Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester product excellent in resilient elasticity, shape retainability and shape stability, and a process for producing the same. The invention provides a polyester product with high resilient elasticity, shape retainability, and shape stability, which is produced by heat-treating a product comprising polyester fibers or a film prepared by taking up a molten polyester at a take-up speed of 2000 m/min to 4000 m/min, in wet heat and/or dry heat at not lower than 120° C. with the product maintained in a loose or constrained condition without being drawn. The product is very suitable, for example, as a collar interlining cloth of a shirt, a base fabric of a shirt, or a fabric of a lady's dress, etc.

Abstract: An anti-slip pad for a belt includes a number of members disposed together and parallel to each other and coupled together at live hinges, and/or having the end portions secured together at coupling bars. The pad includes two or more slots for threading the belt. The members disposed between every two adjacent members may each include a size smaller than that of the adjacent members for forming a space between the members and for receiving the belt. The members may include a hollow structure and may include a curved outer peripheral surface for engaging with a user.

Abstract: A padded shoulder protection device for essentially protecting against micro-trauma to one's shoulder due to carrying objects on the shoulder. The padded shoulder protection device includes a semi-flexible layered and padded member having four projecting portions, a neck-receiving edge, and further includes eight straps and four buckles with four of the straps being attached to respective projecting portions and the remaining four straps being attached either to a padded belt member or to four strap members with each strap member having a respective suspender-like clip attached thereto. The semi-flexible layered and padded member includes a layer of foam material, a layer of plastic material, and a layer of either rubber or leather.

Abstract: A retainer capable of retaining the strap of a foundation garment upon the shoulder of the wearer so as to conceal the strap and maintain it concealed under the outer garment. The retainer is an elongated sleeve having a base, two side walls and a split top, together defining a passageway for the strap. The retainer is of a single piece construction molded from a material having slip resistance in contact with human skin and with clothing materials. After placing a foundation garment strap through the split top into the passageway, the retainer is placed on an appropriate part of the body, generally on the shoulder, concealed by the outer garment of the wearer. The retainer clings to the body and to the outer garment and maintains its position during wear of the garment.

Abstract: The system of this invention describes shoulder pads for workers who need to carry heavy or cumbersome objects safely, comfortably and with ease. It comprises an interchangeable shoulder pad made from a comfortable and wear resistant material with a pair of front and back adjustable straps that connect to a worker's belt, pants or other clothing on the waist of the worker. The interchangeable nature of this pad permits the same pad to be used on the left or right side. The pad is specially contoured for the neck and shoulder and underlined with suade so as not to slip.

Abstract: A protective shoulder pad which is adapted to be worn on either the right or left shoulder of a wearer for supporting a load, and which includes a protective pad having a band forming an underarm loop connected adjacent one side thereof, and a pair of body straps connected adjacent the opposite side of the protective pad with the free ends of the body strap having complementary fastening means for securing the free ends of the body straps in a readily releasable manner so that when worn, one arm of the wearer is slipped through the underarm loop with the body strap being diagonally extended along the back and front of the wearer so that the free ends are secured in a readily releasable manner on the front of the wearer.

Abstract: A jewelry item having a top member pivotally joined by a hinge to a lower base member used to retain a handbag's shoulder strap in place to the clothing of a user. The top and base members are curved lengthwise to resemble the natural curvature of a user's shoulder. A latch on the top can engage a mating member on the base member to lock the the top and base members together when closed. A fastener on the base can attach the jewelry item to the clothing of a user at their shoulder. Several different designs and materials are disclosed for the exposed upper surface of the top member to exhibit and resemble a fine piece of jewelry. This jewelry item may be worn along or used to retain the shoulder strap of a handbag to a user.

Abstract: A laminated stretch cushion strap assembly having a stretchable cover, a stretchable cushion filler and a stretchable bottom or bottom fabric. The cover includes a stretchable top fabric, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric and a stretchable base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on a side opposite that of the top fabric. The stretchable bottom fabric forms with the cover an enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler is adapted to be completely enclosed within the enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler has a first cushion layer, and adhesive for securing during lamination the cover to the stretchable cushion filler, and the cushion filler to the stretchable bottom fabric. The adhesive is a second adhesive web layer positioned between the stretchable base layer and the first cushion layer to secure the cushion filler to the cover, and a third adhesive web layer positioned on the first cushion layer to secure the bottom fabric to the cushion filler.

Abstract: A Durable Padded Interchangeable Brassiere Strap Shoulder Shield is intended to be placed beneath a brassiere strap between the brassiere strap and the wearer's shoulder. Velcro.RTM. hook fastener material disposed on the dorsal surface of the shield engages the brassiere strap and holds the shield in place while the padded material absorbs the shock from the brassiere strap. The shield is comprised of a resilient semi-rigid form. The form has a gently curved shape in the general contour of a human shoulder, curving from front to back. Padding is disposed upon a bottom side of the form. The padding is held in place by a covering disposed over the padding and the form. The covering directly covers the form and is tight enough to hold the padding against the form giving the shield the general contour established by the form. The hook fastener material is disposed on the covering opposite the padding material.

Abstract: Load distribution shoulder pads (12, 14) for a backpack (10). Each shoulder pad is constructed from a first cushioned layer (16) and a second cushioned layer (18). Each cushioned layer is covered by a corresponding fabric layer (20, 22). The cushioned layers are contoured by the formation of a skived longitudinal recess (66) cut into the interior surface (62) of each cushioned layer along the perimeter edge (64) of the cushioned layer, defining a reduced thickness perimeter lip (70) around each cushioned layer. For assembly, the cushioned layers are placed exterior fabric side against exterior fabric side and a cushioned layer/fabric seam allowance (74) is sewn with stitching (76). The shoulder pad is then reversed inside-out, such that the seam allowances are received between the cushioned layers within a cavity (78) defined by the opposing skived recesses. The shoulder pad has a uniform thickness and density across the entire width, and uncomfortable pressure ridges are avoided.

Abstract: This invention provides a pad for clothes, such as a shoulder pad, and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein the precise positioning of a shape memory material is maintained, while the safety of a pad is improved. A shape memory material is contained in a pouch-like body, and the pouch-like body is positioned in the pad materials. In the pouch-like body, the precise positioning of the shape memory material is achieved by forming an opening and by providing a positioning part. The shape memory material is inserted into the opening and is positioned adjacent to the positioning part.

Abstract: Pockets placed into or onto the sleeves of a long-sleeved garment for warming or protecting of hands. A pocket is disposed on each sleeve in the area of the forearm so that an individual can easily insert his or her right hand into the left sleeve pocket and correspondingly, insert his or her left hand into the right sleeve pocket. A closure device may be added to one or both pockets for the storage of loose items. In addition, the pockets can be turned inside out allowing the individual to insert his or her right hand into the right pocket and his or her left hand into the left pocket from within each respective sleeve. When used in this fashion, the pockets can be shaped in the form of mittens or other glove-like form so that the individual can use his or her hands while still keeping them warm and protected.

Abstract: A lingerie strap cushioning device, for use by a woman having shoulders, when wearing an article of lingerie having shoulder straps, comprising an upper section and a lower section that are separated by a fold line. The upper section and lower section are normally coplanar, but are selectively foldable about the fold line to trap one of the lingerie straps therebetween. The cushioning device has a bottom curve which is symmetrical about the fold line. The cushioning device also has a top curve which intersects the fold line at a point of intersection, and is concave outward from the point of intersection with the fold line. When the cushioning device is folded about the fold line, the bottom curve overlaps the upper portion and lower portion, but the upper portion defines an extension section in the lower portion where the upper portion does not overlap the lower portion.

Abstract: A new Bra-Strap Securing System for retaining a bra-strap directly underneath a shirt strap of various types of sleeveless shirts preventing the bra-strap from exposure by securing the bra-strap with a middle positioned dual-sided adhesive tape. The inventive device includes a length of dual-sided adhesive tape formed into a tape roll, transparent or colored, which includes a plurality of perforations perpendicularly aligned to the longitudinal length of the dual-sided adhesive tape at various lengths apart allowing the user to remove an ergonomic section when needed from the tape roll, or can be sold in separate pieces in various lengths and widths.

Abstract: A cushion strap assembly and method of making same is provided which cushion strap assembly is adapted to be used in a brassiere shoulder strap. The assembly includes a top fabric layer, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric layer, and a base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on the side opposite that of the top fabric layer. The assembly also includes a cushion filler that is a first cushion layer, a third adhesive web layer positioned on a side of the first cushion layer, a second cushion layer positioned on the third adhesive layer on the side opposite that of the first cushion layer. A second adhesive web layer can be part of the cushion filler or separate. In either event, it is positioned on the first cushion layer on the side opposite the third adhesive web layer.

Abstract: An anti-slipping support for a brassiere shoulder strap 5 has a pliant, elongate bridge plate 1 with a curvature. An upper surface 6 of the bridge plate has a groove 9 proximate an elongate axis. The groove has a securing surface that can be smooth, textured or have a plurality of protrusions 11, each having a gripping surface 12, extending therefrom. A pliant flap 13 is mounted to the upper surface. The respective brassiere shoulder strap is positioned within the groove and beneath the flap to secure the bridge plate from movement along the strap and to provide a smooth top surface. A lower surface of the bridge plate is provided with a cushion pad, which can be either permanently mounted or detachable from the bridge plate. Ventilation orifices 23 can be provided in the bridge plate. Another embodiment has a pair of spaced apart T-shaped strap bays 37 respectively located proximate first and second ends 2 and 3 of the bridge plate to receive the respective brassiere shoulder strap.

Abstract: An improved body protection pad which can be formed to protect a variety of body parts from impact, constructed with a rigid central layer and having a soft outer covering which absorbs impacts and disperses energy. This softer outer layer protects the wearer of the pad, as well as protects the impacting object or person. An inner cushioning layer is also provided between the pad wearer and the rigid central layer. An abrasion resistant coating can also be added over the soft covering. When used for contact sports such as football, this pad construction is effective in preventing injuries resulting when the pad is used as a striking object. The covering may be applied in segmented pieces or as a continuous layer over both sides of the rigid central layer. The central layer can be solid or can form a frame-like structure.

Abstract: An athletic protective pad comprising a foam body composed of a layer of open cell foam and a first and second layer of closed cell foam and having a foam chest portion, a foam shoulder member and a hinge attaching the chest portion to the shoulder member, with the chest portion and shoulder member each presenting a periphery. The hinge member includes tape attached to an outer surface of the foam body across a portion of the peripheries of the chest portion and shoulder member to allow the shoulder member to rotate in a first direction relative to the chest portion and preventing rotation thereof in a second direction. The first and second layers of closed cell foam are secured to opposing surfaces of the open cell foam layer, with the layers presenting a sandwich configuration. The layer of open cell foam has a first thickness and the layers of closed cell foam each have a second thickness, where the first thickness of the open cell foam is approximately 1.

Abstract: A sleeve for padding a hazardous-duty garment strap, such as a firefighting suspender shoulder strap, or for padding a hazardous-duty pack strap, includes an elongated inner strip of padding material, an outer layer of heat and flame resistant material substantially surrounding the inner padding strip, and a central passage shaped to slidably receive the strap of the garment or pack strap therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the padding is made of heat and flame resistant closed cell foam material, and the outer layer is made of an aramid material.

Abstract: A clothing accessory device comprises a body part, a first fastener on the body part for coupling the body part to a strap of a brassiere, and a second fastener on the body part for coupling the body part to an article of clothing overlying the brassiere during use thereof. The second fastener includes a spring loaded mechanism or component for engaging and fixing the article of clothing relative to the body of the clothing accessory device. The spring loaded mechanism generally includes a pair of opposed jaws biased towards one another by a spring. The jaws may be slidably or translatably coupled and biased towards one another by a compression spring. One of the jaws is fixed to the body part of the clothing accessory device and the other jaw is provided on an ancillary member slidably coupled to the body part, the compression spring being disposed between the ancillary member and the body part.

Abstract: An orthotic epaulet adapted to be worn on the shoulder to alleviate discomfort caused by brassiere straps. The epaulet comprises a panel of a flexible materials having a smoothly contoured perimeter, the panel being smoothly curved across a transverse ridge line to form a concave contact surface on the underside of the panel adapted to fit over the user's shoulder, and a convex bearing surface on the top surface of the panel, with the ridge line extending along the ridge of the wearer's shoulder. A strip of a pile material extending transversely across the ridge line on convex bearing surface of the panel, to engage a brassiere strap worn over the shoulder. The panel has an anterior flange adapted to overlie the anterior portion of the shoulder on which the epaulet is worn, and a posterior flange adapted to overlie the posterior portion of the shoulder on which the epaulet is worn.

Abstract: A pad for attachment to a strap, such as the shoulder strap of an article such as a brassiere, includes a fluid-filled envelope, slidable over the strap for eventual positioning over the shoulders of the wearer. A fabric cover may be placed over the envelope and attachment tabs may be secured to either the envelope or the cover to securely position the envelope relative to the strap during use. A modified form of the invention includes a second pair of fluid-filled envelopes affixed to the lower edges of the cups of a brassiere.

Abstract: A cushioning device for use with a shoulder strap or the like to distribute the load on the shoulder of the user comprises essentially a planar member having at least a central pocket formed therein in which is disposed a cushioning member and a fluid filled member. The fluid filled member, which is preferably an air filled bubble-type sheet acts as a load distribution device for distributing the load ordinarily placed upon the shoulder of the user. The device is formed from a soft, pliant material which can be folded back upon itself and which is locked together through a hook and loop fastener or similar locking device. The device hereof is particularly advantageous for use with shoulder straps associated with suitcases, briefcases, valises and similar totes.

Abstract: In apparatus attachable to a strip of material associated with a garment, the combination comprising a flexible support base, and two foldable flaps carried by the base at spaced apart fold locations, and characterized in that the flaps are separately foldable from open positions allowing placement of the strip part at least one open position flap and toward the base, to closed position in which portions of the flaps directly overlie one another and the strip is retained to the base by the flaps; the flaps consisting of mutually face-to-face adherent material to adhere when the portions are pressed together in the closed position of the flaps.

Abstract: Shoulder pads to provide a comfortable cradle for a shoulder strap for carrying the luggage case includes a foam pad and an elastic webbing firmly attached to this foam pad. The elastic webbing embraces the shoulder strap, yet stretches adequately to permit the shoulder pad to slide over buckles, snap hook pivots, etc. normally forming a part of the shoulder strap assembly.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a novel shoulder protector for a brassiere shoulder strap includes first, second and third layers of material. The first layer is a soft cushion material and contacts the skin of a wearer. The second layer is made of a material having a high degree of rigidity that may be heated to conform to the shoulder of a wearer and provides a bearing surface for the strap. The third layer is releasably attached to the second layer and overlays the second layer. The brassiere strap is sandwiched between the second and third layers are securely held therebetween. The second embodiment of the shoulder protector eliminates the third layer and instead a tongue is provided in the second layer under which the brassiere strap is securely held.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for use with a shoulder strap for improving the distribution of the weight on a user's shoulder of an object carried by the strap thereby reducing the discomfort to the user and the tendency of the strap to slide off the user's shoulder. The shoulder pad comprises an arcuate shoulder strap support surface and one or more inclined wedges transversing the support surface between the inner and outer edges thereof. The wedges are inclined upwardly toward the outer edge of the support strap. A strap securement clip is removably secured about a centrally disposed wedge, pinching portions of the shoulder strap about the wedge and causing the strap to turn outwardly from the wedge and securing the pad to the strap.

Abstract: A cushion strap assembly and method of making same is provided which cushion strap assembly is adapted to be used in a brassiere shoulder strap. The assembly includes a top fabric layer, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric layer, and a base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on the side opposite that of the top fabric layer. The assembly also includes a cushion filler that is a first cushion layer, a third adhesive web layer positioned on a side of the first cushion layer, a second cushion layer positioned on the third adhesive layer on the side opposite that of the first cushion layer. A second adhesive web layer can be part of the cushion filler or separate. In either event, it is positioned on the first cushion layer on the side opposite the third adhesive web layer.

Abstract: The shoulder area of wedding and party dresses are usually puffed up using crinoline netting, which is very cumbersome and difficult to work. A simple solution to this problem includes a fabric panel in the shape of a truncated segment of a circle with a pocket in the long straight edge thereof. When the convex side of the panel is pleated or otherwise gathered, the panel assumes an arch shape. Inserting of a resilient strip of plastic into the pocket and sewing of the gathered edge into a sleeve at the seam between the bodice and sleeve of a garment results in a puffy shoulder which retains its shape.

Abstract: A shoulder pad assembly for contact sports such as hockey is described. Two separate shoulder assemblies, in the form of generally U-shaped shoulder bands, are each pivotally connected fore and aft to chest and back pieces. Preferably the pivotal connections are co-axial, so that there are just two pivot points, namely fore and aft pivot points centrally located on the chest and back pieces, thus generally defining a V-shape for the shoulder portions of the pad. Preferably, the flexibility is limited by the use of a pivot clip at each pivot point, the pivot clip having at least one post disposed from the pivot axis and projecting from the clip through an arcuate slot in each shoulder band, the arcuate slots being of finite length such that further pivoting is prevented once the post reaches an end of the slot.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for a guitar strap characterized by a noteworthy decorative pattern, wherein the shoulder pad uses a see-through netting cover for the strap slidably disposed beneath same such that the strap decorative pattern always is in visual display.

Abstract: A rib protector is disclosed for protecting a player's torso while playing athletic events, such as football. The rib protector includes an pad having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A flexible belt is attached to the outer surface of the pad for securing the pad around the player's torso in a position in which the inner surface of the pad is adjacent the torso. A plurality of removable plates are attached to the belt for covering portions of the outer surface of the pad. The plates are constructed for receiving the impact of blows delivered to the rib protector and distributing the impact force to the pad. The plates are separate from one another and individually removable from the belt whereby a player using the rib protector may attach a selected number of plates to the belt.

Abstract: A Shoulder Protector Guard harness having a appearance as suspenders with attached shoulder pads to protect each shoulder of a wearer from bruises, lacerations and other injuries caused by heavy construction materials. Each pad is held in place by a vertical suspender strap at its front and back. The vertical straps attach to the wearer's belt or pants with clamps to hold the shoulder protector in place. A horizontal center strap attached to each vertical strap holds each vertical strap in place thereby assisting the secure placement of the shoulder pads on the shoulders of the wearer.

Abstract: A knee pad includes a base member which, when unassembled, is planar. A top member is operatively connected to the base member. In a preferred embodiment, the top member is also, when unassembled, planar. The base member has first and second points of attachment and, when unassembled, are at a first distance from each other. The top member has first and second points of attachment which, when unassembled, are also a first distance from each other. Provided are means for securing the top member to the base member at the points of attachment wherein, when assembled, the first and second points of attachment of the base member are at a second distance from each other. The second distance is less than the first distance wherein the base member forms a cupped region. Also provided is a means for attaching the base and top members to a user's knee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bra strap retainer that is in the form of an elongated flexible string-like retainer that is adapted to be attached to the shoulder portion of an upper garment or to an upper garment accessory such as a shoulder pad. In a fully attached mode the string-like brassiere strap retainer forms a closed loop and the brassiere strap is threaded through the formed loop and is securely confined within that loop assuring that the bra strap does not fall down the sleeve of the subject wearing the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to renovate collars on existing athletic shoulder pads, which can be utilized either for replacing or covering worn collars. The collar renovation system includes a uniquely shaped replacement collar cover which is stretched over and around the existing shoulder pad cover and then fastened to and around the existing shoulder pad cover.

Abstract: An anti-slip device for engagement on a belt including a body, and a pad formed integral on a bottom portion of the body and to be engaged on a shoulder of a user, the pad including a wedge-shaped cross section having a first side of larger thickness engaged on the outer portion of the shoulder of the user such that the belt is held horizontally and such that the pad is prevented from slipping off the shoulder.

Abstract: The invention concerns an interfacing for stiffening outer garments which is formed from a composite of a nonwoven textile (19), a warp knit fabric with synthetic multifilament threads and weft threads (20). The composite according to the invention contains a loosely bonded nonwoven fabric (19 ) of fibre count 1 to 5 dtex and weight class 30 to 150 g/m.sup.2, a warp knit fabric of warp thread count 20 to 80 dtex, set of the warp 40 to 70 threads per 10 cm and fibre count 1 to 3.5 dtex and resilient weft threads (20) incorporated into each stitch course of the warp knit fabric of thread count 300 to 2000 dtex, set of the weft 70 to 130 threads/10 cm and, for a fibre proportion in excess of 50% by weight, a fibre count of 7 to 60 dtex.

Abstract: A padded strap for brassieres and similar garments that includes an integral molded pad portion. The strap, including the pad, is suitable for forming the load-bearing straps of the qarment while presenting an attractive, smooth and seam-free outer appearance and also being free of seams along the wearer's skin. The padded strap of the invention also may be used as a separate pad for a conventional strap by attaching appropriate hooks or other hardware to the ends of the strap. A method for forming a strap according to the invention is also disclosed. The method includes laminating selected fabrics to a resilient core to form a laminated sandwich, molding the sandwich under pressure and temperature to compress a portion and leave an uncompressed portion to form a pad portion, cooling the molded sandwich in a curved position to induce a curved set, cutting the molded sandwich to size to form a strap, and securing the strap to a garment.

Abstract: A shoulder pad assembly for protecting the upper body and shoulders. The shoulder pad assembly includes a substantially rigid outer shell having left and right body members. Each of the body members has a generally horizontally disposed arched portion for spanning one of the shoulders. A chest plate portion and a back plate portion depend from the arched portion. The shoulder pad assembly also includes a cantilever support extending between the plate portions for supporting the outer shell above the shoulders to substantially reduce the impact of the outer shell on the shoulders. The cantilever support is configured to support the outer shell above the trapezius muscle such that, when the muscle is substantially developed, the generally horizontally disposed arched portion is evenly supported on the trapezius muscle by the cantilever support.

Abstract: A body protector for athletes, particularly those engaged in motocross or motorcycle racing, having an outer semirigid plastic shell and an inner layer of air cell material for absorbing the impact of a fall or collision. The air cell material comprises a closed network of cells that are interconnected with channels. The channels slow the air movement away from the impact area, thereby distributing the energy of the impact throughout the cell network. An integral pump allows the wearer to maintain the air cell material at the desired pressure. An inflation indicator allows the wearer to estimate the pressure level of the air cells.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for protective equipment comprised of relatively soft inner cushioning material and relatively rigid outer shell-like material. The fastening is comprised of a main strap which has a fixed end and free end. The fixed end is sewn in place to both inner and outer fabric surfaces of a cushion. The free end of the strap is threaded through a series of three slots and through an opening formed by a transverse strap. The circuitous path of the main strap prevents separation of the cushion from the shell. Hook-and-loop fastening surface areas on different portions of the main strap allow it to be completed with one hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sports useable body protector primarily for use as a chest protector and comprising a rigid frame with forward padding and a rearward suspension strap on the frame. The rigid frame is formed with rearwardly extending wrap around rib covering portions and wrap over collar bone and shoulder covering portions all of which are shaped to pull the rigid frame rearwardly when worn by a user such that the suspension strap is snug against the user with the rigid frame in a tight body fitting position.

Abstract: Shoulder pad and bra strap apparatus includes two foldable portions for locking the bra strap in place over a cushion element. In one embodiment, there is a primary cushion only for the bra strap, with a very thin secondary pad for a shoulder pad. A second embodiment, a relatively thick shoulder pad is provided. The shoulder pad may be tapered, if desired.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for use with a garment including a pad having a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer, the shoulder pad including an enclosed internal compartment into which articles may be placed and concealed. The shoulder pad preferably includes a closeable opening for providing access into the enclosed internal compartment and also preferably includes a means for detachably attaching the shoulder pad to the garment shoulder.

Abstract: A football shoulder pad includes a pair of relatively rigid arch portions which extend over the shoulders of a wearer and a pair of resilient pads which are removably secured to the rear surfaces of the arch portions. The pads reduce the tendency of a football to bounce off of the arch portions.

Abstract: A padded strap for brassieres and similar garments that includes an integral molded pad portion. The strap, including the pad, is suitable for forming the load-bearing straps of the garment while presenting an attractive, smooth and seam-free outer appearance and also being free of seams along the wearer's skin. The padded strap of the invention also may be used as a separate pad for a conventional strap by attaching appropriate hooks or other hardware to the ends of the strap. A method for forming a strap according to the invention is also disclosed. The method includes laminating selected fabrics to a resilient core to form a laminated sandwich, molding the sandwich under pressure and temparature to compress a portion and leave an uncompressed portion to form a pad portion, cooling the molded sandwich in a curved position to induce a curved set, cutting the molded sandwich to size to form a strap, and securing the strap to a garment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a football shoulder pad which includes a pair of rigid arches and a less rigid pad member associated with each rigid arch. Each pad has opposite pockets which open toward each other, and terminal edges of the rigid arches are received in the pockets whereby the arches and the pad members can be readily assembled and disassembled. Snap fasteners or the like are utilized to hold the arches and associated pads assembled while facilitating the ease of release thereof.

Abstract: A shoulder pad configured and sized to dwell on the shoulder of a wearer; the shoulder pad includes an outer cover having upper and lower sheet portions which are folded over and stitched together so as to enclose a resilient core layer, and has an opening into a pocket provided within the core layer so that valuable articles may be placed therein for safekeeping. The pad also has lip portions provided at the pocket opening which are reinforced and include fasteners, such as VELCRO.TM. fastener strips, to close the pocket. The pad upper surface is provided with at least one VELCRO.TM. patch fastener or strip to engage the inside of the shoulder zone of a garment of a wearer to maintain the pad in desired position, and the pad lower surface includes a loop which can be opened and closed to embrace a brassiere strap of a wearer of the pad.

Abstract: A shoulder pad comprising a left-hand member which fits over the left shoulder and a right-hand member which fits over the right shoulder. Each of the members is of generally inverted U-shape as viewed from the side and has a chestplate portion, a backplate portion and an arch connecting the plate portions, the arches being laterally spaced to provide an opening for the neck of the wearer. Each of the members is fabricated from lightweight synthetic resin sheet material having a corrugated central layer formed with parallel corrugations, and a pair of generally parallel outer layers forming opposite exterior surfaces of the sheet material. The corrugations are resiliently deformable upon application of an impact load to the sheet material to attenuate the shock of the impact load on the wearer.