Abstract: A garment such as a shirt or pants has a front layer with portions which define a central opening defined by an inner periphery and positionable to overlie a portion of the joint to be protected such as a knee or an elbow. A removable protective insert is larger than the central opening and has a unitary cap sewn thereto. The cap has an upper segment separated from a lower segment by a bending joint defined by at least one groove which extends substantially across the cap. The upper segment and the lower segment are separately fixed to the protective insert by stitching. The upper segment and the lower segment have an outwardly projecting flange which overlies the protective insert, the flange having portions which engage the front layer of the garment between the cap flange and the protective insert. A slot in the insert ventilates through the front layer.

Abstract: A shin pad for use in a ski boot is disclosed. The shin pad comprises a sheet of compressible material with a void, like a doughnut hole, in the middle. The shin pad is placed on the shin with the hole placed over an area of the shin which is to be protected from pressure and friction. The material of the pad covers an area of the shin surrounding the area to be protected.

Abstract: A leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper playing hockey (e.g., roller hockey) is provided. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises protective padding and an outer covering disposed over the protective padding. The leg pad comprises a slider in the medial side of the leg pad for facilitating sliding of the medial side of the leg pad on a playing surface when the leg is moved. The slider may be mounted beneath the outer covering and exposed through an opening of the outer covering to slide on the playing surface.

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: 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, with the polymer material of the plate element having greater rigidity and density than the polymer foam material of the pad.

Abstract: An insect-repelling leg garment wearable on a person generally comprising a tubular member and a semi-conical section fabricated from a piece of fabric sheeting impregnated with an insect-repelling solution. The semi-conical section includes an elastic strap configured to engage a structural feature of an article of clothing. The tubular member includes a lower portion having a circumferential sleeve for accommodating therewithin a drawstring equipped with a drawstring tie for closing and sealing an annular opening formed by a circular wall section and one's leg. An elastic circular band positioned at the lower portion simultaneously engages loops connected to the lower portion and one's footwear such as to oppose the upward tensioning caused by the elastic strap, whereby the insect repellency inherently present within the fabric sheeting and the structural barriers inherently present within the leg garment collectively serve to protect the lower extremities of one's body against biting insects.

Abstract: A shin guard for combat sports is provided having increased protect for the wearer and the opponent. The shin guard has sleeve for surrounding the lower leg of the wearer and a front padding attached to the sleeve with a top portion reversibly secured which covers and hides a closure system. The shin guard may also have a calf reinforcement.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include may include a garment portion and at least one protective element. The garment portion and the protective element have a configuration that forms a gap, separation, or pleat structure through, for example, folding or overlapping of a textile element of the garment portion. The gap, separation, or pleat structure may permit the protective element to move independent of other portions of the apparel at the joint, thereby enhancing a range of movement of the individual and the overall comfort of the apparel.

Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection while permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.

Abstract: Bodywear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user and attachable to footwear of the human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. In another aspect, footwear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. Such bodywear apparatus and footwear apparatus are configured to reduce the effort a user must exert and improve the user's performance during walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other activities. In an aspect, bodywear apparatus further comprises a supplemental power device configured to further augment the user's abilities by activating during portions of the user's gait cycle.

Abstract: A limb shield is disclosed for shielding a limb of a wearer against impacts. The shield comprises a shell having a first shell portion and a second shell portion, the first portion comprising a substantially rigid portion, the second portion being reconfigurable between a retracted configuration in which the shield is configured to conform substantially with the contours of the limb to hold the shield in place upon the limb, and an extended configuration in which the shield is configured to receive the limb. The second portion is further resiliently biased to the retracted configuration and is arranged to extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the first portion.

Abstract: A cloth assembly for making a protective pad for sports includes a plurality of supporting fibers extending between and supporting first and second knitted cloths, providing an elastic air-permeable cloth. A knitted cloth includes a first side having a plurality of loops and a second side bonded to an outer face of the first knitted cloth. A hook tape includes a plurality of hooks on a face thereof. The hook tape is fixed to the first side of the knitted cloth or an outer surface of the second knitted cloth according to the type of the protective pad to be made. When the hook tape is fixed to the knitted cloth, the face of the hook tape having the hooks faces the first side of the knitted cloth having loops. Only a portion of the hook tape overlaps and is fixed to an end of the knitted cloth.

Abstract: A motorcycle garment includes at least a leg guard adapted to cover at least partially one of the driver's legs. At least a flap is disposed on said leg guard in correspondence of the driver's lower half-leg. The flap projects from the driver's lower half-leg Cowards the motorcycle, in such a way to increase resistance with air flow and increase aerodynamic load of motorcycle when driver moves his leg away from the motorcycle to make curving easier.

Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection while permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shin guard system for sporting activities that comprises a shin guard portion and a reusable elastic rash preventing insert attached thereto.

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 bottom portion and a band. The upper portion has a knee cap for covering a knee joint of the player. The bottom 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 compression sleeve includes a wicking layer secured to bladder material defining an inflatable bladder along a seamline. Fibers of the wicking layer extend through the seamline to allow fluid wicked by the wicking layer from the wearer's skin to evaporate to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for providing protection to a foot and leg with a shin guard compression sleeve underlying a shin guard are presented. A shin guard compression sleeve may comprise a toe shoe having individual toe apertures and pockets intended to contain the toes of a foot received therein, and, an elastic tubular liner operatively associated with the toe shoe. The elastic tubular liner may compressively receive a portion of a leg and have a length sufficient to extend beyond the top of a shin guard receiving the sleeve, such that the tubular liner defines a first layer under the shin guard, and a second layer overlapping the first layer when folded over. The second layer may hook over an end portion of the shin guard, thereby sandwiching the shin guard between the first and second layers of the elastic tubular liner.

Abstract: A leg guard assembly comprises an elongated pad extending along the outside of the leg guard assembly, a shin guard sleeve positioned on the front of the leg guard assembly and connected to the elongated pad, an inner ankle pad positioned opposite the elongated pad on the inside of the leg guard assembly, and an elastic positioned at the lowermost portion of the leg guard assembly, the elastic forming a loop that is adapted to secure a foot between the sole and the instep.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe is characterized by a cushioning device that circulates air between a plastic bottom layer and a soft, porous upper layer. The air is directed to designated areas of the insole via vertical apertures, which circulate air to and over the foot of a user. The bottom layer is formed with air capturing structures that when collapsed expel air that is forced through the apertures and to the surface of the user's foot. The bottom layer and the upper layer are separated by a porous middle layer that may be foam or other light weight but breathable material.

Abstract: A user wearable article of protective equipment for protecting a portion of a body of the user. The article of protective equipment generally conforms to the portion of the body of the user to be protected when worn by the user. The article of protective equipment comprises: (i) an energy absorbent core, the core having a body-facing side and an opposing non-body-facing side, the core comprising a polymeric foam; and (ii) an outer shell generally covering the non-body-facing side of the core, the outer shell being deformable during the use of the article of protective equipment by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for securing to the calf, shin and foot of a motorcycle user, to afford protection against heated exhaust parts and emissions therefrom. The device comprises a bi-layered material, with an aesthetically pleasing outer layer and thermally resistant inner layer. The device secures to the shin using adjustable elastic straps and securing snaps. The device features an optional ankle protector of the same bi-layered material attached to the bottom of the main bi-layered pad. Further, the optional ankle protector rolls up and secures into a stowed position to maintain maximum flexibility when not in use.

Abstract: A protective article of clothing for preventing cuts and injury to a lower leg of an ice hockey player is provided. The protective article of clothing comprises a sock element and a protective barrier element for protecting a back of the lower leg.

Abstract: An injured limb protector (10) includes a pad (11), a tubular pad cover (12) surrounding the pad, and a tubular sleeve (13). The pad is a dual density material having an outer layer (16) which is made of a high density material bonded to an inner layer (17) which is made of a low density material. The outer layer is scored or cut to allow manipulation of the pad to conform to an elbow or heel. The pad includes a central portion (19), two oppositely disposed end flaps (22) and two oppositely disposed side flaps (23), which allow it to be formed into a cup-shaped pad. The sleeve is provided with a visible alignment line (26) oriented longitudinally upon the one side (15) of the sleeve to which the pad is mounted.

Abstract: A protective apparel system for responders such as firefighters, civil defense, and defense workers is disclosed. Different aspects include a boot with a flange for forming a vapor/liquid tight seal with trousers, trousers that include a resistant barrier cuff for interfacing with a boot, and a resistant barrier liner that includes a gusset providing for expansion of the liner.

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 plurality of pads located between the material layers. The plate element may include a polymer material and the pads may include a polymer foam material, with the polymer material of the plate element having greater rigidity and density than the polymer foam material of the pads.

Abstract: The present invention features a therapy vest system for providing targeted heat or cold application to a person. In some embodiments, the vest of the vest system comprises a first shoulder pocket secured over a first shoulder region of the vest, and also a second shoulder pocket secured over a second shoulder region of the vest. In some embodiments, the vest further comprises a first side pocket secured to a first rib side region of the vest and also a second side pocket secured to a second rib side region of the vest. In some embodiments, the vest system further comprise extremity tubes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a device and/or system (e.g., redistributing weight away from a subject's foot), which may comprise (a) a platform, (b) at least one vertical support fixed to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and (c) at least one cuff (i) configured to surround and releasably grip at least a portion of a subject's leg other than the foot and (ii) mounted (e.g., adjustably) to the at least one vertical support at a vertical position along the at least one vertical support sufficient to suspend a subject's foot in a non-weight-bearing position above the platform during ambulation, wherein the platform, the at least one vertical support, and the at least one cuff together are configured to bear at least the subject's full weight.

Abstract: A catcher's leg guard includes an upper knee cover, a lower knee cover and a shin cover. The upper knee cover has a kneepad attached securely to an inner surface of the upper knee cover. The lower knee cover is connected rotatably to the upper knee cover. The shin cover is mounted below the lower knee cover and has an inner surface and a shin pad. The shin pad is attached securely to the inner surface of the shin cover. When a catcher is in a standing position, the upper knee cover retracts relative to the lower knee cover. When the catcher is in a squatting position, the upper knee cover and the lower knee cover are open to fully cover a knee of the catcher. Therefore, the leg guard can be securely and comfortably worn on the catcher's leg.

Abstract: A leg guard includes a base and a pad assembly. The base is made of a rigid material, and includes a shin portion having a convex outer surface. The pad assembly includes a pad having a first concave surface adapted to engage the convex outer surface of the shin guard, and a second non-concave surface opposite the first surface.

Abstract: A pair of athletic pants comprises a hip portion, and two leg portions extending from the hip portion. Each leg portion includes a knee portion configured to be worn over the knee of a human, the knee portion comprised of a first material. A slit is formed in each knee portion and a second material provided in each slit, wherein the second material has greater elasticity than the first material in at least two different directions. In at least one embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a lens. In at least one other embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a symmetric lens. In at least one embodiment, the athletic pants are baseball pants.

Abstract: A protector that lightens a shock when a wearer falls, and reduces an unpleasant feeling given to a wearer when worn for a long period of time. The protector is substantially circular in a plan view and is disposed at a position to cover near a femoral-neck portion from a side portion of a wearer. The protector is curved in a thickness direction so that an outer surface, comprising a single-layer structure composed of a polymer-foam body, is convex, and an inner surface is concave. An amount of displacement in the thickness direction when a load of 20 N is applied at a central portion of the outer surface when placed on a flat surface is 3 mm-20 mm.

Abstract: A calf protector for rowers, comprising a single strip of neoprene (or a similar synthetic or natural rubber) covered by nylon (or other fabric having loops) with a strip of hook fasteners (as in VELCRO®) on one end. The neoprene strip is wider in the main middle part, and narrower at the ends. Hook fasteners on the inside surface at one end of the strip can engage loops in the fabric on the outside surface at the opposite end of the strip (or visa versa) so that it forms a loop around the rower's leg, to protect the back of the leg from friction against the front ends of rails on which the seats in a boat move when rowing. The invention may also be used by other persons to protect their legs and/or arms. The invention encompasses both an apparatus and a method for protecting limbs using the apparatus.

Abstract: A protective device is disclosed that may have the configuration of a leg protector, for example. As a leg protector, the protective device includes a knee portion, a first thigh portion, and a second thigh portion. The first thigh portion is positioned adjacent the knee portion and has an elastic member. The second thigh portion is positioned adjacent the first thigh portion and opposite the knee portion. The knee portion, the first thigh portion, and the second thigh portion are secured relative to each other with at least one flexible strap that is attached to the knee portion, attached to the elastic member of the first thigh portion, and attached to the second thigh portion. The strap is unattached to the first thigh portion. In some embodiments, the first thigh portion does not include a restraint for securing the leg protector to the leg.

Abstract: A soccer training device includes a pair of leg components to be worn on a user's legs, each having a shin guard kneepad and foot cover member. An assortment of recessed attachment portals are included on shin guards, kneepads, and foot covers for releasably securing opposite ends of an elastomeric cord, which has a training ball secured along its length, producing two legs of the elastomeric cord, each being selectively secured to a respective leg component. In operation, the user begins alternating movement of his or her legs, thereby causing the ball to alternatively strike the selected areas and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for striking with the opposite leg. The user continues kicking the ball from one leg to the other as many times as he or she can consecutively hit the ball.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective element for a portion of the human body, comprising a tub-shaped molded piece that has an internal side (IS) facing the body and a compensation layer. The shape of the molded piece is adapted to the human anatomy, in particular the hip or pelvis region. At least some sections of the compensation layer are arranged on the internal side (IS). The molded piece is monolithically formed from a cured composite material, while the compensation layer is made of an elastically deformable foam material and includes a duct system of groove-like depressions on the side facing the body.

Abstract: An article of clothing wear for softening the impact resulting from a wearer's fall to the ground includes an article of protective clothing constructed in whole or in part with bubble-wrap composition at selected elbow, hip, knee, ankle or shoulder denominated areas thereof, with the article of protective clothing being sized to be worn under or over the wearer's own fabric clothing.

Abstract: A protective guard for reducing injury to a shin of a person is provided. The protective guard includes an elastomeric substrate having a pocket disposed therein. A central core is carried by the pocket of the elastomeric substrate. The central core includes a plurality of rigid plates, a first of which is joined by at least one hinge to a second of the plates.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of insert elements. The base member defines a plurality of apertures. The cover layers are secured to opposite surfaces of the base member and extend across the apertures. The insert elements are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the insert elements may be formed from polymer foam materials, and the cover layers may be formed from textile materials. The pad element may be utilized to attenuate impact forces and provide one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability.

Abstract: An infant crawling pants comprises a pants garment comprising an exterior, an interior, a buttock area and knee areas. At least one buttock protection device is configured to be joinable to the interior at the buttock area, in which the joined buttock protection device is generally unnoticeable from the exterior. The buttock protection device comprises at least a pack containing a viscous material. At least one knee and shin protection device is configured to be joinable to the interior at each of the knee areas, in which the joined knee and shin protection device is generally unnoticeable from the exterior. The knee and shin protection device comprises at least a pack containing a viscous material.

Abstract: Protective pads for protecting a body part of a person, such as a shin guard for protecting the shin from impacts during sporting activities, and methods of making the same, are disclosed. The protective pad comprises an outer shell and a padding layer connected to the outer shell. The protective pad further comprises at least one padding element located in an interior portion of a lower portion of the protective pad. The at least one padding element is configured to provide a space between the body part and at least one of the outer shell and the padding layer. In this manner, the space provided between the body part and at least one of the outer shell and the padding layer allows the outer shell and the padding layer to absorb and dissipate more of a force resulting from an impact to the protective pad away from the body part.

Abstract: Protective devices that are substantially simultaneously used as adjustable weighted resistance training devices are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved, adjustably weighted protective shin guards that can extend to integrate instep protection.

Abstract: A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.

Abstract: A muscle toning kit includes an exercise garment having a first resistance article and a second resistance article. The first resistance article and the second resistance article cooperate to facilitate the exercise of at least one muscle group of a user. The first resistance article is adjustable to provide a range of user selected resistance levels, while second resistance article has another range of user selected resistance levels so that as the user maneuvers the exercise garment, its adjustable pressure opposing structures facilitate the toning and conditioning of the at least one muscle group of the user. The method includes wearing and deforming the exercise garment from its original shape through natural extension and flexing actions of the user to facilitate providing a resistive force to condition the at least one muscle group of the user.

Abstract: A calf muscle and tendon guard for wearing on a user's leg to cover and protect the user's calf muscles and achilles tendon against begin severed from contact with a blade of an ice skate includes a body which substantially surrounds the leg and ankle of a user and a flexible guard comprised of a cut resistant material substantially covering only the area of the calf muscle and the achilles tendon, said flexible guard substantially flexing with said body and conforming to the anatomy of the leg and ankle when worn.

Abstract: An impact resistant insert for a protective pad and having a stiffener layer of impact resistant, thermoformable material retaining a preset curve at ambient temperature such as to substantially return to the preset curve upon deformation, the stiffener layer becoming temporarily more flexible under heat such that the preset curve can be modified to a different preset curve with the stiffener layer subsequently maintaining the different preset curve at ambient temperature. Also, an impact resistant insert for a protective pad and having a front layer of flexible material, a stiffener layer of multi-cell material having front and rear surfaces with the front surface being connected to the front layer, the stiffener layer being substantially resistant to impact forces, retaining a preset curve and substantially returning to the preset curve upon deformation, and a rear layer of flexible material connected to the rear surface of the stiffener layer.

Abstract: An air deflector is mounted to the area of the knee of a motorcyclist to prevent a stream of air from striking the motorcyclist's face. In one embodiment, the deflector comprises a deflector plate and a mounting plate connected by a hinge mechanism. When the motorcycle is in motion, the air flow impacts the deflector plate, forcing the deflector to extend upward until a support web restrains the deflector plate.

Abstract: A leg guard for a baseball catcher includes asymmetrical knee and shin portions. The knee and shin portions include a rigid plate attached to pad. The knee portion has medial extensions of both the plate and pad to provide additional protection to the medial side of the knee when the catcher is in the crouch position. Similarly, the rigid plate of the shin portion also has a generally rectangular shape, with the medial side longer than the lateral side for additional protection of the medial side of the leg. The knee portion is generally curved. This shape stabilizes and protects the knee in transitioning from the crouch position to the blocking position and from the blocking position back to the crouch position or to an upright throwing stance.

Abstract: A leg protector made from a sheet of die cut resilient plastic. The sheet is heated and wrapped around a mandrel to form a tubular shape. The shape is sized to fit over the lower portion of a person's leg. The tubular shape includes a cut out knee joint portion and an outwardly disposed protrusion at its upper most wall surface to accommodate the user's knee. The tubular shape also includes a partial shoe covering portion at its bottom most wall surface. One side of the sheet is wrapped to be in close proximity to the other side of the sheet forming an adjustable width tubular shape. The resilient nature of the plastic allows the tubular shape to flex when putting it on the leg and to remain snuggly attached to the user's leg during use. A preferred embodiment includes the sheet is made of high impact ABS plastic.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.