Abstract: An orthopedic protective assembly is disclosed. The orthopedic protective apparatus includes a foam shaped collar to conform to a user's neck area. The foam shaped collar comprises a multi-layer polymer material having a pliable outermost protective layer to absorb initial impact energy and additional layer(s). The additional layer(s) require(s) greater impact energy to deform than those of the pliable outermost protective layer. In one embodiment, shim extension(s) customize(s) impact energy absorption properties of the foam shaped collar by filling a gap between an underside of the foam shaped collar and a shoulder region of a user.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment provides segmented padding is patterned to conform to the size, shape and motion of the muscles it is protecting. Segmented padding is supplemented in joint areas by tangentially-stepped articulated shielding, each comprising a hingeably interconnected series of rigid shells. The structure and orientation of the shells deflects impact forces tangentially, while the rotational mobility of the shielding has a force-damping effect.

Abstract: A shoulder mounted hood cooling assembly includes a support, a blower carried by the support, and vents in fluid communication with the blower. The support when worn by a user positions at least a portion of the support adjacent the user's shoulder's and the vents are positioned to direct air exhausted from the blower to a neck or to a head or both the neck and the head of the user.

Abstract: A garment protective system includes a protective member and an adjustable member. In another aspect of the present invention, body armor inside a jacket is repositionable due to adjustment of a coupled adjustment strap. A further aspect of the present invention provides a waist belt adjustably coupled to a shoulder area and/or a back area of a jacket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse, that is formed from a consolidated polymer fiber composite material, such as polypropylene tape yarn that reduces the overall weight of the shoulder pad. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member.

Abstract: To enable a front portion of a chest protector to be easily undone to allow cooling down while maintaining the protection performance for the chest protector fitted to a garment. A chest protector detachably fitted to an interior surface of a body garment includes left and right protective shell members, with the left and right protective shell members engaging in a separable manner.

Abstract: Silver coated nylon woven and non-woven fibers are disclosed that can be used to make fabrics, bags, and pads that are silver coated on one side of the fabric, bag, and/or pad. Silver coated nylon fabrics, bags, and pads provide an antimicrobial surface which remains on the surface and retains its antimicrobial characteristic until destroyed. The silver coating can be used as a way to eliminate, reduce and/or ameliorate odors emanating from the bacteria. The methods of adherence of the silver to the nylon may be performed in a number of ways. The pads may be further associated with protective gear that can be used by professions and athletes that use protective gear.

Abstract: A garment comprising a portion suitable for being combined with an inflatable member for protecting a user. is described. The portion of the garment includes a covering surface suitable for forming a covering for the inflatable member. The covering surface comprises at least one insert made of elastic material.

Abstract: Securing devices secure the position of protective pads on the arms of a user of the protective pads. A first strap and a second strap are placed over the head with the head of the user passing in between the first and second strap. The first and second straps connect to a third strap at a first connection point. At a second connection point opposite from the first connection point a fourth strap connects to the first and second straps. The third and fourth straps each connect to an attachment device. The attachment devices connect to the protective pads of the wearer. Each one of the straps can each be adjustable to accommodate wearers of varying dimensions. The attachment devices can be detachable from the protective pads so that the wearer can utilize the securing device in conjunction with protective pads that the wearer already has.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective shoulder pads for protecting an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. The improvement comprises protective shoulder pads with release mechanisms that allow the protective shoulder pads to be safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and displacing structure for athletic protective equipment, such as an athletic shin-guard, is provided using a flexible web-shaped body to hold a rigid band-shaped member in place. The inner rigid band-shaped member follows the contour of the desired area to protect. The outer flexible web-shaped body is made of a softer rubber like material and works as a locator and supporter keeping the inner, rigid band-shaped member, in proper location.

Abstract: A shoulder protector comprising a generally “U” shaped device of a resilient material that fits over the shoulder comprising: a base; and a pair of flanges extending orthogonally from the base that define a channel for reception of the scapula area of the body. According to various preferred embodiments, the shoulder protector of the present invention includes; 1) a hygienic layer on the side of the device that addresses the body; 2) an adherent layer that engages an overworn jersey on that surface of the device that lies away from the body of the user; enlarged shoulder pad areas that extend over and below the shoulder of a user; and removable rigid or semi-rigid shoulder pads that can be removably attached to the shoulder protector of the present invention.

Abstract: A garment comprising: at least one pocket; and at least one protective pad located within said at least one pocket; and at least one connecting structure for securing at least one optional protective pad to the garment the at least one connecting structure being capable of cooperating with a complementary connecting structure operatively connected to the at least one optional protective pad.

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 protective device, in particular of a type suitable for use during sports activities to protect in case of knocks, falls and impacts in general, comprises at least one substantially rigid main protective element, apt to be applied at a region to be protected, at least one substantially rigid ancillary protective element, apt to be applied in a position next to the main protective element and connecting means for connecting the ancillary protective element to the main protective element apt to allow the mutual rotation working as hinge about a main axis. The connecting means comprises deformable connections between the protective elements so that the connecting means allow, besides said rotation, also rotations along axes different from said main axis and/or limited translation motions nearing thereto and/or away therefrom.

Abstract: A one-piece football uniform includes: a pants section, adapted to accommodate knee pads, thigh pads, and hip pads; a shirt section fixed to the pants section and adapted to accommodate shoulder pads; a collar in the shirt section; and a zipper adapted to open the collar wide enough for a player having knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, and shoulder pads to don the garment through the collar. Also included are thigh and hip pad support, and a flap to releasably cover the zipper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member.

Abstract: An inflatable and adjustable shock absorption system including a shock absorption unit with interacting, force-dispersing dimple arrays and an intervening, reversibly inflatable air bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable and adjustable shock absorption system including a shock absorption unit with interacting, force-dispersing dimple arrays and an intervening, reversibly inflatable air bladder.

Abstract: A protective padded garment includes one or more pads conforming to three-dimensional coordinate data representing the anatomical body part to be protected. The pads are designed from three-dimensional scanned images of the human anatomy and molded in situ with the garment to be worn.

Abstract: A chest protector formed of a base, upper and lower shoulder straps, a neck pad, neck cushions, shoulder cushions, chest cushions, upper and lower abdomen cushions, lateral cushions, bottom cushions and breathing cloths. Each upper abdomen cushion is formed of an inner low bounce foam, an outer low bounce foam and an intermediate hard plastic board sandwiched in between the inner low bounce foam and outer low bounce foam. Each lower abdomen cushion is formed of an inner low bounce foam and an outer low bounce foam. The inner low bounce foam of each abdomen cushion is shorter and relatively softer than the associating outer low bounce form so that a buffer space is defined between the outer low bounce foam of each abdomen cushion and the base below the associating inner low bounce foam and the outer low bounce foams of the abdomen cushions are respectively held in a sloping status after stitching of the breathing cloths to the base.

Abstract: A neck protector comprising a collar sized and shaped to provide a continuous closure around a neck of a wearer. The collar has a first pair of opposed ends, with one end having a first tongue and the other a first groove. The first tongue fits into the first groove to form a first tongue and groove interlock, which is maintained with a closure. Also, an upper body protector which may be used in combination with the neck protector. The upper body protector comprises a body portion and a spine protector shield system, and/or a chest protector shield system attached to the body portion. Both shield systems comprise at least two overlapping shield sections sized, shaped and positioned to cover at least a portion of the wearer's spine or sternum, while permitting flex, freedom of movement, and venting.

Abstract: A combination of a compression garment and a custom fitted armor plate is disclosed that protects a specific body part of a wearer. The compression garment is formed with at least one compartment for receiving and supporting the custom fitted body armor plate against the wearer's body part to be protected. The compression garment conforms to the wearer's body and the compression features of the garment tightly press the armor against the wearer's body thereby maintaining the armor in precise position during active and/or sometimes violent sporting and athletic activities.

Abstract: A helmet and shoulder pad combination is provided with an improved helmet support and restrictor to minimize rearward hyperextension and whiplash-type head movement as well as axial compression.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and displacing structure for athletic protective equipment, such as an athletic shin-guard, is provided using a flexible web-shaped body to hold a rigid band-shaped member in place. The inner rigid band-shaped member follows the contour of the desired area to protect. The outer flexible web-shaped body is made of a softer rubber like material and works as a locator and supporter keeping the inner, rigid band-shaped member, in proper location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse, that is formed from a consolidated polymer fiber composite material, such as polypropylene tape yarn that reduces the overall weight of the shoulder pad. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member.

Abstract: An epaulet system for shoulder pads, the system including an epaulet having an elongate epaulet projection extending outwardly therefrom, an epaulet restraining member having an elongate channel for receiving the epaulet projection, a flexible connector hingedly connecting the epaulet to the shoulder pad, and a force member for urging the epaulet toward the shoulder pad.

Abstract: An impact reduction device including a pad having a first layer and a second layer. At least one of the first and second layers defines at least one impression. The impact reduction device is arranged and configured to at least partially collapse upon application of a force and to regain its shape after removal of the force.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective shoulder pads for protecting an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. The improvement comprises protective shoulder pads with release mechanisms that allow the protective shoulder pads to be safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads.

Abstract: Shoulder pads for protecting a sports player having a thorax with left and right front regions and left and right rear regions.

Abstract: A one piece athletic garment provides protection in a sport such as hockey and includes a unitary body enclosure having a torso section, legs, and sleeves and that includes protection for elbows, knees, shins, shoulders, and chest and protective pants.

Abstract: A protective shoulder pad assembly for use in contact sports. The shoulder pad assembly includes a flexible vest, a pair of rigid shoulder pads attached to the vest, and a pair of straps extending from a back side of the vest. The straps can each be refastenably attached to a front side of the vest. In particular, the straps can be crossed over one another in an “X” configuration on the front side of the vest, thereby directly securing each strap to both a front right portion and a front left portion of the vest.

Abstract: Outer protective shell is made from a sheet or plate of rigid polymer. It has a plurality of partial incisions suitable for defining substantially jointed motifs, for imparting to the said shell a degree of overall flexibility, and local rigidity, and also breathability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment for use in contact sports is formed by first forming a layer of foam. All or a portion of the foam is then compression molded to a desired shape. A layer of a durable coating is then applied to the compression foam to a desired thickness. The compression foam is then optionally coupled to a backing structure. A material overlay may then be coupled around the edges of the coated foam and optional backing structure to form a finished durable edge. Additional protective padding may then be coupled to the material overlay of the durable edge to provide additional protection.

Abstract: A shoulder protector comprising a generally “U” shaped device of a resilient material that fits over the shoulder comprising: a base; and a pair of flanges extending orthogonally from the base that define a channel for reception of the scapula area of the body. According to various preferred embodiments, the shoulder protector of the present invention includes; 1) a hygienic layer on the side of the device that addresses the body; and 2) an adherent layer that engages an overworn jersey on that surface of the device that lies away from the body of the user.

Abstract: A head protection system is disclosed herein. The system may comprise a helmet having a rigid exterior shell and a padded interior. A shoulder cuff may be disposable over left and right shoulders of the wearer. A plurality of pistons may be attached to the helmet and the shoulder cuff. Each of the pistons may be fluidly connected to each other through a tube and ultimately to a reservoir. The tube may have a small inner diameter to provide resistance to movement of the pistons during rapid deceleration or acceleration of the helmet with respect to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A protective device for protecting the upper thorasic portion of a wearer's body made of stretchable material formed into a tubular shirt like body covering garment having a shape conforming to the wearer's body. The garment includes front and rear sides, a lower opening, head opening and arm openings and further includes a plurality of pockets, a first pocket being located on the front side of the garment and pockets located on the rear side of the garment. The first pocket is formed with an upper edge generally shaped in a sinusoidal wave, the apex of which is located above the heart area when worn by the user. The rear pockets also have an upper sinusoidal shape extending across the back of the wearer, the apex of which is located across the upper back area of the wearer. A plurality of rigid, impact absorbing plates are positioned in the pockets. The plates are contoured and shaped to fit the body configurations of the wearer to provide maximum protection against a variety of impacts.

Abstract: Securing devices secure the position of protective pads on the arms of a user of the protective pads. A sheet of material having an aperture is placed over the head with the head of the user passing through the aperture. The sheet of material may be pliable so as to fit to the shoulders of the user. Suspension members are connected to the sheet of material on opposite sides of the aperture and the suspension members include attachment devices on distal ends. The attachment devices connect to the protective pads of the wearer to hold the protective pads in place. The attachment devices may be detachable from the protective pads so that the user may utilize the securing device in conjunction with protective pads that the user already has.

Abstract: Breathable, lightweight football shoulder pads include left and right torso pads which present a foam body. The foam body includes a hard inner layer, and first and second layers of breathable, lightweight foam secured to opposing surfaces of the hard, inner layer. The layers present a sandwich configuration. A breathable, lightweight fabric layer, such as mesh, extends around the periphery of the foam body. The hard inner layer includes spaced apart openings which allow air or moisture to flow through the foam body. The football shoulder pads can include adjustable and selectively removable cap pads attachable to the shoulder portion of the football pads. The cap pads include a member for securing the cap pad to the wearer's arm. The football shoulder pads can further include adjustable and selectively removable deltoid pads and attachments for securing football pad accessories, such as a neck roll or rib protector, to the shoulder pads.

Abstract: A fabric securing system having a strip of flexible material for securing two pieces of fabric or clothing is disclosed. The system has at least a portion of one of its sides containing an adhesive material. Both sides of the system may contain an adhesive portion.

Abstract: A strap-securing device for use in securing a strap to a shoulder pad worn, for example, on the body of a player in the sport of football. In general, the strap-securing device comprises a strap-engagement member and a catch member joined together by a linkage permitting the members to swivel with respect to each other. The strap-engagement member is secured to a strap free end. The catch member of the strap-securing device is secured to the shoulder pad chest plate. The secured straps firmly hold the shoulder pad in place on the wearer's body. The strap-securing device advantageously provides a secure strap attachment point, without strap slippage, while simultaneously permitting elongation or shortening of the strap length. The swiveling action of the strap-securing device permits the device to lie flat against the shoulder pad while bending and straightening in concert with the wearer's movement.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a pad that detachably engages around a user's shoulder and upper torso to pad the user's shoulder against objects borne over and against the user's shoulder.

Abstract: A shoulder pad accessory arm pad, to protect the upper arm of a wearer from injury. The arm pad includes a tapered padded member which attaches to the shoulder pad and arm of the wearer. The arm pad remains in place during athletic activity, and does not limit the effective range of motion of the upper arm of the wearer.

Abstract: A system and method of securing apparel to protective equipment is provided. In particular, the system includes an apparel attachment member defining a first side having an adhesive coating that secures the apparel attachment member to the protective equipment, and a second side having a plurality of hooks that removeably engage a plurality of loops located on the apparel.

Abstract: A upper body protective garment for cushioning blows imparted upon the wearer's body includes a chest protector portion, a back protector portion, and a pair of telescopic shoulder protector portions. These protector portions preferably form a single integral unit. Each telescopic shoulder protector portion includes an inner-shoulder protector portion and an outer-shoulder protector portion that is telescopically coupled to the inner-shoulder protector portion. The outer-shoulder protector portion is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position for allowing an individual wearing the protective garment to raise his arm without interference from the telescopic shoulder protector portion.

Abstract: A fireproof thermally insulating barrier for a safety garment, the barrier having a front face for facing an external source of heat or radiation, and a rear face opposite from its front face. The barrier includes a plurality of perforations, each opening out to the front face and to the rear face of the barrier. A method of manufacturing such a barrier and a fireproof safety garment comprising at least one such barrier as internal thermal insulation are also provided.

Abstract: A shoulder protective device for protecting the shoulder and arm of the user when carrying heavy objects upon one's shoulder. The shoulder protective device includes a band of material being adapted to be worn about a portion of a user's upper torso and about a shoulder of a user; and also includes a sleeve being attached to the band of material; and further includes a protective assembly being attached to the band of material and including an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material; and further includes a plurality of pads being attached to the band of material and the protective assembly for providing comfort for the user wearing the band of material.

Abstract: A flexible lightweight rifle recoil pad is disclosed. The rifle recoil pad includes a flexible yoke, an energy-absorbing cushion, and a counter-weight. The flexible yoke, which includes a first end section and a second end section, is sized to fit over a shoulder of a user such that the yoke extends over the top of the shoulder with the first end section positioned on the front of the user's shoulder and the second end section positioned on the rear of the user's shoulder. The energy-absorbing cushion is positioned over the yoke adjacent the first end section. The counter-weight is positioned over the yoke adjacent the second end section.

Abstract: A system and method of securing apparel to protective equipment is provided. In particular, the system includes an apparel attachment member defining a first side having an adhesive coating that secures the apparel attachment member to the protective equipment, and a second side having a plurality of hooks that removeably engage a plurality of loops located on the apparel.