Abstract: Protective apparel for use in martial arts or fitness training exercises involving contact between two participants, such as pad work or spar training, comprises a strike surface (11) carried on an inflatable bladder (12), and securing means (21-23) to enable the apparel (10, 40) to be worn by a user (30) during spar training. During use, the inflatable bladder (12) is inflated to a sufficient pressure to withstand strikes from a sparring partner. The protective apparel may take the form of a torso protector (10) or thigh protector (40), or other variants. These may be worn by the user (30) either alone or in combination to increase the area of the strike surface (11), and thus also increase the area of the user's body (30) which is protected.

Abstract: A sports helmet and replacement pad kit for use therein are provided. The sports helmet includes an outer shell having inner and outer surfaces. A sports helmet further includes a shock absorbing liner removably disposed within the shell. The liner includes at least one replacement pad which has a plurality of spaced-apart structures which absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the shell by deformably crushing. The number, spacing, size, shape and material of the structures are predetermined based on level of play of the sport.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe is characterized by a cushioning device that circulates air between a plastic bottom layer and a soft, porous upper layer. The air is directed to designated areas of the insole via vertical apertures, which circulate air to and over the foot of a user. The bottom layer is formed with air capturing structures that when collapsed expel air that is forced through the apertures and to the surface of the user's foot. The bottom layer and the upper layer are separated by a porous middle layer that may be foam or other light weight but breathable material.

Abstract: The invention provides heat-proof protective clothing not only having excellent heat-proof chemical resistance and breathable waterproofness, but also being lightweight and having a high heat-insulating property, meeting the specifications of the flame exposure test (ISO 9151) and radiant heat exposure test (ISO 6942-2002) of Approach A and B of ISO 11613, thus being usable as layered heat-proof protective clothing with low heat stress.

Abstract: A user wearable article of protective equipment for protecting a portion of a body of the user. The article of protective equipment generally conforms to the portion of the body of the user to be protected when worn by the user. The article of protective equipment comprises: (i) an energy absorbent core, the core having a body-facing side and an opposing non-body-facing side, the core comprising a polymeric foam; and (ii) an outer shell generally covering the non-body-facing side of the core, the outer shell being deformable during the use of the article of protective equipment by the user.

Abstract: A lightweight and flexible protective equipment system for effectively protecting a person from injury without significantly limiting their body movement or causing fatigue. The lightweight and flexible protective equipment system generally includes a plurality of compartments filled with a gas. The compartments are formed utilizing a first membrane attached to a second membrane at selected sealed portions along with a sealed perimeter. The first membrane and the second membrane are comprised of a plastic material capable of incurring significant impacts without rupturing. The protective padding may be covered by a shield to protect the exterior portion of the protective padding. The protective padding may be worn externally, internally or within the clothing of an individual to protect specific portions of the individual's body.

Abstract: Shock absorbers for integration into protective structures generally take the form of hollow, fluid-filled, compressible cells. In various embodiments, the cell enclosure includes one or more orifices, or vents, through which a fluid (such as air or water) can escape from the inner chamber formed by the enclosure.

Abstract: A personal protective suit including a sealed shell equipped with connection device intended to be connected to one same pressurized air source, air distribution device having an air intake connected to the connection device, and at least one first and one second air outlet, respectively intended to supply device for delivering air to the wearer and device for ventilating the suit, wherein the air distribution device includes a valve designed to reduce the air flow rate of the second air outlet when the air pressure at the air intake is below a determined value, while maintaining the supply of air to the wearer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The activation system also includes a reinflation algorithm configured to automatically reactivate the inflation system after a period of time to maintain the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from impact and/or provide inverse segregation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system is configured to transmit gas into and out of the inflatable chamber to transition between the inflated state and compressed state. The inflation system may automatically deflate or transmit the gas from the inflatable chamber external of the system. Automatic deflation of the inflatable chamber may be via a valve corresponding to a particular value such as time or three dimensional position of the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flame-resistant spun yarn, woven fabric, and protective garment, comprising a blend of 60 to 85 parts by weight of polyoxadiazole staple fiber and 15 to 40 parts by weight modacrylic staple fiber; based on 100 total parts of the polyoxadiazole staple fiber and modacrylic staple fiber in the yarn. This invention also relates to methods for making the yarn.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone 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 vapor resistant closure including a closure mechanism, for example, a zipper having a start end in an inner portion of material and a stop end in an outer portion of material with the outer portion containing the stop end overlapping the inner portion containing the start end. The closure mechanism forming a seal between the outer portion containing the stop end and the inner portion containing the start end when the closure mechanism is closed at the stop end. The seal that is formed is generally impermeable to fluids, gases, vapors, aerosols and particulates. The vapor resistant closure may also include a compressible body between the outer portion of material containing the stop end and the inner portion of material containing the start end. The compressible body is compressed therebetween when the closure mechanism is closed at the stop end.

Abstract: A wearable impact reduction device including a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a fourth layer. The first layer is located closest to the wearer's body and includes a flexible material configured to conform to the shape of a user's body. The fourth layer is located furthest from the wearer's body and is more rigid than the first layer whereby the fourth layer can distribute an external impact over a region. The second layer is placed between the first layer and the third layer. The third layer is placed between the second layer and the fourth layer. The second layer includes an elastically-deformable material having at least one resilient impression arranged and configured to at least partially compress upon application of a force and to return elastically to its original shape upon removal of the force.

Abstract: Magnetic repulsive forces can be exploited for impact absorption in protective body gear such as, e.g., helmets.

Abstract: A radiation protector is disclosed for protecting against radiation having a wavelength. The radiation protector comprises a carbon layer comprising a carbon weave in the form of a veil or mesh, and having an outer edge. A metal layer comprises a metal fabric weave, and has an outer edge. The outer edge of the metal layer is recessed from the outer edge of the metal layer by a width w, wherein w is a fraction of a the wavelength of the radiation.

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

Abstract: A cloth assembly for making a protective pad for sports includes a plurality of supporting fibers extending between and supporting first and second knitted cloths, providing an elastic air-permeable cloth. A knitted cloth includes a first side having a plurality of loops and a second side bonded to an outer face of the first knitted cloth. A hook tape includes a plurality of hooks on a face thereof. The hook tape is fixed to the first side of the knitted cloth or an outer surface of the second knitted cloth according to the type of the protective pad to be made. When the hook tape is fixed to the knitted cloth, the face of the hook tape having the hooks faces the first side of the knitted cloth having loops. Only a portion of the hook tape overlaps and is fixed to an end of the knitted cloth.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of nanoparticles of a compound of general formula MnXy, where M is (i) a metal selected from the group consisting of Calcium (Ca), Aluminium (Al), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Tungsten (W) or Copper (Cu); or (ii) a non-metal selected from the group consisting of Silicon (Si), Boron (B) or Carbon (C); in which n is equal to 1, 2, or 3, and X is (iii) a non-metal selected from the group consisting of Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), or Carbon (C); or (iv) an anion selected from the group consisting of phosphate (PO43?), hydrogen phosphate (HPO42?), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4?), carbonate (CO3), silicate (SiO42?), sulphate (SO42?), nitrate (NO3?), nitrite (NO2?); in which y is equal to 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; for use in reducing and/or preventing virus transmission. Articles of protective clothing or filters are provided in which the fibres are coated with said nanoparticles for use in reducing and/or preventing virus transmission.

Abstract: A thermally protective, flame retardant fabric includes a substrate treated with a combination of a flame retardant agent and an intumescent agent. The substrate includes non-thermoplastic fibers or a blend of non-thermoplastic fibers and thermoplastic fibers having a basis weight ranging from 2.0 to 15.0 ounces per square yard. The fabric has a contact thermal protective performance value of at least 4.5 and a contact thermal protective performance efficiency greater than 1.1. Applications of the fabric include protective garments, articles of furniture, vehicle components, building components, electrical components, decorative components, appliances, and containers.

Abstract: A flame resistant fiber blend includes a plurality of modacrylic flame resistant fibers comprising a first weight percentage of the fiber blend; a plurality of non-flame resistant hydrophilic/absorbent fibers comprising a second weight percentage of the fiber blend, wherein the second weight percentage is greater than the first weight percentage; and a plurality of second flame resistant fibers comprising a third weight percentage of the fiber blend. In one implementation, the fiber blend includes 20 wt % to 45 wt % of modacrylic flame resistant fibers; 40 wt % to 75 wt % of hydrophilic/absorbent fibers; and 5 wt % to 30 wt % of second flame resistant fibers. The flame resistant fiber blend is used to form flame resistant yarns, fabrics, and garments formed thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to conformable protection pads, with integral abrasion resistant and/or slideable surfaces, or shells that conform to the outer surface of the pads.

Abstract: This invention provides impact detection and vehicle cooperation to achieve particular goals and determine particular threat levels. For example, an impact/penetration sensing device may be provided on a soldier's clothing such that when this clothing is impacted/penetrated (e.g., penetrated to a particular extent) a medical unit (e.g., a doctor or medical chopper) may be autonomously, and immediately, provided with the soldiers location (e.g., via a GPS device on the soldier) and status (e.g., right lung may be punctured by small-arms fire).

Abstract: The invention utilizes a long sleeve modified shirt for the foundation garment. A separate tubular sleeve has one end sewn about the modified sleeve approximately at the elbow. The other end, the free end, of the tubular sleeve may then extend beyond the end of the modified sleeve. The arm is inserted into the modified sleeve and through the tubular sleeve. The elbow pad is attached about the elbow joint over the modified sleeve and over the tubular sleeve end sewn at the elbow area. The free end of the tubular sleeve is pulled over the elbow pad and attaches to the area near the Biceps/Shoulders with straps having removable attachment means thereon. The straps are attached to allow for adjustment. Essentially, the tubular sleeve forms a partial pouch about the elbow pad thus holding and preventing the elbow pad from shifting.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a carrying system comprising an ergonomic back plate (2) which is substantially covering the entire back of a user, a first carrying strap (3) adapted to extend from a first position (P1) of an upper section of said back plate (2) over a first shoulder of a user substantially diagonally downwards towards solar plexus of said user, a second carrying strap (4) adapted to extend from a second position (P2) of said upper section of said back plate over a second shoulder of said user substantially diagonally downwards towards solar plexus of said user, a third carrying strap (5) adapted to extend from a first position (P3) of a lower section of said back plate (2) under a first arm of said user substantially diagonally upwards towards solar plexus of said user, and a fourth carrying strap (6) adapted to extend from a second position (P4) of said lower section of said back plate (2) under a second arm of said user substantially diagonally upwards towards solar plexus of said user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a burn-over shelter comprising a sleeve closed at one end and a first opening at an opposing end to enable the sleeve to be fitted over the head of a wearer to cover at least the torso and head of the wearer with the head at the closed end of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a second opening at a position that enables the wearer to pass at least one arm through the second opening from inside the shelter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal shield 1 for at least partly surrounding a newborn infant by the shield 1 to protect it from undesired cooling or heating. The shield 1 comprises a first layer 3 and a second layer 4 both of a transparent material, which layers 3,4 are joined so that there is at least one air containing pocket 5 between the layers 3,4. When the thermal shield 1 is in use, the mutual arrangement of the first and second layers 3,4 allows the at least one pocket to be deformable to an amount necessary for establishment of acoustic contact between the skin of the infant 10 and an acoustic transducer 11 placed on an outer surface of the second layer 4. In some embodiments of the thermal shield, the at least one air containing pocket 5 is air tight, and acoustic contact can be established over an area of at least 1 cm2.

Abstract: An air deflector is mounted to the area of the knee of a motorcyclist to prevent a stream of air from striking the motorcyclist's face. A mounting plate is used to attach the deflector to the motorcyclist's knee. The deflector comprises a deflector plate, which is pivotably connected to the mounting plate by a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism allows the deflector plate to pivot from a closed position, wherein it is substantially parallel to the mounting plate, to a ready position, wherein it is free to move to an open position. When the motorcycle is in motion, the air flow impacts the deflector plate, forcing the deflector to extend upward from the ready position to the open position. In one embodiment the deflector plate is perforated by a series of louvered openings, which reduce the force of the air against the deflector plate and provide a supply of fresh air to the front of the motorcyclist's torso.

Abstract: A protective garment including a heat, flame and abrasion resistant outer shell configured to be worn on at least part of a body of a wearer, the outer shell including an opening formed therein. The garment further includes a heat and flame resistant material, of a different type of material than the outer shell, positioned in the opening.

Abstract: An airbag jacket having a good fitting performance of an expanded airbag for a body in the airbag jacket where the airbag is expanded along an outer surface of the body of the wearer. An airbag 2 is provided in a manner so as to cover a waistline and both shoulders of the wearer. An inside of the airbag 2 is partitioned into a plurality of cells 2a by means of that an inner panel 3 constituting a first surface on a wearer side of the airbag 2 and an outer panel 4 constituting a second surface on an opposite side to the wearer is partially stitched by means of a line-shaped stitching portion 6. Each of the cells 2a is formed to have a shape extending in a body height direction of the wearer. Thereby, the airbag 2 is brought to be expanded along an outer surface of a body portion of the wearer as a whole.

Abstract: Cushioning elements for apparel may include a pair of material layers and a pad component that is located between and secured to the material layers. At least one surface of the pad component includes a plurality of elongate grooves. In addition, a plurality of elongate voids extend through the pad component.

Abstract: Cushioning elements for apparel may include a pair of material layers and a pad component that is located between and secured to the material layers. At least one surface of the pad component includes a plurality of grooves. In some configurations, both surfaces include the grooves. Moreover, the grooves may be elongate and extend at least partially across the pad component.

Abstract: Cushioning elements for apparel may include a pair of material layers and a pad component that is located between and secured to the material layers. At least one of the material layers is formed from an at least partially transparent material. The pad component includes a polymer foam material that defines at least one of a groove and a void, and the pad component includes a surface that includes a bonding agent that joins the pad component to the first material layer. The polymer foam material has a first color and the bonding agent has a second color that is different than the first color.

Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact threes, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-theological elements, etc. The protective gear may be firmed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.

Abstract: A protective system (1) for protecting a user during a contact sport includes an undershirt (3) and an outer shell (7). The undershirt (3) is configured to be worn by the user, and is provided with a plurality of shock- absorbing pads (5) each being shaped and sized to protect different body parts of the user, each shock-absorbing pad (5) providing a close-to-the-body protection for a corresponding body part of the user. The outer shell (7) is configured to be worn by the user, over the undershirt (3), and is provided with a plurality of impact-dispersion pads (9) each being shaped and sized to protect different body parts of the user, each impact-dispersion pad (9) providing a floating protection for a corresponding body part of the user.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material has an acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. The device includes a second material configured for wearing proximate to a human body and having attenuating-regions. A first attenuating-region has a first inelastic response to the specified incident air blast wave energy. A second attenuating-region has a second inelastic response to the specified incident air blast wave energy. At least a portion of a back surface of the first material is proximate to at least a portion of a front surface of the second material.

Abstract: An exoskeleton (100) system comprises at least one garment selected from the group consisting of a shirt or vest (110), short or pants (120), an upper arm sleeve (130), a lower arm sleeve (140), a thigh sleeve (150), and a leg sleeve (160) wherein the garment is a multilayer construct that essentially comprises an inner layer (201) of nylon material, a middle layer (202) made of neoprene, an outer layer (203) made of plush material; and an article (300) with attached hook and loop fasteners (301) to be mounted onto the garment by securing the hook and loop fasteners (301) onto any spots of the outer layer (203).

Abstract: Cold weather garments include one or more zones with increased thermally insulative and/or thermally resistive properties. Such garments reflect different gender needs. Such garments can allow wearers to maintain a necessary or desired degree of warmth with decreased garment weight and bulk. Methods of making such garments also are described.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for apparel intended to protect boney areas of the body where skeletal structures are close to the surface and soft tissue layers are thin, that comprises two or more materials with different, narrowly prescribed physical properties which, when used together, produce a dynamic, continuous, and proportional response over a wide range of impact forces. In various embodiments of the invention, the two materials comprise a first material that exhibits generally Newtonian behavior to impact forces and a second material that exhibits generally non-Newtonian behavior to impact forces.

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 protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a garment body defining sleeves. A cuff may be secured at respective ends of the sleeves. An elastic fiber layer is disposed on the sleeves beginning at the sleeve or cuff. The elastic fiber layer has a high friction surface such that an end of a glove pulled over the elastic fiber layer is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the elastic fiber and down the sleeve. The elastic fiber may be formed of a polyolefin or other polymers according to known processes and may include a dye or colorant that may be used to indicate the fluid protection level of, for example, a surgical gown.

Abstract: The armour repair patch uses a simplified adhesive system for securement of the repair patch in the field without specialized equipment. A preferred adhesive system includes a pressure sensitive adhesive provided on a back surface of a body member and a fabric overlay cover is and extending beyond the body member. This combination provides an effective system for battlefield repair.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) garment having a pair of sleeves (10) which provides elastic contact between the wrists of a wearer and said sleeves (10), wherein each of said sleeves (10) comprising of a pair of attachment means (12) provided on the sleeve in such a manner that it creates a space gap (14) provided in between the attachment means (12) for receiving an elastic wrist band (11) looped thereon to enable the formation of a pocket when said sleeve (10) is folded with proper alignment to enable said first attachment means (12a) attached and hold together with said second matching attachment means (12b).

Abstract: The vest insert for tactical training is an insert kit for retrofitting an outer tactical vest or the like for tactical training purposes. The vest insert includes front and rear training plates adapted to be removably received within front and rear pockets of front and rear carriers of an outer tactical vest. Each of the front and rear training plates has an opening formed therethrough to indicate that the plate is for training purposes. Each of the front and rear training plates is formed from polyvinyl chloride. Additionally, a pair of front and rear fabric panels are provided to replace the inner panels of the outer tactical vest, each of the front and rear fabric panels being formed from woven polyvinyl chloride. The training plates and the front and rear fabric panels are sized and shaped to match the inserts and inner panels of a typical outer tactical vest.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a support frame for alleviating the weight and stress inflicted upon the shoulders and neck of individual caused by wearing a radiation shield garment and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the support frame comprises an elongated upper vertical back members slidably coupled to a lower vertical back member to provide vertical height adjustment; a lower back support panel coupled to the lower vertical back member to provide lower back support to the wearer; and a pair of shoulder members attached to the upper top end of the elongated vertical back member to support shoulder regions of the radiation shield garment.

Abstract: A garment such as a plate carrier has a front part and a back part which are held together by a plurality of buckles. The buckles are releasable manually, and also are simultaneously releasable as a group via a quick release mechanism that includes an actuator cord extending through a plurality of rings. Reassembly of the garment after actuation of the quick release mechanism is effected by buckling the plurality of buckles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective element for a portion of the human body, comprising a tub-shaped molded piece that has an internal side (IS) facing the body and a compensation layer. The shape of the molded piece is adapted to the human anatomy, in particular the hip or pelvis region. At least some sections of the compensation layer are arranged on the internal side (IS). The molded piece is monolithically formed from a cured composite material, while the compensation layer is made of an elastically deformable foam material and includes a duct system of groove-like depressions on the side facing the body.

Abstract: An apparel constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with selected thermal and moisture transfer properties in order to provide improved performance characteristics. The inner layers manage the body heat of an individual by reflection and thermal retention while also providing moisture wicking and antimicrobial function. The middle layers manage thermal isolation from the external temperatures by using materials with very low thermal conductivity in combination with waterproof layers that can also be breathable. The outer layers manage external durability, water repellency and waterproofness. The apparel can be constructed with all layers made into one material and in one garment, or constructed as two garments with one being for body heat thermal function and one being for weather insulation and reflection function. The material is made to be optionally form fitting with high stretch.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: There are provided a laminated fabric for protective clothing capable of achieving both higher heat shielding properties and comfort properties, and protective clothing using the same. A laminated fabric for protective clothing comprising two or more fabric layers including an outer layer and an inner layer, with the inner layer disposed on a skin side, when used in protective clothing, wherein the outer layer is a fabric composed of a fiber having an LOI value (limiting oxygen index) of 21 or more measured by JIS L 1091 E method, the inner layer is a fabric composed of a fiber having an LOI value (limiting oxygen index) of 21 or more measured by JIS L 1091E method, and a thermal diffusivity of 2.2×10?6 m2·s?1 or more, and the fabric has a porosity ranging from 85% to 98%, a thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 8.0 mm and a basis weight ranging from 80 g/m2 to 250 g/m2, and further, protective clothing using this laminated fabric for protective clothing.