. The inside and outside gas cell impact layers may be permanently or removably attached.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a base layer and a cover layer. The cover layer may be stitchlessly-secured to an exterior surface of the base layer and positioned to extend along a side area and from a pelvic region to a leg region of the base layer. A width of the cover layer may be greater in the pelvic region than the first leg region. In some configurations, a frictional resistance of the exterior surface of the base layer may be greater than a frictional resistance of a surface of the cover layer.

Abstract: Techniques for managing ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) in a network device/system are provided. In one embodiment, the network device/system can include one or more TCAMs and can execute a TCAM manager for each TCAM. Each TCAM manager can manage allocation of resources of its associated TCAM, as well as manage access to the TCAM by one or more network applications running on the device/system. In this way, the TCAM managers can hide TCAM implementation differences (e.g., different sizes, different capabilities, etc.) from the network applications and thereby enable the applications to interact with the TCAMs in a uniform manner.

Abstract: Yoga apparel for assisting the wearer in performing and holding certain poses during the performance of Yoga exercise. The apparel has grips or strips of a friction-enhancing material, such as a rubber or textured surface material. The grips or strips are selectively provided in positions where a retention of body contact with a limb is desired. The grips or strips preferably have enhanced friction against both skin and normal apparel fabric, in both a dry and moistened state.

Abstract: A casual aesthetic garment constructed with hidden panels of padded material. The padding is some kind of open or closed cell foam. The outer fabric is made of a blend or nonblended fabric including cotton and/or polyester. The padding is affixed to the inside of the garment to be hidden from the outside of the garment, to give the appearance of the user not wearing a padded garment. The internal pads are affixed, and cannot be removed, to ensure the user is more protected then when not having any pads present.

Abstract: A multi-purpose athletic garment including a pair of pants composed of an athletic performance material, the athletic garment possesses two knee pockets of durable textile material and including removably attached shock absorbing pads which may be inserted and removed. The pads allow for a user to sustain repeated impacts to the knee region like the ones often taken in a game of mini hockey or knee hockey. The pads can be removed so the pants can be worn outside of gameplay or machine washed. The multi-purpose athletic garment is utilized for knee hockey, other similar athletic events and general wear purposes.

Abstract: An article of apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: A protective element is provided with a flat first material layer of a low-fold material and a flat second material layer of a folded cut-retardant material. A surface area of the second material layer in a stretched-out state is 1.2 to 2.5 times greater than a surface area of the first material layer in a stretched-out state. The second material layer is placed in a gathered state onto the first material layer. The first material layer forms a gliding layer for the second material layer.

Abstract: An article apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: A casual aesthetic garment constructed with hidden panels of padded material. The padding is some kind of open or closed cell foam. The outer fabric is comprised of a blend or non-blended fabric comprising cotton and/or polyester. The padding is affixed to the inside of the garment to be hidden from the outside of the garment, to give the appearance of the user not wearing a padded garment. The internal pads are affixed, and cannot be removed, to ensure the user is more protected then when not having any pads present.

Abstract: A technical pant garment 10 having an inner short 11 and an outer short 12. The inner short 11 is formed to tightly fit a wearer of the garment 10 and the outer short 12 is connected to the inner short 11 to fit loosely about the inner short 11. The inner short 11 is constructed to impose on or more leads on the wearer which act to affect the posture of the wearer in a manner tending to cause the wearer who has adopted an incorrect posture to realign towards a correct posture.

Abstract: A pair of padded pants having a hip covering region and legs depending below the hip covering region. A respective hip pad pocket at and over each hip area of a wearer and inside the hip covering region of the pants. A respective knee pad pocket inside the pants at and over each knee of a wearer. An impact protection pad is removably disposed in each pocket. A respective first fastening element is on each pad and a cooperating second fastening element is on a surface in the respective pocket, such that the positions of the pads in the respective pockets may be selected and then secured by the respective fastening elements. Straps hold the pants legs to the areas above and below each knee.

Abstract: An integrally molded, multi-part athletic protector with a rigid upper core cup, a semi-rigid lower scrotal bridge joined to the lower edge of the rigid core cup and adapted for both longitudinal and lateral flexion, and a flexible marginal cushion lining the interior surfaces of the core cup and scrotal bridge with a rolled peripheral edge contoured to the user's body.

Abstract: A padding system may be advantageously modular in terms of size and shape, easily removable and replaceable, and comfortable and secure while maintaining an aesthetically neat and trim look. In one embodiment, the padding system includes an inner pad coupled to an outer shell with a portion of an apparel article positioned between, The apparel may include openings to allow a direct connection between the inner pad and outer shell or fasteners may be attached to the apparel for removably engaging with one or both of the inner pad and outer shell. The inner pad may be received in a pocket, which may extend inward or outward.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective garment that includes a lower portion having a pair of extremities each having a knee joint area connected to an upper leg portion by an upper radial seam and connected to a lower leg portion by a lower radial seam. The knee joint area of each extremity also has an inseam insert connected between the upper and lower radial seams.

Abstract: An internally integrated cushioned component that applies to all types of children's legwear; it accomplishes the dual objective of protecting the wearer's knees by providing cushioning against impact to the knee area and prolonging the lifespan of the garment through utilization of tear resistant material.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide directional discrete cosine transformation (DCT) and motion compensated DCT. In one implementation, an exemplary system finds a directional property of an image, such as a visual trend, factorizes a DCT operation into primal operations, and applies the primal operations along a corresponding direction to perform the DCT. Motion compensated DCT applies the primal operations along a motion trajectory of a video sequence. When the directional DCT is applied blockwise, the directional coding modes for adjacent blocks can be optimized in view of each other using a weighted graph to represent the related coding mode decisions.

Abstract: A removable healthcare and protective multi-functional leisurewear, particularly the leisurewear with protective plates that can be changed according to a desired level of safety is disclosed. The multi-functional leisurewear includes a plurality of accommodating bags on the leisurewear, and each accommodating bag has a pocket formed on a surface of the leisurewear, and the accommodating bag is provided for containing a protective plate that is swapped from the pocket, and the protective plate is formed by sequentially stacking and combining a flexible wear-resisting layer, a polycarbonate layer with an increased or decreased thickness changed according to the desired level of safety, and a flexible buffer layer attached closely to a wearer's body, so as to improve the convenience of use.

Abstract: A protective apparel system for responders such as firefighters, civil defense, and defense workers is disclosed. Different aspects include a boot with a flange for forming a vapor/liquid tight seal with trousers, trousers that include a resistant barrier cuff for interfacing with a boot, and a resistant barrier liner that includes a gusset providing for expansion of the liner.

Abstract: A pair of athletic pants comprises a hip portion, and two leg portions extending from the hip portion. Each leg portion includes a knee portion configured to be worn over the knee of a human, the knee portion comprised of a first material. A slit is formed in each knee portion and a second material provided in each slit, wherein the second material has greater elasticity than the first material in at least two different directions. In at least one embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a lens. In at least one other embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a symmetric lens. In at least one embodiment, the athletic pants are baseball pants.

Abstract: A padding system may be advantageously modular in terms of size and shape, easily removable and replaceable, and comfortable and secure while maintaining an aesthetically neat and trim look. In one embodiment, the padding system includes an inner pad coupled to an outer shell with a portion of an apparel article positioned between, The apparel may include openings to allow a direct connection between the inner pad and outer shell or fasteners may be attached to the apparel for removably engaging with one or both of the inner pad and outer shell. The inner pad may be received in a pocket, which may extend inward or outward.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of insert elements. The base member defines a plurality of apertures. The cover layers are secured to opposite surfaces of the base member and extend across the apertures. The insert elements are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the insert elements may be formed from polymer foam materials, and the cover layers may be formed from textile materials. The pad element may be utilized to attenuate impact forces and provide one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability.

Abstract: An air deflector is mounted to the area of the knee of a motorcyclist to prevent a stream of air from striking the motorcyclist's face. In one embodiment, the deflector comprises a deflector plate and a mounting plate connected by a hinge mechanism. When the motorcycle is in motion, the air flow impacts the deflector plate, forcing the deflector to extend upward until a support web restrains the deflector plate.

Abstract: A garment worn by humans having a pocket attached to the garment, wherein the pocket has an access point for inserting and removing a padding and the pocket comprises an absence of material at a point or over a area where the user will come into contact with a surface.

Abstract: A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband is provided. The pants comprise a waistband with a first plurality of rigidity segments located within the waistband, and a second plurality of belt loops. At least a portion of the second plurality of belt loops is affixed to the waistband corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first plurality of rigidity segments. In addition, the pants may have a posterior stretch panel located below the lower margin of the waistband, a seat panel made of abrasion resistant material, and a groin stretch panel. As well, the pants may have a posterior knee stretch panel and an anterior knee panel of abrasion resistant material.

Abstract: The invention is related to a knee protection system having a knee pad permanently attached to a garment such as pants. The pad is made of silicone rubber. The pad may be shaped and have a number of pad areas including a patella covering part of the pad, a pair of side parts and a top part of the pad. The side parts of the pad protect the user when they roll on their knees and the top part of the pad protects the user knee when they lean forward. The silicone rubber pad is waterproof, inert, and fire resistant. The pad is permanently attached to a knee region of a pair of pants. By manufacturing the pad in a pair of pants a user can comfortably walk around with the knee protection system.

Abstract: An article of clothing having an outer layer, an inner layer connected to the outer layer and a cushioning insert. The inner layer is connected to the outer layer by at least two side seams. The cushioning insert is fixedly secured and is sandwiched within a predetermined area between the inner layer and the outer layer such that the cushioning insert is located between the two side seams without contacting them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment with enhanced knee support.

Abstract: A pocket arrangement for a protective garment, the pocket arrangement comprising a first pocket having a first width, a first depth, a front face, a first internal chamber and a first opening to the first internal chamber. The pocket arrangement further comprising a second pocket positioned on the front face of the first pocket. The second pocket having a second width and a second depth and defining a bottom end and a top end. The second pocket further comprising a second internal chamber, a second opening to the second internal chamber and a tool-positioning wall for narrowing the width of the pocket towards the bottom end of the second pocket. The tool-positioning wall providing an angled surface against which a portion of a tool rests when positioned within the second internal chamber of the second pocket for preventing the tool from changing positions within the second pocket.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of beads. The base member defines a plurality of apertures. The cover layers are secured to opposite surfaces of the base member and extend across the apertures. The beads are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the beads may be formed from polymer foam materials, and the cover layers may be formed from textile materials. The pad element may be utilized to attenuate impact forces and provide one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability.

Abstract: A device for connecting and maintaining a sports pad to a skate, contains a cord having a first end and a second end. A first hook portion is removably connected to the first end of the cord, wherein the first hook portion contains a first anchoring portion and a first clasping portion, the first end of the cord being removably connected to the first clasping portion. The device also contains a first outer cylinder for maintaining the first end of the cord within the first clasping portion and a second hook portion removably connected to the second end of the cord. The second hook portion contains a second anchoring portion and a second clasping portion, where the second end of the cord is removably connected to the second clasping portion. The device also contains a second outer cylinder for maintaining the second end of the cord within the second clasping portion.

Abstract: A kneepad includes connectors (32 and 34) at its lower side edges (30 and 31) below the position of articulation of the joint. The connectors are biased toward a plurality of ribs (40) integrally formed in the external side surface of the outer hard shell (22) for trapping the side seams of the pant leg against the ribs and holding the kneepad firmly in place.

Abstract: Protective clothing includes trousers having a leg portion with a distal end, a proximal end, and a knee area that corresponds to a wearer's knee when the trousers are worn by the wearer. Padding is coupled to the trousers and extends adjacent the knee area. A first and second array of fasteners is coupled to the leg portion, the first and second array having an upper end relatively adjacent to the leg portion proximal end and a lower end relatively distant to the leg portion proximal end. The clothing includes an adjustable protective member having a first side and a second side. A first strap extends from the first side of the adjustable protective member and is removably coupled to the first array of fasteners. A second strap extends from the second side of the adjustable protective member and is removably coupled to the second array of fasteners.

Abstract: Adjustable padding systems for garments, incorporating a pocket and a pad. The pocket is coupled to the garment and has a wide, proximal portion and a narrow, distal portion. The pad has corresponding wide and narrow portions. The narrow portion of the pad is longer than the length of the narrow portion of the pocket, but is adjustable in length. Accordingly, the location of the wide portion of the pad along the length of the garment can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the narrow portion of the pad.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include may include a garment portion and at least one protective element. The garment portion and the protective element have a configuration that forms a gap, separation, or pleat structure through, for example, folding or overlapping of a textile element of the garment portion. The gap, separation, or pleat structure may permit the protective element to move independent of other portions of the apparel at the joint, thereby enhancing a range of movement of the individual and the overall comfort of the apparel.

Abstract: Protective clothing includes trousers having a leg portion with a distal end, a proximal end, and a knee area that corresponds to a wearer's knee when the trousers are worn by the wearer. Padding is coupled to the trousers and extends adjacent the knee area. A first and second array of fasteners is coupled to the leg portion, the first and second array having an upper end relatively adjacent to the leg portion proximal end and a lower end relatively distant to the leg portion proximal end. The clothing includes an adjustable protective member having a first side and a second side. A first strap extends from the first side of the adjustable protective member and is removably coupled to the first array of fasteners. A second strap extends from the second side of the adjustable protective member and is removably coupled to the second array of fasteners.

Abstract: A protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment, comprises a flexible inner member provided to be disposed inside the garment, an outer member provided to be disposed outside the garment and a securing device provided for releasably attaching the outer member to the inner member. The outer member further includes an outer protective pad. The securing device includes an inner magnetically attractive element attached to the inner member and an outer magnetically attractive element attached to the outer member. The outer magnetically attractive element and the inner magnetically attractive element are magnetically attractable to each other so as to hold the protective pad assembly in place on the garment. Moreover, one of the inner magnetically attractive element and the outer magnetically attractive element is a magnet.

Abstract: A protection device for a person's legs is disclosed that includes a knee pad means that has a concave portion for receiving the knee of the person, and further includes a protective covering. A pair of flexible upper straps each have a lower end coupled with the knee pad means, and an upper end adapted to be selectively coupled to the belt. Each upper strap mutually crosses at a point behind the person's upper leg. A pair of flexible lower straps each have an upper end coupled with the knee pad means, and a lower end adapted to be selectively coupled with one of the person's shoes proximate a heel thereof, either to a loop of the shoe or to a shoe-attachable ring of the invention.

Abstract: A core protector including a pant having a torso portion and two tubular leg portions extending therefrom in communication therewith, each leg portion defining an opening for receiving a leg of a wearer therein, and a thigh protector adjacent each leg opening, each thigh protector being detachably connected to the pant to provide protection to a thigh of the wearer.

Abstract: An article apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: This invention relates to yoga pants with built in strategically positioned pads to protect the knees while practicing yoga postures (positions) that require knee to floor contact. The original invention is designed to facilitate comfort, warmth and ease of movement during yoga practice. Other utilities apply.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace consisting of a sleeve adapted to be worn by a user in the knee area and having a patella interior opening is provided with a glide which is adjustably carried by the sleeve and which includes a patella engaging brace pad which may be silicon filled and which is generally U-shaped having one longer leg and one shorter leg. The brace is used to influence proper positioning of the patella by the generation of a force applied to the superolateral aspect of the patella to correct misalignment of the patella.

Abstract: A leg handle with preferably hollow cylindrical sections, is used to aid in lifting a jumping player, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The handles are preferably made of one or more foam sausages attached to a thin stretch fabric sleeve which is placed the leg of the jumper and when jumping allow for secure grasp by lifters. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg handles provide a level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not provided by conventional methods. To use, leg handles are applied to one or more legs of a jumper and held in place with tape. When the jumper jumps, one or more lifters place there hands against the leg handle. The lifters lift the jumper higher, support the jumper in the jump while the jumper attempts to intercept a ball, and safely lower the jumper.

Abstract: A knee pillow assembly comprises a pillow and a tether assembly. The tether assembly comprises a tether and a waistband. The tether is supported in relation to the pillow at a first end and in relation to the waistband at a second end. The waistband is structured for attachment about a person's waist. The tether is adjustable in relation to the pillow so that the pillow may be positioned in relation to the waistband and between the person's knees to reduce the risk of the knees coming into contact. In accordance with a method of the invention, a waistband is attached to a person's waist by forming a first releasable knot with the waistband. A pillow is attached to the tether in relation to the pillow by forming a second releasable knot between a free end of the tether and a loop supported in relation to the pillow.

Abstract: A lower body equestrian garment is provided. Sections of gripping, protective fabric are provided on the inner portions of the legs extending from inner thigh to ankle. The gripping/protective fabric has flared sections near the bottom, and slots for receiving and retaining spurs worn by the rider. Zippers are provided on the outer legs allowing quick removal of the lower body garment to improve comfort of the rider when not riding. An adjustable waistband is provided to allow the lower body garment to be adaptable to the differently sized individuals.

Abstract: An equestrian riding garment includes a pair of pants of elastic material having inner leg expanses and a butt expanse of durable material affixed to corresponding regions thereof, the inner leg and butt expanses being made of real or faux leather that is perforated to increase air permeability and to promote friction with a saddle. Preferably, the butt expanse is bifurcated into left and right sub-pieces corresponding with the equestrian's left and right buttocks. Optionally, a knee region of the inner leg expanses is articulated, as by segmenting. Optionally, an abdominal and/or inner calf region of the pair of pants includes an inner support layer of extra fabric for more flattering fit.

Abstract: The knee area as the foot is very important for support and stability. For the first time pants manufacturer will provide the knee area with real protection with a gel material that is 6 mm in thickness.