Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a clasp configured to accommodate a strap of a piece of headwear, including a top loop having a catch end at a first side of the clasp, the top loop including a top portion that extends from a second side of the clasp to the first side along a horizontal axis of the clasp, the catch end extending from the top portion along an s-shaped curve to form a tip of the catch end; a bottom loop coupled to the top loop via a common middle portion, a top surface of the common middle portion having a lip; and a depression at the top loop on the second side, a thinnest part of the top loop at the second side of the clasp being formed by the depression.

Abstract: The present invention describes a muscle enhancement device comprises a pad sandwiched between two pieces of fabric. The pad is surround by a transitional edge. When muscle enhancement device is being worn properly, the muscle enhancement device is changed from a relaxed state to a stretched state and pad provides a soft, comfortable diffused and obscure edge.

Abstract: A composite layer for use in a bedding product such as a mattress and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The composite layer generally includes an extruded three dimensional fibrous layer and a foam material, e.g., polyurethane, latex or the like, disposed within the fibrous layer and occupying at least a portion of the free volume in the layer. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing a foam-fiber composite.

Abstract: A shoulder-pad system includes various components, including a set of shoulder pads that comprises a right-shoulder pad assembly, a left-shoulder pad assembly, an anterior plate, and a posterior plate. Each shoulder-pad assembly may include an epaulette and a discrete shoulder sleeve that is releasably attachable to the epaulette. The discrete shoulder sleeve may further include an epaulette attachment mechanism that releasable attaches the discrete shoulder sleeve to the epaulette when the epaulette is positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: A load (22, 26, 27, 28, 29) is restrained against movement by passing a tape or chain (21, 31, 39) around the load (22, 26, 27, 28, 29) and passing the tape or chain (21, 31, 39) through a slot (17, 44) in a plate or the like (14, 41).

Abstract: A brassiere disclosed herein includes at least one cup, at least one strap extending from the cup, and a strip of material or fastener attached to the interior surface of the at least one strap. The fastener may be coupled to the interior surface of the at least one strap at each of the ends of the fastener. Thus, the fastener, together with the at least one strap, may be manipulated to form an opening through which items may be placed or threaded. Furthermore, the at least one strap and the fastener may be constructed from a resilient material.

Abstract: A backpack with improved shoulder straps includes a set of fold-over panels formed respectively on the shoulder straps, wherein each of the fold-over panels extends from an inner side of the shoulder strap on which it is formed, folds over the shoulder strap, and attaches to an outer side of the shoulder strap on which it is formed. The improved shoulder straps mitigate chafing around the neck of a user.

Abstract: An impact-damper element for carrying straps that is active in a longitudinal direction. The element has a flexible, flat band portion with two mutually opposite main surfaces, runs in a longitudinal direction in undulating lines that are deflected transversely to the longitudinal direction and have reversal points and transverse portions running between the reversal points. A support is applied to at least one of the main surfaces of the band portion, is fixed to the band portion, retains the band portion in a normal position along the undulating lines and is made of an elastic material. The support is of varying thickness over the course of the undulating lines; being of the smallest thickness in a central portion of the transverse portions of the band portion and the thickness increases from the central portion to the reversal points. The support is at its thickest at the reversal points.

Abstract: A strap for a bag provides and includes a main body having a first end attached to a first attachment location of the bag and a second end attached to a second attachment location of the bag. The strap also includes a tension element that extends between the first end and the second end. The tension element is movable between a tightened state and a relaxed state. The tension element also applies a force on the first end and the second end in the tightened state to change the relative position of the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A shoulder sling retainer comprising a substantially planar exterior directed wall flanked on one end thereof by an abutment wall which extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The retainer is configured such that the shoulder sling rests atop the exterior directed wall, and is prevented from sliding off of the exterior directed wall via the abutment wall. A bottom side of the retainer, which is oppositely situated from the exterior directed wall, is configured to rest securely on a shoulder portion of a garment, and, to that end, has a generally concave configuration. An engagement member that secures the retainer to a shoulder portion of the garment may be integrally formed with the bottom side of the receiver.

Abstract: Shoulder pads for a player playing a contact sport, such as hockey, lacrosse or football, are provided. The shoulder pads comprise a front member, a back member, left and right shoulder arches, left and right shoulder protectors, and an adjustment system allowing the player to adjust a fit of the shoulder pads. The adjustment system may allow the player to adjust various components of the shoulder pads, including the front member, the back member, and the left and right shoulder protectors, in various directions.

Abstract: A belt and belt buckle design that opens to the front where the strap enters the belt buckle from below. The buckle is made from a single buckle member that is formed and that uses force and/or guidance from the buckle to hold the belt in place. The buckle has a hook region to support the strap of the belt and has a body passing around the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the strap.

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: A mobile electronic device carrier assembly includes a bracket that has a first arm, a second arm and a middle arm. The middle arm is coupled to and extends between each of the first and second arms. Each of the first and second arms has an adjustable length. The bracket has a U-shape so the first and second arms of the bracket are spaced apart. A collar is pivotally coupled to and extends between a free end of each of the first and second arms of the bracket. The collar may be positioned around a back of a user's neck so the bracket may be directed downwardly along the user's chest. A support is coupled to the middle arm of the bracket. A mount is coupled to the support. The mount may receive a mobile electronic device so the mount provides hands-free operation of the mobile electronic device.

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: Novel devices and methods are provided to dispense the load of a bag or case across a user's shoulder when the user attached a strap to the bag or case. The devices and methods provide a segmented tensile assembly to disperse the load of a bag or case uniformly across the user's body.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to a removable and adjustable cushioning system for a shoulder strap. In one example, a base pad comprising cushioning material is contoured to conform to a person's shoulder. A plurality of fastener receivers are coupled to the base pad, and a fastener is removably coupled to at least one of the fastener receivers. The fastener is configured to engage the shoulder strap to removably secure the base pad to the shoulder strap.

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: 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 bust support device utilizing a pillow member having a top, a bottom, and a pair of curving side portions to permit the pillow to be placed in the cleavage area of the bust. The side portions adjoining the bottom of the pillow underlie the breasts. The pillow may be supported to a garment worn by the user, or directly to the torso of the user by a pair of straps.

Abstract: A brassiere pad assembly is provided for use in a brassiere for delivering optimal support, aesthetic enhancement and health benefits including a first panel comprised of a flexible material having a plurality of perforations and a bottom edge. A second panel is provided having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the second panel having at least a bottom edge affixed to at least the bottom edge of the first panel. A third panel is provided comprising a membrane defining a cavity having at least one attachment means formed therein, the third panel being placed between the first and second panels and having at least a bottom edge affixed to the second panel. An insertable element may be provided configured to be receivable and securable within the cavity of the third panel for imparting skin therapeutic benefits to a wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a person's shoulders from loads being carried on such shoulders. The apparatus comprises at least one support member formed of a predetermined material for resting on a person's shoulders, such at least one support member having a raised neck portion on a first end thereof for engagement with and for providing protection for a user's neck. At least one neck strap is used for securing the raised neck portion around such user's neck. A pair of arm straps are disposed on a second end of the at least one support member for engagement with an upper portion of a user's underarm closely adjacent a shoulder. A hook and loop attachment is used for securing such pair of arm straps around such user's underarm.

Abstract: A garment apparatus adapted and configured to have the functionality of a backpack that includes at least one pocket fixedly attached to each of an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The at least one pocket on the posterior portion covers a surface area of the posterior portion in an amount of about one percent up to fifty percent of the surface area.

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: Human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers that define a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer element in any of multiple, non-overlapping positions. The space and the thermal transfer element preferably have cooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt, jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment. Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outer layers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at the pocket areas of pants. The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of a corresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of the garment. Thermal transfer elements are preferably disposed in pouches having a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a very thin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

Abstract: A body armor includes an armor plate, an electrical energy storage layer conforming to a surface of the armor plate, and a first electrical connector operably associated with the electrical energy storage layer. An armored garment includes a garment, an armor plate operably associated with the garment, an electrical energy storage layer conforming to a surface of the armor plate, and a first electrical connector operably associated with the electrical energy storage layer. A garment includes a body, a first pocket, and an electrical energy storage unit disposed in the first pocket.

Abstract: A method for molding a lofted assembly having a lofted material and a laminated nylon support material the garment produced are provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a support fabric on a lofted material; laminating the support fabric to the lofted material to form a lofted assembly; positioning the lofted assembly in a molding apparatus having at least a first mold and a second mold, closing together the first mold and the second mold thereby sandwiching the lofted assembly therebetween and while maintaining a uniform preset gap between said first mold and the second mold so that the inherent loft characteristics of the lofted assembly are substantially preserved.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a garment, such as a tank top, camisole, bra top, shirt, athletic shorts or athletic pants, unitards or leotards, comprising a cushion for comforting the spine during activities performed while laying on the back, such as yoga, pilates, bodysculpting, exercising, etc. The garments of the present invention may further comprise a means for cushioning the clavicle, sternum, shoulder blades, hips or pelvis.

Abstract: A brassiere for protecting a wearer's skin has a pair of breast cups and a first side panel and a second side panel. Each is connected to a different one of the pair of breast cups. The brassiere also has a strap, and a length adjustment device being disposed on the strap. The brassiere also has a cushioning device. The cushioning device pads the wearer's skin from the length adjustment device. The cushioning device has a position stabilizing tab for preventing the cushioning device from sliding underneath the strap.

Abstract: A high elastic fiber cup includes an inner layer, an outer layer and a pad. The inner and outer layers include wrapping clothes having high elastic fiber bodies attached on the inner surfaces thereof and cut into combed fiber sheets, respectively, or include a double-side multispandex or a three-layer of elastic fiber knitting cloth. The pad is made of a high elastic fiber body which is cut into a three-dimensional block and is attached to and between the inner and outer layers by using gel. An excellent elasticity and air permeability is obtained for recovering its initial shape quickly after being pressed and achieving a comfortable satisfaction.

Abstract: A protective knee covering which provides motion guidance and orthotic support for a knee. The protective knee covering is made from a layer of rigid material, such as a plastic or a composite material. A central portion of the protective knee covering covers the knee cap portion of the knee. The central portion is curved in a top to bottom direction, but is flat or substantially flat in a medial side to lateral side direction to provide a stable base for kneeling. A medial side portion and a lateral side portion are attached to the central portion at angles. The lateral side portion is attached at a sharper angle than the medial side portion. Both of these portions cover the sides of the knee. The lateral side portion acts as an orthotic guide during bending of the knee to keep the thigh over the knee.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a brassiere is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a shoulder pad having a concave shape and comprised of a padded material. The shoulder pad may be comprised of a foam material. The apparatus further comprises a first adjustable strap having a first end and second end, wherein the first end is coupled to a first side of the shoulder pad and the second end includes a coupler for detachably coupling to a brassiere. The apparatus further comprises a second adjustable strap having a first end and second end, wherein the first end is coupled to a second side of the shoulder pad and the second end includes a coupler for detachably coupling to the brassiere. The first and second adjustable straps may include a buckle for adjusting the length of the straps. The coupler may comprise a detachable hook.

Abstract: A pad is disclosed including discrete reinforcing members secured to a base layer. The discrete reinforcing elements may include spherical members rotatably embedded in the base layer, plates pivotally mounted to the base layer by means of a flexible post or revolute joint, or plates threaded on a chord secured to the base layer. The base layer may include a plurality of discrete projections each having a reinforcing element secured proximate a distal end thereof. A pad may include a receiver for securing to a wearer and a base. The base may be secured to the receiver by a suspension allowing pitch and roll movements. The receiver may secure to the base at one end while the opposite end is slidably secured to the base or coupled to the base by means of a biasing member.

Abstract: A ventilated protective garment particularly for wear by operators, occupants, and passengers of sports motor vehicles, such as motorcycles for example, includes a garment body which may be configured as a jacket or coat, and which includes an especially configured vent structure at sleeves of the garment, which vent structure provides for selective opening of a vent passage on the sleeve forearm portion, while also insuring against the sleeves sliding up the wearer's arms in the event of a fall from the moving vehicle followed by a tumble and slide on gravel or pavement, for example. Thus, the wearer of the garment may select to be provided with desirable ventilation, or to close the forearm ventilation openings, and is protected against forearm abrasion regardless of whether the forearm vent openings are opened or closed.

Abstract: A strap for carrying an article is disclosed and includes a foam element having identations in an outer surface of the foam element. A fluid-filled bladder is positioned within the identations such that a combination of the foam element and the bladder provides cushioning when carrying the article. A resilient cover may be positioned over the bladder to prevent movement of the bladder away from the foam element, and the bladder and foam element may be located within a void formed by a sheath. The foam element may include protrusions located opposite the indentations.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a shoulder strap is provided. The shock absorber includes a panel-like absorbing portion having a plurality of protrusions filled with air and hermetically and separately sealed, and a reinforcement portion sewed together with the absorbing portion and connected to the middle of the shoulder strap having a predetermined width. Accordingly, the weight of the load due to the bag or carried item is alleviated, thereby softening the pain on the shoulder. Therefore, while carrying the bag or item, the user may not be fatigued and feels comfortable.

Abstract: There is provided a brassiere strap made of a rigid fabric. The strap has a first surface with two or more rows of silicone gel. Preferably, the rows are in a straight axial line. The first surface preferably has an indicia thereon. The first surface positioned for contacting the shoulder of the wearer to prevent the brassiere strap from sliding off the shoulder of the wearer.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a shoulder strap is provided. The shock absorber includes a panel-like absorbing portion having a plurality of protrusions filled with air and hermetically and separately sealed, and a reinforcement portion sewed together with the absorbing portion and connected to the middle of the shoulder strap having a predetermined width. Accordingly, the weight of the load due to the bag or carried item is alleviated, thereby softening the pain on the shoulder. Therefore, while carrying the bag or item, the user may not be fatigued and feels comfortable.

Abstract: A shoulder protective device for protecting the shoulder and arm of the user when carrying heavy objects upon one's shoulder. The shoulder protective device includes a band of material being adapted to be worn about a portion of a user's upper torso and about a shoulder of a user; and also includes a sleeve being attached to the band of material; and further includes a protective assembly being attached to the band of material and including an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material; and further includes a plurality of pads being attached to the band of material and the protective assembly for providing comfort for the user wearing the band of material.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a protective coat or protective coveralls, for a firefighter or for an emergency worker is provided with a shoulder pad, which is worn between the protective coat and a shoulder of a wearer. The shoulder pad is attached detachably, as by a hook-and-loop fastener, to a shoulder strap of suspenders worn by the wearer or to the protective garment. The shoulder pad contains a bladder, which is adapted to be inflated with a suitable fluid, preferably air, so to increase an air space between the protective coat and the shoulder of the wearer. The air space provides thermal insulation between the protective garment and the shoulder of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoulder pad includes a flexible base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a central portion, opposite first and second free ends and a longitudinal axis. The flexible base member includes a plurality of longitudinally space, oval-shaped pad sections that increase in thickness from the central portion of the shoulder pad toward at lease one of the first and second free ends. The longitudinally spaced pad sections may also increase in durometer hardness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. For attachment of the pad to a shoulder strap, the pad includes at lease one clip from making snap-on engagement with the pad. For added durability, the shoulder pad further preferably includes a thin spine, which is more rigid than the flexible base member and is attached to the top surface of the flexible base member.

Abstract: A brassiere shoulder strap is provided that is shaped so that it conforms to the shape of the shoulder of the wearer. By conforming to the shape of the shoulder, the strap provides and maintains a cushioning effect. The shoulder strap has a curvilinear shaped area that is wider than a conventional brassiere strap in order to increase the size of the load bearing region of the wearer's shoulder. This curvilinear shaped area has an outer cover that surrounds an interior hollow portion. This interior hollow portion is filled with a cushioning material. In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning material is a silicone gel.

Abstract: This invention concerns a removable protective shoulder pad for protecting against impact to the top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm, or portions thereof, during sporting activities comprising one or more sections that can be secured to a protective body vest a shirt, a vest or other garment. The removable protective pad, comprising an outer layer or layers of rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible material and an inner layer or layers of flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid material, is secured to the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening device or devices. The removable protective pad may further be secured to the upper arm and/or shoulder by a fastening device or devices.

Abstract: This invention concerns a removable protective shoulder pad for protecting against impact to the top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm, or portions thereof, during sporting activities comprising one or more sections that can be secured to a protective body vest a shirt, a vest or other garment. The removable protective pad, comprising an outer layer or layers of rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible material and an inner layer or layers of flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid material, is secured to the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening device or devices. The removable protective pad may further be secured to the upper arm and/or shoulder by a fastening device or devices.

Abstract: A ventilated padded material suitable for providing air circulation in padded lingerie is disclosed. Padded lingerie, for example, bras, typically are made from man-made materials that prevent perspiration from evaporating and then accumulates in the breast cup area. The retained perspiration causes discomfort to the wearer, as the surrounding breast area remains moist and damp. The ventilation channels or perforations in the padding material, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, enable air circulation to occur through the padding material. Increased air circulation through the padding material allows for perspiration evaporation and less accumulated perspiration.

Abstract: A shoulder pad includes a flexible base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a central portion, opposite first and second free ends and a longitudinal axis. The flexible base member includes a plurality of longitudinally space, oval-shaped pad sections that increase in thickness from the central portion of the shoulder pad toward at lease one of the first and second free ends. The longitudinally spaced pad sections may also increase in durometer hardness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. For attachment of the pad to a shoulder strap, the pad includes at lease one clip from making snap-on engagement with the pad. For added durability, the shoulder pad further preferably includes a thin spine, which is more rigid than the flexible base member and is attached to the top surface of the flexible base member.

Abstract: The garment (14) is provided with a pack, such as a day pack or expedition pack. Cushioning pads (26) are located at the pack pressure points, such as about the shoulder and/or hips, which provide more uniform load distribution of the pack weights.

Abstract: A shoulder pad includes a flexible base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis. The flexible base member includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, oval-shaped pad sections that increase in thickness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. The longitudinally spaced pad sections may also increase in durometer hardness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. For attachment of the pad to a shoulder strap, the pad includes at least one clip for making snap-on engagement with the pad. For added durability, the shoulder pad further preferably includes a thin spine, which is more rigid than the flexible base member and is attached to the top surface of the flexible base member.

Abstract: An adjustable, shoulder-strap assisting device having an elongate support member with a non-smooth surface on a shoulder engaging side. The elongate support member also has a deformable, rigid insert disposed therein such that the support member is capable of being custom fitted about the shoulder of the user in a non-slipping position. The shoulder-strap assisting device conforms to the contour of the user's shoulder and receives the shoulder strap of a backpack, golf bag, suitcase or the like and prevents the shoulder strap from moving relative to the device such that the load carried by the strap does not shift on the shoulder of the user.

Abstract: An elastomeric shoulder pad to serve as a buffer between an over-the-shoulder carrying strap and a user's shoulder in which lacing openings, similar to those used in footwear, are provided in a top surface of the shoulder pad and the carrying strap seated in a recess between the lacing openings and laced in place, so that the shoulder pad in use is in an interposed position between the carrying strap and the user's shoulder.