Abstract: A garment having a piece of clothing with a plurality of pad segments located proximate a backside of a wearer's body, including at least one joint region, for protecting the wearer by dissipating energy resulting from a sudden impact. The pad segments arranged with respect to the interior radius of the joint region such that an interstitial space located between each adjacent pad segment becomes narrower moving a protruding portion of each adjacent pad segment closer together, and in some instances such that the adjacent protruding portions touch one another, when the joint region moves from an extended position to a flexed position. The garment with energy dissipating pad segments may be used alone or in conjunction with pads that shield energy.

Abstract: A protective covering can be quickly and efficiently applied to the skin including, without limitation, the underside of a foot. A sheet of durable material has a first side surface coated with at least one adhesive, and a second (opposite) side surface which can include a traction promoting material or tread design. The durable material can be pre-cut using cross-hatched pattern(s) of intersecting elongate cuts that divide the durable sheet material into segments or pieces. The durable sheet material can be sandwiched between two opposing and removable release liner sheets.

Abstract: A system may include an article of apparel and a fluid source. The article of apparel incorporates a plurality of fluid channels, and the apparel includes a fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channels. A fluid source is configured to join with the fluid connector and supply a fluid to the fluid channels. The article of apparel may include a pad component formed from a polymer foam material, which defines the fluid channels. A pair of material elements may be secured to opposite sides of the pad component, with one of the material elements being fluid permeable adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid channels.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a swimmer's hallux toe, commonly known as the great toe, is smaller in diameter than the toe for which it is intended, and is intended to stretch around the great toe, ensuring a tight fit. The protective sleeve would have a gripping surface on its lower surface, to provide additional friction when the user is walking on wet, slick floor surfaces. The device would preferably be composed of durable, non-rigid, flexible material such as latex, silicon, rubber, or other elastic, durable material. Multiple sizes are contemplated for users having differently sized great toes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flame retardant fabrics and safety apparel, especially yarn used for high flame resistant safety apparel fabric, the yarn uses a cheese method; the yarn is used to weave fabric. The fabric as described contains at least 60% high flame resistant modacrylic fiber, after cheese dyeing, weave the fabric, the safety apparel use this fabric will not continue to burn after leaving the fire, will no melt and will not cause the wearer secondary injury, comply with the relevant standards of the European Union, the United States, and China.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone shield associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attachment structure configured to attach the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of the person through the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A sports pad is provided including an outer shell defining a pocket and a pad received and held in the pocket. A three dimensional image element is captured between said outer shell and the front face of the pad. That image element projects an image outline through the outer shell to enhance the uniform of the player wearing the sports pad.

Abstract: An impact diverting mechanism comprising a top layer and a bottom layer is provided. The two layers are connected such that the top layer is configured to move in relation to the bottom layer when impacted, and therefore is able to divert impact and reduce rotational and linear acceleration on the bottom layer. The impact diverting mechanism may be attached to, or configured to attach to, an object in need of protection, such as a helmet.

Abstract: A wearable impact reduction device and method are disclosed. The wearable device and method comprise three layers, the middle layer of which comprises a resilient element that displaces as a result of an impact. The device and method also comprise the use of a motion sensor and a physiologic biosensor. In at least one embodiment, one of the layers of the device can be responsive to one of the sensors. In at least one embodiment, the motion sensor can comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a GPS (global positioning system) receiver and the motion sensor can be responsive to acceleration, position, or velocity.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a garment component and a pad component. A pair of linear regions of the pad component may be secured to the garment, and a region of the pad component between the linear regions may be unsecured to the component. The pair of linear regions may be positioned at spaced and separate edge areas of the pad component. A central area of the pad component may be at least partially spaced from the garment component when the garment component is substantially unstretched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment (10) for motorcyclists which comprises a pair of trousers (20), having a belt portion (30), at least one adjusting insert (70) and at least one protective element (40) which is removably applied to the knee portion of the garment (10). Said at least one protective element (40) is removably housed in a pocket (50) arranged in the garment (10). The garment (10) is also provided at the bottom portion of said pair of trousers (20) with fixing means (60) suitable for defining a plurality of height positions h1, h2 with reference to the belt portion (30) of the garment (10). According to the invention, said at least one adjusting insert (70) is suitable for being removably fixed to the fixing means (60) in order to adjust the length L, L+?L1, L+?L2 of the trousers (20).

Abstract: Laminates are described that contain a frangible layer adhered to at least one extensible layer, such as an elastic layer. In one embodiment, a frangible layer is positioned between two opposing elastic layers. The frangible layer includes lines of separation that generally extend in a first direction. The lines of separation allow the elastic layers to stretch and recover in a direction perpendicular or skew to the lines of separation. In one particular embodiment, the lines of separation comprise lines where the frangible layer has been weakened. The lines of separation can be formed after the laminate is made using groove rolls.

Abstract: A system, method, and blocking pad for receiving strikes from a special individual. The blocking pad includes a pad configured to receive the blows from the special individual. The blocking pad further includes a number of handles connected to a back of the pad. The number of handles include at least two handles in a middle portion of the back of the pad and at least a handle at ends of the pad.

Abstract: Provided among other things is a protective garment having one or more of: (a) an outer layer of a material that is self-extinguishing, and which is fluoro rubber, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfphonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chloroprene rubber, or a mixture thereof, or (b) an inner layer of a barrier laminate, wherein an outer surface of the outer layer or an inner surface of the inner layer is modified with a hydrophobic chemical.

Abstract: The application relates to a flame blocking venting trap (FBVT) adapted to vent a garment, the FBVT comprising a proximal layer; a central venting layer superposed to the proximal layer; and a distal layer superposed to the central venting layer. The the proximal layer is forming a first fold with the central venting layer and the central venting layer is forming a second fold with the distal layer to act as a flow restricting apparatus configured to prevent air and flames to get through the FBVT from the outside of the garment and allow air to get through the FBVT from the inside of the garment. A garment including one or many FBVT is encompassed by the present application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to free-form structures made by additive manufacturing, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The rigid free-form structures comprise a lattice structure which is impregnated by a polymeric or other material. The rigid free-form structures may be used in wound treatment, e.g. as a facial mask.

Abstract: The present application discloses a composite cushioning material comprising two or more resilient elements bonded to one or more flexible or stretchable substrates, further comprising at least one framing element placed around one or more resilient elements, wherein a section of the composite cushioning material corresponding to the area of the framing element is less flexible than the rest of the composite cushioning material, so as to provide a variably tensed composite cushioning material.

Abstract: A bullet resistant garment is provided for in the current invention having a pliable protective insert contained within a concealed carrier shell that is integrated into an outer-garment. In certain embodiments, interconnecting seams and or darts may be incorporated into the pliable protective insert and/or carrier shell to provide a comfortable and protective three-dimensional shape to bullet resistant garment, especially for women.

Abstract: A protective garment that reduces the energy transfer from an impact or a fall by consuming some of the mechanical energy transferred to the person wearing the garment and decreasing the amount of injury to that person. The material used in the manufacture of the garment is a polymer, often termed “air bubble packing”. The protective action uses a design that has one or more layers of the air bubble packing or one air chamber fashioned into a robe style garment for the purpose of reducing the amount of injury to the wearer from an impact with an UN-yielding surface. The air chambers are intended to cushion or rupture as pressure is applied, after the collapse of the first air chamber the next air chamber or layer of chambers and the process is repeated.

Abstract: An athletic tape or protective athletic sleeve is formed from an impregnated fabric substrate that is sealed on both sides. The impregnated fabric includes a shear thickening fluid that is made up of a suspension solution and solid particles. The shear thickening fluid is sealed within the fabric through use of sealing layers on both sides of the fabric.

Abstract: A protective garment that can be interchangeably positioned is provided for covering and protecting selected portions of a wearer's head, neck and upper body from direct exposure to the sun. The garment includes a torso portion, left and right sleeve portions, and a head and neck portion that may be interchangeably positioned to cover different portions of a wearer's head and face, including the wearer's nose, mouth, ears, chin, as well as the top of the wearer's head, while leaving the eyes of the wearer unblocked. Preferred configurations of the head and neck portion include covering the wearer's nose, mouth, and ears; covering the wearer's ears and head top; covering the wearer's nose, mouth, ears, and head top; and covering only the wearer's neck. In a preferred embodiment, the wearer's neck remains covered and protected from sun exposure at all times.

Abstract: To facilitate driving and prevent a fatigue in a neck by avoiding fluctuations of a helmet to left and right even in a wind (air flow) of a high relative speed thereby stabilizing the helmet. A wake stabilizer for the helmet has a right stabilizer (10R) and a left stabilizer (10L) provided symmetrically at the body wake flow portions (9) on the left and right sides of the helmet. Each of the left and right stabilizers (10R, 10L) has a side straightening face (15) extending from the side face position of the body wake flow portion (9) to the rear surface at such an angle as being fitted on the back of the helmet while being kept flat, and a wind separating portion (16) providing a longitudinal edge extending perpendicularly on a rear edge.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety belt (4), comprising a quick release fastening means (5) attached to a first end of the belt for releasably retaining a second end of the belt around a user, and one or more tensioning elements (8) for exerting tension on the first end of the belt proximal to the quick release fastening means (5) such that, when the quick release fastening means (5) is operated by a user to release the safety belt (4), the one or more tensioning elements (8) pulls the quick release fastening means (5) free from the second end.

Abstract: A conventional sewn-in single layer garment pocket with electromagnetic radiation attenuation that creates a shield between the garment wearer and an electromagnetic radiation-emitting device placed within the pocket.

Abstract: A three dimensional pad for wearing under sports clothing to produce a desired image through the sports clothing includes a removable pad having a body with a front face and a rear face. A three dimensional image element is secured to the front face of the body whereby when the pad is positioned underneath an exposed fabric area of the sports clothing a desired image outline is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for the personal protection is described. The apparatus has at least one main control unit which is connected to one or more main sensors and to a first main transceiver for transmitting and receiving on a first radio channel control signals and/or activation signals, wherein the main control unit is also connected to a second main transceiver for transmitting and receiving on a second radio channel control signals and/or activation signals. Vehicles and a system which comprise the apparatus are also described. The vehicles and the system also include a secondary apparatus and a protective garment which can communicate with the apparatus. A process which can be carried out by the system is also described.

Abstract: A fall-protection system and method are described. The system has at least one sensor for sensing if the person is falling and for outputting a status signal. The system also has a processor configured for receiving the status signal from the at least one sensor, and for outputting a corresponding command signal. The system also has a support for the at least one sensor and the processor, the support being portable by the person. The system also has a fall-protection device mountable to the support and configured for receiving the command signal from the processor. The fall-protection device has inflatable membranes, at least some of which are deployable as elongated extensions so to protect a part of the person by forming a substantially flower-like enclosure before said part contacts the ground surface. The fall-protection device is deployable upon the processor outputting a command signal indicative that the person is falling.

Abstract: Protective components may include a plate element and a cushioning element that are secured together with a hook-and-loop fastening system. The cushioning element may include a pair of material layers and a pad or a plurality of pad components located between the material layers. The plate element may include a polymer material and the pad may include a polymer foam material, with the polymer material of the plate element having greater rigidity and density than the polymer foam material of the pad.

Abstract: A protective crawling garment that protects the front side of a baby and the baby's clothes. The garment comprises an article of clothing that is worn over the front of the baby's body over the clothes. The upper part of the article may be removed and may be used separately when desired. The lower part of the article includes cushioning leg pads that provide protection for the baby's skin and knees from the friction produced when crawling.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material that resists igniting, burning, melting, dripping, or separation when exposed to a temperature of 500° F. for five minutes. The garment includes a pocket generally positioned on or inside the outer shell and a magnetic closure system configured to retain the pocket in a closed position. The magnetic closure system resists igniting, burning, melting, dripping, or separation when exposed to a temperature of 500° F. for five minutes.

Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.

Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes an intelligent bracing mechanism such as an intelligent neck bracing mechanism. The intelligent bracing mechanism detects imminent mechanical forces such as impact, shear, and rotational forces and stiffens the bracing mechanism so that forces imparted onto the protective gear can be distributed to one or more other locations. In one example, a sensor detects an imminent mechanical force impact on an outer shell of a helmet and stiffens a neck brace connected to the helmet to distribute some of the energy from the impact onto the shoulders.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone shield associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attaching means for attaching the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of said person through said contact surfaces.

Abstract: A vest assembly is provided for use by a wearer. The vest assembly comprises a vest body, a plurality of communication components disposed within the vest body, an antenna disposed within, or otherwise connected to the vest body, a rechargeable power supply, and a thermoelectric transducer assembly for converting body thermal energy into electrical energy to recharge the power supply and/or power the communication components. The antenna is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of communication components.

Abstract: Multilayer ballistic resistant articles formed from a combination of flexible and semi-rigid panel components. The flexible and semi-rigid panels may include woven fibrous layers, non-woven fibrous layers or both. The articles provide suitable protection against high energy ballistic threats, while remaining suitable for flexible vest applications.

Abstract: In some examples, a kit comprising a garment to be worn by a user; a fall arrest safety harness integrated into the garment; and a suspension relief strap configured to be coupled to the fall arrest safety harness, and wherein the fall arrest safety harness is integrated into the garment such that, when the garment is worn by the user, the fall arrest safety harness is worn by the user in a manner that arrests a fall by the user when the fall arrest safety harness is anchored.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved protective gear comprising an elastic base layer and at least one constraining layer to provide a constraining force. The constraining layers are interlaced on one side of the base layer, and the two ends of the base layer, away from said one side of the constraining layer, are surrounded by at least one elastic securing portion exhibiting a resisting force. As the user wearing the protective gear of the present invention performs activities, the constraining layers can generate a four-way elastic constraining force to provide suitable supports to the joins and cartilages extended or contracted due to the movements of the body while the elastic securing portion is able to secure the present invention on the body part without slippage such that the present invention provides a durable gear capable of providing protections to users to prevent injuries caused by join twisting or muscle spasm.

Abstract: A method of making articles of apparel that include a base layer having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base layer is associated with a thermoplastic polymer element, then an aperture is formed through the base layer and the thermoplastic polymer element. A cushioning elements that may have a first material layer, a second material layer, and a plurality of foam components is positioned proximate the aperture. The first material layer and the second material layer are bonded to the second surface of the base layer. The foam components are located between and secured to the first material layer and the second material layer. In addition, the foam components are positioned to correspond with a location of the aperture.

Abstract: An appendage wrap having a sequential set of graphic instruction steps printed across the length of the wrap on one or both sides for explaining and illustrating how a user is to apply the wrap to a specific appendage. Each individual instruction step is readily visible to the user and is easily discernable as the wrap is unrolled and wound around the appendage. Text instructions provide concise directions to the user. Simply illustrations of the appendage (hand graphics) provide a visual reference to the user for the direction and location where the wrap will be wound. Arrows are used to visually guide the user as wrap is unrolled and wound around the wrist.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 20-98 wt. % of a synthetic particulate or fibrous filler and at least 2 wt. % of a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and a polyacid, wherein the alcohol comprises at least 50 mole % of glycerol, and the acid comprises at least 50 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, fibers, and/or random or non-random layers. Preferably, the filler is based on one or more of ceramic, including glass, in particular glass fibers, polymer, in particular polymer fibers, and carbon, in particular carbon fibers. The use of glass fiber based sheet-like material as filler is a particular embodiment of the invention. The composite material according to the invention has fire-retardant properties, which makes it particularly suitable for applications where fire-retardancy is an issue.

Abstract: A stab resistant knit fabric, made containing a plurality of panels of a knit fabric having a modified knit structure corresponding to rows of knit stitches, wherein each of the panels of knit fabric comprise a front layer of knit fabric and a back layer of knit fabric, wherein the front layer and back layer are joined together by rows of tuck stitches formed from a yarn having no more than 4.5% elongation; wherein at least one panel of knit fabric is arranged such that the rows of knit stitches of the at least one panel of knit fabric are perpendicular to the rows of at least one other panel of knit fabric, its combination with a ballistic layer to provide ballistic resistance properties, and a protective garment prepared therefrom.

Abstract: An protective athletic undergarment is provided. The undergarment has a moisture-wicking elastic fabric base layer configured to fit flexibly and snugly against the body of the wearer. A padding assembly has an inner polymer cushion with an interior surface attached to an outer surface of the base layer, and a rigid outer shell configured in a predetermined three-dimensional complimentary contour relative to an outer surface shape of an anatomical feature. The undergarment may include a system for sports performance monitoring of an impact event delivered by another participant or the object of a sporting event.

Abstract: The protective suit is for use by persons engaged in various potentially hazardous activities, but is particularly well adapted for wear by motorcyclists and others engaged in motorsports activities. The suit is equipped with airbags that differ from conventional automotive airbags in that the present airbags deflate more slowly to protect the wearer of the suit over a few seconds in an accident. The suit is also equipped with warning lights that are actuated in the event of an accident. The suit is electronically connected to a belt having various electronic systems capable of monitoring the condition of the motor vehicle and the wearer of the suit through sensors in the vehicle and suit. The suit is further electronically connected to the vehicle, the vehicle having a lockout system that prevents the vehicle from being started until the suit, belt, and helmet are properly connected and operable.

Abstract: An inflatable fall arrest and fall protection safety system generally having one or more inflatable apparatus attached to a belt or other suitable wearable support structure that can be worn by a user. When the user falls, one or more directional inertia activated inflation devices trigger one or more inflators to inflate the one or more inflatable apparatus such that they protect the falling user in the given situation. The inflatable fall arrest and fall protection safety system can be used for work that is performed at dangerous heights, for example pipe rack or scaffolding construction, as well as to protect people who are prone to falling, or any situation in which protection from falling could be desired.

Abstract: A personal protection apparatus for preventing or substantially reducing injury to a wearer of the apparatus from a hazard, the personal protection apparatus comprises a wearable support structure associated with an inflatable apparatus, the inflatable apparatus comprises a bladder comprising a low-elasticity flexible material expanding to the substantially fixed volume, the bladder configured to receive a volume of pressurized gas, an inflator connected to the bladder configured to inflate the bladder with a volume of pressurized gas, and an activation mechanism system sensing ambient conditions, and in response to an ambient condition exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time, the activation mechanism system activates the inflator to generate a volume of pressurized gas into the bladder, the bladder expanding to the substantially fixed volume of the bladder.

Abstract: A fabric for use in safety apparel comprising a first set of yarns comprising at least 60 percent modacrylic fibers, and a second set of yarns comprising at least some anti-static carbon filaments. The fabric meets at least the high visibility standard ANSI/ISEA-107-2010; the vertical flame test ASTM 1506-10w; and the Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Method 5931 for electrostatic decay, and the Electrostatic Discharge Association Advisory ADV11.2-1995 voltage potential.

Abstract: A non-encircling comfort pad system that allows the user to selectively attach a pad to and detach the pad from the article of clothing is disclosed. The non-encircling comfort pad system includes a pad having a pad fastener part and a mount fastener part that is attached to the article of clothing. The pad fastener part is configured to engage the mount fastener part such that the pad is held to the article of clothing without requiring any encirclement of the protected body part.

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

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell and a thermal barrier positioned inside the outer shell such that the thermal barrier is configured to be positioned between the outer shell and a wearer when the garment is worn. The thermal barrier includes at least two areas of elastic material, each elastic area having directional stretch qualities such that each elastic area has greater elasticity in an associated particular direction than in other directions, and wherein said particular directions for said at least two elastic areas are not parallel.

Abstract: Material composites are provided that have improved shock and impact resistance.