Abstract: A garment that includes one or more grip elements is disclosed. The grip elements, as disposed on a garment, may enable enhanced frictional forces between the garment and an object, such as exercise equipment, with which the garment may make contact. The grip elements may be composite structures disposed on one or more surfaces of the garment and may include an elastomeric and/or rubbery material with grit materials, such as sand, alumina, silicon carbide, or the like, embedded therein. The grit material may be at least partially exposed at the surface of the grip elements and may enhance gripping forces when the grip elements are wet, such as with sweat, compared to grip elements formed by only elastomeric materials. Grip elements may be formed on various portions of a garment separately and then those portions may be attached to each other to form the garment with grip elements.

Abstract: Specific implementations of an exercise pad device may include: a pad portion including a well, wherein the well may be substantially centered in the pad portion, a protective layer coupled to the pad portion, and a cover coupled to and enclosing the pad portion and the protective layer, wherein the well may be configured to reduce the localized pressure felt by a user when a barbell is placed over the pad while the user performs a hip thrust lift using the barbell.

Abstract: An Apparatus for realigning and improving the posture of the user. The Apparatus targets specific areas of the body, lifts up those areas, and then cause other specific areas of the body with the help of gravity, to adjust and modify, and facilitate the loosening and releasing of targeted fascia tissue, connective tissue, muscles, without the use or creation of force or tension, facilitating realignment, resulting in improving posture. The Apparatus is comprised of Holding Areas (e.g. pockets, grooves, etc.) configured to run up and down the apparatus the length of the spine of the human body. The Holding Areas (e.g. pockets, grooves, etc.) are an integral part of the apparatus and/or a separate attachable unit to the apparatus. The Apparatus's Holding Areas (e.g. pockets, grooves, etc.) are of adjustable materials, and are filled, empty, or selectively filled with a choice of different types of fillers, inserts.

Abstract: A belt apparatus is configured to support the trousers worn by a person and to include a number of airbags that are deployable in a falling event to protect the person from bone breakages. The belt apparatus includes a flexible belt element and a fastener that appear and function in much the same way as an ordinary trouser belt, i.e., fitting through belt loops in trousers and being fastenable to itself to support the pair of trousers at the waist of the user. Despite the ordinary appearance of the belt apparatus, it includes one or more airbags internal thereto whose expansion is controlled by a control apparatus. Responsive to a falling event in a particular direction with respect to the user, the control apparatus triggers the rapid expansion of an airbag that is situated on the belt element in the particular direction with respect to the user.

Abstract: An anesthetic breast pad includes a polyester panel having a front surface, a rear surface, a continuous peripheral edge and a central aperture for accommodating a wearer's breast nipple. A sectoral notch extending from the peripheral edge to the central aperture allows the aperture and the panel to expand, contract and contort to comfortably adapt to the wearer. On the rear surface of the panel, along the entire peripheral edge, is an adhesive strip for tenuously securing the pad to the wearer. Within the boundary formed by the continuous adhesive strip is a thin sheet pretreated with a topical anesthetic. Accordingly, prior to surgery, a patient adhesively secures the pad to the breast to conveniently apply the anesthetic to the underlying area.

Abstract: Absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles are presented. The absorbent cores include a low-density zone that is surrounded by zones having a higher density than that of the low-density zone. The low-density zone aids in fluid absorption, distribution and storage.

Abstract: Bras for high impact, high support activities are provided. A bra comprises a band that wraps around a torso. The band includes first and second cup regions, and a channel that runs below the collective cup regions. A gore is formed above the channel and between the respective cup regions, adjoining the respective cup regions. A molded cradle is fitted into the channel. For each cup region, a tessellated encapsulating bra cup is fitted therein. Each tessellated encapsulating bra cup includes a plurality of tiles. Respective tiles in the plurality of tiles that are further away from the cradle are larger in size than respective tiles in the plurality of tiles that are closer to the cradle. Each tessellated encapsulating bra cup has a generally concave first inner face and a generally convex first outer face. The tessellated encapsulating bra cups collectively contribute cantilevered support to the bra.

Abstract: A brassiere having cups, straps and elements for covering the wearer's breast tip region, wherein the elements are respectively arranged on the cups' inner side facing the wearer's body, and the elements only partly cover the cups' inner side facing the wearer's body.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a backless and strapless bra including a pair of cups, each cup configured to accommodate a user's breast. The cups of this bra are made with a four way stretch material used to lift each breast. Each cup may include a bottom edge configured to align with a bottom portion of the user's breast, a top edge configured to align with a top portion of the user's breast, an adhesive layer, a backing layer, and optionally a fastener configured to engage with a complimentary fastener on the other cup.

Abstract: A modular protective structure may be formed from an impact absorbing material formed into a repeating pattern of one or more geometrical shapes that may be assembled to a size, shape, and/or configuration desired to protect an athlete from impact. The thickness of the structure may vary in a repetitive fashion along at least a first axis of the structure, and may further vary in a repetitive fashion along a second axis of the structure.

Abstract: A combination garment with figure enhancing devices provided on the garment itself. The garment, for example a dress, includes an outer dress and a liner made of a four-way stretch material attached to the outer dress. Preferably, the liner is attached to the outer dress only at the arm holes. Otherwise, the liner hangs completely free from the outer dress. The liner includes a w-shaped pocket on a front side adapted to receive bust pads and a u-shaped pocket on a rear side adapted to receive buttocks pads.

Abstract: A fabric is provided having a defined pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions that extend entirely through the thickness of the fabric so that the defined pattern is identical on the inner and outer surfaces of the fabric. The defined pattern is configured so that the hydrophilic regions are all in communication or interconnected so that moisture, such as perspiration, can wick not only from the inner to the outer surface of the fabric but also throughout the surface of the fabric and in several directions on the fabric so that the surface area of the wetted hydrophilic regions increases. The defined pattern may be further configured so that none of the hydrophobic regions are in communication.

Abstract: A bra including a front with a right cup, a left cup, a right strap, and a left strap, at least one pocket in each of the right and left cups that are shaped and dimensioned to accept warming inserts, a back, and sides connecting the right cup to the back and the left cup to the back.

Abstract: A bodily protection assembly for protecting a user from impact energy includes a pair of shoulder pads structured to be worn by the user. A top cage is coupled to the shoulder pads such that the top cage is positioned between the shoulder pads and the user's shoulders. Thus, the top cage may prevent impact energy from being transferred into the user's shoulders. A lower cage is coupled to the shoulder pads such that the lower cage is positioned between the shoulder pads and the user's upper torso. The lower cage surrounds the user's upper torso. Thus, the lower cage may prevent impact energy from being transferred into the user's upper torso.

Abstract: A belt apparatus is configured to support the trousers worn by a person and to include a number of airbags that are deployable in a falling event to protect the person from bone breakages. The belt apparatus includes a flexible belt element and a fastener that appear and function in much the same way as an ordinary trouser belt, i.e., fitting through belt loops in trousers and being fastenable to itself to support the pair of trousers at the waist of the user. Despite the ordinary appearance of the belt apparatus, it includes one or more airbags internal thereto whose expansion is controlled by a control apparatus. Responsive to a falling event in a particular direction with respect to the user, the control apparatus triggers the rapid expansion of an airbag that is situated on the belt element in the particular direction with respect to the user.

Abstract: A Disposable Underarm Perspiration Pad that comprises a light-weight moisture wicking and absorptive material that is worn as a perspiration shield between a person's underarm and the next level of outer garment is presented. The inventive device is configured to enable attachment to the upper bicep area of the arm and concealment under the outer garment while at the same time providing wearing comfortability to the user. Attachment to the upper bicep area of the arm can be accomplished with a fixed or adjustable member.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: The present application discloses a composite pad structure that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure.

Abstract: Cycling shorts for protecting a rider from harmful effects occasioned by the design of the substantially unpadded seat of a racing-type cycle. Fabric shorts of conventional or elongated design include a interior protective pad. The pad includes adjoined seat and crotch sections and is symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry. It includes an interior chamber for receiving pressurized air. A pump for delivering selectively pressurized air communicates with the interior chamber by means of a conduit. The chamber includes internally honeycombed sections for minimizing air flow so that the cushioning effect of the pad is preserved despite the force exerted by the weight of a wearer on the hard and relatively-inflexible seat.

Abstract: A bra saver device made for underwire and non-underwire bras to provide protection to the wearer from sudden exposure to underwires and to provide comfort between the wearer of a bra from friction caused by movement of a bra during normal use. The present invention easily attaches to the edge of a bra by opening the clip to the present invention and placing it over the bra where ever an underwire has become exposed and then closing the clip to securely attach the present invention to a bra. The present invention can also be attached to any section of the bra at the edge along the bra at the top or the bottom, front or back where the wearer of the bra experiences discomfort.

Abstract: Lightweight and flexible personal protective padding systems for the protection of joints, bones and muscles, where one embodiment includes a hard outer shell structure as shielding, a gas filled compartment or bladder to stabilize the system and absorb and disperse impact energy and/or a web structure suspended across opposed peripheral edges of the outer shell and between the shell and user's body to absorb energy and to provide ventilation. Hybrid structures include both the bladder and web structure.

Abstract: A protective shell has a proper size, shape, and thickness to cover and attach to an anatomical joint or part. The protective shell is made of a material that is rigid, and that is partially or entirely transparent or semitransparent. The protective shell has an exterior face and an interior face, allowing for the application of graphics to be placed upon the interior face while viewing the graphics from the exterior face and protecting the graphic from being scraped off as a result of friction from a ground surface or with a collision from another object. The frontal external face is concave in shape to be less exposed to the ground plane and being scraped than the rest of the external faces of the shell while allowing the graphic that is placed upon the interior face to be viewed more clearly from the front of the exterior face.

Abstract: Devices with one or more internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, to provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability. The device includes at least a first bladder, chamber or compartment. An internal sipe is defined by at least a portion of two opposing internal surfaces that can move relative to each other in a sliding sideways motion, one of which surfaces is a surface of the first bladder, chamber or compartment. The device includes at least one attachment between the portions of said first and second surfaces defining at least one internal sipe, and at least one attachment is located at a central portion of the first bladder, chamber, or compartment. Siped devices can be used in apparel or clothing.

Abstract: Protective hip pads and tailbone pads formed of resilient padding material have a combination belt slot and snap faster attachment arrangement and can selectively attached to athletic pants having either snap fasteners in the waistband, or to athletic pants having a waistband with a number of exposed slots through which a belt extends. Thin stiff flexible support plates are affixed to the front and back side of the pads and laterally spaced slotted apertures extending through the pad and support plates have a vertical slot and an intersecting horizontal slot. Snap fasteners slidably mounted in respective horizontal slots can be moved to be aligned and pressed onto mating snap members in the waistband to secure the pads to the waistband or, alternatively, moved to expose the vertical slots to receive a pants belt laced through the waistband and vertical slots to secure the pads to the waistband.

Abstract: An article apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a breast cup of a brassiere may include the steps of providing a pad including a first edge portion and a second edge portion, providing a fabric cover including a third edge portion and a fourth edge portion, superimposing the first and third edge portions, connecting the superimposed first and third edge portions together, superimposing the second and fourth edge portions, connecting the superimposed second and fourth edge portions together, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected first and third edge portions to form a first line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected second and fourth edge portions to form a second line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, and turning the joined pad and fabric cover inside out along the first and second lines of fusion to form seamless edges.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment comprising a protective cap for protecting a body part of the user. The protective cap comprises a shell for overlying the user's body part. The shell comprises a first shell member and a second shell member. The protective cap comprises a liner mounted under the shell for being disposed between the shell and the user's body part. The protective cap also comprises a link interconnecting the first shell member and the second shell member to hold the first shell member and the second shell member together. The link extends along at least part of a periphery of the first shell member and at least part of a periphery of the second shell member such that the first shell member and the second shell member are movable relative to one another in response to movement of the user's body part.

Abstract: A breast-enhancing brassiere is provided having a pair of breast-receiving cups, each cup including at least one cushioned layer having an inner breast-receiving side and an outer side, and having at least one outer fabric layer affixed to the outer side of the cushioned layer, the inner breast-receiving side including a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion having a cushioned thickness greater than the cushioned thickness of the upper portion and projecting inwardly to provide lift and breast enhancement to a wearer, a first pocket formed on the inner breast-receiving side and having a slit formed therein, and a first cushion conforming substantially to the shape of the pocket, the cushion being removably insertable into the pocket to provide supplemental lift and breast enhancement to a wearer.

Abstract: A cushion (1) having damping properties for use in bicycle pants includes an outer shell (2) and a core (3) therewithin surrounded by at least one layer (4) arranged between the outer shell (2) and the core (3). The core (3) and the layers (4) are formed by at least one filler material having different degrees of firmness. A valve (5) is provided in the outer shell to control the passage of air to and from the core (3) and interior cavity. The damping properties of the cushion (1) can be changed by inflating or deflating the core (3) with air.

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: A brassiere consisting of an integral body having a front portion, and a rear portion as a lateral extension of the front portion. The edge considered to be the lower edge, of the front portion as well as of the rear portion, has an elastic band which supports the entire structure of the brassiere. The center of the elastic band extends into an ascending sector defining a bridge having concave lateral edges and a lower edge which is also curved-concave, while the tops of the lateral edges also have divergent sections suitable for adapting to the contour of the breasts of the user. The bridge has cushioned padding, which affects the intermammary area up to the neckline as well as the semi-perimeter of the lower contour of the breasts including the lateral portions or sides of the armholes.

Abstract: A surgical compression bra for patient support with a mastectomy kit. The surgical bra includes a body portion with a releasable front closure, shoulder straps with releasable closures, an internal pocket, adjustable poly filled pad prostheses, and a detachable mastectomy pouch.

Abstract: A prosthetic nipple undergarment device is wearable to give an appearance of an erect nipple of a desired size and shape beneath an outer garment. The device includes a brassiere having a breast receiving cup. A prosthetic nipple is selectively coupled to the cup. The prosthetic nipple comprises a base and a projection coupled to and extending from the base wherein the prosthetic nipple is configured to resemble an erect human nipple.

Abstract: A padding system may be advantageously modular in terms of size and shape, easily removable and replaceable, and comfortable and secure while maintaining an aesthetically neat and trim look. In one embodiment, the padding system includes an inner pad coupled to an outer shell with a portion of an apparel article positioned between, The apparel may include openings to allow a direct connection between the inner pad and outer shell or fasteners may be attached to the apparel for removably engaging with one or both of the inner pad and outer shell. The inner pad may be received in a pocket, which may extend inward or outward.

Abstract: A reversible chest protector includes internal padding configured to absorb impacts against both the front and rear-facing surfaces of the chest protector. The chest protector includes inner and outer layers of fabric that are molded to an internal foam core. The foam core may include outer layers of closed-cell foam molded to the fabric layers, and an internal layer of open-cell foam molded to the closed-cell foam layers, such that the padding layup is symmetrical. Other features and advantages will appear hereinafter.

Abstract: An energy absorbing pad having a pouch that contains tubes that may be filled with flexible materials is described. The energy absorbing pad is worn as a part of an athletic wear garment so that it protects the wearer from injury due to impacts in contact sports.

Abstract: Articles of apparel may include a base layer having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base layer defines an aperture extending through the base layer and from the first surface to the second surface. Cushioning elements may have a first material layer, a second material layer, and a plurality of foam components. The first material layer and the second material layer are bonded to the second surface of the base layer. The foam components are located between and secured to the first material layer and the second material layer. In addition, the foam components are positioned to correspond with a location of the aperture. In some configurations, a bonding element may be utilized to bond the first material layer and the second material layer to the base layer.

Abstract: The present document describes a prosthesis for a mastectomy bra comprising: a lower portion comprising a manually malleable material having a first density; and an upper portion comprising a manually malleable material having a second density smaller than the first density, the lower portion being substantially located below the upper portion thereby insuring stability of the prosthesis when in use. There is also described a bra for receiving the prosthesis.

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: 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: The invention provides a shirt suitable for being worn by a sports player. The shirt comprises a torso portion having a head opening and a lower trunk opening; and first and second sleeves, each of the first and second sleeves comprising biceps, elbow and forearm portions and a gripping zone provided on one of the biceps, elbow and forearm portions. The gripping zone is made of a material having a coefficient of friction sufficient for preventing movement between said shirt and an elbow pad worn by the sports player.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a breast covering garment apparatus comprising a breast cup comprising (i) an inner shell having a concave shape selected from a number of available cup sizes and (ii) an outer shell having a convex shape selected from a number of available breast cup sizes. The inner shell of the breast cup and the outer shell of the breast cup may be shaped from a solid piece of flexible material. The inner shell of the breast cup may be smaller than the outer shell of the breast cup.

Abstract: Athletic apparel containing protective underlayer comprising molded foam padding that are shaped and curved to match the anatomical regions to reduce the bulk of the underlayers. The molded foam pads a perforated structure to allow for increased flexibility and ventilation. Protective underlayers that surround regions of motion, such as the hip joint, are notched to provide articulation of the protective underlayer that will improve mobility of the athletic apparel wearer.

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: Disclosed is a bra for female breast support and formation that is particularly suited to provide the wearer a choice of support and shaping parameters. The bra comprises a pair of interconnected breast receiving cups, a conventional back strap and optional shoulder straps. A pair of skin griping pads are sized and positioned to fit within the respective cups in a position to embrace the under and lateral side of the respective breast and include a selectively adjustable link interconnecting the support pads across and under the medial portion of the bra. By shortening the link the support pads are caused to move laterally, drawing the breasts together. In a second embodiment the support pads may also be adjusted up and down by shortening or lengthening secondary shoulder straps that are attached to the upper portion of the respective pads and are positioned underneath the conventional bra shoulder straps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bra accessory for eliminating or substantially reducing the discomfort, chaffing, pain, rash, intertrigo, and infections caused by pressure of a woman's bra cup rim against her chest, and by perspiration trapped between the woman's breast and chest.

Abstract: A hip pad is provided for decreasing a waist-to-hip ratio of a user and includes a generally elongated body having a hip portion and a thigh portion that are integrally formed with the generally elongated body. The hip pad also includes an interior surface of the hip portion that is contoured to an anatomical curvature of a hip region of the user. An interior surface of the thigh portion is contoured to the anatomical curvature of a thigh region of the user. A curved exterior surface of the hip portion is configured to decrease the waist-to-hip ratio of the user.

Abstract: An upper body protective garment having a lower portion including flexibly interconnected protective abdominal and lower back members, an upper portion including protective thoracic and upper back members with a neck hole defined therebetween, a flexible front connection allowing at least limited movement of a bottom end of the thoracic member with respect to the abdominal member, and a flexible rear connection between the lower back member and the upper back member provided by a protective spinal member including flexibly interconnected rigid members for overlaying a spine of the wearer, the front and rear connections allowing the upper portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to shoulders of the wearer and the lower portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to a waist of the wearer while the shoulders and waist are moved relative to one another.

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 athletic padding arrangement includes a garment made of a fabric and a plurality of resilient bulge shaped gripping members disposed on the fabric. The gripping members provide at least one high friction area on the garment, each of the gripping members is uniform in composition. At least one protective pad is releasably positioned on the garment with and underside of the protective pad in contact with the at least one high friction area. The gripping members exert a frictional force on the underside of the protective pad that is greater than the frictional force exerted by the fabric on the protective pad. The garment may be, for example, a shirt or a pant comprised of a compression fabric with moisture wicking properties.