Abstract: An improved body protection pad which can be formed to protect a variety of body parts from impact, constructed with a rigid central layer and having a soft outer covering which absorbs impacts and disperses energy. This softer outer layer protects the wearer of the pad, as well as protects the impacting object or person. An inner cushioning layer is also provided between the pad wearer and the rigid central layer. An abrasion resistant coating can also be added over the soft covering. When used for contact sports such as football, this pad construction is effective in preventing injuries resulting when the pad is used as a striking object. The covering may be applied in segmented pieces or as a continuous layer over both sides of the rigid central layer. The central layer can be solid or can form a frame-like structure.

Abstract: A buoyant swim garment has inner and outer layers of fabric and, intermediate the inner and outer layers a buoyant flexible sheet material. The sheet material has spaced V-shaped grooves with sides meeting in a line at an apex, the grooves extending in a height-wise dimension of the garment to define panels. The periphery of the material has a bevel with a thin, pliant outer edge. Stitching extends through the apex of the V-shaped grooves and the inner and outer layers of fabric. In manufacturing the garment, the V-shaped grooves are skived, and the periphery of the sheet material is also skived to form the bevel. In one embodiment, the grooves face the inner layer of fabric, and the beveled periphery faces the outer layer.

Abstract: A quick-attach absorbent pad 14 for use with a panty 10 is provided with an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18, the pad 14 being sized to fit against a crotch panel 12 of a panty 10 with the lower surface 18 of the pad 14 adjacent the crotch panel 12. The pad 14 further includes a plurality of hook fasteners 20 associated with the pad lower surface 18, which enables the pad 14 to be readily attached to the undergarment 10, and which prevents the pad 14 from shifting during use. Also provided is a panty 10 having a thin yet absorbent crotch panel 12. In a preferred embodiment of the panty 10, the crotch panel 12 includes a fluid absorbent layer 38 overlying a fluid barrier 40. The fluid absorbent layer 38 preferably is made of a single-ply fabric having a hydrophobic upper surface 42 facing toward the user and a hydrophilic lower surface 44 facing away from the user.

Abstract: A breast and chest protector for women athletes designed to protect the breast and upper chest area from impacts caused by bodily contact with other athletes and from balls in play. The breast and chest protector comprises a soft, rubberized foam exterior with a hard, high density plastic internal breast plate. The breast plate is hinged to provide for longitudinal flexing along the sternum between the right and left cups. The breast and chest protector is secured to the chest of a woman by means of adjustable shoulder and back straps that hook around a woman's back. The soft, rubberized foam exterior allows for adequate control of a ball in play as may be required in a sport such as soccer.

Abstract: A knee pad (16) for cushioning a knee of a person (18) wearing a pair of pants (20), when the person (18) is in a kneeling position. The knee pad (16) comprises a cushion member (22) being a flexible semi-cylindrical body section (24) having a flat outer surface contact area (26) with tapered sides (28) and an integral flexible quadrispherical cut back top section (30). A facility (32) is for attaching the cushion member (22) in a removable manner to a pants leg (34) of the pair of pants (20) at a knee area. When the person (18) goes into the kneeling position on a floor/ground (36), the cushion member (22) will better conform to the knee of the person (18). The flat outer surface contact area (26) will distribute weight more evenly over a wider surface area on the floor/ground (36).

Abstract: A figure adjusting pad is capable of permitting mold release to be readily carried out and is significantly improved in air-permeability, thus preventing a wearer from having an unpleasant feeling toward it when it is worn, and eliminating ply separation with use. The figure adjusting pad includes a pad body including a foamed layer increased in air-permeability and arranged on a wrong side thereof and a silicone gel layer arranged on a right side thereof, which are laminated on each other. The pad also includes a cover sheet for covering an outer surface of the pad body, which includes a facing sheet for covering a front side of the pad body and a backing sheet for covering a rear side of the pad body. The facing sheet includes a knitted web increased in stretchability arranged on a front side thereof and a polyurethane film arranged on a rear side thereof and laminated on the knitted web.

Abstract: A hip protector (4) comprising a dome-shaped element having a concave side adapted to be attached to the hip region of a human body (1). The hip protector is formed in the shape of a curved shell made of foamed rigid plastic material. The protector can be attached to the inner side of an underwear (2), such as an inner pocket (3), for correct positioning.

Abstract: A brassiere underliner fittable to a brassiere to allow absorption of perspiration of the user. No modification of the brassiere is needed. The brassiere underliner fits under the breasts of the brassiere user and has greater thickness and rises higher in between the breasts to capture a greater amount of perspiration between the breasts. The underliner has curvatures that are contoured to fit the curves of the undersides of the breasts. A tacky adhesive retains the underliner in position on the brassiere. The underliner can be disposable, thereby allowing quick replacement as necessary and avoiding potential embarrassment. Further, the use of the underliner limits soiling of the brassiere, hence extending the life of the expensive garment.

Abstract: An athletic protective pad comprising a foam body composed of a layer of open cell foam and a first and second layer of closed cell foam and having a foam chest portion, a foam shoulder member and a hinge attaching the chest portion to the shoulder member, with the chest portion and shoulder member each presenting a periphery. The hinge member includes tape attached to an outer surface of the foam body across a portion of the peripheries of the chest portion and shoulder member to allow the shoulder member to rotate in a first direction relative to the chest portion and preventing rotation thereof in a second direction. The first and second layers of closed cell foam are secured to opposing surfaces of the open cell foam layer, with the layers presenting a sandwich configuration. The layer of open cell foam has a first thickness and the layers of closed cell foam each have a second thickness, where the first thickness of the open cell foam is approximately 1.

Abstract: A protective brassiere that protects the delicate breast tissue and the related glandular areas from harmful radiation.

Abstract: Disposable bra liners comprising three cup-shaped coextensive layers attached together, with each layer presenting a circular periphery. The first layer is formed of wicking material for wicking away moisture into the second absorbent layer which is attached to the outer surface of the first layer. The third moisture resistant layer is attached to the outer surface of the absorbent layer. The bra liners further include a structural member attached to the layers for maintaining the shape of the pad. The structural member includes an elastic band attached to the layers at their peripheries and preferably has a plurality of spaced apart fold portions which taper inwardly from the band to present substantially V-shaped fold portions. Each layer preferably further includes a plurality of similar spaced apart fold portions formed therein.

Abstract: The body (2) of a breast pad has absorbent portions (4) and shaping portions (6). The absorbent portions (4) include a center portion (8) and a plurality of radially extending lobes (10). The shaping portions include a plurality of triangular sections (6) that extend radially inwardly from the perimeter of the body (2) to the center portion (8). The body (2) folds along the sections (6) from a flat pre-use configuration into a convex use configuration to maintain a substantially uniform thickness of the absorbent portions (4).

Abstract: A breast pack for providing warm or cold therapy to the female breast is disclosed. The breast pack can be formed of a generally C-shaped or semicircular top layer and bottom layer, each having a central opening, which layers are joined along their perimeter edges to define a pocket therebetween which is filled with a thermal gel material. The breast pack, when heated or cooled, retains such heat or coolness for a long period of time. In use, the breast pack is formed into a conical shape by overlapping its ends and adjusted to the size and contour of the user's breast. The breast pack can be retained in position within the user's bra. A central opening in the C-shaped breast pack accommodates the nipple area of the user's breast.

Abstract: There is provided a brassiere having a brassiere body including a torso encircling body portion having a frontal portion, side portion and a back portion, a pair of breast cups located in the front of said body portion, an area connecting said breast cups. A moisture absorbent material is attached to the area between said breast cups. There is also provided a moisture absorbent material including a deodorant. The moisture absorbing material may be readily disposable.

Abstract: A hip protection device for the elderly which provides protection to the trochanteric region the wearer to prevent fracture thereto upon falling from a standing position. An undergarment is provided with at least one pocket enclosing a pad, or other alternative arrangements for securing the pads to the hip regions of the garment. Each protective pad defines an open-ended channel having an elongated major axis along which it is substantially linear and a minor axis which has a generally parabolic curvature. The undergarment and pad are configured such that the pads rap around and fit snugly against the trochanteric area of the wearer's hip. Each pad has a relatively rigid, thin shield on its convex side and a relatively thin layer of resilient impact absorbing material on its concave side.

Abstract: Various embodiments of perspiration absorbent pads for female breasts are provided, which are particularly adapted for placement between the overlying breast and the adjacent surface of the chest to preclude skin-to-skin contact and to absorb perspiration in that area. The pads may comprise generally cylindrical absorbent devices, having either random fiber or other fill material therein or a rolled sheet of absorbent material. Such cylindrically shaped pads provide for moisture absorption and also provide some uplifting of the breast to produce the appearance of a fuller bust line. Other embodiments comprise a relatively thin and flat pad, having a non-slip outer sheet of material, a moisture impervious layer, a thin moisture absorbent layer, and another layer to transfer moisture to the moisture absorbent layer. The relatively thin pads may also include a relatively thicker portion similar to the cylindrical pads, to provide greater absorption properties and uplift.

Abstract: A garment made of stretch molded material such as rubber or elastermeric resin, such as a swimsuit, with cutouts (front and/or rear) molded in contouring for figure enhancement and having ultra thin seams or no seams to present a more flattering and sensual appearance when used as an undergarment with form fitting casual wear designed to accentuate body parts.

Abstract: In apparatus attachable to a strip of material associated with a garment, the combination comprising a flexible support base, and two foldable flaps carried by the base at spaced apart fold locations, and characterized in that the flaps are separately foldable from open positions allowing placement of the strip part at least one open position flap and toward the base, to closed position in which portions of the flaps directly overlie one another and the strip is retained to the base by the flaps; the flaps consisting of mutually face-to-face adherent material to adhere when the portions are pressed together in the closed position of the flaps.

Abstract: An athletic garment designed to protect the wearer from injury during athletic activity such as in-line roller skating, skiing, volleyball, mountain biking, basketball, hockey, field hockey, ice skating or gymnastics. The invention uses strategically placed and rib-shaped gel, air or elastic foam padding to protect the wearer from the impact and abrasion of a fall caused by such activity.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a novel shoulder protector for a brassiere shoulder strap includes first, second and third layers of material. The first layer is a soft cushion material and contacts the skin of a wearer. The second layer is made of a material having a high degree of rigidity that may be heated to conform to the shoulder of a wearer and provides a bearing surface for the strap. The third layer is releasably attached to the second layer and overlays the second layer. The brassiere strap is sandwiched between the second and third layers are securely held therebetween. The second embodiment of the shoulder protector eliminates the third layer and instead a tongue is provided in the second layer under which the brassiere strap is securely held.

Abstract: A back support to be worn by sufferers on their bodies comprises a patch of fur having a shape with a contour including an uppermost widest side, two lateral sides extending downwardly from the uppermost side and converging toward one another, and a smallest lower side connecting the lateral sides with one another, and means for holding the patch on a user's body.

Abstract: A soft polygonal pad secured adjacent a rear side of an undergarment adapted to enhance one's figure. The pad includes a pair of protruding hemispherical regions adjacent a lower edge of the pad.

Abstract: A clothing accessory covers the shoulders of a wearer, and provides shaping and decoration. Each accessory is elongated, having a center width sufficient to cover the wearer's shoulder. The accessory tapers down towards the ends to provide a pleasing shape. The shoulder pad is between two layers of fabric, and the two layers may be different so the accessory is reversible to yield different appearances. Preferably, one of the accessories will be placed on each shoulder over the wearer's usual garment, and they may be held in place with decorative pins fixed to the garment.

Abstract: A cushion strap assembly and method of making same is provided which cushion strap assembly is adapted to be used in a brassiere shoulder strap. The assembly includes a top fabric layer, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric layer, and a base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on the side opposite that of the top fabric layer. The assembly also includes a cushion filler that is a first cushion layer, a third adhesive web layer positioned on a side of the first cushion layer, a second cushion layer positioned on the third adhesive layer on the side opposite that of the first cushion layer. A second adhesive web layer can be part of the cushion filler or separate. In either event, it is positioned on the first cushion layer on the side opposite the third adhesive web layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee pad for athletes which has a cushion part which covers the front and side of the knee and fastening means surrounding parts of the thigh and of the lower leg in the region of the knee, and in order to obtain optimal protection it proposes that the fastening means comprise two fastening strips which are connected, extending approximately parallel, to the cushion part (1) at two different heights, and that the cushion part (1) has a stretchable elastic region (6) between the attachment of the upper fastening strip (2) and the attachment of the lower fastening strip (3), said elastic region connecting two less stretchable cushion regions (4, 5).

Abstract: A pants for aiding and preventing injury to the hip and upper femur. The pants are made from resilient material having body cushioning properties and four pockets. The pockets are positioned with a pocket on each side of the back and one adjacent hips on each side. Pockets are positioned to cover the hips and upper femur area of the wearer. A pair of rigid pads are placed within the pockets on each side of the back and a second pair of rigid pads are provided for placement within the pockets on each side adjacent to the hip. The pockets located on the back are fitted with reenforcements such as plastic spaced apart and running horizontally therein to allow for flexibility of movement about a horizontal axis. Pads on the side of the hip are fitted with reenforcement means spaced apart and running vertically to allow for flexibility and movement about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A protective device for protecting a female genital region, particularly during athletic competition, having an elongated, banana-shaped cup portion with an elongated concave cavity having sufficient volume to bridge over the wearer's vagina and perineum without contact therewith, and adapted to extend rearwardly between the wearer's upper thighs with the edge of the cavity proximate to the superior ramii, the inferior ramii, and/or the Ischial ramii of the pelvis, with minimal contact with the upper thighs, and a resilient padding mounted onto the edge of said cavity adapted to absorb at least a major portion of any impact experienced by said cup, and optionally including a curved, kidney-shaped shield portion adapted to fit against a wearer's bowel area sufficient to overlay and shield the ovaries.

Abstract: The shoulder area of wedding and party dresses are usually puffed up using crinoline netting, which is very cumbersome and difficult to work. A simple solution to this problem includes a fabric panel in the shape of a truncated segment of a circle with a pocket in the long straight edge thereof. When the convex side of the panel is pleated or otherwise gathered, the panel assumes an arch shape. Inserting of a resilient strip of plastic into the pocket and sewing of the gathered edge into a sleeve at the seam between the bodice and sleeve of a garment results in a puffy shoulder which retains its shape.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis to be worn in a top part of a bathing suit includes a cup-shaped prosthetic body made of soft plastic material and having a rear side which faces a wearer's body and defines a cavity. At least one stiffening rib projects radially from the rear side in a straight line and uninterrupted into the cavity between the upper rim surface and the lower rim of the prosthetic body.

Abstract: A protector, particularly for protective clothing of motorcyclists, comprises an underlay comprising shock-absorbing segments, a covering layer of a yielding material, grooves having a wedge-shaped section located between the segments, and empty spaces between complementary outer edges of the protector that disappear on bending it into the form of a shell.

Abstract: A support for a brassiere shoulder strap has an elongate bridge plate of desired rigidity with a curvature sized and shaped to form-fit on a woman's shoulder beneath a brassiere strap between an area proximate the clavicle bone in the front and a position proximate a downward-curving rear portion of the shoulder. A bottom surface of the bridge plate is provided with walls, at least two of which are recessed, surrounding a cushion receptacle into which a cushion pad can be inserted and held in cushioning relationship between the bridge plate and the woman's shoulder. The cushion pad can be attached to and detached from the bridge plate conveniently and easily for cleaning, servicing and replacement. The elongate bridge plate can be shaped variously, preferably having a generally elliptical form. Each shoulder strap of a brassiere is positioned on top of a bridge plate and extended down through a T-shaped strap-attachment bay and onto a shoulder of the woman forwardly and rearwardly.

Abstract: Body protectors, particularly an articulated shock absorbing vest for use in the equestrian sports. The vest is characterized by its capability of absorbing traumatic impact and crush, while not interferring with movement of the equestrian rider's torso and arms. The vest includes a back panel and two adjoining side panels conformed to fit the human torso. Each panel includes a plurality of shock absorbing cellular foam ribs independently and movably supported in skeletal array. A protective spinal sheath is supported upon the back panel.

Abstract: A breast protector and assembly are provided. The breast protector comprises a retention cup constructed of a semi-rigid material and formed into a demi-teardrop shape which approximates the natural shape of an unsupported female breast. The retention cup can have padding permanently or removably attached to an inner surface of the retention cup. A breast protector assembly comprises two retention cups fitted into a retention cup sleeve composed of a semi-elastic material in the shape of a tube. The retention cup assembly is sized so that the retention cups fit securely within the tube. The retention cup assembly can fit within the cups of an ordinary brassiere, being held thereby against the body of the wearer. Alternately, the retention cup assembly can be sewn into the brassiere.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing pad-type device is configured and sized to be inserted within the pants of the wearer adjacent to the wearer's hip and buttocks area, so as to provide an energy-absorbing barrier between the lower extremity of the spine, pelvic girdle, and bottom of the hip bone region, and thereby protect the wearer's hip and buttocks area against injury in the event the person wearing the pad should fall on a hard surface such as a sidewalk or street surface. The protective device comprises a generally flat pad made of elastically deformable multi closed cell polymer material. The pad has a top edge portion, a pair of tapered first and second side edge portions that extend from the top edge portion, and a bottom portion to which the first and second side edge portions extend.

Abstract: Protective body padding comprising a plurality of foam modules interconnected by a membrane. The foam modules and/or membrane have a plurality of perforations extending completely therethrough and a matrix of interconnecting air channels designed to provide breathability and cooling capacity to allow venting of heat and moisture from the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the foam in the modules is of a variable flexibility, wherein the flexibility of foam closest to the skin is greater Than the flexibility of foam immediately above. For sports use, the modules can be positioned between the upper and lower resilient layers in a variety of positions to articulate with vulnerable body parts. Moreover, the foam can be colored or provided with an array of tradenames, trademarks and/or logos to enhance the aesthetic and fashion qualities thereof.

Abstract: A process for promoting bonding between a person such as a working mother and an infant or young child is disclosed. A garment is worn in contact with the skin of the person to whom bonding is to be promoted, such as in contact with a person's torso. The garment is comprised of a material which absorbs odor from the body. A fastening mechanism (24) attaches the garment to the body for a time sufficient to retain the odor. The worn garment is attached to a garment support (50) with the fastening mechanism sufficiently close to the infant so that the infant may smell the retained odor for a time sufficient to promote bonding.

Abstract: A protective body pad comprising a thermoformable base component and a shock dispersing prominence component. In the preferred embodiment thereof, the prominence is integral with said base component. A plurality of swivel components having flexible strapping attached thereto enables the user to fasten the invention to various points on the body. The strapping is preferably a neoprene material with hook and loop material for the fastening.

Abstract: A pelvic protective device is disclosed including a foam padding member having a plurality of spaced apart ridges on opposite broad surfaces thereof and forming valleys between the ridges and with the ridges on one of the broad surfaces being aligned with the valleys on the other of the broad surfaces. A plurality of flexible tubular elements are fixedly secured to the padding member in the valleys between the ridges. The tubular elements include a plurality of openings through the walls thereof facing the padding member and a bonding material securing the tubular elements to the padding member and extending through the openings with a cap portion on the end thereof inside the tubular elements and wherein the cap portion has a diameter larger than the adjacent opening.

Abstract: A pad for protecting at least a portion of the human body against injury including at least three hybrid fabric layers, each hybrid fabric layer comprising at least one high strength fiber having a tensile modulus of at least about 160 grams/denier and a tenacity of at least about 7 grams/denier and at least one ground fiber, wherein the hybrid fabric layer has a construction selected from the group consisting of a weft knit of the high strength fiber and the ground fiber, a warp knit of the high strength fiber and the ground fiber, an inserted warp knit wherein the high strength fiber is inserted into a warp knit of the ground fiber, and a stitchbonded knit.

Abstract: A surgical brassier is disclosed having a first pocket with an opening for receiving a front breast prosthesis and a second pocket with an opening for receiving a side prosthesis. The second pocket is disposed in overlapping relation to the first pocket such that any tab on the front prosthesis in the first pocket which extends out of the first pocket opening will be covered by the second pocket to prevent contact of the prosthesis tab with the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A body part protective guard is configured to overlie a body part to be protected. The guard includes an outer layer made of a force resistant, resiliently deformable material and having a backing layer made from an impact absorbing material coupled thereto for padding the outer layer. The outer layer includes a central strip portion, first and second integrally formed step portions located on opposite sides of the central strip portion, a first side portion formed integrally with the first step portion, and a second side portion formed integrally with the second step portion. The first and second step portions are each configured to provide a resilient flexure coupling between the central strip portion and the first and second side portions, respectively, to transfer an impact force occurring on the central strip portion to the first and second side portions, thereby reducing the magnitude of the impact force transferred to a portion of the backing layer adjacent the central strip portion.

Abstract: Aerodynamic enhancements and modules for cycling and other speed sports such as skating and skiing include in one embodiment a wind drag reducer including two tapered arm/leg wedges. For cycling the the tapered wedges which are held in position by a stretch fabric sleeve, are worn on the upper arm area. For speedskating the tapered wedges are placed around the calf and a slightly modified wedge is attached to the heel of the speed skating boot. Another type of wind drag reducer includes a contoured rear spoiler board which is strapped to the back of a cyclist. An aerodynamic module to improve laminar air flow according to another embodiment includes a pod with a forwardly protruding nose-cone shaped front surface. The pod is held in position around the cyclist by a stretch fabric sleeve and strap arrangement.

Abstract: A garment for wearing while playing sports having padded portions to absorb impact to protect specific body parts, the impact protection being provided by a shock absorbing pad located within a pocket defined on the garment. The pocket receives the protective pad, usually formed of foam, and while the configuration of the pocket substantially conforms to the configuration of the pad, the pad is only affixed to the garment at a location remote from the pad edges whereby the pad edges are free and may adapt themselves to the configuration of the garment and wadding or extensive pad stressing is prevented, and the pad will automatically accommodate itself to the garment and body configuration.

Abstract: A device for protecting the human body against impacts and blows is provided that may be used integral with a garment or separately. The device consists of a hard core material and a padding part which further comprises a foam material with closed parts wherein the hard core material and padding part have perforations in a predesigned configuration. The padding part may also be equipped with a functional lining that is water vapor permeable, windproof and waterproof. These devices are particularly useful as a protective insert in sports uniforms and protective helmets and may also be used as a splinting device such as a cast.

Abstract: A figure adjusting pad is capable of permitting a periphery of the pad to exhibit satisfactory shape retention without any independent core. The pad includes a silicone gel element formed therein with perforations and a stretchable fabric arranged for covering the silicone gel element and is trimmed. The perforations of the silicone gel element are formed by traces defined by elution of particles incorporated in a silicone gel stock solution for the silicone gel element. The trimmed portion includes the silicone gel element and is double-sewn together with the silicone gel element.

Abstract: An improved brassiere includes a pair of fabric breast cups and straps, interconnecting said breast cups and maintaining a spaced apart relationship therebetween, for enabling the breast cups to be worn by a user. Breast pillows are provided for augmenting and uplifting a user's breasts with the breast pillows being formed from a breast implant type gel for simulating breast tissue of the user. The gel is a washable fabric and has a crescent shape with a generally flat top portion sized for uplifting the user's breasts. A pocket in a lower half of each breast cup is provided for receiving the breast pillows. The pockets are sized and positioned, in the breast cups, in order to enable the flat top portions, of the breast pillows, to engage an underside of each of the user's breasts for uplifting thereof.

Abstract: An adjustably cushioned sock wherein a plurality of flexible bladders are provided internally of the sock to receive and retain variable amounts of air therein; pumps to variably supply air to the internal flexible bladders; and a release value to permit such air contained within the flexible internal bladders to be variably exhausted therefrom.

Abstract: A flat cushion sized to cover the breast of the woman has an adhesive layer applied to one side thereof, while a protective cover is applied over the adhesive layer. When the protective cover is pulled off, the adhesive layer can be pressed against the inner surface of a woman's garment to allow an opposite side of the flat cushion to cover the breast of the woman.

Abstract: A Shoulder Protector Guard harness having a appearance as suspenders with attached shoulder pads to protect each shoulder of a wearer from bruises, lacerations and other injuries caused by heavy construction materials. Each pad is held in place by a vertical suspender strap at its front and back. The vertical straps attach to the wearer's belt or pants with clamps to hold the shoulder protector in place. A horizontal center strap attached to each vertical strap holds each vertical strap in place thereby assisting the secure placement of the shoulder pads on the shoulders of the wearer.

Abstract: A knee pad includes a base member which, when unassembled, is planar. A top member is operatively connected to the base member. In a preferred embodiment, the top member is also, when unassembled, planar. The base member has first and second points of attachment and, when unassembled, are at a first distance from each other. The top member has first and second points of attachment which, when unassembled, are also a first distance from each other. Provided are means for securing the top member to the base member at the points of attachment wherein, when assembled, the first and second points of attachment of the base member are at a second distance from each other. The second distance is less than the first distance wherein the base member forms a cupped region. Also provided is a means for attaching the base and top members to a user's knee.