Abstract: Disclosed are a method and/or a system of forming a body shield for providing protection against a sharp object penetration and/or a physical attack. The body shield includes a cavity formed in an interior portion of the body shield in which items can be stored. In addition, the body shield includes a plurality of horizontal straps affixed on a back side of the body shield. The plurality of horizontal straps is configured to enable a user of the body shield, to maneuver the body shield on a human arm, to shield against the physical attack.

Abstract: An armor system or plate designed to reduce the extent of back face deformation by re-directing the pressure wave created by a projectile impact. More specifically, armor systems according to embodiments of the invention are provided with redirection channels whereby the pressure or shock waves generated by projectile impact are guided or spread laterally along the channels and out of the plate so as to reduce back face deformation and consequent impact to the wearer.

Abstract: An article of apparel comprising a first panel joined to a second panel such that a neck opening, a right arm opening, a left arm opening, and a waist opening are formed, and a midline plane extends through the article of apparel from one side to the other and through at least the neck opening, right arm opening, and left arm opening to define an anterior portion and a posterior portion of the article of apparel. In some aspects, the first panel extends from the anterior portion to the posterior portion proximate to the neck opening. In other aspects, the second panel extends to the anterior portion inferior to the right arm opening and left arm opening to a right seam and a left seam, respectively.

Abstract: A traveler's personal arm rest device comprises a chest portion and a pair of shoulder straps configured to supportively maintain the chest portion against the anterior side of a wearer's torso. In an embodiment, the chest portion may be securely folded to define a tubular cavity sized to accommodate all of the wearer's arms therein so that such arms may be maintained and comfortably supported by way of the straps in a resting position that is in line with his or her own body. The disclosure may provide a wearer with increased comfort while seated in cramped modes of public transportation and further prevent passive aggressive and even assertive arguments with neighbors regarding available arm resting spaces. Elements enabling compact self-stowage when not in use, providing ergonomic support when worn, and permitting storage of personal belongings therein are also provided.

Abstract: Cycling jacket or vest (1) comprising an incorporated windproof panel (5) fixed internally; said panel is foldable inside a containing pocket (4) and, in position for use, is arranged substantially as an inner lining of the front part of the jacket or vest so as to protect the torso of the user.

Abstract: Hard armor plate pouches incorporated in a ballistic vest carrier cover that has armor panel pockets with side openings and waist panels. The pouches are attached to the carrier cover outer layer inside the armor pockets with access through the outer layer. The pouch is a single fabric sheet attached to the outer layer around the sheet perimeter, a bag that hangs freely in the pocket, or a bag that hangs in the pocket from the shoulders and neck opening of the cover. The front pouch has side and bottom lobes to ease installation of the armor plate. The pouch is accessed via a lateral or vertical opening in the outer layer that is closed by an openable fastener. Optionally, the waist panels have side pouches that have openings at the side or the top.

Abstract: A novel brassiere includes an outer fabric garment comprising a shoulder strap and a back strap and a monolithic and contiguous breast support that may comprise a molded polymer material. The monolithic and contiguous polymer breast support includes a décolletage region, two breast cups, and an inter-breast region. An inter-breast thickness of the molded polymer material is at least four times greater than the thickness in the décolletage region or in either of the breast cups. The outward surfaces of the inter-breast and décolletage regions are preferably not convex.

Abstract: A cut resistant sweater is provided including a chest portion, sleeves, collar, and closure extending from the top edge of the collar through at least part of the chest portion. The closure includes an opening extending from the top of the collar through at least part of the chest portion, and a strip having a first part of a hook and loop fastener thereon. A second part of the hook and loop fastener is disposed on the sweater in at least two pieces, a piece adjacent to a first side of the opening and a piece adjacent to a second side of the opening. The closure is stiff relative to the collar to support the collar. A method for manufacturing the sweater includes providing a cut resistant yarn, and knitting it into a sweater in the order of cuff of first sleeve, first sleeve, body and collar, second sleeve, and cuff of the second sleeve.

Abstract: A ballistic vest carrier cover has a mantle that goes over the wearer's shoulders from the front waist to the rear waist. It has a fabric outer layer, an optional interlining, and a liner. The cover fits over a shirt so the combination appears as a standard uniform shirt. The liner attaches to the outer layer at the front and rear waist, neck, and along the sides from front armor openings to rear armor openings, producing front and rear pockets for receiving the body armor panel carriers. The panel carriers are attached using supplied straps at the waist through the armor openings and at the shoulders through tunnels between the front and rear pockets. A stretch panel extends from the cover at the rear armor opening, over the waist strap, and fastens to the cover at the front armor opening.

Abstract: A stab resistant knit fabric, made containing a plurality of panels of a knit fabric having a modified knit structure corresponding to rows of knit stitches, wherein each of the panels of knit fabric comprise a front layer of knit fabric and a back layer of knit fabric, wherein the front layer and back layer are joined together by rows of tuck stitches formed from a yarn having no more than 4.5% elongation; wherein at least one panel of knit fabric is arranged such that the rows of knit stitches of the at least one panel of knit fabric are perpendicular to the rows of at least one other panel of knit fabric, its combination with a ballistic layer to provide ballistic resistance properties, and a protective garment prepared therefrom.

Abstract: An under body armor hybrid fabric garment has first and second fabric portions. The first fabric portion, configured to cover an upper torso region of a user's body left exposed by the body armor and extending into a second body transition region covered by the body armor, is formed of low stretch or no stretch fabric of woven or knit construction. The first fabric portion comprises yarns and/or fibers having flame retardant properties. The second fabric element, configured to cover a lower torso region of the user's body underneath the body armor, is formed of stretchable fabric. The second fabric portion comprises yarns and/or fibers having flame retardant properties and/or yarns and/or fibers resistant to melting and dripping when exposed to fire or high heat.

Abstract: A ballistic vest carrier cover has a mantle that goes over the wearer's shoulders from the front waist to rear waist. It has a fabric outer layer, an interlining heat-fused to the back of the outer layer, and a liner. The cover is designed to fit over a pullover shirt so the combination appears as a standard uniform shirt. The liner attaches to the outer layer at the front and rear waist, neck, and along the sides from front armor openings to rear armor openings, thereby producing front and rear pockets for receiving the body armor panel carriers through the armor openings. The front of the mantle attaches to the rear at the waist by zippers. One zipper component is on a stretch panel that extends from the outer layer at the rear armor opening and the other zipper component is on the outer layer at the front armor opening.

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 invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material and one or more grips which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing the recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.

Abstract: Bulletproof vests, body armor, and other tactical vests with quick release buckle mechanisms are described along with methods of their use. The multi-point buckle mechanisms release upon rotating a shaft, allowing the vest panels and straps to fall cleanly to the ground without knocking the wearer off balance. Waist belt clips allow a wearer to put the vest on over his or her head without engaging the emergency release, or the multi-point buckle mechanism can release only the waist straps upon rotating the shaft in the opposite direction. A flap protects the rotatable quick release mechanism from inadvertent activation.

Abstract: An upper body protective garment having a lower portion including flexibly interconnected protective abdominal and lower back members, an upper portion including protective thoracic and upper back members with a neck hole defined therebetween, a flexible front connection allowing at least limited movement of a bottom end of the thoracic member with respect to the abdominal member, and a flexible rear connection between the lower back member and the upper back member provided by a protective spinal member including flexibly interconnected rigid members for overlaying a spine of the wearer, the front and rear connections allowing the upper portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to shoulders of the wearer and the lower portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to a waist of the wearer while the shoulders and waist are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a cold-weather garment. In one exemplary embodiment, a long-sleeve upper-body cold-weather garment includes a torso portion and two sleeve portions that are attached to and extend from opposite edges of the torso portion. The torso portion is made from a first material and the sleeve portions are each made from a second material. The first material is lighter per unit area and more breathable than the second material. The second material is heavier per unit area than the first material, but is more resistant to cold-weather environmental conditions. For example, the second material is water resistant, flame resistant and comprises an outer surface having a camouflage pattern.

Abstract: Bulletproof vests, body armor, and other tactical vests with quick release buckle mechanisms are described along with methods of their use. The multi-point buckle mechanisms release upon rotating a shaft, allowing the vest panels and straps to fall cleanly to the ground without knocking the wearer off balance. Waist belt clips allow a wearer to put the vest on over his or her head without engaging the emergency release, or the multi-point buckle mechanism can release only the waist straps upon rotating the shaft in the opposite direction. A flap protects the rotatable quick release mechanism from inadvertent activation.

Abstract: An under body armor hybrid fabric garment has first and second fabric portions. The first fabric portion, configured to cover an upper torso region of a user's body left exposed by the body armor and extending into a second body transition region covered by the body armor, is formed of low or no stretch fabric. The second fabric element, configured to cover a lower torso region of the user's body underneath the body armor, is formed of stretchable fabric.

Abstract: An upper body protective garment having a lower portion including flexibly interconnected protective abdominal and lower back members, an upper portion including protective thoracic and upper back members with a neck hole defined therebetween, a flexible front connection allowing at least limited movement of a bottom end of the thoracic member with respect to the abdominal member, and a flexible rear connection between the lower back member and the upper back member provided by a protective spinal member including flexibly interconnected rigid members for overlaying a spine of the wearer, the front and rear connections allowing the upper portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to shoulders of the wearer and the lower portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to a waist of the wearer while the shoulders and waist are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: A radiation protective vest includes a back panel with flaps at opposite lower sides and a pair of front panels, each panel containing radiation shielding material. Each front panel has an inner straight edge and a flap at a lower outer side. The front and back panels are connected to form the vest. A first strap is attached to one front panel and a second strap is attached to the other front panel. The second strap is threaded in a first sleeve attached to the inside of the back panel and the first strap is threaded in a second sleeve attached to the inside of the back panel. A fastener is provided on the free ends straps. When the vest is worn, the flaps of the front panels press against a user's waist and the back panel flaps overlap the front panels.

Abstract: A flame-resistant shirt is described that has vents to facilitate heat release and air circulation while preserving flame-resistant qualities. The shirt has a standard front half, but a back half which includes a cape portion with openings to provide ventilation across the wearer's back.

Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.

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 device for protecting against impact. The device includes an inflatable valve made of sheets of high-strength PVC (1) provided with an inflating end (3). Fitted within this valve using a method of thermal bonding (4) are walls (2) configured as a labyrinth in order to better regulate the air flow.

Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.

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: An elastic support top 1 is provided having fasteners 4, 5 for attaching to a breast shield 10 for protecting from blows to the breast area. Thus, an improved protective breast shield 10 is provided having an elastic support top 1 attached to the breast shield whereby the support top fits to a body.

Abstract: A flame resistant shirt is described that has a standard front half, but a back half which includes a cape portion with openings to provide ventilation across the wearer's back.

Abstract: A lower back protection system is provided by a lower back protection apparatus for protecting the lower back region of a user, the apparatus comprising a first piece of lower back armor; a first strap coupled with the lower back armor; a second strap coupled with the lower back armor; wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to couple the first piece of lower back armor with an article of clothing so as to provide armored back protection to the user when the article of clothing is being worn by the user.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: A convertible body armor and carrying bag includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has body armor material incorporated therein. A pair of shoulder straps is provided, each having a first end secured to the first panel adjacent a first edge of the first panel, and a second end secured to the second panel adjacent a first edge of the second panel, with the shoulder straps spaced apart from each other by a space that corresponds to the distance between an adult human being's shoulders. A removable attachment mechanism removably attaches the peripheries of the panels in a manner such that the panels and the attachment mechanism together define an interior storage space when the attachment mechanism attaches the peripheries of the panels, and the panels can be worn as a body vest with the shoulder straps supported on an adult human being's shoulders when the attachment mechanism does not attach the peripheries of the panels. A weapon can be stored inside the interior storage space.

Abstract: A vest for protecting areas of the chest or torso of the body of a wearer, in particular, vertically from the next to the waist, includes a number of protective panels, characterized in that at least some of these protective panels are joined to one another by a stitching (C) serving as a seam, made by hand or with the aid of a sewing matching whereby forming an articulated connection between two stitched panels for forming at least one set (32) of protective panels.

Abstract: The “sun shawl” is an article of clothing that will be used out doors at various events which take place in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. “My sun shawl” is made up of a multicolored sun screen material capable of blocking out 90% of the suns harmful rays. The sun shawl has a thin 12 gauge wire sewn or bonded into its front to support its hands free function. The sun shawl may or may not have colored art design's painted on it, which may or may not include various flags and their colors from all over the world.

Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.

Abstract: A band for use for breast stabilization from lateral gravitational shifting is disclosed. The band comprises a strip to encircle the body, a first section comprising a semi-cylindrical component of a sponge-like material at one end and a nap material patch on its outer surface with a cylindrical side placed over the sternum, and a second section fro connecting an end of the body strip to encircle a user's body. The band comprises at least one fenestration to enable breast exposure.

Abstract: A dorsal bodice and a structured abdominal suspension strap adapted to contain and support the belly, the abdominal suspension strap being adjustably connected to the dorsal bodice by connecting straps and connectors for adjusting the tension of the connecting straps.

Abstract: An article of clothing has a front and back, each of which has a layered structure, including a protective layer for impeding the flow of liquid through the article of clothing, and an absorbing layer external to the protective layer, for absorbing the liquid and slowing its flow downward on the exterior surface of the article of clothing, with the force of gravity, a lining for facilitating the donning and removal of the article of clothing, and sleeves and a collar that is closeable, to protect the wearer's neck area and upper arms from deposits of liquid on the wearer's upper shoulder and chest areas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a movement restricting apparatus designed to prevent an animal from reaching with its mouth or some of its limbs, a zone of its body to be protected. The apparatus comprises features for fixing the apparatus to the animal and for restricting movement being attached or linked to each other. A dorsal slide on the feature for restricting movement is designed to be placed perpendicular to the animal's saggital symmetry, against the top of a part of its spine, and is in the form of a profiled section with open or closed cross-section.

Abstract: A chest band for use for comfort and breast stabilization from lateral gravitational breast shifting while the user lays in the right or left lateral position comprising a stretchable and adaptable body strip disposed to encircle the body, and first and second sections of the length of the body strip wherein the first section further comprises a semi-cylindrical component of a sponge-like material at one end and a nap material patch on its outer surface with a cylindrical side placed over the sternum, between the breast and wherein the second section comprises a means for connecting an end of the body strip together in the form of a loop to encircle a user's body and wherein the chest band further comprises at least one fenestration to enable breast exposure.

Abstract: An abdominal support which includes a pair of shoulder and back straps, each of which passes over one of the wearers shoulders, crosses over the wearer's upper back, and connects to the other shoulder and back strap at the wearer's side; a sling support is secured to each shoulder and back strap at or adjacent the wearers side and a support sling extends from one sling support to the other, passing beneath the wearer's abdomen in use; the sling incorporates length adjusters.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) is provided for cushioning blows imparted upon the wearer's body. Preferably, the protective garment (10) is an upper body protection garment (10) that is intended to cushion blows imparted upon the upper body of a user. The upper body protective garment (10) includes a chest protector portion (12), a back protector portion, and a pair of shoulder protector portions (14). These protector portions (12,14) preferably form a single integral unit. An absorbing cap (18) is preferably located on each of the shoulder protector portions (14) and the chest protector portion (12). The absorbing cap (18) includes an inner shell (22) that is secured to the protector portion (12,14) and a resilient outer shell (20) that is secured to the protector portion (12,14) about its periphery (28) but has a portion that is spaced apart from and above the stiff inner member to form a cavity (24) therebetween.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes areas subjected to tensile stretching forces when worn by a wearer. Such areas may correspond to back shoulder regions of the garment. Elastomeric patches are provided in at least one of the identified areas subjected to the tensile stretching forces, the elastomeric patches being generally surrounded by the remaining garment material.

Abstract: A spinal protection system having a pad of energy-absorbing material with wings extending outward from a longitudinal axis. There are gaps between adjacent wings to allow flexing of the pad. Score lines cut between the wings allow the pad to twist and flex to conform to movement.

Abstract: A form-fitting chest protector. In one embodiment, the chest protector includes a pair of detachably secured wing portions. A main portion of the chest protector has a variable thickness and substantially overlies the chest and abdomen of the athlete to absorb impacts to the athlete from a projectile. The wing portions are separate from the main portion, but are detachably secured to the chest protector to permit each wing portion to be adjustable when the chest protector is worn by the athlete. The wing portions facilitate a constant form-fit no matter how the body of the athlete flexes.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) is provided for cushioning blows imparted upon the wearer's body. Preferably, the protective garment (10) is an upper body protection garment (10) that is intended to cushion blows imparted upon the upper body of a user. The upper body protective garment (10) includes a chest protector portion (12), a back protector portion, and a pair of shoulder protector portions (14). These protector portions (12, 14) preferably form a single integral unit. An absorbing cap (18) is preferably located on each of the shoulder protector portions (14) and the chest protector portion (12). The absorbing cap (18) includes an inner shell (22) that is secured to the protector portion (12, 14) and a resilient outer shell (20) that is secured to the protector portion (12, 14) about its periphery (28) but has a portion that is spaced apart from and above the stiff inner member to form a cavity (24) therebetween.

Abstract: A method is provided for defining areas of a protective garment, such as a surgical gown, that are subjected to tensile stretching forces when worn by a wearer. Once identified, such areas may be substituted with elastomeric patches so that restrictive forces experienced by wearers of the garment are relieved.

Abstract: A workout garment in accordance with the present invention includes a central section and opposing arm sections that extend outwardly from an upper portion of the central section. Each arm section further comprises a strap portion that is fixed to the upper portion of the central section on one end, and that further merges into a bell portion at the other end. The arm sections have an increasing taper so that the width of the arm section increases from a minimum width at the strap portion to a maximum width at the bell portion. To wear the garment, the garment is positioned around the wearer's waist so that the central section is positioned over the rear part of the wearer's trunk area, and the arm sections are then tied in front of the waist. When worn in this manner, the strap portions have sufficient length so that the bell portions extend downwardly and cooperate to establish a front panel, which hides the front part of the wearer's trunk area from view.

Abstract: A cutaway vest generally includes a rear portion having an internal cummerbund, a front portion, and a pull cord. The cutaway vest includes a cutaway attachment in each shoulder and in the back for cutting away the shoulders, the sides, and the cummerbund upon pulling and removing a pull cord from the cutaway vest. The cutaway attachment may include a loop which is inserted through a ring and secured in place by a cable of the pull cord.

Abstract: A protective device adapted particularly for use by a soccer player includes a front and rear panel connected to each other by elastic straps. The front panel includes a protective portion primarily adapted to protect only the stomach area beneath the rib cage and the rear panel is adapted to provide protection primarily to the kidney areas. The rear panel rests at the waist of the individual keeping it in proper position. This can provide significant protection to the soccer player without being so obtrusive as to be not worn by the soccer player.