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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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, furthermore allowing control over the skis during the practice of said sport. 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; at least one clutch mechanism operatively coupled between two elements of the exoskeleton, allowing the clutching and unclutching of said two elements of the exoskeleton; and at least one sensor that detects movement or/and pressure, of a part of the body of the skier to transmit a signal to the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A safety band is provided having a tubular outer shell and a tubular inner sleeve which projects into the outer shell and is concentric therewith. The inner sleeve is designed and constructed from a resilient material whereby when an appendage of a wearer is inserted into the inner sleeve of the safety band the inner sleeve expands upon donning and thereby inherently constricts about the appendage of the wearer thus maintaining the outer shell in a desired position on the appendage of the wearer. In another embodiment of the invention, a string of at least one light source encircles the outer shell and is fixed thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the outer shell includes a zipper means for facilitating entry of an appendage of a wearer. A band of retroreflective material fixed to the outer shell is provided in another embodiment of the invention.

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: A protective covering with a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer. The hard outer layer comprises a plurality of substantially rigid shape-retaining and interworking tiles anatomically conformed to a contoured object. The outer layer has sufficient flexibility to adjust its conformity to the object as the object's contour changes. The soft inner layer comprises a plurality of impact absorbing units. The protective covering provides impact resistance and is designed to remain securely in place and protective of the object even when the contour of the object changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leg covering for protecting the lower portion of a user's leg comprising: a mesh body, where said mesh body includes a plurality of openings; a center opening, where said center opening provides a means for the insertion of a user's leg; and a mechanism to secure the covering to the user's leg. The body of the leg covering may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism to secure includes at least one strap where the strap includes a Velcro tip. In another exemplary embodiment, the mechanism to secure includes two straps where each strap includes a Velcro tip.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of beads. 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 beads are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the beads 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: This disclosure is in regards to a baby's crawler garment and the method of making the garment which is a pair of leg warmers comprised of tubular leg portions which are formed with a predetermined design made of silicone gel, and patterned throughout, on the surface of the leg warmer, forming an anti-skid surface and preventing a crawling baby from sliding or slipping. The tubular leg portions, being stretchy and snug fitting around the leg from the ankle to above the knee. Also a silicone strip will be placed on inside of the leg warmer's upper elastic band leg portion to prevent slipping or movement of the leg warmer while crawling.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a knee (or elbow) band assembly 100 that has a pocket assembly 106 containing a flexible pad 200 with rounded surfaces 112b, 116b separated by a valley 114b. The band assembly 100 is applied to a leg below the knee or to an arm above the elbow to improve body alignment and function and to relieve pain. The rounded surfaces 112a, 116a apply pressure to the limb to aid in alignment of the patellar or triceps tendons and to activate pressure points on the skin to stimulate the release of tension in the body and to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities.

Abstract: Padded arm and leg protectors having particular application to be worn around the arm and leg of one playing the game of paintball to prevent injury as a consequence of a paintball propelled from a paintball marker striking the player's arm or leg. In one embodiment, the arm protector includes a sleeve surrounding the arm and extending at least between the elbow and the wrist of the player. The sleeve has an outside top layer, an inside bottom layer, and a plurality of protective pads retained between the layers. The protective pads are strategically positioned along the sleeve to cover the wearer's elbow, his wrist and at least some of the muscles of the arm between the elbow and the wrist. The protective pads are separated and spaced from one another by respective channels which extend completely around each pad.

Abstract: A device for connecting and maintaining a sports pad to a skate, contains a cord having a first end and a second end. A first hook portion is removably connected to the first end of the cord, wherein the first hook portion contains a first anchoring portion and a first clasping portion, the first end of the cord being removably connected to the first clasping portion. The device also contains a first outer cylinder for maintaining the first end of the cord within the first clasping portion and a second hook portion removably connected to the second end of the cord. The second hook portion contains a second anchoring portion and a second clasping portion, where the second end of the cord is removably connected to the second clasping portion. The device also contains a second outer cylinder for maintaining the second end of the cord within the second clasping portion.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering a leg of a user may include an elongated tubular protective covering for covering a portion of the leg and shoe of the user, the protective covering including a passageway for the leg and shoe of the user, a first material gathering portion corresponding to the ankle of the user, a second material gathering portion corresponding to the upper edge of the protective covering and a third material gathering portion corresponding to the lower edge of the protective covering. The first gathering portion may be positioned on the front of the protective covering, and the first gathering portion may be substantially horizontal. The second gathering portion may extend around the periphery of the protective covering, and the third gathering portion may extend around the periphery of the protective covering. The protective cover may be formed from water impervious material, and the first gathering portion may include elastic.

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 flexible, elastic gaiter device designed to doubly encircle an upper rim of a wearer's footwear as well as the wearer's ankle to block ingress of debris into the footwear upper rim while bracing wearer's ankle protecting it against external and internal injury. The device is an elongated generally rectangular article. It comprises a closed loop nylon plush fabric outer layer to which is foamed an inner layer of synthetic rubber based on polychloroprene. At one end of the article's rubbery layer a fastener strip of hook elements is attached. The gaiter device is applied with its rubbery layer bridging the footwear upper rim, and firmly stretched to a double wrap, then secured by fastening the strip of hook elements with the plush outer layer. Lower edge corners of the article are diagonally cropped so that, when stretched, the lower edge will not have unsightly exposed portions.

Abstract: A shin guard includes a plate made of a rigid material sandwiched between two layers of flexible material, such as foam. The two flexible layers are attached to each other around a periphery of at least one of the flexible layers. The plate includes a center panel attached to only one of the flexible material layers. The plate also includes two side panels hingedly attached to the center panel so that the panels can move with respect to the center panel. The panels are not attached to either layer of flexible material so the panels can move with respect to both flexible material layers.

Abstract: A knee pad with a support frame, a pad, and a boot. The pad is assembled on the support frame to provide a cushioning surface between the support frame and the wearer's leg. The pad has ears in the knee section and in the ankle section, which serve to maintain the support frame and pad in proper alignment on the leg. The boot provides a non-slip, non-marring surface against the floor, when the wearer is working in a kneeling position. A moisture-absorbent liner, which is easily removed for cleaning or replaceable, may also be fitted on top of the pad, to provide an absorbent layer between the pad and the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A garment including a pant having at least one attachment member integral with each leg portion proximal the open end thereof and forming one half of a detachable attachment system. A kit further includes a pair of socks each having at least one attachment member extending therefrom, the attachment members of the socks and pants being complementary for forming a detachable connection. Also, a garment including an inner pant having an inner torso portion, two inner leg portions, and at least one protective pad, and an outer pant retainable around the inner pant and having an outer torso portion covering the inner torso portion, two tubular outer leg portions enclosing the inner leg portions, the outer pant being independent from the inner pant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the shin protector apparatus aid in covering undesirable blemishes such as bruises caused by thin blood and skin tears due to delicate skin. One embodiments include a shin protector having a tubular body with a top end and a bottom end for covering a portion of a user's lower leg from the ankle to the popliteal fossa area of the user's leg, an aperture at the top end of the shin protector and an aperture at the bottom end of the shin protector so that the shin protector may be worn on a portion of a user's leg, a strap attached to the bottom end of the tubular body for maintaining the relative position of the shin protector in relation to the user's foot, and at least two support stays for supporting the shin protector positioned along the length of the tubular body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work leg protector, having at least one first protector region, and at least one second protector region, and at least one retaining means for fastening the work protector to a leg. The first protector region is configured at least for the arrangement in the region of a knee, and the second protector region is configured at least for the arrangement in the region of the shin. At least the first protector region and the second protector region are configured in one piece and form a substantially rigid shield, wherein the retaining means is disposed only on the second protector region.

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.

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.