Abstract: A protective device for a body part is formed of a pliable material and adaptable to conform to the body part to be protected. The device comprises a substantially planar member having an enlarged central portion with a depending lobe, and is adaptable to conform to and encircle at least partially a body part, the planar member having a body-facing surface and opposed exterior surface. A plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart elongated ribs extend through the central portion and project from the exterior surface of the planar member. The planar member and ribs are formed integrally of a closed cell, cellular polymer and provided with an integrally formed, substantially nonporous, pliable skin on the exterior surface. Suitable fastening means releasably secures the device around the body part.

Abstract: A shin pad includes a front pad (21) for protecting a wearer's shin and a rear pad (22) for protecting the wearer's Achilles tendon. The front pad (21) has a bight (23) located between two lobes (24, 25) which each cover one of the two ankle bones which protrude in opposite directions at the wearer's ankle. The rear pad (22) takes the form of a miniature shin pad having a reversed orientation. The lower edge of the rear pad (22) is provided with a bight (33). Located one to either side of the longitudinal axis of the rear pad (22) is one slit of a pair of slits (36). Passing through the slits (36), and a corresponding pair of slits (30) on the front pad (21), is an ankle strap (37) which is provided with a releasable hook and loop VELCRO fastener (38) to enable the two pads to be connected together around the wearers shin.

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, and particularly at least 1/2 thereof, project above the ridges, and the tubular elements have a ratio of the thickness of the tubular element to the outside diameter of the tubular elements of substantially 1 to 7.

Abstract: A protective breast cup arrangement wherein at least one breast cup member formed of a rigid cup-shaped construction includes a matrix of apertures directed therethrough, with the breast cup having an annular rim orthogonally oriented relative to a cup axis, with the rim including a continuous cushion member secured coextensively to an exterior surface of the rim to afford cushioning and frictional engagement about an individual's breast.

Abstract: A cushion or pad comprises a first layer of a first synthetic cellular material having a first average cell volume and a second layer of a second synthetic cellular material having a second average cell volume at least ten times greater than the first average cell volume. The first layer is attached to the second layer so that the first layer and the second layer at least partially overlap one another to form a multilayer structure. The layer with the larger average cell volume is a polymeric sheet with at least a substantially planar array of fluid-filled pockets or chambers. The layer with the smaller average cell volume is a foam material with either open cells or closed cells. Further layers of fluid-filled chambers or foam material may be attached to the first two layers.

Abstract: Cycling shorts which provide a correct anatomical fit are disclosed. The shorts include a padded seat liner having a plurality of embossed break lines which are specifically positioned such that the liner conforms to the anatomical profile of a cyclist positioned in a riding position on a bicycle. A preferred embodiment of the seat liner has longitudinal, oblique and generally transverse arcuate break lines.

Abstract: A moisture management brassiere which includes a brassiere body, including a body and back strap. The body and back strap are formed of a stretch fabric having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer is provided, and is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear. The moisture dispersal fabric layer receives moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. Stretch yarns provide stretch to the back strap. A pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups are attached to the back strap of the brassiere. Each of the cups is constructed of a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to renovate collars on existing athletic shoulder pads, which can be utilized either for replacing or covering worn collars. The collar renovation system includes a uniquely shaped replacement collar cover which is stretched over and around the existing shoulder pad cover and then fastened to and around the existing shoulder pad cover.

Abstract: A comfortable brassiere containing removable, vented, cups with bands of shock absorbing material removably attached around the outer perimeter of the cups, for the protection and support of the breast area from excessive movement and damaging impact during activities which have a high incidence of physical contact.

Abstract: A garment includes a foldable pad which can be unfolded, worn about the waist of the user, and worn over and below the rear or buttocks of the user, thereby serving as a seat. The pad can also be folded and secured in its folded state to define a space within for receiving the hands of the user, strapped to the waist of the user, and worn in front of the user, thus serving as a muffler. The pad is preferably composed of three adjacent pads joined to one another to facilitate folding. The pad is preferably insulated and constructed out of a waterproof material, thus permitting its use under a wide variety of weather conditions.

Abstract: A shoulder pad assembly for protecting the upper body and shoulders. The shoulder pad assembly includes a substantially rigid outer shell having left and right body members. Each of the body members has a generally horizontally disposed arched portion for spanning one of the shoulders. A chest plate portion and a back plate portion depend from the arched portion. The shoulder pad assembly also includes a cantilever support extending between the plate portions for supporting the outer shell above the shoulders to substantially reduce the impact of the outer shell on the shoulders. The cantilever support is configured to support the outer shell above the trapezius muscle such that, when the muscle is substantially developed, the generally horizontally disposed arched portion is evenly supported on the trapezius muscle by the cantilever support.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for protective equipment comprised of relatively soft inner cushioning material and relatively rigid outer shell-like material. The fastening is comprised of a main strap which has a fixed end and free end. The fixed end is sewn in place to both inner and outer fabric surfaces of a cushion. The free end of the strap is threaded through a series of three slots and through an opening formed by a transverse strap. The circuitous path of the main strap prevents separation of the cushion from the shell. Hook-and-loop fastening surface areas on different portions of the main strap allow it to be completed with one hand.

Abstract: A knee or elbow pad comprising an inverted U-shaped stable member and two trapezoidal curved movable members symmetrically combined with the stable member by means of rivets to function as pivots to permit the movable members to move to spread or contract in relation to the stable member so that the pad can bend or straighten to conform to the position of a knee or an elbow of a wearer when the knee or the elbow is bent or straightened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sports useable body protector primarily for use as a chest protector and comprising a rigid frame with forward padding and a rearward suspension strap on the frame. The rigid frame is formed with rearwardly extending wrap around rib covering portions and wrap over collar bone and shoulder covering portions all of which are shaped to pull the rigid frame rearwardly when worn by a user such that the suspension strap is snug against the user with the rigid frame in a tight body fitting position.

Abstract: Shoulder pad and bra strap apparatus includes two foldable portions for locking the bra strap in place over a cushion element. In one embodiment, there is a primary cushion only for the bra strap, with a very thin secondary pad for a shoulder pad. A second embodiment, a relatively thick shoulder pad is provided. The shoulder pad may be tapered, if desired.

Abstract: A football shoulder pad includes a pair of relatively rigid arch portions which extend over the shoulders of a wearer and a pair of resilient pads which are removably secured to the rear surfaces of the arch portions. The pads reduce the tendency of a football to bounce off of the arch portions.

Abstract: A shoulder pad/chest protector combination is provided for use in lacrosse or other sports in which the individual's arm is raised above shoulder level. The shoulder pad is pivoted to the chest protector by a lacing arrangement and is adjustable down the length of the arm by adjustment of the pivot point on the chest protector, with the shoulder pad being made to pivot with the arm by strapping the distal end of the pad to the arm. In one embodiment, the pivotal motion is provided by virtue of the twisting of the laces between the chest protector portion and the overlying shoulder pad. In another embodiment the shoulder pad includes a cuff for securing the distal end thereof to the arm of the individual. In one embodiment, lateral adjustment of the pivot point is made possible by providing laterally running lacing apertures at the top of the chest protector over the shoulder, with the lace passing through two apertures in the chest protector and four apertures in the shoulder pad.

Abstract: A kneepad has a shell of soft rubber material with two sidewalls and a forward cup-shaped portion with respective inner sidewall surfaces, outer sidewall surfaces and upper edges. The sidewalls have a thickened portion with a slot. A padding of foamed rubber material extends over the entire inner surface area of the shell and is fixedly connected thereto by gluing. The padding has cutouts in the area of the slots, whereby these cutouts extend to the upper edges. A retaining strap penetrates the slots and forms loops to fasten the retaining strip to the kneepad. The inwardly oriented portion of the loops rests at the inner sidewall surfaces of the shell in the area of the cutouts and the outwardly oriented portions of the loops rest a the thickened portion of the sidewalls. The thickened portion extends outwardly and has a width which is approximately twice the wall thickness of the shell.

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 density, wherein the density of foam closest to the skin is less than the density 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: The invention is directed to a football shoulder pad which includes a pair of rigid arches and a less rigid pad member associated with each rigid arch. Each pad has opposite pockets which open toward each other, and terminal edges of the rigid arches are received in the pockets whereby the arches and the pad members can be readily assembled and disassembled. Snap fasteners or the like are utilized to hold the arches and associated pads assembled while facilitating the ease of release thereof.

Abstract: A hip protective hospital garment, adapted for use by individuals of all sizes, which includes a gown having a lower portion, a pair of upper chest flaps, and a pair of shoulder flaps, wherein the upper chest flaps are adjustably and criss-crossingly connected with the pair of shoulder flaps so as to provide a comfortable, quick, and non-restrictive fit on the individual user. Extending across an interior side of the lower portion is a large, sealable pocket disposed in substantially covering relation to the hips and upper thighs of the wearer, the pocket being structured to receive at least one lightweight, flexible, impact protective air bubble material liner therein so as to provide a protective area that will substantially absorb a force of impact to the hip area of the wearer, and thereby reduce the severity of injuries which may occur from accidental falls. The protective air bubble liner is so situated as to serve the added purpose of reducing risk of stasis ulcers or bed sores.

Abstract: A pneumatic cushion or bolster adapted to function as a bumper for boats, as protective packaging and as pneumatic elements included in wearing apparel. The bolster is composed of a non-stretchable fabric casing shaped to define, when fully expanded, a bolster in a configuration appropriate to its intended use, the casing having a small, closable port therein. Inserted through the port in its unexpanded state is a rubber balloon whose stem initially projects out from the port to permit mouth inflation of the balloon to an extent causing it to engage and conform to the inner surface of the casing. The stem is then tied and pushed within the casing, after which the port is closed, thereby fully encasing the balloon to provide a bolster having pneumatic properties.

Abstract: A composite protective body suitable, among others, for making protective garments comprises a pliable flat case with at least one panel of soft ballistic material, and an insert within the case. The insert is composed of a plurality of consituent bodies of glass or ceramic material. The constituent bodies of the insert are of axisymmetrical or centrosymmetrical shape and of a size commensurate with that of the kinetic missiles against which protection is to be afforded. The bodies are arranged in at least two superimposed layers in each of which the constituent bodies are spaced from each other by a distance smaller than the size of a body with each body in one layer bridging a gap between two bodies of the adjacent layer. Each constituent body of the insert is glued to all surrounding bodies by thermoplastic or thermosetting material.

Abstract: A sports pants with protective pads includes a trunk and legs formed of elastically stretchable material with pockets in at least the hip and knee areas, and legs terminating in stirrup ends. At least groin, knee and hip areas have openable and closable pockets on interior surfaces of the pants for receipt of groin pads, hip pads, and knee pads of resilient foam material which are removable and replaceable in the pockets for protection of the wearer. The pads are removable for washing.

Abstract: A nursing shield for mothers who wish to nurse an infant discreetly or camouflage the act of nursing in a public setting. In a preferred embodiment, the nursing shield comprises a stiff yet flexible padded and covered panel which attaches to the back side of either the left or right forearm of a nursing mother and stands outward therefrom during use. Left hand and right hand finger-loops are provided to enable a nursing mother to flex the nursing shield with either hand for the purpose of increasing privacy. The inner side of the forearm attached to the nursing shield is free to directly contact the infant, and the mother's remaining arm and hand are free to prepare for nursing, make changes or adjustments during nursing, and generally comfort the infant. The nursing shield is washable and it may be folded for alternate use as a clutch bag, or laid flat on a supporting surface for use as a diaper changing pad.

Abstract: A sock and method for manufacturing the same utilizes a formable or "puff" ink. The ink is applied by screen printing to the upper heel area of the sock and the ink is heat set. The ink rises upon setting (curing) to form a friction producing surface on the back of the sock above the heel. The printed surface prevents to sock from sliding into the shoe during periods of exercising such as walking, jogging or other physical activities.

Abstract: An athletic garment for use in different sports includes trousers and/or a coat which have outer pad pockets attached thereto, the pad pockets including hook and loop type closure tapes and being made of an elastic material so that pads for the protection of the wearer can be inserted into and withdrawn from the respective pad pockets.

Abstract: Comfort pants having cushioned buttocks portions. The pants comprise a pair of boxer-like shorts having a rear, reinforced panel including a pair of pads which are disposed on either side of a center line of the rear panel at locations thereon corresponding to those portions of a wearer's buttocks which come into contact when the wearer is seated on a flat surface.

Abstract: An improved synthetic pad is used in sports equipment in a three-tiered system. A front visible layer, called a cosmetic component layer, is made to the taste and color of a player or a team. A second component is a backing pad layer. The third and novel component of the present invention is a foam insert layer of about one inch thickness. A pocket provided on the rear of the cosmetic component layer or on the front of the backing pad layer may be provided for receipt of the foam insert layer. The foam insert layer is made and structured in such a way that it provides a choice of rebound possibilities for a player. The foam insert layer may be homogeneous, or lacerated on one side to a depth of about 1/2 inch in a predetermined pattern. The laceration may be performed by either a blade or with a hot wire or with a thermosetting foam molded to its final shape.

Abstract: A composite shock absorbing material for use in ballistic projectile protective garments, vibration reducing machine mountings, impact absorbing bumpers, exercise mats, protective sporting equipment, and the like, includes an array of elongated strands forming a mesh. Each strand includes an inner force transmitting core surrounded by a visco-elastic polymer. The inner core may be formed by a fiber or a fluid material. In the case of fiber cores, the fibers are intertwined to distribute impact forces throughout the mesh. In the case of fluid cores, the fluid passages are interconnected at each strand intersection, to distribute force throughout the mesh, and to provide a coolant flow path for a circulating fluid cooling system designed for use by wearer's of ballistic penetration protective garments. The visco-elastic polymer may be coated by a penetration resistant material, such as nylon or an aramid fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable protective cushion to be worn by people in high speed and high impact sports such as snowboarding for cushioning the blow when falling on their rear, or for sitting on as a seat when working on their boot bindings. The inflatable protective cushion comprises a pouch made of flexible and non-stretchable fabric material. The pouch has at least four constricted compartments parallel to one another, each constricted compartment containing an inflatable membrane made of flexible impervious material, where the inflatable membrane is arranged in constricted configuration. The inflatable protective cushion further comprises a valve means for inflating the inflatable membrane and maintaining a desired pressure therein, and means for attaching the pouch to the wearer, such that each of the two opposite hip regions of the wearer's body is overlapped by at least two of the at least four constricted compartments of the pouch.

Abstract: A combination garment and purse worn by a person as an article of clothing is adapted for carrying articles normally carried in a purse, handbag or briefcase and includes a garment of flexible sheet material having a back panel and a pair of side and frontal panels joined therewith. A fastener is provided for detachably securing confronting edges of the frontal panel when the garment is worn closed at the front. First pockets are provided accessible from inside of the garment for carrying articles and second pockets accessible from outside the garment are also provided for carrying articles. A resilient yoke is secured to the inside of the garment and includes a central neck segment extending across the back of a person at an upper level and a pair of forwardly extending shoulder segments joining the neck segment at opposite ends.

Abstract: A protective suite to protect a skater against injuries caused by falling during skating which has interior flap-type pockets designed to hold removable compressible padding inserts at areas susceptible to falling injuries. The pockets have a pocket body and an opening and are attached to the suit while inverted so that the opening is exposed to receive a compressible padding insert such that, when the pocket is flipped down, the pocket openign is between the pocket body and the portion of the suit to which the pocket is attached, thereby holding the compressible insert therein without allowing the compressible insert to slip upward and out of the pocket, yet allowing for removal of the compressible insert so that the protective suit may be washed without the insert in place.

Abstract: Pants for use when performing work in which sitting and kneeling take place frequently, as in roofing work, the pants having effective special construction in the seat and knee areas.

Abstract: A therapeutic garment is adapted to be worn on a human torso for therapeutic treatment of back pain. The garment has at least one pocket in the lower back section of the garment. The pocket is capable of removably receiving a packet to create a thermal change in the pocket. The distance between the pocket and the upper back section of the garment is adjustable so that the garment can be used by persons of different torso length.

Abstract: A protective device for reducing incidence of injury from falls comprises a sheet of flexible polymeric material provided with an array of fluid filled chambers and releasable fasteners such as VELCRO strips at spaced apart locations on the sheet for enabling securing of the sheet to a person's hips. The releasable fasteners on the sheet may function to releasably fasten the sheet to a garment such as a coat or robe. The fluid filled bubbles of the sheet material are designed to maximize protection in the areas where enhanced impacts are expected to occur during falls.

Abstract: Am impact-absorbing pad includes a plurality of parallel, elongated, individually sealed hollow pneumatic tubes with coextensive webbing. Each tube includes opposing lengthwise interior ridges. Upon compression of a tube, the trapped air is compressed and the ridges contact each other, resisting compression and pressing outwardly to spread the force of impact.

Abstract: A protective hard cup brassiere having two hard plate cups which are not the same, which overlap in the area of the sternum and which are held outwardly from the thorax and breasts as shown and described.

Abstract: A ballistic protective insert for use with soft body armor by female personnel is disclosed. The ballistic protective insert provides enhanced protection to female breast tissue which is uniquely susceptible to the harmful effects of blunt trauma from ballistic impact. The ballistic protective insert is a rigid, inflexible cup worn over a woman's breast and under a conventional soft body armor vest. The insert is preferably made of SPECTRA SHIELD, a high strength polyethylene material, sheets laminated together with epoxy. The protective insert appears to work by a combination of dynamic effects. The dynamic effects include redirecting ballistic impact forces to the muscular chest wall surrounding the breasts, and creating a compression wave inside the breast which reflects off the chest wall as a tension wave and then tends to push the insert away from the breast. The protective inserts resist any significant deformation for as long as possible to reduce impact intensity.

Abstract: A nursing pad for placement inside a cup-like portion of a bra-like garment includes a conical structure of an absorbent material, such as layers of a fabric material or of a paper-like material. The conical structure has an apex, an outer boundary, and a V-shaped portion extending from the apex to the outer boundary, with the absorbent material being overlapped in the V-shaped portion. Preferably threaded stitching, such as zigzag stitching or surger stitching, secures the absorbent material overlapped in the V-shaped portion and around the outer boundary.

Abstract: An abrasion device in the form of a support member of stretch fabric and a plurality of elongated strips of cushioning material is secured to the user's body. The strips are secured to the support member and positioned against the portion of the user's body to be protected. The strips are oriented lengthwise in the direction of the anticipated relative motion between an abrading surface and the user's body. The device absorbs frictional energy and decreases heat transmission to the user's skin to prevent skin burns and abrasions.

Abstract: A cushioning material for mattresses is formed by needling a pile of crimped fibers to form a flat board, and then continuously and alternately bending the flat board to form a corrugated web. The corrugated web thus formed has a number of side-by-side contact portions and a number of bent portions connecting the side-by-side contact portions. The bent portions thus form a relatively soft surface portion of the cushioning material, and the side-by-side contact portions provide a moderately rigid portion of the cushioning material. The corrugated web may be held together by sewing, bonding or welding.

Abstract: A light-weight, shock-absorbing chest protector worn, for example, by participants in sports, the protector allowing air circulation to a wearer's body while providing enhanced flexibility. The protector conforms to a wearer's body and flexes inwardly and outwardly and expands and contracts vertically with the wearer's movements. The protector, which is coated with a durable coating to add color as well as additional strength to the protector, is attached to a wearer's body through the use of a harness. Apertures through the protector are shaped to "grab" a ball which strikes the protector and drop the ball near to the wearer, while also reducing the weight of the protector, providing air circulation through the protector, and giving the protector the enhanced flexibility. The protector has optional hinged pads for covering additional areas of a wearer's body without inhibiting freedom of movement.

Abstract: A soft, reusable, self-supporting bra is disclosed. The bra is comprised of two independent shaped forms having a plastic foam construction and are formed so as to have the desired shape. The forms may be worn underneath a conventional bra or bathing suit and are completely washable. Self-adhesive strips are included to hold the bra forms to the wearer. The strips are cut so as to overlay part of the bra, holding the bra forms in place without adhering to the wearer's breast skin.

Abstract: An article of protective athletic equipment to be worn by a person includes padding in the form of a layer of closed cell, elastomeric foam having a regularly bi-directionally convoluted surface for confronting the person. An exemplary shoulder pad using such padding has a chest protector including a substantially rigid, shape-retaining layer forming a back portion, and arch portion and a front portion including outside edges proximately overlying a vertical mid-line of each pectoralis major of the person so that forward motion of the arm is unrestricted by the chest protector. The outside edge of the chest protector extends downwardly and outwardly below the pectoralis major to provide protection for the ribs. Flexible pads are coupled to the shape-retaining portion to extend outwardly over the outer portion of the pectoralis major, the flexible pad being pivotable about the outside edge of the chest protector during movement of the shoulder.

Abstract: An all-in-one slider sport pants is disclosed that protects the leg, thigh, hip and buttocks area of a softball player sliding into base. The pants can be made either in baseball-pants length, or in a shorter version, and have a thin, foam padding encircling substantially three-quarters of the player's thigh and leg and covering the hip area and most of the buttocks, sewn between layers of a double knit, polyester material. The waistband is constructed with a wider-than-normal elastic material and double snaps and zipped fly to give secure, yet comfortable, fit. The foam padding can be made of synthetic foam rubber or foam plastic and is sewn, using polyester thread and zig-zag stitching, in between the outer polyester layer and the inner layer at the waist band, the side seams and along longitudinal seams down both front and back sides of the legs to prevent slipping or bunching thereof during body movement or laundering.

Abstract: An athletic shock absorbing pad structure includes a flexible open-celled foam member disposed in a flexible enclosure and the flexible open-celled foam member comprises two layers of open-celled foam, the density of the layers of open-celled foam being different from one another.

Abstract: A device and method for shaping a shoulder. The device being a unitary piece of a porous foamed resinous material. The piece of material has a lower surface which defines an arcuate opening. The arcuate opening is defined such that when the piece of material is placed on a shoulder, it remains in position on said shoulder. This is generally accomplished where the lower surface has a length within the range of from about 6 to about 8 inches and a width within the range of from about 2 to about 5 inches. The method of shaping the shoulder involves placing the described device on a shoulder directly in contact with the shoulder and beneath a garment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a child's knee pad with a convex inner and a concave outer surface and thinning downwardly in pad thickness for preshaping and fitting to a child's knee.

Abstract: Clothing items including at least one sewn-in liquid cushioned bladder conforming to one or more pressure points experiencing friction or repeated shocks. Distributed through vents and sealed islands define one or more endless channelways to facilitate moisture transfer and assure even liquid distribution with body movement. Associated vented, wicking coverings transfer perspiration away from the bladder and wearer. Preferred embodiments include pantswear, gloves and an improved bladder containing seat cushion.