Abstract: The football player-worn target pad is a training device. The football player-worn target pad is a garment. The football player-worn target pad is worn by an athlete. The football player-worn target pad is configured for use in training for the game of American football. The football player-worn target pad provides targets used to aim the interpersonal impacts that commonly occur between a first athlete and a second athlete participating in American football. The football player-worn target pad incorporates a harness structure and a pad structure. The harness structure is worn by the first athlete. The pad structure presents a plurality of target images that are visible to the second athlete. The second athlete aims at the plurality of target images during the interpersonal impact between the second athlete and the first athlete.

Abstract: The present application provides a protective apparatus that includes a left and a right generally arched shaped portion with a foam padding system. The foam padding system comprising an adjustable channel that accommodates a shape of a shoulder, the foam padding system including a shoulder pad removably attached to an upper end of at least one of the generally arched shaped portions, and a pair of adjustable body pads removably attached to beneath the shoulder pad in a variable configuration that creates the adjustable channel.

Abstract: The present application provides a protective apparatus that includes a left and a right generally arched shaped portion with a foam padding system. The foam padding system comprising an adjustable channel that accommodates a shape of a shoulder, the foam padding system including a shoulder pad removably attached to an upper end of at least one of the generally arched shaped portions, and a pair of adjustable body pads removably attached to beneath the shoulder pad in a variable configuration that creates the adjustable channel.

Abstract: A helmet and shoulder pad assembly for protecting a user from a concussion injury includes a pair of shoulder pads that is wearable on a user's shoulders during athletic activity. A helmet is hingedly coupled to the shoulder pads and the helmet is positionable in a closed position to cover the user's head. The helmet is coupled to the shoulder pads when the helmet is positioned in the closed position thereby facilitating the helmet to transfer impact energy into the shoulder pads. In this way the helmet inhibits the user from suffering a concussion injury. The helmet is positionable in an open position to expose the user's head.

Abstract: An inflatable flotation device including two panels extending from a body an inflatable bladder. The two panels and the body may be closed to enclose the inflatable bladder with the two panels attached to each other using magnets. When the inflatable bladder is inflated, the magnets separate from each other and the two panels open up to expose the inflatable bladder and allow further inflation.

Abstract: The present application provides a protective apparatus that includes a left and a right generally arched shaped portion with a foam padding system. The foam padding system comprising an adjustable channel that accommodates a shape of a shoulder, the foam padding system including a shoulder pad removably attached to an upper end of at least one of the generally arched shaped portions, and a pair of adjustable body pads removably attached to beneath the shoulder pad in a variable configuration that creates the adjustable channel.

Abstract: A weighted chest protector, including a front panel, a rear panel, an adjustable shoulder panel, and a stability strap. The rear panel having a horizontal bottom edge and a horizontal strap extending from each side of the horizontal bottom edge for connecting the rear panel to the front panel. The adjustable shoulder panel having a first end and a second end, and a weight affixed to the adjustable shoulder panel at a location is which is closer to the second end of the adjustable shoulder panel than to the first end of the adjustable shoulder panel. The stability strap extending vertically between the rear panel and the adjustable shoulder panel.

Abstract: A shoulder-pad system includes various components, including an impact-plate assembly and one or more sub-layers. The shoulder-pad system may be substantially retained in an arrangement or configuration using one or more securing garments. An exemplary securing garment includes an upper-body garment that at least partially wraps over, and attaches to, the impact-plate assembly.

Abstract: An improved design for an athletic helmet incorporating non-Newtonian fluid shock absorbing structures.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to a shoulder-pad system that may be used to attenuate impact in various contexts. The shoulder-pad system may have a number of subcomponents, which may include an impact-plate assembly, an impact-attenuation sub-layer, a base-layer garment, and a securing garment, among others. The shoulder-pad system may be described as modular, in that the various subcomponents may be added to, and/or removed from the system when it is desirable to do so.

Abstract: A chest protector includes a structure for protecting at least a portion of a cardiac silhouette of a user. The structure may include a base assembly, a pivot plate assembly, and a fulcrum block positioned between the pivot plate assembly and the base assembly. The pivot plate assembly is positioned to pivot on the fulcrum block. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly and the fulcrum block may include compressible and resilient material. The structure may be shaped, sized, and positioned to coextend with a region of the user's cardiac silhouette. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly includes two pivot plate portions oriented at an angle relative to one another. The pivot plate portions may be connected with a flexible hinge, such as a living hinge.

Abstract: A protective helmet attachment connects a helmet to a set of shoulder pads. The attachment includes a set of links that are attached to the helmet, and are adapted to ride within an annular track situated around the head opening in the shoulder pads. The links redistribute the force from a blow to the head down to the shoulders and body. The links may be of one piece that is rigidly attached to the helmet, thus providing maximum protection. Alternatively, the links may be formed of two pieces that are pivotally connected using a shoulder bolt, thus somewhat reducing the level of protection afforded against a blow to the front or back of the head but maintaining the ability to tilt the head.

Abstract: An anti-concussion helmet attachment collar assembly includes a cowl body attached to a curved helmet attachment ring segment at its upper end, and to a cowl support ring at its lower end. A circular rolling element bearing is interposed between the bottom of the cowl support ring and the interior shoulder of an underlying central ring, facilitating rotation of the cowl support ring with respect to the central ring. A modified helmet incorporates a flange with keyhole openings coupleable with standoff rivets on the helmet attachment ring segment. A base attached to equipment, such as football shoulder pads, is configured to selectively couple with the central ring during use.

Abstract: The present application provides a protective apparatus that includes a left and a right generally arched shaped portion with a padding system that provides a channel that accommodates the user's shoulder. The foam padding system includes a shoulder pad removably attached to at least one of the generally arched shaped portions, and a pair of body pads removably attached at their top ends to the shoulder pad and at a bottom to respective bottom ends of the generally arched shape portions.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for protecting at least a user's neck area from impact forces directed thereto, has a neck-protective structure about the neck area at a distance for bearing and absorbing the impact forces, and a base structure coupled to the protective structure. The protective structure is demountably attachable to an upper body area of the user for supporting the protective structure thereon and for absorbing the impact forces absorbed distributed from the protective structure.

Abstract: An article of apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: A strap for a protective sport garment wearable by a wearer, the garment comprising at least first and second parts separated by a space. The strap has first and second layers made of stretchable material a padding element confined therein for offering impact protection. The strap also has a first end portion affixed to one of the first and second parts and a second end portion detachably affixed at a selected location on the other one of the first and second parts. In use, the strap is movable between first and second lengths for allowing the second end portion of the strap to be affixed at the selected location for allowing adjustability of the first and second parts.

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: A restraint system in a vehicle includes a first retractor, a second retractor, a first webbing retractably coupled to the first retractor, a second webbing retractably coupled to the second retractor, a first lower vest panel attached to the first webbing, and a second lower vest panel attached to the second webbing. The lower vest panels are inflatable and releasably attachable to each other.

Abstract: A manual transfer vest which aids in compensating for fatigue, pain, loss of strength, mobility, and energy in the daily life of patients and/or individuals/caregivers assisting them. It comprises soft, lightweight, and preferably washable material that enwraps the patient's torso, and also has at least seven non-adjustable hand-grip lift components with sturdy and durable construction and attachment. In some preferred embodiments, nine hand-grip lift components are used, with six hand-grip lift components preferably situated bilaterally on the vest front, and three hand-grip lift components situated on the vest back. For vest durability during repeated patient lifting, reinforcement lining stitching is secured adjacent to or near at least one end of all hand-grips lift components. Interior adjustment ties, padded neck and armhole openings, mesh fabric, and a collar may also contribute to patient comfort. Overall, the manual transfer vest promotes safety in preventing injuries, thereby reducing medical costs.

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: 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: A method for positioning an impact detection device on a fork of a vehicle supporting a wheel of the vehicle, in which the fork has a right-hand rod-shaped member and a left-hand rod-shaped member is described. The impact detection device has at least one first sensor unit associated with the right-hand rod-shaped member and a second sensor unit associated with the left-hand rod-shaped member. The second sensor unit is mounted inverted or rotated by an angle of 180 degrees around a steering axis of the wheel.

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: The invention relates to highly elastic polyurethane foams which are suitable as functional materials having thermally insulating properties.

Abstract: In one aspect, neck support apparatus are described herein. In some embodiments, a neck support apparatus comprises a band comprising a first end, a second end and a neck support region positioned between the first end and the second end, the first end comprising a first fastener and the second end comprising a second fastener, wherein the neck support region has one or more dimensions sufficient to restrain, prevent, or inhibit neck extension beyond a 70 degree angle when the band is placed in tension by coupling the first and second ends to body equipment on the torso of an individual, the angle defined by the intersection of a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the canthus of the eye and a horizontal line of the tragus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a training apparatus for developing fundamental skill for the game of football which comprises a base pad having at least one of a hand grip and a shoulder pad, and an outer pad mounted and securely stitched to a front of the base pad. The outer pad includes a torso region and a shoulder region shaped to mimic shoulder pads of a football player. In some embodiments, the outer pad is covered with a grippable mesh material adapted to mimic a texture and form of a football jersey. The outer pad may be smaller than and fit within a perimeter of the front of the base pad, and during training, the outer pad is adapted to draw attention to the center of the training apparatus to draw hands of a training player inside the perimeter of the base pad.

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: The present plate carrier includes front and rear panel sections with internal pockets for supporting ballistic plates and inserts, but positions the rear panel section to provide improved thoracic protection. The front and rear panel sections are suspended by shoulder straps, which connect to the rear panel section at a mid point below the top edge of the rear panel section. The mid point connection of the shoulder straps causes the rear panel section to ride higher than the front panel section and higher on the wearer's back thereby positioning the ballistic plate inside high on the wearer's back and providing better ballistic coverage of the wearer's upper thoracic area. One of the internal pockets of each panel section has facing strips of hook and loop material sewn around its inner periphery that adhere together around a ballistic plate to center and hold the plate in place within the pocket.

Abstract: A ballistic protection garment assembly has a two sleeves joined by front and back yolks. The sleeved garment can be attached to a variety of ballistic vests with front and rear attachment assemblies which are removably connected to the yolks by zippers. For ballistic vests with appropriate patches of hook and look fastener material, the attachment assemblies comprise mating hook and loop fastener material. For ballistic vests with webbing sewn in the U.S. Army's PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) arrangement, the attachment assemblies comprise a panel with connected straps which are extended through loops of the vest webbing, and held in place by buckles and C-shaped retaining elements.

Abstract: An appendage protector for an article of protective gear is provided. The protector includes an upper arm protector portion, a lower arm protector portion, and a protective arm hinge overlying a gap between the upper and lower arm protector portions. The arm hinge includes a forward-facing floater pad, a medial extension, and a lateral extension. The medial and lateral extensions are slidably coupled to at least one of the upper and lower arm protector portions to guide forward movement of the floater pad during rotation of the lower arm protector portion toward the upper arm protector portion, and to guide rearward movement of the floater pad during rotation of the lower arm protector portion away from the upper arm protector portion. The arm protector can form part of a goaltender chest protector to provide an integrated system allowing fluid movement of the wearer's arm with enhanced protection to the elbow region.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for detecting helmet contact. A first helmet (e.g., an offensive player's helmet) detects an impact, and transmits a signal indicating the detected impact. A second helmet (e.g., a defensive player's helmet) detects the impact and transmits a signal indicating a detected impact. In response to analyzing the signal transmissions of first and second helmets, a monitor determines that a helmet-to-helmet contact has occurred between the first and second helmets. To minimize the occurrence of false positive determinations, especially in the event that multiple helmets detect impacts, the helmets may be enabled to only transmit a signal if the impact exceeds a first impact threshold. Another means of minimizing false positives is for the helmets to transmit a timestamp associated with a time of impact occurrence. Further, helmets may collect and transmit information regarding the proximity of other helmets.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse is provided. The shoulder pad includes a pair of curvilinear, continuous arch members joined together to define a central opening that receives the player's head. A side pad assembly, including an epaulet and a shoulder cap, is operably connected to each arch member by a flexible band that provides a common connection point on the arch member. The band provides a single pivot point for the epaulet and the shoulder cap about the common connection point. A curvilinear internal padding assembly is connected to each arch member and configured to absorb and lessen impacts received while wearing the shoulder pad and playing the contact sport.

Abstract: A zoned moisture management garment is presented, which provides one-way moisture transport from a wearer's body and zones of different moisture management performance. By incorporating dissolvable yarns, removable by a printable paste, with non-dissolvable yarns of different denier per filament, zoned garments with a denier differential mechanism can be created. The zoned garment optimizes evaporative cooling and wicking zones of a garment based upon a sweat profile and contact profile of the wearer.

Abstract: An anti-riding undergarment having a waistband; at least one fabric portion, having a top portion attached to the waistband and a bottom portion divided into two leg portions; a seam extending vertically along a rear seat portion of the undergarment from a point on the fabric portion positioned between the two leg portions to the waistband; and one or more bands spanning the seam.

Abstract: A body armor system that includes a fabric carrier configured (i) to be worn by a user and (ii) to hold armor plates. A back armor plate is held by the carrier. A right side plate is held by the carrier and a left side plate is held by the carrier. Straps are configured to wrap horizontally across the user and matingly connect to each other. Straps integral to the carrier are configured to wrap down over the front of the user and matingly connect to the connected horizontal straps. A right thigh plate and a left thigh plate are matingly connected with straps around right and left thighs of the user.

Abstract: A load bearing vest comprising a yoke, a core for carrying armor attached to the yoke, and a waist belt assembly for distributing weight to the waist or hips of a user attached to the yoke.

Abstract: An impact protection device may include a front protective assembly and a rear protective assembly. The front protective assembly and/or the rear protective assembly may include protective pads that can be removed in order to better accommodate a neck brace. The protective pads may be left in place when no neck brace is being used.

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

Abstract: A shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse is provided. The shoulder pad includes a pair of curvilinear, continuous arch members joined together to define a central opening that receives the player's head. A side pad assembly, including an epaulet and a shoulder cap, is operably connected to each arch member by a flexible band that provides a common connection point on the arch member. The band provides a single pivot point for the epaulet and the shoulder cap about the common connection point. A curvilinear internal padding assembly is removably connected to each arch member.

Abstract: A head and neck protection system is provided that includes a dome including a rear frame and a cage attached to a front of the rear frame and an upper torso padded portion removably attached to a bottom of the dome portion. The dome is configured such that a when a wearer's head moves in its full range of motion, the wearer's head does not touch the inside of the dome portion in any direction such that a force from a collision is transmitted to the wearer's upper torso, thereby bypassing the wearer's head and neck.

Abstract: An air bag jacket includes a first portion corresponding to a breast and an upper back portion of a user in a wearing state and a second portion corresponding to a belly and a waist of the user in a wearing state. A recessed portion is cut upwardly from a skirt is formed in the second portion at a position corresponding to either a right or left side of the user. An inflator is arranged on the inside of the recessed portion.

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

Abstract: A quick release garment such as a tactical vest wherein the garment includes a waist belt that is provided with two connector systems, one for manual release of the belt and one for remote release of the belt. The vest may include armor that is generally conformable to the waist shape of a wearer, which armor is insertable within the waist belt of the garment.

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 cincture is worn on and protects the upper torso of an individual. The cincture is spaced apart from the neck of the individual and contacts the individual's shoulder at points intermediate the individual's neck and distal end of the collarbone to protect the individual's neck from injury and to facilitate transmitting strike forces over the posterior of the shoulder and upper back of the individual.

Abstract: A combination of a vest and a versatile, adaptable bag allows a person to comfortably carry articles, even while physically active. The vest is contoured to the shape of a person's body, limiting the jostling of the vest and integrally attached bag as the person moves. One advantageous feature of the convertible bag is that its size can adapt to the desired contents: the upper portion of the bag acts either as a flap for the lower portion, or as a vertical extension of the lower portion when the bag contents are more voluminous. Further, the vest portion sits high on the chest of the person wearing the vest. This increases comfort to the person by distributing the weight better, and reduces sweating, particularly during physical activity such as riding a bicycle.