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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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 kicking aid (10) to be used with a shoe (12) for kicking a ball (52) includes a connecting member (18) adapted to secure the kicking aid (10) to the shoe (12) and a contacting member (14) coupled to the connecting member (18) and adapted to extend away from an instep portion (16) of the shoe (12) when the kicking aid (10) is coupled to the shoe (12). In another embodiment, the kicking aid (100) is secured to a shin guard 150, instead of a shoe (12). In either embodiment, when a person kicks the ball (52), the kicking aid (10, 100) contacts the ball (52) above the equator (58) when the shoe (12) contacts the ball (52) below the equator (58).

Abstract: A protective article, comprising: a shin section extending downward from a knee area to an ankle area of an individual; and a foot section extending outward from an ankle area to a toe area of the individual, covering the top of the individual's foot, wherein the shin section contains an interior removable insert and at least two pair of straps, wherein a first strap pair is positioned below the knee area and a second strap pair is positioned above the ankle area, with a first attachment point for the first and second pair of straps on one lateral edge of the shin section and a second attachment point for the first and second pair of straps on the opposite lateral edge of the shin section.

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: Garments designed to be worn in conjunction with conventional chaps to protect the lower abdomen of the wearer and upper legs of a wearer are described herein. Also described are garments that replace conventional chaps.

Abstract: A protective skirt for use in martial arts provides leg protectors for providing protection to the thighs of the user in the event of a full-forced attack to the thighs. The leg protectors are removable elements allowing the skirt to be used with out the leg protectors. Alternatively, the leg protectors can be integrated with the skirt.

Abstract: The subject application includes a disposable foot cover that has a body, an open edge, a retention mechanism, and a tab. The body is roughly in the shape of a foot and is made of a compound that has rubber-like properties and is configured to provide a barrier against infectious agents. The open edge is located at one end of the body and is configured to receive an associated foot. The retention mechanisms, located around the open edge, are adapted for securing the cover to the associated foot. In addition, the tab, located at the rear of the opening, is suitably configured to enable removal of the cover from the associated foot.

Abstract: Silver coated nylon woven and non-woven fibers are disclosed that can be used to make fabrics, bags, and pads that are silver coated on one side of the fabric, bag, and/or pad. Silver coated nylon fabrics, bags, and pads provide an antimicrobial surface which remains on the surface and retains its antimicrobial characteristic until destroyed. The silver coating can be used as a way to eliminate, reduce and/or ameliorate odors emanating from the bacteria. The methods of adherence of the silver to the nylon may be performed in a number of ways. The pads may be further associated with protective gear that can be used by professions and athletes that use protective gear.

Abstract: Exoskeleton for physical activity, specially snow skiing, for preventing knee, leg and hip injuries by preventing the excessive torsion of the knee and other movements that could be dangerous for the person wearing it. The exoskeleton diverts the potential dangerous forces to the strong parts of the body and resists the generated forces when it reaches dangerous anatomical positions. The exoskeleton includes at least one first support member configured to couple above the knee; at least one second support member configured to couple below the knee; both of them linked together by a linkage assembly that limits that the coupling to the body of the support members reach dangerous positions; and at least one angle limitation mechanism that limits the relative rotation between the first support member and the second support member.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sock with graduated compression and pads. The pads are on the leg section of the sock and are adapted to increase protection of the wearer, particularly, in sports applications. The pads can be aligned with the wearer's shin, which is a relatively unprotected during many athletic contests. Pads can also be positioned on the side of the sock. These pads may help protect the wearer's ankle or the side of the leg.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a shin guard sleeve that extends higher in a calf portion than in a shin portion of the shin guard sleeve. Additional aspects may include a shin guard sleeve having an apex located in the calf region of a wearer to provide a volume able to be filled by the calf region of the wearer. Further, aspects may include one or more maintainers affixed to the shin guard sleeve to further resist slipping of the shin guard sleeve.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a shin guard construction having a shin guard and a strap. The strap may provide a number of adjustments, such as adjusting a vertical position of strap attachment to the shin guard, a length of the strap, and/or a position of a portion of the strap in both a horizontal and/or a vertical location on a wearer's leg. Further, the strap may have an upwardly inclined orientation relative to a horizontal plane extending through the shin guard. The orientation of the strap in an upward direction may be a result of a location and/or orientation of one or more fasteners. Additionally, the orientation of the strap may be a result of the size and/or shape of the strap.

Abstract: A core assembly for an athletic protective pad is provided. The core assembly comprises a backing member and a deflection shield overlaid on the backing member. The backing member includes a plurality of backing pieces that are assembled together. The deflection shield is located on the backing member using cooperating interlocking members provided on the deflection shield and at least one of the backing pieces. The core assembly may be inserted within an outer envelope to form a protective hockey goaltender leg pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for user-moldable sports equipment, for example, shin guards and sports shoes. The sports equipment includes an integral component having relatively rigid thin shell curved walls with a thermoplastic component sandwiched in between the thin shells. The thermoplastic transitions to a moldable state at a temperature between 150° F. and 210° F. The sports equipment is placed in a waterproof bag and into heated water to become moldable, and hardens to a rigid state when cooled. In a heel cup embodiment, a composite layer is applied directly to the shoe upper, and a pre-formed thermoplastic component is positioned over the composite layer. A second composite layer is then laid over the thermoplastic component and the assembly is cured. The heel cup may include arms that extend upwardly to engage the shoe closure structure.

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: An energy absorbing device suitable for wearing by humans, or for use in a prosthetic device or robot is provided. The device including support structures which may conform to the contours of limbs, and have the capability of being removeably attached to the limbs. Plates are attached, either fixedly or slideably, to the support structures and adjacent ends of plates may be joined with a flexible link. As the limbs flex at a joint, the slideably attached plate slides to accommodate the rotational motion between the limbs at the joint.

Abstract: A pant for a hockey player. The pant comprises an inner pant and an outer shell releasably connected to a waist portion of the inner pant and wherein the inner pant has several protective pads, a pocket for receiving a cup for protecting the genital area of the player and respective left and right VELCRO tabs for affixing hockey socks to the inner pant.

Abstract: A garment which comprises an inflatable protective device able to expand from a rest condition, wherein it's in a deflated status, to a working condition, wherein it's in an inflated status, inflation means able to inflate said protective device and an electronic controller able to activate the inflation means if a risk and/or danger signal is detected by sensors incorporated in the garment. The inflatable protective device, after being moved to the working condition, can return automatically to the rest condition without requiring to be repacked or reset and the inflation means can inflate the protective device more than once without requiring to be recharged.

Abstract: A lower leg protection device includes a knee protection section. A flanged shin protection section is flexibly connected to the knee protection section. At least one replaceable outer cushion is selectively secured to the knee protection section via a first strap, and at least one replaceable outer cushion is selectively secured to the shin protection section via a second strap.

Abstract: The Body Dampener is comprised of vibration and shock dampening flexible band, a fastening apparatus, a vibration and shock dampening device, and vibration and shock dampening filaments and is wrapped around an extremity of the human body to offer compression, vibration dampening, and directs vibration out of the body. The vibration and shock dampening device is attached to the vibration and shock dampening flexible band. The vibration and shock dampening filaments are attached to the vibration and shock dampening device or the vibration and shock dampening flexible band. The vibration and shock dampening filaments protrude outward away from the body directing vibration out of the body.

Abstract: A disposable, thin, water-impermeable plastic glove that covers the hand and forearm of a patient after IV fluids have been discontinued and the patient is ready to shower or bath. The glove includes a hand portion, a tubular forearm portion, a wrist opening, and an adhesive strip. The glove prevents the patient's hand and forearm from getting wet or from being exposed to harsh chemicals and other liquids.

Abstract: A wearable protective body appliance for reducing the likelihood of injury to a wearer. One embodiment provides a wearable protective body appliance having an articulating protective shell assembly that includes one or more first shell members formed from a first material having a first hardness, and a second shell member directly connected to the first shell member and formed from a second material having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The second shell member is flexible and enables the one or more first shell members to articulate relative to one another, yet still provide impact protection. Another embodiment provides a body appliance including a padding assembly that defines a ventilation hole and includes an inner engagement member. The inner engagement member can surround the ventilation hole and can be adapted to frictionally engage the skin of a wearer to substantially prevent the appliance from moving relative thereto.

Abstract: In a method of forming a compression sleeve, a wicking layer is provided that is strategically exposed to promote wicking and cooling of the body part acted upon by the sleeve. The wicking layer has a perimeter and a surface area. A bladder segment that defines a bladder has a surface area less than the surface area of the wicking layer. The surface area of the bladder segment is defined by the perimeter of the bladder material, less any openings formed through the bladder material. The wicking layer is secured to the bladder material so that portions of the wicking layer are not overlaid by the bladder material. The bladder segment is welded to the wicking layer along a seamline so that fibers of the wicking layer extend through the seamline and allow fluid wicked by the wicking layer to move through the seamline.

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: Protective elements may include a pair of material layers, a plurality of pad components, and a plate. The pad components may be located between the material layers, and the plate may be positioned adjacent to one of the material layers and opposite the pad components. Similar protective elements may also be utilized with apparel systems. For example, an inner garment may include the protective element, and an outer garment may extend over the inner garment. The outer garment may include an outer pad locatable to extend over the plate, and the outer pad may have a greater area than the plate.

Abstract: A protective garment 1 having an outer layer 2 and a protective inner layer 3, wherein the protective inner layer 3 lines substantially the whole of the inside of the garment 1 and the inner layer 3 is secured to the outer layer 2 only at corresponding edges of the inner and outer layers which occur at openings of the garment.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and displacing structure for athletic protective equipment, such as an athletic shin-guard, is provided using a flexible web-shaped body to hold a rigid band-shaped member in place. The inner rigid band-shaped member follows the contour of the desired area to protect. The outer flexible web-shaped body is made of a softer rubber like material and works as a locator and supporter keeping the inner, rigid band-shaped member, in proper location.

Abstract: An athletic tape or protective athletic sleeve is formed from an impregnated fabric substrate that is sealed on both sides. The impregnated fabric includes a shear thickening fluid that is made up of a suspension solution and solid particles. The shear thickening fluid is sealed within the fabric through use of sealing layers on both sides of the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a sock for holding shin guards/pads (e.g., soccer shin guards/pads) in position along a player/participant's shin. The apparatus may include an upper section for substantially covering a lower part of a user's leg such as a shin and, optionally, a lower section for substantially covering a player's foot and/or ankle connected to the upper section to form a sock. The upper section has a compression section having a compression factor of less than about 9 inches in order to hold and/or secure a shin-guard in place upon a player/participant's shin. The compression section may comprise an upper compression section and a lower compression section separate and distinct from the upper section.

Abstract: A protective body guard (10) providing a full range of motion that closely tracks the biomechanical movement of a joint. The device provides protection against sharp objects, impact and limb movement into positions that may cause injury. The device (10) comprises successive segments (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) made of a hard, impact-resistant, light material and arranged in overlapping fashion and interconnected by means of a single pivot pin (28) or flexible strap in an arcuate slot (30) at each side of the segments. Cushioning pads (24, 26), detachably fixed to the segments (12, 22), provide protection from contact with the interior of the segments.

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.