Abstract: A device for protecting the human body against impacts and blows is provided that may be used integral with a garment or separately. The device consists of a hard core material and a padding part which further comprises a foam material with closed parts wherein the hard core material and padding part have perforations in a predesigned configuration. The padding part may also be equipped with a functional lining that is water vapor permeable, windproof and waterproof. These devices are particularly useful as a protective insert in sports uniforms and protective helmets and may also be used as a splinting device such as a cast.

Abstract: A removable rigid support brace for supporting a user's limb at a joint thereof comprises a rigid sheath member having an inner surface and sized to extend about and embrace the limb at the joint area. Hinging means disposed centrally in the sheath member enable the ends of the sheath member to pivot relative to each other and in concert with the joint movement. An array of individually adjustable and inflatable fluid filled chambers is mounted upon the inner surface of the sheath member to form a contained volume within said array for receiving the limb. The chambers are operable to customize a secure and comfortable fit of the rigid support brace to the contours of the limb and joint area.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support includes a sheet of foam material that has been compression molded in specific areas. These areas have a thickness and density that is different from other areas of the support and serve to better fit the support to the body. The support may include compression molded grooves or cavities to accommodate straps, struts, gel-filled pads, inflatable bladders, pumps, and other accessories. The support may be compression molded into a shape that conforms to the general contour of the part of the human anatomy that it supports. The support may also include compression molded grooves that reduce bunching when the support is bent, and may include molded edges to minimize skin irritation during activity.

Abstract: A flexible stump sock member is arranged to receive an amputated leg portion therewithin for cushioning the leg portion when positioned within an artificial limb cavity.

Abstract: A protective device for a body part is formed of a pliable material and adaptable to conform to the body part to be protected. The device comprises a substantially planar member having an enlarged central portion with a depending lobe, and is adaptable to conform to and encircle at least partially a body part, the planar member having a body-facing surface and opposed exterior surface. A plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart elongated ribs extend through the central portion and project from the exterior surface of the planar member. The planar member and ribs are formed integrally of a closed cell, cellular polymer and provided with an integrally formed, substantially nonporous, pliable skin on the exterior surface. Suitable fastening means releasably secures the device around the body part.

Abstract: A shin pad includes a front pad (21) for protecting a wearer's shin and a rear pad (22) for protecting the wearer's Achilles tendon. The front pad (21) has a bight (23) located between two lobes (24, 25) which each cover one of the two ankle bones which protrude in opposite directions at the wearer's ankle. The rear pad (22) takes the form of a miniature shin pad having a reversed orientation. The lower edge of the rear pad (22) is provided with a bight (33). Located one to either side of the longitudinal axis of the rear pad (22) is one slit of a pair of slits (36). Passing through the slits (36), and a corresponding pair of slits (30) on the front pad (21), is an ankle strap (37) which is provided with a releasable hook and loop VELCRO fastener (38) to enable the two pads to be connected together around the wearers shin.

Abstract: A shin guard having a lowermost web of a generally U-shaped channel configuration is arranged for flexure about an individual's shin portion, with an associated knee guard mounted hingedly relative to a first end of the web. Parallel grooves directed through the web permits the ease of flexure of the web relative to the shin, wherein the grooves include ventilation apertures, with the positioning of the ventilation apertures within the grooves affording protection to the apertures in use.

Abstract: A lap hugger for receiving and containing the legs and extending to the waist of an individual for draping over the upper thighs of the individual when seated in a recliner-type chair or wheelchair. The lap hugger includes a lower tubular leg enclosure portion and an upper portion which extends upwardly from the lower tubular portion. The lower tubular portion receives and encloses the individual's legs and the upper portion extends up to the individual's waist for resting thereupon. The upper portion includes a pair of oppositely-disposed, laterally-extending flaps that drape over and cover the individual's upper thighs. An interior storage pocket is affixed to a rear side of the lower tubular portion for holding therein personal items and/or medical paraphernalia, such as catheter equipment.

Abstract: A cushion or pad comprises a first layer of a first synthetic cellular material having a first average cell volume and a second layer of a second synthetic cellular material having a second average cell volume at least ten times greater than the first average cell volume. The first layer is attached to the second layer so that the first layer and the second layer at least partially overlap one another to form a multilayer structure. The layer with the larger average cell volume is a polymeric sheet with at least a substantially planar array of fluid-filled pockets or chambers. The layer with the smaller average cell volume is a foam material with either open cells or closed cells. Further layers of fluid-filled chambers or foam material may be attached to the first two layers.

Abstract: An elongate bandage that is predominantly stretchable in the longitudinal direction enables readily applied development of an elastic surgical limb sleeve that can be rendered locally inextensible. The bandage features multiple longitudinally spaced rows of transverse slits which are in staggered offsetting interlace, from one to the next-adjacent row, such that when a circumferential wrap of the bandage completes a sleeve, the multiple slits are arrayed parallel to the axis of the limb. The limb sleeve gently conforms to the shape of an affected or injured joint or other body part, and the gentle conformance is operative to convert slits into ventilation openings. One or more strips of relatively inelastic hook material applied to the outer surface of a developed sleeve not only complete the sleeve but, when desired by the surgeon, can exert localized pressure to the injured area either directly or indirectly as in the treatment of swelling or in the control of bleeding.

Abstract: A knee protecting device for a carpet installer which engages the kicking pad of a carpet stretcher during the installation of carpets. The knee protecting device reduces trauma to the carpet installer while striking the kicking pad of the carpet installer. Toward this end, the knee protecting device includes a semi-rigid body member that has a shape conforming to the contour of the knee of the carpet installer and the thigh of the carpet installer immediately above the knee. A resilient layer is secured to the inner concave wall of the semi-rigid body member and has a shape conforming to the contour of the knee of the carpet installer and the thigh of the carpet installer immediately above the knee.

Abstract: Apart from an intermittent massage on the soft tissue surrounding the medial and lateral malleolus, the ankle joint bandage renders possible a deep-acting transverse friction on the attachment of the Achilles tendon; it consists of an anatomically configured tubular body (11) which is provided with a lower section (16) forming an outsole (16a) and which, in the applied state, embraces half the foot and extends to the calf, while, within the area of the outsole (16a), half a heel (18) is knitted in and which is provided with two anatomically asymmetrically constructed pressure pads (20) located above the paraachillory soft tissue and which, at the medial and at the lateral malleolus, cover the region above Bisgaard's link, each pressure pad being constructed in the form of a shaped member (21) having a lateral rounded-off indentation (27) for accommodating the bony prominence of the ankle, which consists of a soft or soft-elastic material, in which, within the shaped member (21), a rod-shaped friction core (30

Abstract: A shoe bandage adapted to be worn over foot bandages, foot injuries or foot wounds. The shoe bandage includes a sole part provided with hook and loop fastening surrounding an outer peripheral edge of the sole part. A one-piece unwindable upper material piece forming an upper shoe part is provided along a lower edge with hook and loop fastening material for enabling an fastening between the lower edge of the upper shoe part and the sole part.

Abstract: A protective leg or arm covering is manufactured from a single piece of material. The material is cut into a blank having the shape to fit the purpose needed to protect the portion of the leg or arm desired. It is designed to be wrapped around the leg or arm, securing snugly but comfortably in the area of protection from the top of the leg or arm with the lateral edges extending to the bottom of the leg or arm or any partial area in between. A hook and pile closure sewn at the corners of the top and the bottom elevations of said blank of material provides the user with adjustability to the desired snugness of the fit. A hook and pile closure sewn along the lateral edges of said blank of material provides the user with full or partial protection from anything that would penetrate or enter the opening along said lateral edges.

Abstract: This invention is a hinged knee joint for the ice hockey goaltender's protective leg pads. It is comprised of wedge shaped openings located in the side walls of the pad. These openings are covered with a protective plate that is attached to tracks to keep the plate flat against the sides of the pad and cover the openings during all possible degrees of movement.

Abstract: A protective garment for shielding a wearer from snake bites upon the lower portion of the leg is disclosed. The garment is a legging made of woven fabric which will protect against snake bites even when the snake has fangs longer than the thickness of the material. The legging has two separate side edges extending all along its length and includes a strap, fabric fastener strips, and snap and socket fastener in order to provide adjustability, prevent gaps between the side edges, and minimize the risk that the fabric fasteners would become separated.

Abstract: A compression sport pant is disclosed having pad pockets which are constructed in a manner to prevent early failure of the fabric of the garment to which the pockets are attached. The upper corners of the hip and tailbone pockets are anchored to the waistband, and the ends of the pocket seams are spaced sufficiently below the waistband to provide a region of the garment below the waistband that is free to stretch without exceeding its elastic limit in response to the pull on the waistband which will occur when a wearer puts on the pant.

Abstract: This invention is to provide the innovated limb covering which will improve on some drawbacks of the conventional protective sleeve, long glove, and galoshes, for people having such dress, the access of these conventional limb coverings is too small to be worn, and great inconvenience will be encountered in working even though these coverings can be worn hard. For people dressing little, these limb coverings seem to be loose and may cause failure in use. The innovated limb covering, which comes up without forgoing shortcomings, made of rubber or plastic material by one-piece forming process, comprises the elastic band at one end for easy wearing and close holding; at opposite end it also has several predetermined number of elastic binders whose radius become smaller as getting close to the end for tightly fitting limb and dress; between these two ends the oval-shaped tube with longitudinal fold all over itself is taken as main elastic limb covering body for accommodating limb and clothes properly.

Abstract: A disposable protective bandage for protecting an animal's abdominal or leg surgical incisions or sutures or injuries from licking or scratching. An elongated, strong, chew-resistant, elasticized fabric mesh sheet is adapted to be wrapped around the torso or a leg of an animal after injury or surgery. The sheet is sufficiently elastic to closely and snugly conform to the shape of the animal's body to be protected. The ends of the sheet are secured together, preferably by a hook-and-loop fastening means. Where the torso is wrapped, the fastener should be at the top of the back where it cannot be easily chewed or scratched. When wrapped around a leg, excess material can be trimmed away, providing a smooth surface difficult to chew or scratch. A plurality of soft plastic stays are secured to the sheet, transverse to the length of the sheet. Two or more rows of stays may be provided where a leg is wrapped to provide for joint flexing.

Abstract: The stressing of zippers for closing leg portions of pilot's pants having integrated an inflatable bladder and having two leg portions that can be opened and closed by zippers extending in a longitudinal direction from the thigh area to the shin area is avoided by providing the leg portions with two individual zippers for the thigh area and the shin area, whereby the zippers are provided with sliding pieces that for a closing action are moved toward the foot section of the pilot's pants and whereby in the bending area of the knee of the wearer the individual zippers have between them an abutment zone.

Abstract: The present invention is an Achilles tendon brace which comprises: a wrap holding a multidimensional compressive pad; an anatomically proportioned strapping system; and hook and loop fasteners such as available under the trademark Velcro. The compressive pad contains a raised portion which lays above and perpendicular to the Achilles tendon, providing a compressive conuterforce, relieving strain and dispersing pressure normally transmitted through the tendon. The pad conforms to each individual's Achilles tendon with continued use, providing a customized unit providing multidimensional support and compression of the tendon. The strapping system employs straps which are proportioned to match the contours of the Achilles tendon area of the leg, permitting full range of motion of the ankle and foot. The strapping system permits the wrap to be placed snugly around the Achilles tendon, and, in conjunction with the hook and loop fasteners (e.g.

Abstract: A sports pants with protective pads includes a trunk and legs formed of elastically stretchable material with pockets in at least the hip and knee areas, and legs terminating in stirrup ends. At least groin, knee and hip areas have openable and closable pockets on interior surfaces of the pants for receipt of groin pads, hip pads, and knee pads of resilient foam material which are removable and replaceable in the pockets for protection of the wearer. The pads are removable for washing.

Abstract: A covering device for a jointed artificial limb includes a covering layer covering the artificial limb. The covering layer can be made of semirigid PU foam. The covering layer has a screen-like flexible portion adjacent to the joint of the artificial limb. The flexible portion includes a plurality of slits.

Abstract: An article of dress comprising a first piece and a second piece. The first piece comprises a leg covering of decorative light weight material having an upper edge and a lower edge, and capable of being worn as a single unit covering only one leg. The first piece has a length whereby it is capable of extending from above the knee to below the knee of the wearer. The second piece covers a substantial portion of only one leg of the wearer, leaving the other leg exposed, whereby the first piece can be viewed when worn on the other leg of the wearer.

Abstract: A thigh guard is pivotably connected to a knee (or shin) guard and the user's clothing is provided with an inside pocket to receive a plate on the thigh guard to hold the assembly in place on his leg. In the preferred embodiment only one side has a pivot hinge, and inflatable pad means permits the device to be fitted to persons with legs of various size (thigh size).

Abstract: An athletic garment for use in different sports includes trousers and/or a coat which have outer pad pockets attached thereto, the pad pockets including hook and loop type closure tapes and being made of an elastic material so that pads for the protection of the wearer can be inserted into and withdrawn from the respective pad pockets.

Abstract: A bandage elevation device is provided based on two intersecting support members that are expandable in a scissors-like manner. Further articulated linkages provide a framework which, when supported by legs, will hold bandages off of wounds.

Abstract: A trauma protector for protecting the limb of an infant during a procedure for taking of blood. The trauma protector provided with two pairs of flaps which overlap on the back of the infant's leg and foot to support the foot and ankle and protect the infant's foot and ankle from trauma arising from pressure applied during the procedure to stabilize the ankle of the infant. A support member is removably affixed to the pad in the instep region to further support the foot.

Abstract: The invention is a design of protective chaps to be worn over trousers to protect the user of a chain saw. The chaps are asymmetrical and angled to cover the left side of the user's right leg which is especially susceptible to injury.

Abstract: An improved synthetic pad is used in sports equipment in a three-tiered system. A front visible layer, called a cosmetic component layer, is made to the taste and color of a player or a team. A second component is a backing pad layer. The third and novel component of the present invention is a foam insert layer of about one inch thickness. A pocket provided on the rear of the cosmetic component layer or on the front of the backing pad layer may be provided for receipt of the foam insert layer. The foam insert layer is made and structured in such a way that it provides a choice of rebound possibilities for a player. The foam insert layer may be homogeneous, or lacerated on one side to a depth of about 1/2 inch in a predetermined pattern. The laceration may be performed by either a blade or with a hot wire or with a thermosetting foam molded to its final shape.

Abstract: A foot attachable game apparatus which enables a player to both toss and receive a game ball. The apparatus is generally trough shaped with an interior lining which cushions the reception of a game ball within the apparatus. The apparatus has at least two retaining means to help hold a game ball in the apparatus. The apparatus has a scoop which provides the player with control over the ball for passes and shots and enables the player to scoop up a loose game ball. A recess in the lining, allows the player to cradle the ball in the recess thus giving the player greater control over the ball.

Abstract: A knee or elbow protector apparatus for application to an athlete's leg or arm, comprising a flexible, relatively thin wall tube that is bidirectionally stretchable, the tube having inner and outer sides, and opposite ends and sides to be stretched when slipped onto the leg or arm to cover the knee or elbow, the tube including a first elastomeric layer and a second layer of stretchable fabric attached to and substantially covering one side of the first layer; an elastomeric foam pad located adjacent the outer side of the tube and spaced from the opposite side; and retention fabric closely covering the pad and defining a loop-shaped peripheral portion that is attached to the tube.

Abstract: A pad structure for relieving stress to a person's knee and leg has a flexible enclosure substantially filled with a flexible, resilient material, and the flexible enclosure is releasably secured to the person's leg behind the person's knee and in contact with the back of the person's upper and lower leg.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a body protector for sportsmen which allows prespiration from the sportsman's skin to be evaporated while the body protector is being worn. The protector takes the form of shoulder pads, a shin pad or a forearm pad. The protectors are molded from resiliently compressible plastic material and provided with a plurality of protrusions on their inner surface(s).

Abstract: A water proof member protects casts, splints, or other appliances or surgical dressings from water damage. A combination of a securing member and straps secure the member and provide a water proof seal between the water proof member and the wearer.

Abstract: A protective device for the throwing hand of a baseball catcher. The device is used with a catcher's leg protector that is mounted on the catcher's leg that corresponds to his throwing hand. The device comprises at least one substantially rigid member that is supported on the leg protector and has as least one portion that extends away from the leg of the catcher to permit placement of at least part of the throwing hand of the catcher between the leg of the catcher and one portion of the device, so that such portion of the device is interposed between pitched balls and the throwing hand of the catcher.

Abstract: A protective device for reducing incidence of injury from falls comprises a sheet of flexible polymeric material provided with an array of fluid filled chambers and releasable fasteners such as VELCRO strips at spaced apart locations on the sheet for enabling securing of the sheet to a person's hips. The releasable fasteners on the sheet may function to releasably fasten the sheet to a garment such as a coat or robe. The fluid filled bubbles of the sheet material are designed to maximize protection in the areas where enhanced impacts are expected to occur during falls.

Abstract: Leg warmers which include a panel having at least one layer of thermal insulation and a closure system. The panel is designated to wrap around the wearer's leg from foot to crotch, and the closure system provides an essentially moisture and airtight seam between the edges of the panel. The leg warmers feature: (1) the combination of a zipper-type fastener and a pile- or snap-type fastener which holds the leg warmer on the wearer's leg, making it easier to start and close the zipper; (2) multiple zipper slides which also make it easy to provide ventilation; (3) pile-type fasteners at the bottom of the leg warmer which allows it to be adjusted to a snug, air, snow, and moisture excluding fit with the wearer's leg; (4) an adjustable suspender for attaching the leg warmer to the wearer's belt and thereby holding it up; and (5) various combinations of the foregoing, innovative features.

Abstract: A pair of chaps for use in riding a saddled horse comprising a sheet of material made from neoprene between 1/8 and 1/4 inch in thickness in which VELCRO strips are used on the leg portions to wrap around each leg and VELCRO strips are employed on the waist band. Suede strips on the legs facing the saddle are employed to resist rubbing against the saddle. The waist band is also lined with suede.

Abstract: A protective leg covering is manufactured from a single piece of material. The material is cut into a blank having a rectangular shape. It is designed to be wrapped around the leg, securing snugly but comfortably two to three inches above the knee with the longitudinal edges of the leg section extending down to the top of the arch of the foot in front and above the bottom of the heel in back. A hook and pile closure sewn at the corners of the top and the bottom elevations of said blank of material provides the user with adjustability to the desired snugness of the fit. The device is light weight, having no metal strips, straps or other heavy objects required in its construction, requires nothing to be removed or adjusted on the leg or foot to be attached to the leg of the wearer, and is easy and quick to put on and take off.

Abstract: An ankle brace for protecting and exercising an injured ankle includes a heel portion, inner and outer pivot legs, and padding which lies between the wearer's leg and the brace.

Abstract: A knee brace including a tubular sleeve to encompass the knee region. An upper strap assembly includes first and second support straps that are fixed above the knee to sides of the sleeve. The free ends are fixed together and are extendable to a location beneath the knee to straddle the kneecap intension. A cymmetrical lower strap assembly has a pair of support straps fixed at one end to opposite sides of the sleeve at a location below the knee. The free ends are fixed together and are extendable to a location above the knee to also straddle the kneecap intension and tend to hold it in place during rigorous activity. Cross straps extend laterally from the point of fixation of the support straps.

Abstract: An abrasion device in the form of a support member of stretch fabric and a plurality of elongated strips of cushioning material is secured to the user's body. The strips are secured to the support member and positioned against the portion of the user's body to be protected. The strips are oriented lengthwise in the direction of the anticipated relative motion between an abrading surface and the user's body. The device absorbs frictional energy and decreases heat transmission to the user's skin to prevent skin burns and abrasions.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator includes detachable pockets which are removably attached to one or more flaps of the buoyancy compensator. The pockets can have different colors, designs, or indicia so that the appearance of the buoyancy compensator can be varied as desired. Each pocket includes a hook and loop fastener which can be attached to a hook and loop fastener on the associated strap.

Abstract: A gaiter for bicycling providing a plurality of panels to ensure a comfortable fit for various leg sizes. The gaiter incorporates a unique internal pocket capable of holding small items such as keys, change, or ID while bicycling. The gaiter uses one or more light reflective panels enabling the bicyclist to be more easily seen. Use of one or more panels of grease resistant material protects the wearer's clothing from being soiled.

Abstract: A cushion pad arrangement for protecting a person's extremity from compressive and side to side rubbing stresses, as particularly occur at a person's shin, ankle and foot as a result of wearing a boot during use, such as a ski boot during skiing. The cushion pads are formed as a sandwich of serially and parallel connected cells arranged between top and bottom layers, which cells and connecting tubes are formed of a somewhat resilient material, and are selectively filled with air, liquid or gel, depending upon the anticipated forces the pad is intended to cushion, the cushion pads to provide an increasing force dispersion with increasing pressures.

Abstract: An article of clothing is disclosed that is designed to protect a user from ticks, other arachnids and crawling insects. The article of clothing can be in the form of a chap that encircles the leg of the user. Ties near the top of the chap support the chap on the user's belt. The chap material is sewn to create a circumferential flap, preferably near the top of the chap. An impervious strip encircles the chap just below the flap. A narrower absorbent strip is sewn onto the impervious strip. Tick repellent may be applied to the absorption strip, and the impervious strip prevents the repellent from soaking through to the chap material and the user's clothing. The flap tends to hang downward to shield the absorbent strip. A hem at the bottom draws the chap material around the leg of the user.

Abstract: A thigh and knee protector includes separate guards hingedly connected coaxially with the knee joint. The thigh guard has a plate that fits into an inside pocket in the garment normally worn outside the protector (such as a pair of football pants). The plate can be selectively positioned on the protector's thigh guard to assure precisely locating the protector's hinge joint structure relative to the actual knee joint.

Abstract: A shin guard which provides desired characteristics of smallness of size and lightness in weight, while affording the necessary protection to the shins and knees of users when worn under their pants. The shin guard includes an elongated shin protector section which is strapped around the shin of the user and which tapers outwardly from the shin to encircle the front portion of the leg below the kneecap so as to provide protection for the user. A knee protector section is pivotably mounted to the uppermost portion of the shin protector section.

Abstract: An all-in-one slider sport pants is disclosed that protects the leg, thigh, hip and buttocks area of a softball player sliding into base. The pants can be made either in baseball-pants length, or in a shorter version, and have a thin, foam padding encircling substantially three-quarters of the player's thigh and leg and covering the hip area and most of the buttocks, sewn between layers of a double knit, polyester material. The waistband is constructed with a wider-than-normal elastic material and double snaps and zipped fly to give secure, yet comfortable, fit. The foam padding can be made of synthetic foam rubber or foam plastic and is sewn, using polyester thread and zig-zag stitching, in between the outer polyester layer and the inner layer at the waist band, the side seams and along longitudinal seams down both front and back sides of the legs to prevent slipping or bunching thereof during body movement or laundering.