Abstract: An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.

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 protective pad system may comprise a vest, at least one right shoulder pad and at least one left shoulder pad. The vest may comprise a back region, a left shoulder region, a right shoulder region, and a chest region. The at least one left shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the left shoulder region of the vest, and at least one left front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one left shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest. Likewise, the at least one right shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the right shoulder region of the vest, and at least one right front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one right shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest.

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: 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: 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: A vest having front and rear members made of rigid or semi-rigid material where each member has recesses for receiving a user's head and both arms. Left and right shoulder pads are located between and attached to both members on each side of the recess for receiving the user's head with pivotably connecting members, and side access panels are located between and removably attached to both members below the left and right recesses for a user's arms with pivotably connecting members which prevent the shoulder pads and the side access panels from being displaced laterally from the front and rear members when the vest is subjected to a compression load. A lift harness is integrated into the front and rear members and a lift ring, which is permanently connected to the lift harness, is removably connected to a rescue rope that has distance markings thereon.

Abstract: A quick release garment such as a vest including a quick release system for easy removal by a wearer in an emergency situation wherein activation of the quick release system releases the vest from one side only disconnecting one shoulder strap, at least one belt end portion and at least one cummerbund end portion, if a cummerbund is present. Components of the vest remain attached together so that the wearer may easily retrieve the garment, once removed, and easily reposition and reconnect the garment for movement to another location. The present garment can also be configured such that the quick release system releases only one shoulder strap, a shoulder strap and one or both belt end portions, a shoulder strap and one or both cummerbund end portions, and other combinations.

Abstract: Fumble Flaps are disclosed which are cradles strategically located on a vest or shirt to prevent the fumbling of a ball by an offensive player.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a posture aid apparatus includes a protective helmet having a shell including a face opening and a crown, a strap bracket coupled to the shell intermediate the face opening and the crown, and at least one strap coupled to the strap bracket. The at least one strap has a first connector adapted to be coupled to a first shoulder pad of a pair of shoulder pads and a second connector adapted to be coupled to a second shoulder pad of the pair of shoulder pads, such that proper posture for contact is promoted.

Abstract: A upper body protective garment for cushioning blows imparted upon the wearer's body includes a chest protector portion, a back protector portion, and a pair of telescopic shoulder protector portions. These protector portions preferably form a single integral unit. Each telescopic shoulder protector portion includes an inner-shoulder protector portion and an outer-shoulder protector portion that is telescopically coupled to the inner-shoulder protector portion. The outer-shoulder protector portion is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position for allowing an individual wearing the protective garment to raise his arm without interference from the telescopic shoulder protector portion.

Abstract: This orthopedic orthosis, includes a textile article with first and second faces; the orthosis can be fitted in place such that either the first and second faces can equally well contact a patient limb. The orthosis has at least one fastening tab including an active face with fastening elements that may cooperate with first or second securing means arranged respectively on the first the second faces of the textile article, and an inactive face opposite the active face, said fastening tab being fixed non-removably via its inactive face on a zone contiguous to an edge of the textile article, so as to be able to pivot about an axis substantially parallel to this edge, between a first position, in which the active face catches by contact on the first securing means, and a second position, in which the active face catches by contact on the second securing means.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective rib and lower back pads (2) for protecting an individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) against impact to the ribs and/or lower back region of the human body. The improvement comprises protective rib and lower back pads (2) with release mechanism (1) that allows the protective rib and lower back pads (2) to be safely and easily detached from its corresponding pair of protective shoulder pads (4) while the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of a secondary injury to the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) as the protective rib and lower back pads (2) and associated protective shoulder pads (4) are removed.

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: A high-visibility covering is removably attached to a firefighter turnout coat at the shoulders and front closure by easily separable fasteners so that the assemblage can be donned as a single coat and the high-visibility covering can be easily ripped off. In one embodiment, the covering is a single panel that wraps around the coat, extending from the shoulders to the waist or hips. In another embodiment, the covering is composed of three panels, two front panels and a back panel. Front shoulder straps on the covering are removably attached to the front of the turnout coat at the shoulders. Back shoulder straps on the panel overlap and are removably attached to the corresponding front shoulder straps. In the three panel embodiment, the back panel has a pair of lappets that overlap and are removably attached to the corresponding front panel.

Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective rib and lower back pads for protecting an individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads against impact to the ribs and/or lower back region of the human body. The improvement comprises protective rib and lower back pads with release mechanisms that allow the protective rib and lower back pads to be safely and easily detached from its corresponding pair of protective shoulder pads while the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of a secondary injury to the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads as the protective rib and lower back pads and associated protective shoulder pads are removed.

Abstract: Human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers that define a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer element in any of multiple, non-overlapping positions. The space and the thermal transfer element preferably have cooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt, jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment. Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outer layers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at the pocket areas of pants. The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of a corresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of the garment. Thermal transfer elements are preferably disposed in pouches having a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a very thin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

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: An epaulet-free athletic shoulder pad arrangement covers the shoulders of an athlete and has a pair of arches of rigid moldable material made up of a chest panel, a back panel and a curved crest connected between the chest and back panels. The crest is shaped and sized to cover one shoulder of the athlete and has an outer end for covering an outer end of the shoulder. The chest and back panels are connected to each other over the chest and back of the athlete and no portion of the arrangement is over or above an upper surface of the crest so that there is no epaulet needed or present in the arrangement.

Abstract: A hydration and motorcycle protection combination system for providing impact protection for a motorcycle rider and a liquid to be drank and keep the motorcycle rider hydrated includes a breast plate and a back plate positioned over a portion of a torso of a person to inhibit damage to a chest and back of the person when the breast plate and back plate are impacted. Each of a plurality of torso straps is coupled between the breast plate and the back plate to press the breast plate and the back plate against the torso to secure the back plate and the breast plate to the torso. A hydration assembly is coupled to the back plate. The hydration assembly contains a consumable liquid to be drunk by the person to keep the person hydrated.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular garment having: a thick and relatively inflexible protective first garment, intended for optional wear; and an electronic garment having a flexible central part at the back and two side parts; the width of the central part is adjustable so that it can be made narrow or wide (depending on whether the electronic garment is worn on its own or over the first garment); several electrical and/or electronic devices are supported by the side parts; and at least one electrical cable runs across the inside face of the electronic garment between the electrical devices, the at least one electrical cable being attached to the side parts without being attached to the central part in front of which it runs freely along a curved path so as to be able to adapt to the modifications in the width of the central part.

Abstract: A protective shoulder pad assembly for use in contact sports. The shoulder pad assembly includes a flexible vest, a pair of rigid shoulder pads attached to the vest, and a pair of straps extending from a back side of the vest. The straps can each be refastenably attached to a front side of the vest. In particular, the straps can be crossed over one another in an “X” configuration on the front side of the vest, thereby directly securing each strap to both a front right portion and a front left portion of the vest.

Abstract: A body armor system has a side-entry vest with armored front and back panels connected at the sides by flexible side closure and fit adjusting panels. The back panel forms a gusseted, bellowing pocket for carrying a liquid-containing hydration pouch. Vulnerable deltoid locations exposed between arm opening edges of the front and back panels and shoulder and upper arm protectors have shield-like deltoid protectors that are affixed to the vest at the arm opening but are not connected to the shoulder and upper arm protector so as to afford relatively free arm movement. The flexible side closure and fit adjusting panels connect to the rear panel with Velcro strips on interior and exterior edge surfaces trapped between Velcro-bearing tabs formed on the edge of the back panel. Large Velcro patches on the interior front end of the flexible panel mate with a Velcro patch on the exterior of the front panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member.

Abstract: In a wearable air bag system which a rider puts on beforehand, a prominent impact load can be dispersed by hard protectors, and an impact on the rider can be effectively cushioned by air bags. In one embodiment, a front air bag for covering a chest portion of a rider is provided in a front main section of a jacket worn by the rider. A rear air bag for covering a back portion of the rider is provided in a rear main section of the jacket. Front and rear hard protectors are provided on the outer surfaces of the air bags, respectively.

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: The “Cross-Over” vest is made of a hybrid material with a Neoprene (polychlorine) base. The “Cross-Over” has six velcro straps that make for a snug fit on the torso. The velcro straps are located on the left and right shoulders, and two straps on the left torso and two straps on the right torso. In the straight front of the vest is an arm sleeve. There are two bungee cords, one for the left and right arm. The cords attach to the vest in the front bottom by two D-Rings. They also attach to the back bottom by two D-rings. The other end of each cords are attached to two elbow straps via a D-ring each. One for the left arm and one for the right arm.

Abstract: The illuminated chest protection device includes a chest protector assembly including a front upper torso plate member, a back upper torso plate member, shoulder protection members being attached to the front upper torso plate, and connectors interconnecting the shoulder protection members to the back upper torso plate member; and also includes light-emitting elements being disposed in the front and back upper torso plate members; and further includes a light control unit being attached to the chest protector assembly and being connected to the light-emitting elements.

Abstract: A helmet has shock absorbing devices mounted to the sides thereof and extending to a pair of shoulder pads. The shock absorbing devices are connected by tubing to a pilot-operated valve, which allow a free movement of the helmet in a normal mode. An impact on the helmet, however, causes a rise in pressure inside the shock absorbing devices and their tubing, and activates the valve to block the flow of fluid through the tubing, thereby stiffening the shock absorbing devices and transmitting the impact force to the shoulders of the player.

Abstract: A safety device against a crash for a motorcycle is equipped with an air jacket, a cartridge and an opening device. Before the moving motorcycle collides with an obstacle existing ahead, a control signal is outputted and the opening device is operated when a first condition where interval between the motorcycle and the obstacle becomes a certain distance, and a second condition where relative velocity of the motorcycle toward the obstacle becomes over a certain value, are fulfilled. When this occurs, a seal plate of the cartridge is opened and pressurized gas filled in the cartridge flows into and expands an airbag of the air jacket whereby a rider of the moving motorcycle is protected.

Abstract: A personal restraint system includes a central mounting assembly that is couplable to an interior surface of a vehicle. The central mounting assembly has a base member. The central mounting assembly has a rotatable coupling portion that is rotatably coupled to the base member. An elongate member has a first and second end. The first end is operationally couplable to the rotatable coupling portion. A harness assembly is operationally couplable to the second end of the elongate member. The elongate member is providing vertical support for a user when the harness assembly is worn by the user and the harness assembly is coupled to the central mounting assembly via the elongate member. The harness member is for inhibiting unwanted movement of the user relative to the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: The Vehicle Body Armor Support System (V-BASS) significantly enhances the survivability of vehicle crewmembers and occupants in aircraft and ground vehicles from high velocity projectiles such as shrapnel or bullets at minimum weight burden on the vehicle occupants. Current heavy body armor systems weigh 20 to 40 pounds. The majority of this weight is carried on the vehicle occupant's torso and transferred through the occupant'spine to the seat. The Vehicle Body Armor Support System invention allows the direct transfer of the heavy body armor system's weight directly to the seat or other points in the vehicle without burdening the occupant. This invention is comprised of a vehicle platform; an occupant seat supported by the vehicle platform; an occupant armor component carried on the occupant designed in such a fashion to transfer the weight of the armored component from the occupant to the seat or other points in the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective pad apparatus having a shell assembly and an impact absorbing cushioning pad assembly lining the inner surfaces of the shell assembly. The cushioning pad assembly may include a plurality of discrete cushioning pads wherein at least one of the pads includes a laminate having at least one impact absorbing layer which allows air to flow therethrough. The shell assembly may include a plurality of discrete protector panels. At least one of the protector panels may include one or more raised embossments.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising at least one holder for a person and a securing device for detachably securing a person in the holder. The holder comprises at least a seat and a backrest. The securing device includes at least two straps, first ends of which are positioned near a part of the backrest remote from the seat and second ends of which are positioned near the seat. The straps are each fitted with a lock plate between said first and said second ends, which lock plates can be detachably locked together. The straps furthermore each include at least one spring element, wherein the straps can be moved towards the holder against spring force.

Abstract: A load-carrying assembly (10) [FIG. 2] is disclosed comprising a panel (14) having a grid of holes (54) formed therein and at least one load-carrying pouch (26) attached to the panel by means of stud-like fasteners (40, 41) that pass through the holes (54) and through perforations (56, 72) formed in the pouch (26). The panel (14) is preferably formed from a woven textile mesh in which the total area of the holes is less than 75% of the area of the panel, in which the mesh is less extensible in the vertical (load-carrying) direction than in the lateral or horizontal direction, and in which the studs are preferably a close fit in the holes of the mesh and the perforations of the pouch.

Abstract: A body protection device in the form of an inflatable vest includes an inflation mechanism that is actuated in response to the separation or removal of the wearer from a vehicle such as a motorcycle, ski-mobile, or personal water craft. Attached to the outside of the vest is a compressed gas cartridge communicating with the interior of the vest through a cartridge actuation mechanism and an inflation tube. The cartridge actuation mechanism includes a triggering device that can be actuated to open the cartridge by means of an actuation lever. The actuation lever actuates the triggering device in response to a pulling force of predetermined magnitude, and in doing so detaches from the actuation mechanism. The actuation lever is connected to the vehicle by a lanyard.

Abstract: A protective torso garment for providing support and pressure against an injured rib cage. The protective torso garment includes a panel. The panel has a outer surface, a inner surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge. The panel comprises a resiliently elastic cloth material. Each of a pair of shoulder straps has a first end and a second end. Each of the ends the shoulder straps is securely attached to the top edge of the panel. The second ends are generally positioned between first and second side edges. Each of the first ends of the straps is positioned respectively adjacent to one of the side edges of the panel. A securing means detachably attaches the first side edge to the second side edge.

Abstract: Protective body apparel, comprising, one or more foundation components adapted to be removably worn proximate one or more parts of said body; and one or more pads comprising, a polymeric material capable of absorbing impact energy, which comprises a plurality of microspheres and which is viscoelastic at room temperature, wherein one or more of said pads is carried by one or more of said foundation components; and method for shaping said polymeric material.

Abstract: An athletic garment and equipment system according to the present invention includes an athletic garment having at least one section of knitted elastomeric raised loop fabric of a preferred design. The system also includes an athletic pad, pad assembly or other athletic equipment including at least one male hook substrate piece. The section of elastomeric raised loop fabric may be stretched and fixed to the male hood substrate piece to secure the garment to the athletic pad.

Abstract: There is described a wearable garment capable of supplying air to a user comprising a plurality of compartments disposed about the garment, a plurality of air storage vessels for fitting into respective ones of the compartments, an air regulator, a connector for connecting the plurality of air storage vessels to the regulator, and a breathing member connected to the regulator in fluid communication therewith, wherein the breathing member allows a user to receive air from the plurality of air storage vessels.

Abstract: A cutaway vest generally includes a rear portion having an internal cummerbund, a front portion, and a pull cord. The cutaway vest includes a cutaway attachment in each shoulder and in the back for cutting away the shoulders, the sides, and the cummerbund upon pulling and removing a pull cord from the cutaway vest. The cutaway attachment may include a loop which is inserted through a ring and secured in place by a cable of the pull cord.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the neck and spine of a user are provided. A neck and spinal protection apparatus is provided comprising a chest cover for fitting about a chest of a user. Moreover, a back cover fits about an upper back of the user and a shoulder cover fits about the user's shoulders and is connected to the chest and back cover. Furthermore, a head cover fits over a head of the user and is connected to the back cover. The head cover extends only about the upward and rearward periphery of a user and disperses a force associated with an impact to the head cover downward to the chest, back and shoulder covers in use.

Abstract: A multi-component stab and ballistic resistant garment having a stab resistant sub-panel constructed of at least one layer of metallic cloth interposed between at least two layers of woven fabric. A ballistic resistant sub-panel constructed of woven ballistic resistant sheets is provided in which at least a portion of the stab resistant sub-panel and at least a portion of the ballistic resistant sub-panel are aligned with one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a protective upper body assembly comprising shoulder pads, a pair of arm protectors, and suspending means. The shoulder pads include a frontal padding element linked to a dorsal padding element by a pair of shoulder arches. Two rigid shells are connected to the shoulder arches and overlie the extremites of the shoulders. With respect to the arm protectors, the latter are capable of being integrally connected to the shoulder pads and each comprises an upper arm protector and a lower arm protector. An elbow shell bridges the lower arm protector and the upper arm protector.

Abstract: An upland pack vest for hunting has a rear game pouch and an adjustable belting/strapping system designed to evenly distribute the weight of game loaded in the game pouch. The pack vest includes a pair of shoulder staps connected to the top of the game pouch and a hip belt connected to the inside of the game pouch. The shoulder straps are hung over the shoulders of the hunter and the hip belt is buckled around the waist of the hunter. A pair of adjustable diagonal straps connect the respective shoulder straps to the game pouch. A sternum strap connects the shoulder straps to prevent the shoulder straps from spreading as the adjustable diagonal straps redistribute weight from the game pouch onto the front portion of the shoulder straps. The length of the diagonal straps are adjustable in order to allow the hunter to adjust the fit of the vest.

Abstract: A protective garment for preventing injury to the head, neck and torso. A helmet is rotatable mounted on a vest that includes a back section and a left front section and a right front section. The left front section are both mounted to rotate on the back section to be folded together to hold the helmet on the vest.

Abstract: An adjustable shoulder pad particularly adapted for use by children for playing hockey and other similar sports. The adjustable junior shoulder pad is made of two main portions, namely a left-hand portion and a right-hand portion. These two main portions have front and rear panels interconnected together by a shoulder arch and these panels have respective overlapping surfaces. The overlapping surfaces of the front and rear panels have affixing means which allow interconnection of the right and left portions in accordance with different positions for allowing size adjustment of the shoulder pad.

Abstract: A method of securing a strap and a strap fastening apparatus integral with an article of apparel includes an article of apparel and a planar surface. The apparatus further includes a wedge having a handle and a surface with a predetermined angle. The wedge also includes projections which engage with a strap. The apparatus also provides a housing where the wedge is contained within the housing. The apparatus also includes an attachment device where the attachment device fastens the housing to the planar surface. The housing and planar surface form a first opening and a second opening. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for reducing contact area between the strap and the planar surface, whereby translational displacement required for locking the wedge and smoothing wear of the wedge are substantially reduced while friction is substantially increased between the wedge and the strap and between the planar surface and the strap.

Abstract: A protective collar apparatus comprising a protective pad operably positioned behind the neck of a user, a torso mounted vest and a pair of flexible and non stretchable connecting straps joining the pad to the vest. An adjustment strap is also joined to the pad and is adapted to be looped around shoulder pads or the like. The adjustment strap allows selective tilting and positioning of the pad. The pad is crescent shaped and has a front side constructed of soft material and a rear side constructed of stiff material. The pad is shaped to cradle the head or helmet when the head is pushed rearwardly relative to the torso of the player.

Abstract: A vest adapted to be worn by an individual, such as a race car driver. The vest includes a cushioning assembly. The cushioning assembly is adapted to extend about the chest cavity, collar bones, sternum, shoulder blades, clavicles and rib area of the individual to prevent injury to the individual when impact is applied thereto. The cushioning assembly is also constructed to permit air to circulate about and cool the portions of the individual covered by the cushioning assembly. The cushioning assembly typically extends downwardly from about the hollow of the throat of individual to near the midriff of the individual whereby the individual can assume a seated position in a seat, such as a molded race car seat without substantial interference from the cushioning assembly.