Abstract: A wearable massage and/or compression device for applying controllable scrolling or intermittent sequential forces, such as compression forces, to the body and limbs of a user comprises one or more shape-memory wires integrated into an article of clothing and configured to apply a compression pressure to the limb through the fabric body upon changing shape in response to a stimulus, a pre-tensioning apparatus in the form of a bungee cord associated with each shape memory wire, and a micro-processor based controller for selectively actuating the one or more shape memory wire to reduce the length of the shape memory wire to thereby apply pressure to the wearer's body.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the brace assembly further comprise adjusting facilities to accommodate different joints, different size wearers of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: An athletic compression fit pants/shorts with gussets constructed out of moisture-wicking, high-performance fabrics with varying elasticities, cut-resistant fabrics, and protective pads. Each of the gussets have a function and targets specific leg muscles to provide a desired benefit in the overall performance of the present invention. The gussets are named: 1.) Quadriceps gusset; 2.) Sartorius and Abductor Magnus gusset; 3.) Gluteus Medius gusset; 4.) Gluteus Maximus and Hamstring gusset.

Abstract: Provided herein are multi-layered protective coverings, wearable multi-layered protective devices, and methods of using the multi-layered protective coverings and wearable multi-layered protective devices.

Abstract: Technologies are described for pressure sensors used in display devices. In one embodiment, a reference ground layer and sensing pad can be positioned between a display substrate and a window substrate. Additionally, a compression region can be positioned between the display substrate and the window substrate. The compression region can be compressed so as to change a distance between the reference ground layer and the sensing pad. By placing the compression region between the window substrate and the display substrate, the air gap below the display substrate can be removed. In still another embodiment, the sensing pad is aligned over a frit layer, but it is divided into spaced-apart sub-regions that are serially coupled together. Gaps between the sub-regions are sized such that the laser can adequately penetrate through the sensor pad to melt the frit.

Abstract: A shin guard includes a protective shell having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, a cushioning element abutting the inner surface, and a polymeric texture provided on the outer surface to inhibit the motion of an overlaid textile relative to the protective shell. The polymeric texture includes a plurality of protrusions that each extend from the outer surface by a maximum distance of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm and that each have a hardness measured on the Shore A scale of from about 20 A to about 60 A.

Abstract: A patella cup for use with a knee brace includes a main shell secured to a padded liner, and an upper shell disposed above the main shell, and secured at one end to the padded liner. The upper shell may include an extension passing under an upper end of the main shell, so that the upper shell is bendable rearwardly relative to the main shell. A lower strap and at least one upper strap are secured to the padded liner, such that each strap includes an elastic portion to allow each strap to stretch in length when pulled. Loops are secured to the padded liner, on lateral and medial sides of the main shell, with the loops secured to lateral and medial hinges on either side of a knee brace used with the patella cup.

Abstract: An orthosis is supplied to the human or animal body in order to perform a supporting or movement-guiding function. The orthosis here damps or limits the flexion or extension movement of a limb joint, such as the elbow joint, knee joint, etc., and describes the prophylactic and therapeutic use of the orthosis. The manner of its attachment and placement is described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a leg guard that provides increased protection while also providing maximum articulation and increased freedom of movement for the user. More particularly, the leg guard includes a toe guard, a shin guard, a knee guard including an extended knee cap wrap, an extended knee guard, a thigh guard, a left hinge, and a right hinge. Through the use of an extended knee cap wrap and a hinged configuration, the leg guard provides additional protection for the knees of a catcher and allows catchers to freely and quickly move to or through different stances without having to re-position the pads of the leg guard. The hinged configuration provides enhanced mobility for the user by preventing the leg guard from shifting and rotating about the shin of the user and allowing the leg guard to remain static without axial rotation or vertical movement.

Abstract: A chin strap includes a protective shell including a curved and convex contour extending between lengthwise ends of the shell, the shell further including a first curved edge extending between the lengthwise ends of the shell and a second curved edge extending between the lengthwise ends of the shell. A cross-section along a lengthwise central axis of the chin strap defines a first shell portion including the first curved edge and a second shell portion including the second curved edge. The first shell portion of the cross-section defines a first surface area between the lengthwise central axis and the first curved edge, and the second shell portion of the cross-section defines a second surface area between the lengthwise central axis and the second curved edge, where the first surface area is less than the second surface area.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: A therapeutic pressure band for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The band is particularly well suited for treating “shin splints.” The band includes a plurality of straps that are connected together via a connecting material. Ends of each of the straps have adjustable fasteners for securing and tightening the band around a limb. The band also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle, tendon, bone, or muscle group and generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the limb.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting against injury to the human body. The garment may protect against hip, tailbone, and/or spinal cord injury. The garment may have a waist belt with depending hip pads releasably secured to the legs. Also, a torso strap may extend upwardly from the waist belt with additional padding. The torso strap may be Y-shaped.

Abstract: A compliant shin guard includes an outer shell composed of an impact absorbing material and an inner padding mounted to the inner surface of the outer shell. A plurality of vents extend through the outer shell and the inner padding, the plurality of vents being distributed across the outer surface of the outer shell. A raised channel extends at least partially along the length of the outer shell to provide rigidity to the outer shell.

Abstract: Protective components may include a plate element and a cushioning element that are secured together with a hook-and-loop fastening system. The cushioning element may include a pair of material layers and a pad or a plurality of pad components located between the material layers. The plate element may include a polymer material and the pad may include a polymer foam material.

Abstract: A knee brace having a tubular elastic knitted body with at least one pressure pad arranged thereon, which, when the brace is being worn, extends across the patellar tendon. On the front side of the knitted body, a first tension strap is provided, which extends around only a certain part of the knitted body and passes over the pressure pad. On the rear side of the knitted body, a second tension strap is provided, which is offset in the height direction from the first tension strap, and which extends around only a certain part of the knitted body.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body has an inner face for being placed adjacent to the part of the wearer's body in use and an outer face opposite the inner face. The device includes a pressure applicator to apply compression to the wearer's body part. First and second fastener elements are mounted on the device. Hook indicia on the outer face of the device generally overlie patches of hook material on the inner face of the device. The hook indicia includes first colored areas and hook-engagement areas include second colored areas. Upon wrapping the device around the wearer's body part and fastening the patches of hook material at the respective hook-engagement areas, each first colored area and corresponding second colored area form a predetermined shape indicating that the device is properly placed on the body part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leg pad for a hockey player. The leg pad extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a band. The upper portion has a knee cap for covering a knee joint of the player. The lower portion has an upper shell for covering a substantial part of a shin of the hockey player and a lower shell for at least partially covering the shin and ankle of the hockey player. The band extends along part of a periphery of the upper shell and part of a periphery of the lower shell. The band interconnects the upper shell and the lower shell to one another wherein the lower shell is movable relative to the upper shell between a first position and a second position in response to flexion of the ankle.

Abstract: A foot support device configured to be donned by a user and subsequently inserted into a shoe that is operable to provide impact reduction for a user. The foot support device includes a body having a first portion and a second portion contiguously formed. The body includes a cavity configured to receive a human foot therein. A bottom portion is secured to the second portion of the body and extends the length thereof. A void is present intermediate the bottom portion and the second portion of the body. Disposed within the void is an impact reduction member. The impact reduction member includes a first portion, a second portion and an expansion member. The expansion member is intermediate the first portion and second portion of the impact reduction member and is operable to allow the longitudinal extension of the impact reduction member.

Abstract: Legwear is provided having at least two interior pockets in the calf area and ankle area of the legwear for inserting pads to enhance the physical structure of a person's leg between the knee and the ankle.

Abstract: A sleeve having an absorptive surface, comprising a tubular structure having an exterior moisture absorptive surface, configured to fit around a wearer's arm, from shoulder to at least forearm, having an adjustable diameter to selectively control a snugness of the tubular structure on the upper arm area and the lower arm area, while permitting free flexion of the elbow, having at least three elastic bands having a non-slip surface against a wearer's skin to prevent movement of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A protective shield for a lower leg of an ice skater is provided. The protective shield comprises a protective segment and a support segment to which the protective segment is secured. The protective segment comprises a web of interlocking metal loops. The protective segment is shaped and sized to fit over at least a rear portion of the lower leg including at least a portion of an Achilles tendon and at least a portion of a calf. The support segment is shaped and sized to fit around the lower leg, and is resilient to hold the protective shield in place around the lower leg during skating and to tension the protective segment against the rear portion of the lower leg.

Abstract: A joint for a rehabilitation device and a rehabilitation device are disclosed. The joint is defined for operation between an end of a first member and an end of a second member. The joint enables the second member to pivot at the joint with respect to the first member. The joint includes a positioning mechanism for defining a set position from which the second member pivots. The joint also includes a restriction mechanism for restricting the degree of pivoting of the second member, from the set position. The joint further includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the second member such that it returns to the set position when an opposing force applied to the second member is less than the bias of the biasing mechanism. When the joint is in the set position, the biasing mechanism is configured such that no bias is applied to the second member.

Abstract: A knee pad provided for engagement to a user in an as-worn position with an interior surface surrounding the front of the user's knee. A plurality of projections extend from the body and are made of compressible material to provide a cushioned support to the knees of the user during use.

Abstract: A knee pad holding mechanism for holding a knee pad over the knee region of a pantleg having a first length of fabric material and a second length of fabric material operatively attached to a pantleg on opposite sides of the knee region, each length of material forming a plurality of loops for receiving a strap associated with the knee pad. The plurality of loops associated with the first and second lengths of material are arranged in opposed relationship to each other and allow a user greater flexibility to adjust the vertical location of a knee pad relative to the user's knee. The plurality of loops can be individually formed on opposite sides of the knee region, or they can be formed using any number of a plurality of sections.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.

Abstract: A description is given of a shin guard (1) having a shin element (2) which is based on a hard plastics material or metal and has a concave inner side (16) which is curved transversally to a longitudinal axis (41) of the shin guard and encloses an interior (18) for accommodating a user's shin region. The shin guard is characterized in that at the lower end of the shin element (2), said lower end being directed towards the user's foot, it has a separate sliding element (3), which is based on a hard plastics material or metal and has a concave inner side (17), winch is adapted to the lower region of the shin element (2) and is curved transversally to the longitudinal axis (41) of the shin guard, as well as a convex outer surface (11), and in that the sliding element (3) is mounted such that it can be displaced dynamically essentially along the longitudinal axis (41), within defined limits, counter to a spring force directed towards the foot.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a brace assembly and a force-application assembly. The brace assembly includes a muscle-origin portion configured to connect proximate to a muscle origin of a muscle. The brace assembly also includes a muscle-insertion portion configured to connect proximate to a muscle insertion of the muscle. The force-application assembly is configured to connect to the muscle-origin portion and the muscle-insertion portion. The force-application assembly is also configured to extend between the muscle-origin portion and the muscle-insertion portion once coupled to do just so.

Abstract: A Blanket with tuck flaps with a sheet of flexible material, a hood member, a left tuck flap member, a right tuck flap member, a shoulder support member, and an arm support member. The planar sheet is wide enough to cover the front surface of an average person. The left and right side tuck flaps extend from the right side and left side of the sheet at the thigh level of the user. The shoulder support member is attached to the top of the planar sheet and supports the blanket on the user's shoulders. The hood is attached to the top side of the planar panel. The user's head protrudes through an aperture between the top of the planar panel and the shoulder support member. The arm support is attached at its top and bottom edge to the inside of the planar sheet at the location of the user's torso.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for designed for supporting a hip of a pregnant woman who often experiences hip pain associated with her pregnancy to help relieve this pain including a leggings with hook-and-loop belts, straps and strips associated with pillows for the thigh and ankles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are conformable protection pads, which can be integrated into articles such as clothing and protective cases. An exemplary cushioning pad can include an upper layer and a lower layer and cushioning material therebetween in a first cushioning region and one or more second cushioning regions, and one or more grooves between the first cushioning region and the second cushioning regions to enable articulation of the second cushioning regions relative to the first cushioning region.

Abstract: A lower leg guard device is disclosed allowing a full range of ankle motion, while at the same time preventing impact injuries to the lower leg, including the Achilles area, the ankle, and the shin. The lower leg guard device includes two substantially rigid exterior shells each with a cushioned interior liner. The lower leg guard device can be securely attached to the lower leg with one or more attachment straps, and with at least one floating attachment pad that attaches to the wearer's footwear. A floating attachment pad can be positioned over both the inner side and outer side of the ankle, preferably attached to footwear that covers the ankle. The floating attachment pads are attached to the footwear using removable fasteners, located on the exterior surface of the footwear worn by the wearer, so that the guard device can be quickly and easily put on and removed.

Abstract: Protective components may include a plate element and a cushioning element that are secured together with a hook-and-loop fastening system. The cushioning element may include a pair of material layers and a pad or a plurality of pad components located between the material layers. The plate element may include a polymer material and the pad may include a polymer foam material.

Abstract: An attachment system can include a plurality of apertures or openings in an attachment platform. The openings can be arranged in a pattern corresponding to a hexagon so that an attachment member for a MOLLE-compatible accessory may be passed through one or more of the openings so as to attach the accessory in a variety of different directions.

Abstract: A knee pad holding mechanism for holding a knee pad over the knee region of a pantleg having a first length of fabric material and a second length of fabric material operatively secured together to form a pocket, the pocket being sized and shaped to receive a knee pad and having at least one opening located along each of the outside edges of the pocket for receiving a strap associated with the knee pad. In one embodiment, the first length of fabric material can be secured directly to the knee region of a pantleg wherein the pantleg forms the second length of fabric material. Other embodiments include using a loop, eyelet, slits or an additional section of fabric having a slit associated therewith for receiving a strap associated with the knee pad. The present mechanism is also adaptable for use to receive an elbow pad.

Abstract: Protective equipment for the limbs including a front guard, wherein the front guard includes support means attached to the front guard, a front surface, and a plurality of teeth protruding from the front surface for assisting a user in climbing over an obstacle, wherein the teeth include at least one engagement surface arranged to at least partially engage with a surface of the obstacle when pressure is applied to the support means.

Abstract: A leg garment according to the present invention includes a body portion covering at least an instep, a sole and an ankle of a leg. The leg garment includes a support strip exerting a tightening force larger than that of a portion of the leg garment around the support strip. The support strip is arranged in the shape of an inwardly-wound helix extending from the instep to the ankle through the sole. The support strip includes: a first tightening portion arranged so as to medially extend from the instep to the sole; and a second tightening portion arranged so as to extend obliquely upward from a lateral side to a medial side of a ventral ankle, the second tightening portion compressing the ventral ankle via a surface thereof.

Abstract: A goaltender leg pad providing profile adjustment, toe attachment and/or toe thickness adjustment. The leg pad can include an adjuster element that configures adjacent pads at a user selected angle or configuration to provide a desired front profile of the leg pad. The leg pad can include an optionally elastic toe attachment strap joined with a foot pad and/or boot, and a redirection element slidably engaging the strap. The strap can secure the foot pad to the user's skate, and generally centrally locate the foot pad over the user's skate when the user transitions to a standing position and/or a crouching position. The leg pad can include a foot pad configured to engage the top of a user's skate. The foot pad can define a cavity within which a secondary pad can be selectively installed or removed to alter the toe thickness of the foot pad and provide desired performance.

Abstract: A protective element is provided with a flat first material layer of a low-fold material and a flat second material layer of a folded cut-retardant material. A surface area of the second material layer in a stretched-out state is 1.2 to 2.5 times greater than a surface area of the first material layer in a stretched-out state. The second material layer is placed in a gathered state onto the first material layer. The first material layer forms a gliding layer for the second material layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing knee pain or increasing athletic performance includes a compressive element, an elastic strap and, optionally, a hard actuator. The compressive element may be a sleeve a compressive wrap or a compressive pair of shorts configured to fit over a thigh of at least one leg. The elastic strap may be configured to fit tightly and circumferentially over and around the compressive element at a location above a knee joint at a mid-portion of the thigh. The hard actuator may be a generally concave-shaped element with a concave side. The elastic strap may be configured to fit over the hard actuator and to press the concave side of the concave hard actuator against a portion of an anterior side of the mid-portion of the thigh. With this configuration, the apparatus may reduce knee pain or increase athletic performance. Methods for reducing knee pain and increasing athletic performance are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective device may be configured to be worn to protect a portion of a wearer's anatomy. A pliable first material may form a perimeter portion and at least one connecting portion. A rigid second material may form at least two plates retained within the perimeter portion and at least one connecting portion.

Abstract: A goaltender leg pad providing profile adjustment, toe attachment and/or toe thickness adjustment. The leg pad can include an adjuster element that configures adjacent pads at a user selected angle or configuration to provide a desired front profile of the leg pad. The leg pad can include an optionally elastic toe attachment strap joined with a foot pad and/or boot, and a redirection element slidably engaging the strap. The strap can secure the foot pad to the user's skate, and generally centrally locate the foot pad over the user's skate when the user transitions to a standing position and/or a crouching position. The leg pad can include a foot pad configured to engage the top of a user's skate. The foot pad can define a cavity within which a secondary pad can be selectively installed or removed to alter the toe thickness of the foot pad and provide desired performance.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved appearance of a pair of pants. The system includes a pair of pants having one or more rear pant pockets, and one or more pant inserts configured to be inserted into and engage respective one or more rear pant pockets during an operational use thereof such that the one or more pant inserts straighten or take out the creases in the general area of the respective one or more rear pant pockets to improve the general appearance of the pair of pants when worn by a user. The one or more pant inserts include a wearable fabric layer, a first fusible or bonding product layer, a stiff utility material layer, and a second fusible or bonding product layer bonded together.

Abstract: A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace protects against abnormal motions of the knee, and provides direct and indirect patella stabilization. A base comprised of elastic material is configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. Direct patella support is provided by upper crossed straps that are permanently fastened to the base and cross the front of the leg above the knee, or by lower crossed straps that are permanently fastened to the base and cross the front of the leg below the knee, or by both upper and lower crossed straps. Additional direct patella support may be provided by a patella opening. One or more generally upright lateral pockets containing semi-rigid stays may also be provided on the sides of the base for lateral support. A popliteal opening may be provided to reduce the possibility of chafing at the rear of the knee.

Abstract: Protective chaps, such as chainsaw protective chaps, including a right legging, a left legging, and a waist attachment element such as a belt for attaching the chaps to the waist of a wearer. Each legging has preferably 2-5 strap units, such as straps, for securing the legging around the back of a leg of the wearer. One or more of the strap units is repositionable higher or lower on its legging to provide comfort and better fit for the wearer and so that a damaged strap unit or strap can be easily replaced.

Abstract: A wearable protection device with a plurality of plate members adjacent in a side-by-side configuration so as to define a protection front surface or side adapted to face an impact is described. Pairs of the plate members at least partially overlap each other along a longitudinal direction by means of superposition of a portion of a first plate member on a front surface of a corresponding portion of a second plate member adjacent in the side-by-side configuration, so as to define a zone of surface discontinuity between adjacent plate members on the front surface of the second plate member. The device comprises a plurality of pads each associated with one of the plate members on an opposite side to the protection front surface. A surface discontinuity or boundary zone between adjacent pads is offset along the longitudinal direction with respect to the zone of surface discontinuity between adjacent plate members.

Abstract: A hockey goalie blocker pad for use with a hockey goalie blocker. The blocker pad has a substantially rectangular volume having four sides, a top surface, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; the bottom surface has a curved shape adapted to coincide with the curved shape of a top surface of the goalie blocker, to thereby fit snugly there against. The top surface is substantially flat and includes a hook surface including hook material thereon and adapted to interact with a surface of a practice hockey ball having loop material thereon, and a connector member adapted to securely and removably attach the blocker pad to the blocker.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a protective apparatus that is comprised of an impact shell and an impact attenuating structure. The impact shell includes two discrete portions that are moveably hinged to one another to conform to the underlying protected portion, such as an athlete's shin region. The protective apparatus also utilizes an impact attenuating structure that functions to attenuate an impact force as well as serve as a hinge between the two-part shell. Additional aspects include a puncture prevention element that is positioned between the two shell portions to resist impalement at the hinge junction formed between the two shell portions. Further, additional aspects utilize one or more channels on a posterior surface of the impact attenuating structure to aid in guiding the articulation of the impact attenuating structure in a location related to the shell articulation joint.

Abstract: A device which restricts movement of the knee during lunge and squatting exercises prevents weight imbalance which may result in undue strain and knee injury. The device has a foot engagement member stepped upon by the user and held in place by the user's weight, or the foot engagement member conforms to the side of the user's foot and is held in place by a strap. Attached to the foot engagement is a vertical member extending upwardly from the foot engagement member. A shin engagement member attached to the vertical member is generally positioned in a position along the lower leg of the user, below the knee and laterally adjacent to the user's tibia. As the user performs exercise, the shin engagement member prevents the user's knees from forward movement which extends forward of the user's feet. The device also has structure which prevents inward collapse of the knees.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a leg guard, an embodiment of which includes use in diamond sports. The leg guard contains an adjustable shin guard, thigh guard, and articulating knee allowing for movement mimicking the natural movement of the knee. The articulating knee opens and closes without gaps in protection, and locks into a standing position preventing the hyperextension of the knee.