Abstract: A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.

Abstract: An apparatus to be worn on an individual's shoulders, chest and back below a full face helmet to limit the occurrence of cervical spinal cord injuries in the event of a crash.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cervical protective device that reduces the possibility of neck injuries in contact sports. In a preferred embodiment, this device is worn in conjunction with a football helmet and football shoulder pads. Without restricting normal movement of a football player, the device contacts the lower most parts of the sides of the helmet and has a shape that is molded as to the normal anatomy of the upper back and lower cervical spine. The device contacts the lower sides of the player's neck and is held in place by the shoulder pads as normally worn by football players. Force received at the top of the helmet is applied to the protective device, absorbed by compression elements contained within the protective device and the force is directed away from the cervical spine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: A head and neck protector for use by a race car or other driver includes a yoke which is mounted on the shoulders of the driver, and a helmet which is mounted on a portion of the yoke extending around the sides and back of the driver's neck. The helmet is securely latched to the yoke to prevent rotation of the helmet relative to the yoke. The interior volume of the helmet is sufficiently large that the driver can freely move his or her head without corresponding movement of the helmet.

Abstract: A device includes a collar and at least one pad. The collar is configured for wearing by a user, the collar having a plurality of pad receptacles. The at least one pad is configured for coupling with a selected one of the plurality of pad receptacles, the pad having an elastic portion configured to limit movement of a user.

Abstract: A protective weaved sportswear material comprises two strands of 400 denier ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns having the same lengths and being twisted together over their length. The sportswear material comprises a sock, a shin guard sleeve, a forearm sleeve or a neck guard.

Abstract: A collar for protecting the neck of a user, useful in particular for motorcycle riders, is envisaged, said collar comprising two half-collars which are pivotably hinged together at one end so as to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane and which can be connected together by means of a fastening and release lever, a plate which at the rear extends downwards from the bottom edge of the collar so as to be centred with respect to the spinal column of the user, and a protective shield which extends downwards at the front. The collar is provided with removable padding means where the collar rests on the user's shoulders.

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 personal roll bar device for protecting a user's head, neck and back provides, in the exemplary embodiment, an impact member positioned adjacent the user's back and removably engaged with the user proximal the user's waist, the impact member extending upwardly therefrom above the user's head. A stabilizing means is removably engaged with the user's upper body and slidably coupled with the impact member, and is configured for maintaining the impact member adjacent the user's back during use. Thus, in the event the user experiences a head-first fall while using the device, an upper end of the impact member substantially protects the user's head and neck from initial impact, with the resulting impact forces being distributed through the impact member and substantially absorbed by the user's waist, thereby reducing the risk of burst and compression fractures in the user's neck and back.

Abstract: An ultraviolet protective garment is provided for wear to protect the user's neck, chest, upper back, chin, and portions of the shoulders. The sun protective neckwear garment is provided for wear primarily during outdoor activity, wherein the user engages in activity which exposes the user's neck, upper chest, upper back, chin, and shoulders to the ultraviolet rays of the sun whether in hot weather climate or cold weather climate, and can be used during indoor activity, or when a user is driving in a vehicle; and provides a secondary wicking utility. The neckwear garment is a single body tubular unit, with a unique generally ship decanter shape, comprising a chin-collar portion; a neck portion; bib portion having shoulder portions. The neckwear garment is manufactured from flexible, elasticized, fabric with ultraviolet blocking capability. The neckwear garment can reduce the wearer's risk of developing various types of skin damage.

Abstract: The present invention is a collar/harness worn to protect the cervical spine of an active participant when force is applied that would otherwise cause hyperextension, abnormal movement or position, or compression that results in injury, the device (collar-harness) is worn on the shoulders with an anterior (chest interface) portion and a posterior (back interface) portion such that a removable, adjustable coil interfaces with a helmet and the collar via attachment platforms arrayed at the angle of the mandible on either side and at the base of the head to prevent compression and hyperextensions of the cervical spine.

Abstract: A brace device for the spinal support of a wearer. The brace device comprises a plurality of component parts operable in combination to be placed over substantially the thoracic, lumbar and/or cervical portions of the spine of the wearer, each component part being moveable relative to at least one other component part. Movement resisting means are provided on one or more of said component parts and operable upon activation to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of at least one component part relative to at least one other component part. One or more predetermined regions of the combination of component parts are in a substantially flexible configuration when the movement resisting means are not activated, facilitating positioning, fitment and/or adjustment of the brace device around the wearer.

Abstract: A neck protection device 10 which comprises a rigid plastics restraining structure 12, a rigid plastics support structure 14 and a pair of flexible shoulder straps 15.1 and 15.2. The device 10 is used by a person wearing a helmet for attenuating movement of the person's head relative to the person's torso. The restraining structure 12 is in the form of a U-shaped collar which has a closed rear end and an open front end. The restraining structure 12 defines a number of planar abutment faces against which a lower edge region of the helmet abuts for preventing further movement of the person's head thereby protecting the person's neck from injury.

Abstract: A head and neck support device for use by a person wearing a helmet. The head and neck support device include a pair of flexible shoulder straps, a stiff carrier structure and a pair of tethering systems. The shoulder straps are each configured to fit a torso and different shoulder of a person. The stiff carrier structure includes a U-shaped yoke (18) and a high collar (20) which is hingedly connected to the yoke (18). The carrier structure includes an upper attachment formation near an upper end of each front carrier portion for attachment to a different one of the shoulder straps and a lower attachment formation near a lower end of each front carrier portion for attachment to a different one of the shoulder straps. The tethering systems include tether straps (44) which extend between the carrier structure and the helmet for providing a restraint between the carrier structure and the helmet.

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: A protective helmet, which includes a motion restrictor device, is disclosed which has at least one strut member associated with the helmet and a harness assembly, and the at least one strut member includes a locking assembly associated with the strut member, which upon a predetermined force being sensed by a force sensor or a predetermined amount of or rate of acceleration being sensed by an acceleration sensor, stops substantially all relative motion between the ends of the strut member and the predetermined force is substantially transferred from the helmet to the harness assembly.

Abstract: A neck brace (10; 110; 210) having a collar member (12; 212) to be arranged around a wearer's neck, and a rear member (14; 214) extending from, the collar member and to be abutted on the wearer's back. The brace further comprises pivoting means (37, 38, 40, 276a, 278, 280a, 280b, 280c) for pivoting the collar member and the rear member relative to each other about a pivoting axis (X; Y) which, when in use, is substantially parallel to the wearer's shoulders.

Abstract: A garment which comprises an inflatable protective device able to expand from a rest condition, wherein it's in a deflated status, to a working condition, wherein it's in an inflated status, inflation means able to inflate said protective device and an electronic controller able to activate the inflation means if a risk and/or danger signal is detected by sensors incorporated in the garment. The inflatable protective device, after being moved to the working condition, can return automatically to the rest condition without requiring to be repacked or reset and the inflation means can inflate the protective device more than once without requiring to be recharged.

Abstract: An anti-horse collar tackle safety device, comprising a base having means for attaching the base to a pair of shoulder pads, wherein the base comprises an interior portion facing the shoulder pads and an exterior portion that is accessible from outside a jersey placed over the shoulder pads, and a releasable portion releasably attached to the exterior portion of the base via means for releasable attachment, wherein the releasable portion is configured to release via application of a force equal to or less than about 15 pounds.

Abstract: A restraint system for limiting the range of motion of an individual's head and flexure of their neck includes an arrangement of straps extending from a head engulfing helmet to a two piece arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member. The arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member includes a front portion, a rear portion and a mechanism for adjusting the curvature of the arch to accommodate individuals of different sizes and also to accommodate different seating positions. A pair of upwardly extending restraint members extends upwardly from the rear portion of the shoulder mounted support member. An upper portion of the upwardly extending restraint member extends upwardly behind the helmet and is tethered to the helmet so that the upwardly extending restraint member limits forward and rear movement of the head.

Abstract: Formed by a rear shield (100), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back, and two front shields (251) (252), which rest on the upper front part of the torso, one on each side of the neck. Said front shields (251) (252) are joined to the rear one (100) by means of articulation, for example hinges (301) (302), whose axes of rotation are oriented upwards, towards the rear and towards the centre, in such a way that their point of intersection (01) is located above and behind them. Both the front shields (251) (252) and the rear one (100) can be fixed to the garment via union zones, and thanks to the special orientation of the axes of the hinges (301) (302), it is possible for the neck protector (001) to be put on and taken off together with any garment. The configuration of the protector permits a rapid fastening device to be incorporated for the various elements, along with a system of adjustment to different sizes.

Abstract: A combination neck brace incorporated into a body protector which is formed as an entire integrated unit to be worn to protect the neck and the body of a user, including the concept of a foam rubber protector which surrounds the neck region of the body and is incorporated into and made a part of a plastic or fiberglass protective shield which has a body portion that extends around the entire torso of the body so that the neck protector portion is incorporated into the torso protector portion to perform a full integrated unit. The neck protector portion has a rotatable hinge member than enables a neck protector portion to be moved forwardly so that the head can be inserted through the neck protector section and thereafter return to its original position to tightly envelope the neck and provide the protective shield to the neck and head area.

Abstract: A protective helmet, which includes a motion restrictor device, is disclosed which has at least one strut member associated with the helmet and a harness assembly, and the at least one strut member includes a locking assembly associated with the strut member, which upon a predetermined force being sensed by a force sensor or a predetermined amount of or rate of acceleration being sensed by an acceleration sensor, stops substantially all relative motion between the ends of the strut member and the predetermined force is substantially transferred from the helmet to the harness assembly.

Abstract: A neck protector including a soft armor neck panel with an inner surface, an outer surface and an edge disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface. At least one tab is attached to the soft armor neck panel at a proximal end of the tab. A first half of a removable fastener is disposed on a distal end of the tab and configured to secure to a second half of the removable fastener that is disposed within a helmet. The soft armor neck panel may be shaped to curve around a user's neck.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attaching means for attaching the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of said person through said contact surfaces.

Abstract: A protective device for the neck, such as a neck brace (12), with a substantially rigid closed structure around the neck and adapted to sit on the user's torso comprises means for temporarily changing the device's shape so as to reduce the natural gap between the upper brace surface and the lower rim of the helmet (10), thereby creating a supplementary transmission path for compressive forces exerted upon the device towards the torso,

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: An article of protective clothing includes a strip of multilayered flexible material adapted to be wrapped entirely around a wearer's neck to form a collar therearound. The multilayered flexible material comprises an interior layer of cut-resistant fabric disposed within a cover of wicking fabric. The strip includes a layer of memory foam attached to a medial portion thereof and an adjustable fastener disposed coextensively over opposite short edges thereof to adjust a diametric size of the collar.

Abstract: A helmet (10) is provided, that has a first resilient shell (12), a support structure (16,18) inside the first shell to support the first shell on the wearer's head (14), a chin strap (20), to hold the helmet in position, a deformable layer (24) on the outside of the first shell and a tough outer shell (26) on the outside of the deformable layer. The deformable layer is of a material that absorbs energy when it is deformed and returns slowly to its original shape afterwards. The helmet includes a chin bar (34) with two opposing ends (36) that are displaceable relative to the outer shell, immediately inwardly of the outer shell. The outer profile of the helmet has a plurality of generally planar surfaces (28) and the helmet has a rear strap (38) that is attachable to the chin strap and that is configured to extend around the back of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A head positioning apparatus and method comprises a support member, at least one strap, and a ring. Said support member can be adjustably located proximate to a users head, neck, or other body parts, in order to limit movement of those body parts during activity. Said apparatus and the disclosed methods may comprise additional elements, for example additional straps; means of fastening said straps to an attachment point; one or more cushions slidably affixed to said straps; one or more buckles; and means to adjust tension.

Abstract: A device is provided to protect the neck and the base of the skull of a person engaged in sports or other physical activities. The device comprises a first impact-resistant pliable substrate for protecting the back of the person's head, a second cushioning substrate lining the first substrate. The device encircles a substantial portion of the person's neck; with straps or other fastener devices provided to facilitate closure and anchoring of the device around the person's neck. While the device is typically worn with a helmet and attached thereto, the device also may be used alone, or in combination with a soft-style cap.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device controls the motion of the head and forces exerted upon the neck of a seated occupant in a decelerating vehicle. A body defines a collar, right and left legs, and right and left wings. The collar is tethered to the helmet. Each leg has belt interaction surfaces that provide a friction action on the shoulder straps. Left and right extensions or wings residing under the shoulder strap rearward of the legs provide a restriction of rotation of the body and thus a binding action on the shoulder straps. A cantilever action is induced during forward impact by the tethers pulling on the collar of the body and the binding action on the shoulder straps, thus reducing the forward motion of the body. The present restraint device does not attach to the structure of the vehicle, allows travel thereof with respect to the seated occupant, yet controls the motion of the occupant's head in order to substantially reduce neck loads on the occupant.

Abstract: A collar for protecting the neck of a user, useful in particular for motorcycle riders, is envisaged, said collar comprising two half-collars which are pivotably hinged together at one end so as to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane and which can be connected together by means of a fastening and release lever, a safety structure which at the rear extends downwards from the bottom edge of the collar so as to be centred with respect to the spinal column of the user, and a protective shield which extends downwards at the front. The safety structure has a breakable structure made of the material with an impact strength lower than the material forming the collar so as to break in a programmed manner in the event of impacts following falls.

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: A collar for protecting the neck of a user, useful in particular for motorcycle riders, is envisaged, said collar comprising two half-collars which are pivotably hinged together at one end so as to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane and which can be connected together by means of a fastening and release lever, a plate which at the rear extends downwards from the bottom edge of the collar so as to be centred with respect to the spinal column of the user, and a protective shield which extends downwards at the front. The collar is provided with means for fastening straps for fixing the collar to the user's body.

Abstract: A neck brace comprising an impact surface which that can limit movement of a helmet by contacting an underside of the helmet. The neck brace further comprises at least one bearing surface configured for bearing on the body of a wearer, and a structure extending between the impact surface and the bearing surfaces configured to transfer impact loads of the helmet on the impact surface to the wearer's body. A part of the impact surface is displaceable towards the wearer's body and the structure is configured to permit the displacement at rates slower than a predetermined rate, as well as to resist displacement if the rate exceeds the predetermined rate.

Abstract: A collar for protecting the neck of a user, useful in particular for motorcycle riders, is envisaged, said collar comprising two half-collars which are pivotably hinged together at one end so as to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane and which can be connected together by means of a fastening and release lever, a plate which at the rear extends downwards from the bottom edge of the collar so as to be centred with respect to the spinal column of the user, and a protective shield which extends downwards at the front. The collar is provided with removable padding means where the collar rests on the user's shoulders.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a military helmet incorporating a neck shield extension is described. The neck shield extension is coupled to the body of the helmet using a plurality of elongated flexible straps. Accordingly, the neck extension moves upwardly whenever the wearer tilts his/her head back or to the side so that the wearer's head mobility is not hindered. The straps are comprised of a material having both a high tensile strength and tensile modulus that helps firmly hold the extension in place relative to the helmet when the extension is impacted with a ballistic projectile or other shrapnel.

Abstract: Head and neck restraint apparatus for an occupant of a vehicle comprises a stiff yoke shaped to engage the upper torso and shoulders of the occupant. The yoke is generally U-shaped, with a base and upwardly extending limbs, and has a frontal portion shaped to extend over the chest of the occupant which corresponds to the base of the U. An intermediate portion of the yoke is shaped to fit over the shoulders of the occupant, and an upper portion of the yoke, corresponding to the upper ends of the limbs, extends beyond the intermediate portion to constrain movement of a helmet worn by the occupant. A set of first guides on the yoke are arranged to engage harness members of a safety harness worn by the occupant. Each guide is shaped to engage a respective harness strap or buckle and responds to longitudinal movement of the harness strap or buckle.

Abstract: A restraint system for limiting the range of motion of an individual's head and flexure of their neck includes an arrangement of straps extending from a head engulfing helmet to a two piece arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member. The arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member includes a front portion, a rear portion and a mechanism for adjusting the curvature of the arch to accommodate individuals of different sizes and also to accommodate different seating positions. A pair of upwardly extending restraint members extends upwardly from the rear portion of the shoulder mounted support member. An upper portion of the upwardly extending restraint member extends upwardly behind the helmet and is tethered to the helmet so that the upwardly extending restraint member limits forward and rear movement of the head.

Abstract: A neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user has a collar portion that substantially wraps around the neck of a user. A neck protection portion extends up a rearward portion of the collar to protect the neck and part of the cranium. In one embodiment, a chamber is disposed along a portion of the neck protection collar and is filled with an energy absorbing fluid that distributes the force applied during an impact so that injuries are reduced. In another embodiment, a plurality of chambers are filled with the energy absorbing fluid are used to provide the energy absorbing function. The fluid is an energy absorbing gel or liquid. In one embodiment, the chambers are filled with a gas such as air. A fastener is disposed along an upper portion of the neck protection portion to attach to a helmet.

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: A wearable spinal protective apparatus is presented which will protect all parts of the human spinal column from cervical to lumbosacral vertebrae during high velocity activities. The apparatus is worn by user to cover the entire backside from neck and shoulders down, to be secured around the hips. This apparatus has many sections each uniquely designed to work together to reduce all forms of spinal injury. Protection provided by this apparatus is most valuable during high velocity activities. Because of its unique sectional design this apparatus can be tailored to match any size individual and any level of protection desired. The design of this apparatus goes well beyond the prior art of simple hard shell and padding.

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 neck brace (10) comprises an impact surface (39,55) adjacent the neck of a wearer of the brace (10) that it is spaced from a helmet (42) and that is configured to limit movement of the helmet by contacting an underside (46) of the helmet, a bearing surface (15,35) bearing on the wearer's body; and a resilient structure (12) between the impact surface (39,55) and the bearing surface (15,35) for transferring impact loads from the helmet (42) on the impact surface, to the wearer's body via the bearing surface. The brace (10) further includes restraining means (58) that is attachable to the rear of the structure (12) with a releasable clip mechanism (66) and to the helmet (42) to inhibit movement of the helmet. The restraining means is in the form of a tether (58) that is attached to the helmet (42) at two spaced locations and that passes with clearance through an aperture in an anchor element (62,64), to allow the helmet (42) to be moved freely while the tether (58) slides through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wearable helmet for providing at least one of impact force cushioning and redirection, anti-rotation and breathability. The helmet exhibits a concave shaped body dimensioned for placement over a user's head, with a plurality of individual and inward projecting elements associated with an interior facing surface of the body and contacting locations of the wearer's head. In this fashion, the projections exhibit a biasing component for cushioning and/or redirecting impact forces to the helmet.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a military helmet incorporating a neck shield extension is described. The neck shield extension is coupled to the body of the helmet using a plurality of elongated flexible straps. Accordingly, the neck extension moves upwardly whenever the wearer tilts his/her head back or to the side so that the wearer's head mobility is not hindered. The straps are comprised of a material having both a high tensile strength and tensile modulus that helps firmly hold the extension in place relative to the helmet when the extension is impacted with a ballistic projectile or other shrapnel.

Abstract: A neck-protective member for preventing chafe encountered when wearing a wetsuit is provided that fits snugly around the wearer's neck, with its lower edge under the edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit. The edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit bears against the protective member rather than the skin of the wearer's neck, preventing painful chafing that can be experienced around a wearer's neck upon prolonged wetsuit use. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck-protective member of the invention comprises a generally conical neck portion, which fits around the wearer's neck, and a skirt portion, which fits over the wearer's shoulders, under the wetsuit. The neck portion may be formed of a single band-like member cut from a sheet of flat material, preferably “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material, oriented such that the smooth surface of the “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material is to the inside and contacts the wearer's neck.