Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises a first wireless communication device for a first team member, and a second wireless communication device for a second team member. The first wireless communication device comprises a microphone and a transmitter for transmitting an oral message via a first wireless communication protocol. The second wireless communication device comprises a main transceiver, and a wearable audio device. The first wireless communication device may include a push to talk hard trigger assembly. The wearable audio device may comprise an epaulet speaker. The system may include a support for mounting the main transceiver onto a shoulder pad of the second team member.

Abstract: A weighted vest includes weight attachment points that allow the user to customize the weight distribution when attaching resistance across a body surface. The vest is secured with shoulder straps, side support straps and a chest buckle and can be comfortably worn during any form of physical exercise, freeing the user's hands for other purposes. The vest is reinforced to withstand the stress of the added resistance with the interior of the vest being padded for comfort. Exchangeable rubber disks are removeably fastened to a back panel to modify the resistance in order to achieve the desired exercise intensity. The disks are shaped to fit together to form a continuous, tessellated layer, if desired, and are secured to attachment points on the weight panel with fasteners. The rubber disks are weighted to provide added mass with sufficient flexibility to conform to contours of the user's body.

Abstract: A soft shoulder weight device for use during vigorous or robust physical activity is a harness having two shoulder straps, with each strap supporting a pocket for holding a weight member, a plurality of quick-release connecting members, two underarm straps, and a back strap. The back strap connects to the shoulder straps and also provides an adjustable connection point for the underarm straps. The weight members are selectively interchangeable and may have masses ranging from approximately 5 pounds to 60 pounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standalone wearable protector 1, comprising: a thin layer supporting fabric 2, at least one inflatable bag 13 housed in a seat 19 provided in said supporting fabric 2, at least one gas generator 12 acting as inflating means connected to said inflatable bag 13 and fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2, a control unit 10 also fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2 and suitable for activating said inflating means 12 and sensing means 5 connected to said control unit 10 and provided on said supporting fabric 2. The present invention also relates to a protective clothing assembly comprising a protective garment 30, 50 made of material resistant to abrasion and friction stresses and said standalone wearable protector 1.

Abstract: A protective helmet is provided having an upper section and a lower section, each having an inside and an outside surface. A gap is formed between the upper section and the lower section. Resilient members in the form of a plurality of spaced apart compression struts are provided for connecting the upper section to the lower section. The upper section is movable with respect to the lower section whereby a portion of the force of an impact to the upper section will be absorbed and will not be transmitted to the lower section. A suspension harness is attached to the inside surface of the lower section. The suspension harness is adapted to receive a portion of the helmet user's head and to keep the helmet user's head from contacting the inside surface of the upper section.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment that provides cushioning effect to areas of wearer's body and shock absorbing capability, while keeping resistance to impact and collision during activities. The garment comprises an article of clothing which covers a portion of a wearer's body and a protective element attached into areas susceptible to injury. The protective element is preferably formed of a base layer of polyurethane shock absorbent foam and a top layer of thermoplastic polyurethane foil including flex zones and raised elements to provide high abrasion resistance and low friction sliding ability during falls. The protective element comprises ventilation holes and a plurality of grooves to stitch the protective element to the garment to create any style of garment. The protective element can be used for different portions of the wearer's body by varying the shape and/or size of the protective element to accommodate a variety of human body portions.

Abstract: A protective apparatus comprising a cantilever yoke system including a left arch slot, a right arch slot and one or more swivel slots, a left distal arch including attachment points configurable with the left arch slot of the cantilever yoke system, a left proximal arch including attachment points configurable with at least one of the attachment points of the left distal arch to join the left proximal arch to the left distal arch, a right distal arch including attachment points configurable with the right arch slot of the cantilever yoke system, a right proximal arch including attachment points configurable with at least one of the attachment points of the right distal arch to join the right proximal arch with the right distal arch, and a swivel including proximal arch slots configurable to join the left proximal arch with the right proximal arch.

Abstract: An anti-horse collar tackle safety device, comprising a base having means for attaching the base to a pair of shoulder pads, wherein the base comprises an interior portion facing the shoulder pads and an exterior portion that is accessible from outside a jersey placed over the shoulder pads, and a releasable portion releasably attached to the exterior portion of the base via means for releasable attachment, wherein the releasable portion is configured to release via application of a force equal to or less than about 15 pounds.

Abstract: In certain variations, head and/or neck protection apparatus and methods are provided. A head and/or neck protection apparatus may include shoulder pads, a collar and/or a helmet. The shoulder pads may include a central opening for receiving a user's neck. A collar may extend from the periphery of the central opening or the collar may be positioned at or around the periphery of the central opening. The helmet may surround but remain spaced apart from a user's head. The helmet may be removably connected or fastened to the collar or shoulder pads. The helmet may be connected or fasted to the collar or shoulder pads such that the helmet cannot move relative to the shoulder pads and a force applied to the helmet is distributed to the collar and transferred to the shoulder pads, shoulders, chest and/or back of a user.

Abstract: A support article, method or system that can be used for comfort and/or to promote relaxation and physical support for a wearer is provided. A support article may include an elongated member with a central section and two depending sides with at least one sleeve defined therein. A method may include draping an elongated support device about one or more of the neck, a shoulder, the shoulders, and/or the back of a wearer; and, inserting one or more of the wearer's hand, wrist, forearm or arm through a corresponding armrest sleeve to provide comfortable support thereto. The support article may serve to isometrically stabilize one or more of the head, neck muscles, and vertebrae, thus enhancing its wearer's ability to quickly achieve and maintain relaxation. The support article can be used to relieve neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and back tension for a wearer by counterbalancing a wearer's cervical spine with the weight of his or her arms.

Abstract: Football shoulder pads having non-elastic underarm straps for securing the front panels to the back panels, each underarm strap being affixed on the interior side of the front panels using low profile securing members, passing through a ring member on the back panel, and then brought forward and secured to itself using a hook-and-loop fastening system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a firearm stabilization apparatus having (1) a main body further having a stopped dado which forms a depression on a front surface of the main body; a first magnet positioned within the depression; a slot along a edge of the main body; and a second magnet positioned within the slot; and (2) a firearm further with a third magnet.

Abstract: This invention concerns protective shoulder pads (2) having a release mechanism (7). The shoulder pads (2) protect an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. Release mechanism (7) allows the protective shoulder pads (2) to be more safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2).

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: A garment made of a compression fabric is provided to serve as a shoulder pad covering. The garment includes a torso portion having a front portion connected to a back portion. The torso portion defines a torso opening, a neck opening, a left arm passage, and a right arm passage. A left shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the left arm passage. The left shoulder portion includes a left shoulder cap pocket. A right shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the right arm passage. The right shoulder portion includes a right shoulder cap pocket. A left epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the left shoulder portion. A right epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the right shoulder portion.

Abstract: A shoulder pad having a cervical spine protection system including shoulder pads and a cervical spine protection device. The cervical spine protection device includes a lower portion engaged with a user's shoulders, an upper portion designed for engagement with a user's helmet when an axial force is applied to a portion of the helmet, the upper portion having a front section, a rear section, and side sections, where the front section, rear section, and side sections of the upper portion have a top surface. The cervical spine protection device also includes a middle portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion. The cervical spine protection device further includes an outside portion shaped to engage with shoulder pads, where the outside portion comprises a substantially c-shaped design, with the lower portion and the upper portion extending laterally further than the middle portion away from the user's neck, and an inside portion shaped to fit around a user's neck.

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: A garment comprising an undershirt having a plurality of first pads, at least two mounting loops extending from the undershirt, a plurality of second pads, each of the plurality of second pads having at least two fingers, and wherein the at least two fingers are engaged with the at least two mounting loops to secure the plurality of second pads to the undershirt.

Abstract: A garment protective system includes a protective member and an adjustable member. In another aspect of the present invention, body armor inside a jacket is repositionable due to adjustment of a coupled adjustment strap. A further aspect of the present invention provides a waist belt adjustably coupled to a shoulder area and/or a back area of a jacket.

Abstract: The invention provides a generally X-shaped utility garment comprising two main straps that form an ‘X-shape’ on a wearer's back and a cross-strap above the X shape to stabilize the garment on the wearer's body. The garment, referred to herein as a strapvest, provides a plurality of pockets and/or receptacles for carrying items the wearer needs to access easily. Its receptacles can be detachable, and a user can select which receptacles to have on the strapvest according to the wearer's immediate needs. It can be adjustable in size to fit a wide range of wearers, and can be adapted to carry many different types of items that are needed for work or recreation, by a combination of built-in pockets and other built-in carriers and optional modular receptacles that can be detachably mounted on the straps of the strapvest.

Abstract: A garment made of a compression fabric is provided to serve as a shoulder pad covering. The garment includes a torso portion having a front portion connected to a back portion. The torso portion defines a torso opening, a neck opening, a left arm passage, and a right arm passage. A left shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the left arm passage. The left shoulder portion includes a left shoulder cap pocket. A right shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the right arm passage. The right shoulder portion includes a right shoulder cap pocket. A left epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the left shoulder portion. A right epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the right shoulder portion.

Abstract: A cervical spine protection device including a lower portion engaged with a user's shoulders, and an upper portion designed for engagement with a user's helmet when an axial force is applied to a portion of the user's helmet, where the upper portion has an opening at the rearward facing side of a user's body. The device further includes a middle portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion, and an inside portion shaped to fit around a user's neck. The axial force applied to the top portion of the user's helmet is at least partially absorbed by the cervical spine protection device and at least partially directed away from a cervical spinal column of the user by the cervical spine protection device. The cervical spine protection device allows extension of the head and neck during athletic movement.

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

Abstract: A garment including a compression fabric is provided to serve as a shoulder pad covering. The garment includes a torso portion having a front portion connected to a back portion. The torso portion defines a torso opening, a neck opening, a left arm passage, and a right arm passage. A left shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the left arm passage. The left shoulder portion includes a left shoulder cap pocket. A right shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the right arm passage. The right shoulder portion includes a right shoulder cap pocket. A left epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the left shoulder portion. A right epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the right shoulder portion.

Abstract: An apparatus to be worn on an individual's shoulders, chest and back below a full face helmet to limit the occurrence of cervical spinal cord injuries in the event of a crash.

Abstract: An apparatus to be worn on an individual's shoulders, chest and back below a full face helmet to limit the occurrence of cervical spinal cord injuries in the event of a crash.

Abstract: This invention concerns protective shoulder pads (2) having a release mechanism (7). The shoulder pads (2) protect an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. Release mechanism (7) allows the protective shoulder pads (2) to be more safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2).

Abstract: An umpire chest protector for use in a baseball game is disclosed to include a body member, a sternum plate, first left and right side plates, second left and right side plates, two shoulder plates, a shoulder strap assembly and a rear padding system. The rear padding system has an air channel defined therein, saving material, reducing the weight and enhancing wearing comfort. The left and right paddings, upper padding, outer left padding and outer right padding of the rear padding system are detachable, easy on and off and washable, material-saving and capable of dispersing impact force. The sternum plate is attached to one side of each of the shoulder plates and affixed thereto with rivets, and side flaps and bottom flaps of the sternum plate are respectively affixed to the upper portions and lower portions of the first left and right side plates with rivets, providing warp around feel and making the protector still and strong.

Abstract: The invention provides a workout garment for protecting a wearer from injury while the wearer exercises. The garment includes a plurality of supporting straps for providing customziably adjustable support to the shoulders and arms of the wearer. The supporting straps may be wrapped around the wearer's arms at a tightness suitable to accommodate the wearer's desired amount of support and comfort. Wrapping the straps tighter will provide increased support. Wrapping the straps looser will provide less support but may be more comfortable.

Abstract: In certain variations, head and/or neck protection apparatus and methods are provided. A head and/or neck protection apparatus may include shoulder pads, a collar and/or a helmet. The shoulder pads may include a central opening for receiving a user's neck. A collar may extend from the periphery of the central opening or the collar may be positioned at or around the periphery of the central opening. The helmet may surround but remain spaced apart from a user's head. The helmet may be removably connected or fastened to the collar or shoulder pads. The helmet may be connected or fasted to the collar or shoulder pads such that the helmet cannot move relative to the shoulder pads and a force applied to the helmet is distributed to the collar and transferred to the shoulder pads, shoulders, chest and/or back of a user.

Abstract: A padding device for sports includes an outer armor having two main pads and a front guard board. Two linings are mounted in the outer armor. Reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections are formed on an outer surface of the outer armor and include apertures and perforations. Vents are formed in areas of each lining corresponding to the reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections. The vents provide rapid dissipation of heat generated by the wearer during sporting, providing comfort wearing. The reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections reinforce the areas where the vents are formed.

Abstract: A shoulder mounted hood cooling assembly includes a support, a blower carried by the support, and vents in fluid communication with the blower. The support when worn by a user positions at least a portion of the support adjacent the user's shoulder's and the vents are positioned to direct air exhausted from the blower to a neck or to a head or both the neck and the head of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for protective body armor to protect the head, neck, and spine from impaction, lateral extension, hyperflexion, hyperextension, while allowing for normal physiologic movement and range of head and neck motion is disclosed. In at least one embodiment a protective body armor includes: a shell adapted to couple to at least one upper body plate, to cover the head and neck, to allow normal physiologic movement and range of the head and the neck within the shell, and to prevent movement beyond the normal movement and range, wherein the shell does not move relative to the at least one upper body plate once rigidly coupled and the farthest distance the head can move upon an impact to the user is within a boundary of the shell; and a skull pad for wear by the user directly upon the head within the shell and for coverage of the skull area.

Abstract: A dual purpose garment is wearable as a neck scarf accessory or as an outer protective garment covering at least a portion of the shoulders and arms. First and second arm-covering sections extend equally from a centrally located section of the garment, wherein the centrally located section and arm-covering sections can protect the shoulders and arms when worn in an outer protective garment configuration. However, the arm-covering sections extend only to end sections which remain open in a neck scarf accessory configuration to allow the garment to resemble an ordinary neck scarf.

Abstract: An adhesive device for securing clothing is provided. The adhesive device includes a flexible substrate having opposing faces. Each opposing face has an adhesive deposited thereon forming a first adhesive surface and an opposing second adhesive surface. An aperture is formed in a central portion of the adhesive device.

Abstract: A garment which comprises an inflatable protective device able to expand from a rest condition, wherein it's in a deflated status, to a working condition, wherein it's in an inflated status, inflation means able to inflate said protective device and an electronic controller able to activate the inflation means if a risk and/or danger signal is detected by sensors incorporated in the garment. The inflatable protective device, after being moved to the working condition, can return automatically to the rest condition without requiring to be repacked or reset and the inflation means can inflate the protective device more than once without requiring to be recharged.

Abstract: Securing devices secure the position of protective pads on the arms of a user of the protective pads. A first strap and a second strap are placed over the head with the head of the user passing in between the first and second strap. The first and second straps connect to a third strap at a first connection point. At a second connection point opposite from the first connection point a fourth strap connects to the first and second straps. The third and fourth straps each connect to an attachment device. The attachment devices connect to the protective pads of the wearer. Each one of the straps can each be adjustable to accommodate wearers of varying dimensions. The attachment devices can be detachable from the protective pads so that the wearer can utilize the securing device in conjunction with protective pads that the wearer already has.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective shoulder pads for protecting an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. The improvement comprises protective shoulder pads with release mechanisms that allow the protective shoulder pads to be safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads.

Abstract: A shoulder pad assembly includes a flexible vest, a pair of shoulder pads coupled to the vest, and first and second straps. The flexible vest has a back side and right and left front sides. The first strap has a first end region coupled to and extending from a first location on the back side and a second end region refastenably and selectively attached to the right or left front sides. The second strap has a third end region coupled to and extending from a second location on the back side and a fourth end region refastenably and selectively attached to the right or left front sides. At least a portion of the left front side is configured to releasably engage the first or the second straps, and at least a portion of the right front side is configured to releasably engage the first or the second straps.

Abstract: An apparatus to prohibit user injury from sudden impact or rotational or whiplash movement. The apparatus includes a helmet, a body harness configured to secure to the user, a plurality of tethers and a plurality of spools. Each tether has one end attached to the helmet and an opposing end fixed relative to the body harness. Each spool is positioned with a tether in wound engagement with the spool. Each spool includes a locking mechanism moveable between an unlocked condition and a locked condition. Upon pre-determined movement of at least one of the tethers, the corresponding locking mechanism moves from the unlocked condition to the locked condition to prohibit additional movement of the tether.

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 padding device for sports includes an outer armor comprised of two main pads and a front guard board. Two linings are mounted in the outer armor. Reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections are formed on an outer surface of the outer armor and include apertures and perforations. Vents are formed in areas of each lining corresponding to the reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections. The vents provide rapid dissipation of heat generated by the wearer during sporting, providing comfort wearing. The reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections reinforce the areas where the vents are formed.

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

Abstract: Garment (10) for sporting activity, in particular a suit for motorcyclists, which is made of breathable fabric in selected regions and comprises a protective shield (40). At least the bottom portion (44) of the shield is removably inserted underneath a layer (58) of puckered elastic material fixed to the breathable fabric.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment includes a pair of shoulder protection plates, a pair of epaulets coupled to the shoulder protection plate, and at least one rear arch plate adapted to cover an upper lumbar region of a back of a user and wrap about each side of a user and at least one front arch plate adapted to cover at least a portion of a chest of a user and having a body portion defining a forwardly-facing first surface and a pair of relief areas extending outwardly from the first surface defining a cavity that is adapted to receive a pectoral area of a user, a lower portion that is adapted to cover an upper abdominal area of a user, and a pair of second side portions adapted to wrap about each side of a user.

Abstract: A shoulder pad apparatus includes a chest plate. A shoulder cap is formed at an upper portion of the chest plate. A shoulder flap connects to the shoulder cap. An upper arm flap pivotably connects to the shoulder flap. At least one arcuate shell also may pivotably connect to the shoulder flap.

Abstract: A garment comprising an undershirt having a plurality of first pads, at least two mounting loops extending from the undershirt, a plurality of second pads, each of the plurality of second pads having at least two fingers, and wherein the at least two fingers are engaged with the at least two mounting loops to secure the plurality of second pads to the undershirt.

Abstract: A garment comprised of a compression fabric is provided to serve as a shoulder pad covering. The garment includes a torso portion having a front portion connected to a back portion. The torso portion defines a torso opening, a neck opening, a left arm passage, and a right arm passage. A left shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the left arm passage. The left shoulder portion includes a left shoulder cap pocket. A right shoulder portion is connected to the torso portion adjacent to the right arm passage. The right shoulder portion includes a right shoulder cap pocket. A left epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the left shoulder portion. A right epaulette passage is positioned between the neck opening and the right shoulder portion.

Abstract: An athletic padding arrangement includes a garment made of a fabric and a plurality of resilient bulge shaped gripping members disposed on the fabric. The gripping members provide at least one high friction area on the garment, each of the gripping members is uniform in composition. At least one protective pad is releasably positioned on the garment with and underside of the protective pad in contact with the at least one high friction area. The gripping members exert a frictional force on the underside of the protective pad that is greater than the frictional force exerted by the fabric on the protective pad. The garment may be, for example, a shirt or a pant comprised of a compression fabric with moisture wicking properties.

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.