Abstract: Pants include a main pant body configured in the crotch area and inner leg areas with edges spaced apart to form an opening extending downwardly towards each ankle of a person; and an inner pant body, disposed in the opening, and affixed to the main pant body. The main pant body can be formed, at least in part, of an abrasion resistant material that protects the person from abrasive injuries. The inner pant body is formed, at least in part, of an elastic material that provides the person with greater flexibility while wearing the protective long pants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protective apparatus suitable to provide users of electrical implantable medical devices protection from impacts. More specifically, the present invention relates to protective apparatus suitable to provide users of pacemakers, both internal and external, protection from impacts due to applied or external forces. The apparatus comprises a rigid or semi-rigid outer shell or layer, an impact absorbing inner pad or layer and, optionally, a recess for containing an external electronic device. The outer shell or layer provides impact and deformation resistance while distributing impact forces. The outer shell or layer is formed using a sufficiently thermally pliable material capable of molding to the body part containing, or in contact with, the electronic device. Electrical implantable medical devices are further protected by the inner pad or layer comprising a high density closed cell foam.

Abstract: A shock absorber for sports (ballgames) 10, comprising a glove body 12 and hand insertion 50, having the first sheet-like member 30 covering the center region of the back of one's hand, the second sheet-like member 32 covering the back region of the fingers and the third sheet-like member 34 covering said hand insertion 50 region. Said first sheet-like member 30, the second sheet-like member 32 and the third sheet-like member 34 are made of near-polyurethane gel elastomer, which has high impact absorbency, so that the shock absorber 10 protects any regions of a human body from the impact of, for example, being hit by a pitch, without limiting the movements of a user.

Abstract: Hockey pants for protecting a wearer having a lower spine region, lower ribs, a waist region, left and right hip regions, a crotch region, and left and right thighs, the pants comprising an inner protective unit comprising first, second and third left separate protective pads and first, second and third right separate protective pads for covering the respective left and right hip regions, the first, second and third left pads being connected together by a first elastic band and the first, second and third right pads being connected together by a second elastic band, each of the first and second elastic bands allowing movement of the third and second pads relative to the respective second and first pads between an extended position, wherein there is first overlappings between the respective third and second pads and second and first pads, and a retracted position, wherein there is second overlappings between the respective third and second pads and second and first pads, the second overlappings being larger th

Abstract: Protective clothing (12) comprising a protective layer (14) for providing protection from blows, and spacer members (16) for spacing the protective layer (14) from that part of a person's body being protected by the protective layer (14); and the protective clothing (12) being such that: (i) the spacer members (16) are made of a resilient material for providing comfort during use of the protective clothing; (ii) the spacer members (16) are 10-25 mm in depth for promoting optimum air flow between the protective clothing and the part of the person's body to be protected; (iii) the spacer members (16) are of a shape which minimises their resistance to the air flow through the spacing; (iv) the protective layer (14) is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material; (v) the protective layer (14) is curved for conforming to that part of the persons body to be protected; and (vi) the protective layer (14) has an inner surface (18) which is formed to minimise resistance to the air flow through the spacing.

Abstract: A shin guard includes a plate made of a rigid material sandwiched between two layers of flexible material, such as foam. The two flexible layers are attached to each other around a periphery of at least one of the flexible layers. The plate includes a center panel attached to only one of the flexible material layers. The plate also includes two side panels hingedly attached to the center panel so that the panels can move with respect to the center panel. The panels are not attached to either layer of flexible material so the panels can move with respect to both flexible material layers.

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: A protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment, comprises a flexible inner member provided to be disposed inside the garment, an outer member provided to be disposed outside the garment and a securing device provided for releasably attaching the outer member to the inner member. The outer member further includes an outer protective pad. The securing device includes an inner magnetically attractive element attached to the inner member and an outer magnetically attractive element attached to the outer member. The outer magnetically attractive element and the inner magnetically attractive element are magnetically attractable to each other so as to hold the protective pad assembly in place on the garment. Moreover, one of the inner magnetically attractive element and the outer magnetically attractive element is a magnet.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, compressible, shock absorbing, and resilient fluid for use in padding applications is presented. A fluid pad can comprise closed-cell foam beads and a surrounding fluid housed in a thin plastic bladder. The closed-cell foam beads can be exactly flooded by the fluid. Alternatively, the fluid can lubricate the closed-cell foam beads. The surrounding fluid may also comprise solid phase microballoons. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can result in the overall fluid in the bladder being lighter in weight. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be compressible and resilient. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be shock absorbing with respect to impact loads or vibrations. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can lower the cost of the fluid pad insert.

Abstract: There is provided an electrically conductive band wearable on a user. The band includes an extendable strap having first and second end portions and a contact surface. The strap is formed of electrically conductive threads distributed along the contact surface. The band further includes a buckle including a recessed notch having a conduction member disposed therein. The conduction member is electrically connected to the conductive threads when the conductive threads are in contact with the conduction member. The buckle also includes a fastening element that is in electrical communication with the conduction member and is electrically connectable to a grounding wire. The buckle further includes a locking member being pivotable to secure the conductive threads adjacent the conduction member. A primary connector is coupled to the second end portion of the strap and includes a primary attaching portion that is attachable to a buckle attaching element.

Abstract: A protective sports-pad has an outer surface, an inner surface, a recess, multiple protrusions and multiple airways. The recess is formed in the inner surface of the protective sports-pad. The protrusions are formed on and protrude from the inner surface in the recess. The airways are formed between adjacent protrusions. The airways between the protrusions allow heat to escape easily and moisture and sweat in the airways to evaporate. Consequently, the protective sports-pad does not form a breeding ground for germs, does not irritate a person's skin and is comfortable to wear.

Abstract: A moisture absorbing and impact protective material comprising a layer of impact protection material forming a gutter, a layer of absorbent material disposed adjacent to the impact protection material at least in part within the gutter, and a layer of moisture transport material disposed at least in part external to the impact protection material gutter and having an interface with the absorbent material. The moisture transport material wicks away moisture from a wearer and transports it to the absorbent material. Excess moisture accumulates in the gutter.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment for use in contact sports is formed by first forming a layer of foam. All or a portion of the foam is then compression molded to a desired shape. A layer of a durable coating is then applied to the compression foam to a desired thickness. The compression foam is then optionally coupled to a backing structure. A material overlay may then be coupled around the edges of the coated foam and optional backing structure to form a finished durable edge. Additional protective padding may then be coupled to the material overlay of the durable edge to provide additional protection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pair of protective crawling chaps for a crawling infant or an infant beginning to walk. The chaps are worn directly over an infant's legs or over clothing and provide protection from abrasions, dirt and wear and tear when crawling on various surfaces. They also make the infant more comfortable and cooler when crawling in hot weather because they are open in the back. The chaps cover the front of the infant from the waist to the ankle and are attached with adjustable waist, knee and ankle straps. The main body of the chaps is created with an opening at the groin area for the right and left leg portions to extend to the ankles. This groin opening is in a specific proportion to the main body of the chaps to prevent the leg portions from slipping while the infant is crawling.

Abstract: A neck protector for welders has a band for surrounding the neck and overlapping at a rear of the neck for fastening and a bib portion depending from one edge of the band arranged for extending down over the upper chest area of the wearer at the front of the band between the ends.

Abstract: The present invention (shermo) is a thin protective lining (1 mm in thickness, 6.5 inches in length and 2.5 inches in width) (FIG. 1), which provides comfort potential and simultaneously lessens the possibility of contracting or transferring diseases when trying on below-the-waist garments with or without wearing undergarments. The shermo has a smooth paper-like topside (a) and an adhesive underside (b) (as shown in FIG. 2). The shermo will be retrieved from a wall-mounted dispenser, and the adhesive underside is placed in the crouch of the garment and the topside is facing the wearer's crouch. Once the wearer has used the shermo it will be discarded.

Abstract: A safety garment comprising; a garment body arranged for location on a torso of a wearer. The garment body includes openings to accommodate a wearers neck and arms and means for securing the garment to the torso of a wearer. The vest includes a space on the garment which receives and retains weights and a buoyancy apparatus providing means to allow a wearer to select a required amount of buoyancy. The vest also includes a harnessing assembly to allow attachment of the safety garment to a load line, the harnessing assembly allowing a user to be winched to safety allowing the garment to support the weight of a person wearing the garment.

Abstract: A core assembly for an athletic protective pad is provided. The core assembly comprises a backing member and a deflection shield overlaid on the backing member. The backing member includes a plurality of backing pieces that are assembled together. The deflection shield is located on the backing member using cooperating interlocking members provided on the deflection shield and at least one of the backing pieces. The core assembly may be inserted within an outer envelope to form a protective hockey goaltender leg pad.

Abstract: Knit fabrics and military apparel such as T-shirts made therefrom are disclosed. The fabrics are constructed from blended yarns made from an intimate combination of nylon and cotton staple fibers. Such fabrics comprise a weight ratio of cotton to nylon which ranges from about 55:45 to about 85:15, and these fabrics also have a weight ranging from about 3 to about 8 oz/yd2. Knit fabrics of this type possess a desirable combination of good thermal protective properties, provided the specified high level of staple fiber blend uniformity is achieved, along with very useful abrasion resistance, bursting strength and drying time characteristics.

Abstract: A garment for covering a user and a child supported in a child carrier that has a layer of material with a first opening in the layer constructed and arranged to accommodate the head of the user. The garment also has a second opening in the layer constructed and arranged to accommodate the head of the child. The garment is constructed and arranged to be worn by the user to protect the user and the child from the elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a harness type safety belt capable of absorbing a dropping shock to a user even if the user accidentally falls from an elevated position. According to the present invention, in such a case that a user A fails to apply a hook of a rope to a life line and the user A falls from an elevated position, an air bag 2 provided in a mounting body 1 is inflated. Therefore, the air bag 2 can absorb a dropping shock and the dropping impact applied to the user A can be reduced. In addition, in the case where the user A falls with the hook of the rope being connected to the life line, the user A is suspended by the rope. The body of the user A is supported by not only a waist part belt 1b but also shoulder part belts 1a and thigh part belts 1c. Therefore a tension applied from the rope to the body of the user can be dispersed to each of the belts 1a, 1b and 1c and the body of the user can be stably supported.

Abstract: A protective garment configured to facilitate easy donning of the garment is described. The garment includes one or more foreshortening structures within the garment that allows for the arms and legs to be shorted into a donning configuration. This allows the garment to be handled and donned by the wearer, without the wearer touching an exterior surface of the garment or allowing any portion of the garment to touch another surface. A method of preparing a protective garment for donning and a method of donning such a garment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A textile fabric is presented comprising at least a first and a second twisted thread, the first and the second twisted threads containing at least one cut resistant yarn as one component, and the second twisted thread containing a non-cut resistant yarn as a further component, and the non-cut resistant yarn of the second twisted thread consisting of elastomeric fibers. Further, protective clothing is presented, which contains the textile fabric.

Abstract: A protective undergarment having reinforced areas in particular locations, such as the knees and seat. The garment is made of an abrasive resistant fabric, such as aramid fibers, in particular, Kevlar, and is preferably made in a woven or knitted pattern so as to be soft to the touch and breathable so that the garment is comfortable to wear under clothing. The undergarment may include stirrups attached at the bottom of each leg to prevent movement of the reinforced areas in the event of a fall.

Abstract: A protective garment comprising a form-fitting, stretchable inner garment for covering part of a body of a wearer, the inner garment including a plurality of cushioning pads attached thereto with portions of the inner garment being free of the cushioning pads, and an outer shell partially overlying the inner garment, the outer shell including a plurality of flexibly interconnected protective pads cooperating with the cushioning pads to protect at least a major part of the portion of the body, the protective pads being more rigid that the cushioning pads, and the outer shell being separable from the inner garment.

Abstract: A blower operated cooling vest that uses the normal movement of the body to blot excess moisture from the body and evaporate it away from the body and thus shield it from the heat.

Abstract: A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising: an impact surface; and an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each of said cells comprises a tube, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the tubes of one or more of said cells is arranged at an oblique angle to the impact surface.

Abstract: Hinged padding for protective gear comprises a first and a second pad member. A dual-layer membrane sandwiches the first pad member and the second pad member, between a first of the layers and a second of the layers. The first and the second pad member are separated from one another in such a way that the two layers of the dual-layer membrane are coplanar between the sandwiched pad members. The dual-layer membrane consists of a generally non-rigid material such that the first pad member and the second pad member are at least pivotable with respect to another, whereby the hinged padding is adapted to be shaped to be accommodated in a shell of protective gear. A process for assembling the hinged padding is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for reducing friction, caused due to contact or rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner portion of footwear. The device is composed of a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction. The material of the device is molded into different shapes and sizes to fit different portions of a shoe of any shape and size. The device may be attached temporarily or embedded permanently to the inner heel portion of the shoes, or socks of the user. The device may also be used in any article of clothing or protective covering to reduce the effects of friction. Disclosed herein are various methods of attaching or affixing the device to the inner heel portion of the shoes, socks, and any other article of clothing or protective covering. Also, disclosed is a method to hold the device in place without using any kind of adhesive material on the device itself.

Abstract: A personal debris shield for use as a personal protection device to protect against falling or wind-driven debris, such as during a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or the like, includes a body-conforming impact absorption shield that may be quickly positioned over a user's body and that may be removed and/or jettisoned if needed.

Abstract: An outer garment worn by humans that includes segments of the outer surface of the skins of the crocodilian class of animals, such as reptiles. The outer surface of the skins of these reptiles consists of a plurality of interlocking plates that have various sizes of bony protrusions. These plates are called scutes and provide a significant degree of protection to the reptile from penetration by teeth or horns from either predators or prey defending themselves from attack by the reptile. The attachment of sections of the scutes at specific locations on an outer garment provides much the same protection to the wearer as was afforded the reptile. The scute sections are lightweight, yet very strong and can be tanned, dyed and waxed to provide the texture and finish required by the garment manufacturer.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: A protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell and a drag harness located at least substantially within the outer shell. The drag harness includes a wearer portion, a gripping portion and a flap operably coupled to the gripping portion. The flap is releasably secured to the outer shell in a stored state. The flap and the gripping portion remaining operably coupled to one another and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state to drag a wearer.

Abstract: An acceleration protection suit having a sparingly extensible outer layer with veins running essentially along a bodily axis of a wearer which deforms when pressurized in such a way as to generate a tension in the sparingly extensible outer layer, with which pressure can be exerted on the wearer to offset G-forces. Means are provided for tightening and adjusting the protective suit to the wearer. At least part of the veins are permeable to gas at least in spots on a side facing the wearer so that the wearer can be air-conditioned by exiting gas when the veins are pressurized.

Abstract: A glove having one or more reinforcements affixed thereon that reduce restriction of movement of fingers of a user. The reinforcements cross to form at least one X-shaped pattern when projected on a plane of motion of an interphalangeal joint of the fingers. The one or more reinforcements are located substantially on one or both sides of the interphalangeal joint of the fingers. The X-shaped pattern is substantially centered over an axis of rotation of the interphalangeal joint.

Abstract: A closure for use with a pocket for a protective garment is provided. The closure includes a margin, a closure body and an edge. The edge is thicker than the closure body so as to provide better tactile feedback for the wearer. The edge may also include an insert located within the edge.

Abstract: A protective garment for a firefighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes a generally cylindrically shaped limb covering portion such as a sleeve or pant leg. A pocket is affixed to the limb covering portion and includes a bottom portion having an inner margin with an unstressed shape conforming to the generally cylindrically shaped limb covering portion.

Abstract: An article of clothing for a body of a person includes: a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person's body when the article of clothing is worn; a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion; and a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing and a method of protecting ones' body by donning an article of clothing are also included.

Abstract: A cushion for use in a helmet or body armor to mitigate shock loads (i.e. blasts or blunt impact) against the human body includes a matrix having a plurality of fluid pockets. The fluid pockets themselves are either deformable, or they can be reconfigured (e.g. emptied) and are, therefore, connected in fluid communication with an empty receiver pocket. In the latter case, a vent connects each fluid pocket to at least one receiver pocket, and a valve is imbedded into the vent to control fluid flow through the vent. In either case, when the cushion receives a shock load, fluid in the cushion is transferred to reconfigure the cushion for mitigation of the resultant forces.

Abstract: The objective of The Pro's Discard eight (8) designs of fashions and supplies is to bring the single usage then discard technology to the professional service industries in the forn of affordable protective gear, giving better control over safety and the spread of contarnitive bacteria and gerrns.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties.

Abstract: A soccer sock woven from Lycra/Spandex has a protective pad sewn into the sock, or in a pocket defined in the upper metatarsal prominence area of the sock, to provide protection for the wearer's foot. A tongue portion protects the metatarsal area, and wing portions protect his/her ankle joint. The pad is of closed cell polyurethane foam, and is 3 to 6 millimeters in thickness.

Abstract: A protective undergarment, such as trousers or a shirt intended for use under other clothing, employs seamless welding to permanently affix one or more protective pad segments to the main body of material. An ultrasonic welding process may be employed. Thus, a welding material, such as a suitable polymeric film, may be used to fuse a small-area fabric member to the main body material of the undergarment, so as to form a pocket for a pad segment. To ensure that the pad segment does not fold or otherwise move within the pocket, at least one channel may be formed within the pad segment to allow welding within the interior of the pad segment.

Abstract: A heart protector is described that comprises of an angular body. The angular body will have at least two contact points wherein the angular body is capable of being attached to a garment at said contact points such that the angular body is positioned in front of the heart of a user and said contact points are positioned at locations around the pectoral muscles of the user when said garment is worn by the user.

Abstract: A pad, such as a knee, elbow, or shoulder pad, is wearable over an articulatable joint involving an arm of a wearer or a leg of a wearer and is constructed so as to define two flexing lines extending between an upper edge of the pad and a lower edge of the pad, which flexing lines define a central region of the pad and two lateral regions of the pad, so as to define a flexing line spaced from the central region and extending through each of the lateral regions, and so as to define plural flexing lines spaced from the upper and lower edges and from one another and extending across the central region, between the lateral regions. The pad comprises plural layers, which are sewn so as to define the flexing lines, and at least some of those layers are fabric layers.

Abstract: An airbag jacket, to be fitted in a rider jacket, includes an airbag body configured to fill with gas from an inflator operatively connected with the airbag body. The airbag body includes a flat front piece, a flat back piece substantially identical to the flat front piece; the flat front and back pieces having an opening formed therein for permitting an user of the airbag jacket to pass his or her head therethrough. The flat front and back pieces are joined together along a peripheral boundary thereof and along a peripheral boundary of the opening by sewing or bonding so as provide a plurality of continuously formed body covering portions including at least a back covering portion, a shoulder covering portion and a front covering portion.

Abstract: Impact shock absorbing material to be incorporated into protective gear or clothing. The impact shock absorbing material is a laminated material, having a shear-thickening layer and a shock absorbing layer, that is a honeycomb material. The laminated material is incorporated into protective headgear, sports gear, clothing, and a host of other articles that are worn for protection against impact shock. The shear-thickening layer shunts the local impact forces over a greater area of the underlying shock absorbing layer, thereby reducing the force at the point of impact. The vertical walls of the honeycomb layer buckle under the incoming force, thereby diffusing the direction of force away from direct alignment with the body wearing the impact-shock-absorbing material. Protective gear made of the impact shock absorbing material significantly reduces forces imparted to the body as a result of a fall, blow, or other sudden impact.

Abstract: A protective article includes a press molded body including a core of a foam material and a rigid shell of a plastic material molded over the core to thereby enclose intimately the core. The foam material is selected from expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, expanded polyethylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The plastic material is selected from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

Abstract: Chemical and biological protective firefighter turnout gear garments are provided. The protective fabric includes at least one sorptive, reactive, or combined sorptive/reactive material capable of providing protection from at least one chemical or biological agent. The sorptive, reactive or sorptive/reactive material preferably can be recharged, regenerated or removed and replaced to allow for increased garment life. Embodiments of the fabric, garment, and methods for making the fabric and/or garment can provide in a protective garment a unique combination of sorptive/reactive capability, flame resistance, water vapor permeability, liquid impermeability, comfort and durability.

Abstract: A protective garment is provided and includes a jacket having various releasably mounted protective components. The jacket includes a protective collar of ballistic resistant fabric for protecting the neck of a wearer and has front and rear portions which are releasably connected together at opposed side portions of the collar so that the front and rear portions can fold down when not in use. A protective plate is releasably fastened to the front of the jacket and the fastening mechanism allows the plate to be held in a number of different vertical positions. The jacket also includes a rear pocket for housing a rear protective plate. The sleeves of the jacket include a sleeve extension which is slideably mounted to the main sleeve to vary its effective length.