Abstract: Hand protection systems for use with batting gloves having a back surface which is adapted to fit over the metacarpal portion of the wearer's hand for protecting the hand. The components of the protective system can be releasibly connected to the glove while in place on the wearer's hand. The system involves a cushioning pad which is releasibly connected at its underside to the back surface of the glove so that it is held firmly in place on the glove while at the same time it being readily withdrawn from the glove. A rigid plate member is releasibly secured to the outer side of the cushioning pad so that a sharp blow to the outer surface of the plate member is distributed to a substantial surface area of the pad. The plate member has at least one transversely extending rib eccentrically positioned on the plate member along its longitudinal dimension. A second rib may be spaced from and generally co-extend with the first rib member.

Abstract: A football shoulder pad assembly is provided with an improved helmet support and restrictor to minimize rearward hyperextension and whiplash-type head movement. The support and movement restrictor comprises a compression molded plastic support plate having opposed wing portions which are secured to the back plates of the shoulder pad assembly and an upward extending cantilever portion of the support plate having a side-to-side curvature to form a concave surface for engagement with the lower rear portion of the helmet. The cantilever portion is curved rearwardly away from the player's head and neck to minimize interference with normal movement of his head. The cantilever portion may flex during use to absorb impact-type hyperextension and whiplash forces.

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

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