Abstract: A shoulder pad which has auxiliary pads designed to conform to the shape of the wearer's shoulder. In one embodiment of the invention, a hook-and-loop fastening strap is used to enable a series of wedge-like pads to be moved to various positions on the inside of the shoulder pad. The series of auxiliary pads may be a group of three individual pads, each pad being independently positionable, or the auxiliary pads may be a group of hingedly connected pads positionable as a unit. To allow the auxiliary pads to be positioned at various locations, the shoulder area of the main cushion of the shoulder pad is equipped with a hook-and-loop fabric. The moveable auxiliary pads can be placed at any location on the fabric. The auxiliary pads of the present invention distribute impact forces in such a way as to reduce the chance of sustaining injury.

Abstract: A combination garment and purse worn by a person as an article of clothing is adapted for carrying articles normally carried in a purse, handbag or briefcase and includes a garment of flexible sheet material having a back panel and a pair of side and frontal panels joined therewith. A fastener is provided for detachably securing confronting edges of the frontal panel when the garment is worn closed at the front. First pockets are provided accessible from inside of the garment for carrying articles and second pockets accessible from outside the garment are also provided for carrying articles. A resilient yoke is secured to the inside of the garment and includes a central neck segment extending across the back of a person at an upper level and a pair of forwardly extending shoulder segments joining the neck segment at opposite ends.

Abstract: A shoulder pad assembly for fashionably shaping the shoulders beneath a wearer's clothing. A shoulder pad assembly is worn independently of the wearer's clothing beneath a blouse, shirt, dress or sweater. The invention includes a pair of fashionably shaped shoulder pads, completely enclosed in fabric pockets. The pockets are connected by a panel across the wearer's back behind the wearer's neck. Under-arm straps hold the assembly in place upon the wearer's shoulders independently of other garments.

Abstract: An article of protective athletic equipment to be worn by a person includes padding in the form of a layer of closed cell, elastomeric foam having a regularly bi-directionally convoluted surface for confronting the person. An exemplary shoulder pad using such padding has a chest protector including a substantially rigid, shape-retaining layer forming a back portion, and arch portion and a front portion including outside edges proximately overlying a vertical mid-line of each pectoralis major of the person so that forward motion of the arm is unrestricted by the chest protector. The outside edge of the chest protector extends downwardly and outwardly below the pectoralis major to provide protection for the ribs. Flexible pads are coupled to the shape-retaining portion to extend outwardly over the outer portion of the pectoralis major, the flexible pad being pivotable about the outside edge of the chest protector during movement of the shoulder.

Abstract: A shock absorbing pad structure for athletic equipment, such as shoulder pads, has a foam member, having an undulated configuration formed by a plurality of elevations and dperessions, arranged in a staggered relationship with respect to one another, disposed within a flexible, substantially air impermeable enclosure. The flexible enclosure has at least one air permeable portion disposed therein.

Abstract: A brassiere strap retainer includes a first strip of Velcro material bearing hooks on one side thereof, and a second strip of Velcro material having a hook-receiving pad on one side thereof. The pad of the second strip faces the hooks and one end of the pad strip is secured to the hook-bearing strip, as by glue, sewing or the like. In one embodiment, the pad-bearing strip is shorter in length than the hook-bearing strip and is positioned thereagainst so as to expose both opposite ends of the hook-bearing side of the hook strip. The pad-bearing strip forms an openable flap, between which flap and the adjacent hook-bearing strip surface a brassiere strap can be releasably trapped. The exposed hook portions of the strip are used to releasably anchor the strap to the interior of a woman's upper garment so as to conceal the strap. In another embodiment, one end of the pad-bearing strip is secured to one end of the hook-bearing strip so that the two strips extend away from each other.

Abstract: Combination shoulder pad and brassiere strap cushion (brassiere strap) apparatus includes a pair of panels which fold in the middle. The bra strap is disposed between the two pads and is held in place by fastening elements which secure the two portions of the pads together. When folded, the outer edge of the apparatus comprises a flat line at the outer edge of the shoulder, and extending inwardly from the outer edge is a pair of edges which curve inwardly and terminate at the inside of the user's shoulder, or adjacent to the user's neck.

Abstract: A pair of work pants comprises two legs joined together at a crotch area, and a protective layer secured to the front of each leg having an upper edge no lower than the crotch area and a lower edge below the knee area, each protective layer being secured to the underlying material of the leg along its upper edge and opposite side edges to define a pocket in which a padding member is releasably received through the open lower end of the pocket. The lower edge of the protective layer is releasably securable to the front of the leg to secure the padding member in position.

Abstract: A protective pad, such as an athletic knee pad, which is worn about the knee to provide protection to a joint such as the knee cap, in which the pad has a padded front section, an elastic rear section, an adjustable upper elastic sleeve, and an elastic lower sleeve of a smaller diameter than the main body of the pad.

Abstract: A protective body support for use to protect a wearer's knee, or other such body part, re-directs and dissipates the forces associated with an impact delivered to the body support in such a manner as to prevent the application of a force to the body that is sufficient to harm that body. The body support includes plurality of triangular compartments that are attached at the apex of the triangles to an adjacent element of the support. Energy-absorbing beads are contained in the compartments, and the triangular shapes are oriented so that forces applied to the support are re-directed against the apexes so as to apply shear forces thereto. The apexes are attached so that at a predetermined level of impact force applied to the support, the resultant component applied against the apexes will rupture at least one of the apex connections thereby allowing the beads to spill out of the support compartment located adjacent to the ruptured apex.

Abstract: A device and method for shaping a shoulder. The device being a unitary piece of a porous foamed resinous material. The piece of material has a lower surface which defines an arcuate opening. The arcuate opening is defined such that when the piece of material is placed on a shoulder, it remains in position on said shoulder. This is generally accomplished where the lower surface has a length within the range of from about 6 to about 8 inches and a width within the range of from about 2 to about 5 inches. The method of shaping the shoulder involves placing the described device on a shoulder directly in contact with the shoulder and beneath a garment.

Abstract: A shoulder pad harness for securely and comfortably supporting a pair of shoulder pads on a wearer's shoulders without a bra or other fasteners is described. Preferably, the shoulder pad harness comprises an adjustable chest strap adapted to be supported longitudinally about a wearer's chest, the adjustable chest strap including a base portion, first and second ends attached to the base, and a clasp for securing the first and second ends of the adjustable chest strap. First and second adjustable shoulder straps are secured and supported generally transversely to the adjustable chest strap, and first and second shoulder pads are secured to the first and second shoulder straps, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pads are made of foam, lined with cotton and covered with lace. To facilitate the wearer's placement of the harness without having to search for a right or left side, the harness includes a pair of tabs sewn adjacent the first and second ends of the adjustable chest strap.

Abstract: A one piece elongated shoulder pad comprised of a rubbery material for use with a shoulder strap, which comprises a base having a top, a bottom, and opposed first and second longitudinally extending sides, said first side being narrower than said second side, and at least one pair of opposed flexible cooperating tab means for retaining said shoulder strap on said pad, said tab means being integrally attached to and extending away from said base, said tab means each including cooperating fastening means for detachably fastening said tab means together, whereby said shoulder strap is retained under said tab means and on said top when said tab means are detachably fastened together.

Abstract: A protective guard for the arm of a welder which includes both padding and insulation to cushion and protect the arm from heat in activities such as welding or similar tasks. The guard includes a pad and a flexible flap which is applied over the upper surface of the arm in order to more completely protect the arm above the area normally covered by the cuff of the standard welding glove. The guard may be easily applied by the use of elastic straps attached to the pad and the pad is sufficient length to extend past the elbow in order to prevent both the arm and elbow from coming into contact with heated objects, while the flexible flap is formed to allow complete bending of the arm without binding at the inside of the elbow. At least the outer portions of the guard are preferably formed of durable heat-resistant materials, such as leather.

Abstract: A shoulder strap pad is disclosed which is superior to prior pads or coverings because it takes advantage of the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the user's shoulder to provide anatomically correct support for carrying straps. This strap pad fits the shape of the shoulder, effectively raising the shoulder's profile so that there is no slope down which the strap may slide. This is accomplished by shaping the cushioning pad into a wedge or triangular shape. The strap is carried on top of this wedge and pushes down but cannot slide out. Prior pads and cushions have limited themselves to increasing the friction between strap and shoulder (or garment thereon). This frictional approach may also be used in combination with the instant invention to further prevent slipping. By making the wedge out of a cushion (whether of resilient synthetic or natural foam or of a filled cushion-like material), the carrying burden is further reduced.

Abstract: A hinged shoulder pad and method of forming such a pad is disclosed comprising precutting the component pieces or panels which will comprise the shoulder pad into a single integral unit from a blank of suitable material, such as resinated polyester, with each of the panels being cut into the desired size and shape to form the shoulder pad. Adjacent panels are cut through along their common base end or fold line leaving uncut portions at the extremities thereof to form hinges between the adjoining pieces, such that there is a slit formed between the hinges at each end. This permits the unfolded pad panels to be picked up as a singular unit and interfolded in the desired manner such that a laminated pad comprising the panels is formed of the desired thickness depending upon the number of layers employed. The thickness of the laminated pad can be increased or decreased by adding or reducing the number of pieces employed.

Abstract: A retainer for positionally locating a shoulder strap of a handbag or the like relative to the shoulder of a user includes a base member carrying an adhesive for removably attaching the retainer to the skin on the shoulder of the user and a retainer member arranged to upstand from the base member and provide a recess for receiving the shoulder strap.

Abstract: A bearing pad readily attachable to a brassiere strap for positioning between the strap and the skin of the wearer of the brassiere to prevent the strap digging into and irritating the wearer's shoulder. The pad is an elongated member having two plies of dissimilar material, the upper ply being a rigid stiff material relative to the lower ply which is a soft cushion-like material. The upper ply may be a high density polyethylene synthetic plastic, and the lower ply a non-woven polyester fabric. The upper ply includes a first pair of tabs spaced from a second pair of tabs, each pair of tabs being adapted to be lifted from the surface of the upper ply for permitting the brassiere strap to be received between the tabs and the surface of the ply in adjustable fashion.

Abstract: A fastener device including an elongated sleeve member having an elongated top fastener surface and elongated detachable side edge portions for attachment to the shoulder strap of a foundation garment, such as a brassiere, for securing the undersurface of an overlying outer garment worn over the shoulder strap to conceal the shoulder strap from view.

Abstract: A fastener device attached to the shoulder strap of a foundation garment, such as a brassiere, for securing the undersurface of an overlying outer garment worn over the shoulder straps to conceal the shoulder strap from view.

Abstract: A brassiere garment for the female figure incorporates integrated shoulder pad provision. The improved garment has shoulder panels incorporating a pair of pockets for the shoulder pads. In one embodiment, the shoulder pads and associated pockets are shaped to raise the shoulder line; while in a second embodiment in addition to raising the shoulder line the pad extends laterally so as to widen the breadth of the shoulders, by enclosing the top portion of the wearer's arm, to give a squared, broad shouldered appearance. The garment assures total stability of the pads, while in use, at the same time permitting substantially unrestricted normal activity to the wearer without danger of the pads becoming dislodged.

Abstract: An improved strap adapted to be worn adjacent the skin is made up of an elastic ribbon having flexibility in the longitudinal direction and limited lateral flexibility. A soft padding covers the elastic ribbon, and a smooth-faced material outer covering encloses both. The components of the strap are attached along the longitudinal edges of the strap to form a smooth-faced material surface with undulations (wrinkles) permitting limited longitudinal stretching of the elastic strap to produce a smooth strap surface during wear. The elasticized strap material makes up a major portion of the strap which, preferably, also includes non-elasticized end portions for attachment to garments, clips, etc.

Abstract: Comfort accessories for use with a conventional brassiere having a pair of shoulder straps. The accessories comprise shoulder strap adjusting means as well as shoulder strap pressure diffusing means. The shoulder strap adjusting means is arranged to adjust the position of at least one of the shoulder straps with respect to the wearer's shoulders and comprises an elongated flexible strip having loop means located at each end. Each loop means is arranged to extend and hold a portion of at least one of the shoulder straps so that the position of the shoulder strap is adjusted with respect to the shoulder. The pressure diffusing means is arranged to spread pressure applied by the shoulder strap across the wearer's shoulder and comprises pad means which are releasably secured by fastening means to one of the shoulder straps. The pad means is interposed between shoulder strap and the shoulder of the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable shield for use in protecting the wearer's eyelids during sunbathing or other activities wherein glare and risk of sunburn are encountered. The shield is made from a fibrous material which absorbs mositure so as to cool the eyelid on which it is applied. The shield approximates the eyelid in size and is secured directly to the eyelid by a strip of releasable adhesive whereby the shield can be removed from the eyelid without any adhesive residue remaining behind on the eyelid.

Abstract: A foldable pad having a base member with resilient material to cushion strap exerted loads on the shoulder. A positionable member of the pad may fold along a fold line into overlying relationship both with the base member and with a strap segment in place thereon. Fabric closure material of the hook and loop type in place on the opposing faces of the members serves to maintain a fixed relationship between strap and pad while retaining the pad in closed configuration. Frictional elements on the pad prevent pad displacement along a strap segment.

Abstract: A shoulder pad construction in which outer plastic shells are held off of the shoulders by rigid underlying arches so that the pad is supported entirely on the chest and back rather than on the shoulders. The opposite ends of the arches are secured to the breast plates and back plates of the shells. Padding for the shells has thick front and back portions which contact the chest and upper back. Bridge portions of the padding are much thinner to avoid impacting the acromio-clavicular joints and are cut back away from the trapezius muscles at the base of the neck to avoid applying pressure to the brachial plexus. Forces applied to the shoulder pad are partially absorbed by the shells and are transmitted to the thick padding areas and to the chest and back without applying pressure to the shoulder or to the acromio-clavicular joints or trapezius muscles.

Abstract: A versatile recoil protector for protecting a persons shoulder during shooting of a gun. The protector is made of a main body portion which fits over the shoulder and is held in place by suitable strap means. An arm protector is secured to the main body portion in the vicinity of the shoulder thereby providing double protection at the shoulder. The protector is made of any light weight, plyable and comfortable material to which a suitable shock absorption material has been secured. A shock absorption material may be natural or synthetic rubberized material or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A recoil protection system is disclosed which includes a fabric yoke. A leather panel is stitched to the yoke with a foam pad confined in the volume between the leather panel and the yoke. The foam pad is sized with its rest volume somewhat larger than the volume defined by the leather panel and the yoke such that the foam pad is in a constant state of compression. The foam pad is formed of a material having a high Loss Factor, and the yoke is held in place on the shoulder of the user by means of a harness which includes first and second straps, each of which passes under a respective arm of the user. Preferred materials for exceptionally effective foam pads are disclosed.

Abstract: The pad is made of lambskin or sheepskin, that is, the whole hide including the skin proper and the wool fibers, with a holder strip fitted flat to the skin side and secured thereto. The holder strip is a sheet of fabric with a pair of spaced buttonholes therein. The shoulder strap is threaded through the buttonholes, and when the shoulder strap is applied to the shoulder of the wearer, the pad is disposed with the wool fibers down and engaging the shoulder.

Abstract: A combined chest piece and shoulder pad, comprising an integral unitary structure formed of molded non-woven fiber material including a chest piece portion having a shape to form a foundation for the chest area of a jacket and with the chest piece portion having a central area surrounded by peripheral edge portions and with the peripheral edge portions more tightly compacted than the central area to provide for a tapering between the central area and the peripheral edge portions and with the central area compacted sufficiently to provide for a firm support of the jacket in the chest area, and a shoulder pad portion having a shape to form a foundation for the shoulder portion of the jacket and with the shoulder pad portion having an inner edge and an outer edge and with a portion of the inner edge contiguous with a peripheral edge portion of the chest piece portion and with the inner edge more tightly compacted than the remaining portion of the shoulder pad portion and with the remaining portion of the shoulde

Abstract: A strap retained shoulder protection device for absorbing loads directed to a user's shoulder area by reason of rifle or similiar firearm recoil. The device includes a shoulder protection pad and a strap assembly which cooperates with the pad to form a shoulder harness for locating and retaining the pad in its proper operative position upon the user's shoulder area. The strap assembly is adjustable to facilitate use of the device by different users. The protection pad may be provided with various amounts or load absorbent material according to the desires of the user.

Abstract: A method of producing a shoulder pad blank having a thick-walled portion and a thin-walled portion comprising cutting a sheet of shoulder pad stock material sinusoidally into two intermediate blanks each having a plurality of ridges spaced a predetermined distance from each other, and then cutting the ridges sinusoidally along their length.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for football players comprising a chestplate portion, a backplate portion and a pair of arches integrally connecting the plate portions, the arches being laterally spaced to provide an opening for the neck of the wearer with the spacing such that the arches lie adjacent and relatively close to the neck. The arches are relatively narrow in relation to the width of the shoulders. Each of the members has padding on the inside thereof with the padding at the top of the arch extending laterally over the shoulder and having an inner portion generally beneath the arch and an outer portion covering the outer part of the shoulder. The inner and outer portions are hingedly connected with the outer portion having a back section adjacent the backplate and a front section adjacent the chestplate.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for football players comprising a chestplate portion, a backplate portion and a pair of arches integrally connecting the plate portions, the arches being laterally spaced to provide an opening for the neck of the wearer with the spacing such that the arches lie adjacent and relatively close to the neck. The arches and padding thereunder are relatively narrow in relation to the width of the shoulders so as to provide freedom for upward movement of the outer part of the shoulders without substantial interference from the arches. A pair of caps of relatively rigid material adapted to fit over the outer portion of the shoulders are flexibly connected to respective arches and have shoulder padding on the inside thereof separate from the arch padding for enabling the caps and the shoulder padding to move freely upwardly upon upward movement of the outer part of the shoulders.

Abstract: The protective baseball batting garment is an article used by batters only while at bat in the playing of the game of baseball as done in the United States and perhaps some foreign countries. The protective jacket is adapted to protect the upper portion of the human torso and arms where severe injury to the batter is most prevalent caused by a baseball thrown by the pitcher of the opposing team in the field to a batter at home plate in the batters box during the playing of the game of baseball. Hard pads or padded sections are sewn into or on the exterior of a jacket to protect the forearm, elbow and outer bicep of arm facing the opposing pitcher, opposed side padded sections, shoulder and shoulder blades and back section, all of which are provided with inner more resilient materials to absorb the shock of the thrown baseball by opposing pitcher to a batter in the batters box who is wearing the jacket so padded.