Abstract: Protector for an American football player, including, as impact absorption device, an inflatable element defining an inner chamber adapted to receive an inflation fluid and adapted to assume an active inflated condition. Use of an inflatable element as a protector for an American football player and a method for protecting an American football player are also described.

Abstract: A head protection apparatus for covering a primary head protection device worn on the head of a sports player includes a base having a rim defining an open bottom for wear on the head of the player. A framework extends upwardly from points along the rim. The head protection apparatus includes a face shield coupled to upper ends of the framework and is pivotally movable between a closed configuration in which a lower edge bears against the rim thus blocking access to an interior area and an open configuration pivoted about an axis defined by the rear bar and which allows access to the interior area. The face shield includes a top wall having a crowned configuration so as to redirect otherwise direct impact forces. The head protection apparatus is worn by a sports player and for blocking impact to a primary player protection device worn by the player.

Abstract: A helmet system having: an outer helmet, an inner helmet, at least one connector resiliently joining the outer helmet to the inner helmet, the resilient connector being configured to allow the outer helmet to rotate about the inner helmet, and one or more straps configured to be connected to the inner helmet to secure the inner helmet to a wearer's head. The helmet system does not have any straps configured to secure the outer helmet directly to the wearer's head. A helmet visor and other helmet configurations are also provided.

Abstract: An explosive reactive armor (ERA) enclosure for an ERA tile includes a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom, where the plurality of sidewalls are continuous with each other and with the bottom so as to define an internal volume. The plurality of sidewalls are formed from a fiber-reinforced composite material having a plurality of plies of fiber sheet material. Additionally, a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the first ply is offset from a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the second ply. Methods of manufacturing ERA enclosures, including applying wrap layers and forming attachment structures for securing the fiber-reinforced composite ERA enclosure to an armor element, are also described. The composite enclosure is inexpensive and lightweight and improves the dynamic capabilities of armored vehicles using such ERA tiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for an armor system includes a housing case, an interior ballistic panel, a frame, a power source, and a control unit. The housing case includes a top shell and a bottom shell, where the top shell is removably secured to the bottom shell, forming a cavity. The interior ballistic panel is removably arranged within the cavity between the top shell and the bottom shell. The frame is arranged within the cavity between the top shell and the interior ballistic panel, the frame including a compartment. The power source is arranged within the compartment of the frame, and the control unit is communicatively connected to the power source to manage operation of the power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective upper and lower body assemblies and protective suit comprising the same. The protective upper body assembly comprises a ventral and a dorsal padding panels, a left and a right shoulder fasteners, and a left and a right flank fasteners. Each of the ventral and the dorsal padding panels include at least two layers of resiliently compressible material and one layer of breathable material. The protective lower assembly comprises a left and a right upper thigh portions, a left and a right lower thigh portions, a left and a right knee shells, a left and a right lower leg portions, and a left and a right feet shells.

Abstract: An attachment slot includes a layer of flexible material and a cut formed within the layer of flexible material. The cut includes a first cut end, a second cut end, a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment extends from the first cut end to the third segment and has a first curvature defined by a first radius of curvature at a first intersection between the first segment and the third segment. The second segment extends from the second cut end to the third segment and has a second curvature defined by a second radius of curvature at a second intersection between the second segment and the third segment. The third segment has a third segment length that extends from the first intersection to the second intersection.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a penetration-resistant article that includes a textile fabric made from aramid fibers finished with finish solids. The finish solids include a carbonic acid polyester. The penetration-resistant article can be a fragment protection mat, a bullet-proof vest, a flak jacket, a stab-resistant vest, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic stretching device includes a strap; a fulcrum member centrally located on the strap and arranged to be placed behind the back of a user's neck and operable as a fulcrum for cervical spinal extension; first and second shoulder pads attached to the strap on either side of the fulcrum member, the shoulder pads arranged to assist the strap in pulling shoulder joints of the user backwards and to create bilateral glenohumeral external rotation; and at least one pair of loops disposed on the strap, wherein shoulder pads are disposed between the fulcrum member and the pair of loops, the loops being disposed and sized for right and left hand or wrist placement during use.

Abstract: A chest binder for holding breast tissue substantially flat relative to a thorax of a wearer's body has a front panel of an elasticized fabric, an inner front panel of a non-stretch material, and a back panel of the elasticized fabric. The front panel and the inner front panel are at least partially joined along corresponding peripheral edges by seams of stitching and are slidable with respect to each other between the peripheral edges. The front panel and the back panel are at least partially joined along corresponding peripheral edges by seams of stitching. The beast tissue of the wearer is held substantially flat relative to the thorax of the wearer's body when the chest binder covers the thorax.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against injuries to the head and neck includes a head harness; a body anchor component; and tensioners extending between and interconnecting the head harness and the body anchor component. The tensioners limit the range of movement of the head. Each tensioner is a composite band or strap having an elastic member and an inelastic member. An additional linking member in the connection between the tensioner and the body anchor component preferably has viscoelastic properties and cushions or dampens rapid acceleration of the tensioners during an impact to the head, such as when a tackle is made in football. The additional linking member preferably is a solid material with viscoelastic characteristics. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be worn under a football helmet and shoulder pads.

Abstract: An airbag rescue system employed as a life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche or other situation, such as a water rescue. The airbag system includes an air movement device that takes the form of a source of compressed air or an electrically powered air mover, such as one that includes a bladed rotor for inflating the airbag with ambient air, such as 100% ambient air, for example. The system further includes a supporting device, such as a harness or a backpack, for supporting the inflatable airbag and the powered air movement device on a user in a ready position of the airbag rescue system. The system also includes triggering device that includes a trigger handle configured and arranged to initiate inflation of the inflatable airbag by being manipulated by the user. In the ready position of the airbag rescue system, while the airbag is not yet in a deployed position, the trigger handle is conveniently externally accessible for the user to trigger the inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: A MOLLE system compatible garment has a lightweight attachment structure with a skeleton of horizontal bands connected by a vertical bands. The garment has a unitary bearing frame assembly composed of a glued layup of a substrate which is adhered to an outside layer. The layup is cut to define holes delimiting horizontal bands interrupted at regular intervals by vertical bands presenting attachment points that correspond to those of a conventional PALS webbing system.

Abstract: Protective gear is disclosed including a protective vest and eyewear. An example method of protecting a user both during and after an attack may include providing the protective vest to be worn by the user during the attack; and providing eyewear to obscure vision of the user from traumatic scenes following the attack.

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 chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer and including a plurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer. The chamber may include stitching through the tensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber.

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

Abstract: A 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: The present invention provides a system of personal body armor in which a chest protector is removably attached to the shoulder straps of a backpack. The chest protector and the backpack may be equipped with sleeves into which a variety of armor plates can be inserted.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an article for use in body armor, comprising a plurality of discrete sheet subassemblies contoured to the shape of a female breast arranged in a stack, without bonding, such that the breast contours are positioned on top of each other, each of the subassemblies comprising at least two nonwoven layers of high tenacity yarns such as par-aramid, a binder and a resin.

Abstract: Provided is a post-operative pillow garment for therapeutic use by patients recovering from chest or abdominal surgery, particularly heart surgery, and having two detachable members wherein the members include a front member and rear member. The front member and rear member can be attached to one another via adjustable shoulder and torso straps forming a vest-like garment, covering the front and back midsection region of the patient and extending from the cervical area to the navel. The front member includes a soft stuffing or padded material intended to act as a pillow for compression when coughing, sneezing and the like, wherein the rear member may be padded for comfort. The post-operative pillow garment can be worn while sleeping and is reusable. There can be a fastener disposed on the exterior surface of the front member and both the shoulder and torso straps for adjustability thereto.

Abstract: An adjustment and fixation system can be adopted, for example, for use with a protection vest for two-wheeled vehicle drivers. The system can include: at least a set of a teethed strap (1); a plug-in device (2) of the strap; the strap (1) being composed by several teeth (4) with a quadratic form; a step in quadratic form belonging to the plug-in device (2), that due to its indenture (3), works as a lever, enabling together with the teeth (4), the blocking and/or fixing of the strap movement, enabling the protector's correct fitting. During use, it is only necessary to press the extremity (10) of the device. The system can be configured to enable a more suitable adjustment and fixation for protection vests, so that the same can be adjusted while the driver is in movement.

Abstract: A protective device and methods for protecting a selected portion of a mammal's body from an impact is disclosed. In some embodiments, the protective device is placed adjacent to or in close proximity to the selected portion of the mammal's body, and the protective device acts to reflect, deflect, and/or otherwise divert impact energy that has been transferred to the protective device to areas of the mammal's body that are not within the selected portion thereof.

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 modular body armor system (100) includes an upper shoulder harness (102) in which shoulder straps (106, 108) are pivotally rotatable relative to each other and also to front and back connecting bridges (112, 114) that define a closed loop for the harness (102). Armor plates (124, 126) are attachable to the bridges (112, 114) and extend generally downwardly to protect the front and back torso regions of a wearer of the body armor (100). Pivotal articulation of the body armor (100) permits the armor to roll advantageously with the movement of its wearer such that movement, such as crouching or the adoption of a firing position, is not generally restricted. A lower girdle (104) incorporates additional plates and panels (140, 142, 105, 152) to provide enhanced protection to the wearer, which lower girdle (104) may be entirely independent of the upper shoulder harness (102).

Abstract: A piece of apparel or wearable equipment is provided for wave surfers. The purpose of the apparel is to prevent undue pressure on a surfer's chest during the ‘paddling’ operation, where the surfer lies belly down upon the surfboard and paddles out to sea. The apparel consists of a wetsuit-like supporting article encircling the torso, having cushioning members embedded therein that absorb the pressure of the surfers body upon the board.

Abstract: A comfort guard apparatus and method of use comprises a compartmentalized chamber positioned adjacent to protective equipment such as shin guards, chest protectors, and helmets. In one embodiment, the apparatus is interchangeable and removably positioned between the user and the protective equipment. In another embodiment, the apparatus is built in to the protective equipment including clothing such as shirts and pants. The apparatus can be replaced with a freshly cooled or warmed version during use. The apparatus conforms to the body of the user, keep the chamber in contact with a greater surface area, and prevent the contents of the compartments from gravitating towards edges. Adjacent compartments can be separated by a breakable membrane or contain breakable packets. The apparatus cushions the user from abrupt edges of the protective equipment. The apparatus, positioned against the body of the wearer, regulates the wearer's body temperature which contributes to enhanced athletic performance.

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: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another. Locking elements within the connection assemblies return to their locking position upon release of the tension.

Abstract: An undergarment to be worn beneath a protective vest or uniform permits escape of perspiration and heat, and ventilation so that the wearer can remain reasonably comfortable while wearing the vest. The undergarment has vertically elongated ribs or bars space the vest away from the torso to create ventilation channels. Heat and perspiration vapor escape at the neck of the vest. The ribs or bars can each comprise a cloth strip or pocket sewn onto the garment, to contain a lightweight rod of open-cell or closed-cell polyethylene foam. Three or more of these ribs can be sewn onto the front, and two or more sewn onto the back.

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: This invention is a torso-body shaped frame vest-like garment that is designed to function as ballistic armor. This garment contains inserts comprised of unitary panels of pliable ballistic material capable of stopping bullets from most handguns. The use of a torso pattern sloper as a base structure for frame design allows this garment to be adapted for all types of wearable apparel besides vests such as jackets, coats, suits, shirts, etc., and allows for an increased range of movement and level of comfort. Unlike most other types of ballistic armor that is concealed by being worn under normal clothing this garment is designed to be used as outerwear that can complement casual, business, or other professional attire. Its function as fashionable, concealable, and comfortable ballistic armor is achieved by using design methods, sewing techniques, ornamental trim applications, and fabric applications common to high fashion casual and professional attire.

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: A reversible chest protector includes internal padding configured to absorb impacts against both the front and rear-facing surfaces of the chest protector. The chest protector includes inner and outer layers of fabric that are molded to an internal foam core. The foam core may include outer layers of closed-cell foam molded to the fabric layers, and an internal layer of open-cell foam molded to the closed-cell foam layers, such that the padding layup is symmetrical. Other features and advantages will appear hereinafter.

Abstract: A shirt or jersey for sports such as soccer incorporates a slow rebound foam pad to aid in controlling a ball that strikes the player.

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 protector for a goaltender is provided and may include an upper portion having a first surface opposing a thorax of the goaltender and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the upper portion than the first surface. A lower portion may be attached to the upper portion and may include a third surface opposing an abdomen of the goaltender and a fourth surface formed on an opposite side of the lower portion than the third surface. The third surface may oppose the second surface throughout a range of relative motion between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another. Locking elements within the connection assemblies return to their locking position upon release of the tension.

Abstract: An electrically conductive protective garment ensemble worn as an electric stun device misuse countermeasure comprising a variety of clothing articles made from metal coated fabrics with each individual clothing article selectively fastened to another in a manner as to ensure electrical continuity throughout the garment ensemble and to an electrical ground. An electric stun device will be effectively short circuited to itself and/or to an electrical ground when the stun voltage is applied to the garment ensemble and be rendered inoperable.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone shield associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attaching means for attaching the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of said person through said contact surfaces.

Abstract: Multi-layer non-woven fabric material composed of non-woven fiber sheets of aramide/polyethylene fibers, impregnated with resin and/or a filler material, and oriented at various angles, which is used for manufacturing protection garments. The invention also describes a method for manufacturing said multi-layer non-woven fabric material and the protection garments thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides a sports impact protection system adaptable for use with ordinary sports apparel such shirts, pants and shorts. The system includes one or more impact absorbing pads and means for reversibly attaching the pads to sports apparel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material and one or more grips which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing the recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.

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

Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another.

Abstract: A removable healthcare and protective multi-functional leisurewear, particularly the leisurewear with protective plates that can be changed according to a desired level of safety is disclosed. The multi-functional leisurewear includes a plurality of accommodating bags on the leisurewear, and each accommodating bag has a pocket formed on a surface of the leisurewear, and the accommodating bag is provided for containing a protective plate that is swapped from the pocket, and the protective plate is formed by sequentially stacking and combining a flexible wear-resisting layer, a polycarbonate layer with an increased or decreased thickness changed according to the desired level of safety, and a flexible buffer layer attached closely to a wearer's body, so as to improve the convenience of use.

Abstract: A torso protecting impact dampening aquatic sport vest for use by novice and experienced divers is an apparatus that reduces forces felt by a diver's torso upon impacting the water's surface after a dive. The present invention is lightweight and compact in construction and designed to cover and protect the diver's anterior and posterior areas of their torso without impeding their range of motion. The present invention is of negligible buoyancy relative to water. The garment detachably and adjustably fastens ensuring the best fitment on a particular diver. The present invention contains impact dampening material that does not impede or negatively impact the diver's ability to perform various complex diving maneuvers. The garment comprises an anterior section and a posterior section that are detachably and adjustably coupled by way of a fastener assembly. The anterior and posterior sections each comprise an impact dampening material enclosed within a water resistant layer.

Abstract: A concealable armored vest is provided. The armored vest can include a ballistic insert and a contoured member that overlies the ballistic insert to obscure the outline of the ballistic insert from view. The foam insert can include tapered end portions that flatten as they extend laterally outward of the ballistic insert. The armored vest can also include a downwardly extending retention panel having a retention member to limit vertical movement of the vest. The retention panel can be tucked into a lower body garment, and the retention member can be oversized to inhibit the sliding retraction of the retention panel from the lower body garment. The retention member can include a longitudinal foam element generally parallel to the waistline and generally coextensive with the lowermost portion of the retention panel.

Abstract: A back and neck cushion therapy device for wearing, attaching to a backpack, or placing over a chair. The device can include a pouch with a traction device disposed therein. The traction device can include a head, a body, and a lower back traction. Straps can be connected to the pouch, allowing a user to strap the device about the user. The traction device can have various indention load deflections, providing firmness or softness. The traction device can be shearable, allowing the user to cut the traction device to a custom size. The pouch can be fastened to a backpack. A reversible back and neck cushion therapy device can include two pouches with two traction devices, such that a user can select a firm side or a soft side. The reversible back and neck cushion therapy device can be hung over a chair back.