Abstract: A go-kart chest protective device is disclosed that is comprises of a conventional shirt-type garment having a protective element affixed thereto. The protective element is fabricated from an impact resistant material and is operative to selectively protect the chest of the go-kart driver without interfering with the driver's ability to drive the go-kart.

Abstract: A rescue vest has a spaced apart pair of vertical roller frames attached to the front, each frame having an inline array of wheels or alternate roller track on roller track wheels. Each adjacent pair of wheels or roller tracks having a narrow space therebetween has an axle attached to the frame between the narrow space and an external surface on which the user is rolling to prevent debris from entering therebetween. A lower front vest extension has an additional pair of tracks below the waist each with wheels or a roller track aligned with the tracks above the waist. Side spaces between a front and back vest portions or pair of back straps accommodate equipment carried on the hip of the wearer. Shoulder spaces and a front opening allow attachment of safety lines to a harness worn under the vest.

Abstract: A stab proof vest, wherein at least a portion of the stab proof vest includes a plurality of elements, and a coupling member for coupling adjacent the elements together. Each side of the elements is provided with at least one projection and at least one depression adjacent to the projection, and a coupling hole into which the coupling member is inserted. The projection of one element is engaged with the depression of an adjacent element. The common coupling member is inserted into each the hole of adjacent elements and is secured thereto in order to couple the adjacent elements.

Abstract: A vest with air bag is a durable survival vest with shoulder pads and a front chest protector having ventilation holes therethrough and an attached air bag. The vest includes a shell defining a neck opening, a torso opening, and a pair of opposed arm holes. The vest also has a chest protector attached to the shell and an air bag attached to the chest protector. The air bag is configured to expand in front of a torso of a user. The vest includes a cartridge/canister, an activator, and a D-ring. The vest may include a power source, a sensor, a die marker, a cartridge/canister, an activator, a positioning device, a communication device, an antenna, control logic, and a communication bus. The D-ring is configured to operatively engage the activator to release breathable gas from the cartridge/canister when the D-ring is pulled by a user.

Abstract: A form-fitting chest protector. In one embodiment, the chest protector includes a pair of detachably secured wing portions. A main portion of the chest protector has a variable thickness and substantially overlies the chest and abdomen of the athlete to absorb impacts to the athlete from a projectile. The wing portions are separate from the main portion, but are detachably secured to the chest protector to permit each wing portion to be adjustable when the chest protector is worn by the athlete. The wing portions facilitate a constant form-fit no matter how the body of the athlete flexes.

Abstract: An enhanced chest protector for usage in sporting events and hazardous activities. More particularly, the invention is a chest protector that utilizes a soft, pliable gel attached to the previously-existing chest protector to greatly enhance absorption and dissipation of impact forces. The gel is of a type commonly used for heat or freezer packs, and is configured in many separate panels to keep the gel from flowing across the entire device. Importantly, the gel is durable and lightweight, which allows the player to wear the product comfortably for extended periods of time. In addition, the gel may be frozen or refrigerated prior to use, so as to provide cooling for the player in hot water.

Abstract: An undergarment for use by a hockey player comprising a one-piece torso portion having a head opening, leg openings and arm openings; a neck guard assembly comprising an integral neck guard coupled to the torso portion adjacent at the head opening, and a releasable attachment means coupled to the neck guard to permit the neck guard to be securely positioned on a neck of the player; a sock support positioned adjacent to each of the leg openings; an opening to permit the hockey player to don the undergarment; and a zipper positioned so that when closed the undergarment and the sock supports are retained in place on the hockey player.

Abstract: A chest protector formed of a base, upper and lower shoulder straps for securing the base to the user's chest, a neck pad and a number of cushions mounted on the base, the cushions having air vents in communication with air vents in the base for ventilation, colored breathing cloths fastened to the base and covered on the cushions for breathing and decoration, and a substantially triangular saddle strap coupled between said upper shoulder straps and said lower shoulder straps to keep upper and lower shoulder straps in close contact with the user's back comfortably.

Abstract: Modular front opening body armor protects the user from edged weapons, sharp objects, and ballistic threats. Additionally, the modular front opening body armor can be fitted with various pieces of protective gear based on the user's expected environment, and the body armor can be adjusted for proper protection and comfort without reducing protection for the user.

Abstract: A form-fitting chest protector. In one embodiment, the chest protector includes a pair of detachably secured wing portions. A main portion of the chest protector has a variable thickness and substantially overlies the chest and abdomen of the athlete to absorb impacts to the athlete from a projectile. The wing portions are separate from the main portion, but are detachably secured to the chest protector to permit each wing portion to be adjustable when the chest protector is worn by the athlete. The wing portions facilitate a constant form-fit no matter how the body of the athlete flexes.

Abstract: A protector having a cover, composed of injection-molded thermoplastic elastomer and having plural convex portions protruding from a face side of the cover. A bending promotion portion is formed on a groove bottom between neighboring convex portions. The bending promotion portion is composed of a small bend protruding from the face side, and the cover is freely bent as to be convex on the face-side.

Abstract: A protective garment for preventing injury to the head, neck and torso. A helmet is rotatable mounted on a vest. The helmet includes a visor and a front section that is partially coextensive with the neck section and which is capable of being opened. The vest includes a back section and a left front section and a right front section. The left front section and the right front section are both mounted to rotate on the back section to be folded together to close the vest and to hold the helmet on the vest. Both the left front section and the right front section have an upper section which is rigid and a lower section which is flexible.

Abstract: An articulating body protective device for protection from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a composite body protector having a fabric outer garment and protective elements, in particular soft elements and semi-rigid and rigid elements, that are selectively provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment for protecting vital organs and other body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

Abstract: A load absorbing apparatus for use in protective equipment in which a resilient bag containing fluid under pressure is disposed in a position subject to loads and a reservoir of elastomeric material which is expandable from an initial position with a minimum volume to a loaded position with an increased volume which is positioned in spaced relation to said position subject to loads. The resilient bag and reservoir are connected in fluid communication so that loads imposed on the bag force fluid from the bag to the reservoir where the energy is dissipated. After the load is removed from the resilient bag, the reservoir returns to its original shape to return the fluid to the resilient bag. The protective equipment incorporating the load absorbing apparatus can be in the form of a helmet with a relatively rigid shell or a body protected pad having a flexible outer cover.

Abstract: An article of athletic clothing is provided with at least one sting reducing multilayer laminate pad. Preferably the laminate pad comprises an inner layer made of vibration damping material such as an elastomeric material and preferably silicone gel. The pad also includes a layer of force dissipating stiffening material as an intermediate layer located outwardly of the inner layer of vibration damping material. The pad also includes an outermost cover layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catcher's chest protector which includes, among other things, a harness with one strap holding the neck of the chest protector firmly against the neck of the player and a second strap to hold the chest portion of the protector against the chest. The harness is designed to be quickly adjustable and secure for a variety of body sizes and shapes so that the protector can rapidly be switched between different players while still fitting them all well. The catcher's chest protector may also forego any metal or leather components so as to be washable in a fabric care machine for simplified care.

Abstract: A chest protector that includes a pouch assembly having an interior in communication with an opening, the pouch assembly having a hole in fluid communication with the interior and ambient air and a pad inserted into the interior, wherein the pad includes an opening that is in fluid communication with the hole of the pouch assembly.

Abstract: A form-fitting chest protector. In one embodiment, the chest protector includes a pair of detachably secured wing portions. A main portion of the chest protector has a variable thickness and substantially overlies the chest and abdomen of the athlete to absorb impacts to the athlete from a projectile. The wing portions are separate from the main portion, but are detachably secured to the chest protector to permit each wing portion to be adjustable when the chest protector is worn by the athlete. The wing portions facilitate a constant form-fit no matter how the body of the athlete flexes.

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: A chest protector that includes a pouch assembly having an interior in communication with an opening, the pouch assembly having a hole in fluid communication with the interior and ambient air and a pad inserted into the interior, wherein the pad includes an opening that is in fluid communication with the hole of the pouch assembly.

Abstract: A chest protector adapted for use with conventional combination is provided for use in sports. A chest protector comprises two different colors of outer sheets member attached to an inner guard padding of the chest protector which are removable from a part provided on a wearer' chest so that it distinguishes the opposite side of the team in contact sports. An inner guard-padding portion being formed round-shape in a horizontal plane and designed to fit unnoticeably placed underneath of each outer sheets and onto the inner guard-padding portion placed on wearer's chest provided with a plurality of Velcro so that prevents lateral slippage of each other. The outer sheets define exchanging along of color of the team.

Abstract: A protective body vest for protecting against impact upon torso when worn by an athlete during sporting activities. The invention comprises a multi-section, one-piece garment comprising of a vest sized and shaped to be worn on the torso of an athlete with a multi-layered protective padding that automatically adjusts for varying body sizes and can be customized by the wearer based on safety, comfort and athletic performance concerns. The invention further comprises a shoulder portion with oversized apertures for the arms, an anterior portion, a pair of lateral portions and a tapered-design posterior portion. The invention further utilizes an offset opening located off set from the medial line of a human torso to protect the heart and a flap or overlap to protect the region of the offset opening and cover the vest area about the offset opening.

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 backpack engagable so as to be worn and including an attached covering having load-bearing armor and mounted for movement between a stored condition of the armor toward the backpack and a deployed condition of the armor away from and opposing the backpack.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an infant that is placed in a front-worn type of infant carrier includes a flexible center panel that includes a pair of arcuate sides that curve inward proximate the vertical center of the center panel. A pair of flexible side panels each include a pair of opposite outwardly curved edges that are each attached on one side to one of the arcuate sides of the center panel. An adjustable neck strap that is attached to the center panel is placed around the neck of the person using the apparatus. The person attaches the front-worn infant carrier to the front of their person and then places the infant therein, either facing the infant rearward or facing forward. The apparatus is then secured about the neck of the person and is allowed to drape over the infant carrier and the infant therein, thereby protecting the infant from the sun and elements.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for helmets and protective gear. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium, to absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with helmets and a variety of sporting equipment. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or titanium—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon the equipment to hold the spring in place. Thus, a helmet, chest protector or the like may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: A garment having at least one layer providing bullet-proof protection for the wearer. One or more additional layers incorporate sensors to detect the magnitude of an impact to generate a signal activating a wireless transmitter to send distress signals and/or positional and other information to a remote base location. Additional sensors may be provided to indicate physical characteristics of the wearer.

Abstract: An appliance for protection against impact and strain injury and comprising an inner flexible web or sleeve (10, 15) adapted to be worn about a part of the body such as the lower leg and to conform closely to the shape thereof, and a series of interconnected outer rigid plates (18) attached to the inner web or sleeve (10, 15) such as to provide impact absorption and distribution whilst permitting relative movement between the plates and maintaining its position in use without restraining the wearer's bodily movement. The device is particularly intended to prevent injuries to sports people.

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: A life jacket with a cushioning air-bag comprises a jacket body (1), which includes a continuous torso air-bag portion (7) having a chest air-bag portion (2), a back air-bag portion (3), and a side air-bag portion (4), and further includes a neck air-bag portion (5) and a waist air-bag portion (6). The jacket body is provided with a gas generator (8) having a gas cartridge. Each of the air-bag portions (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) has a dual structure composed of an outer bag (9) and an inner bag (10), which bags (9 and 10) are made of synthetic resin such as urethane or vinyl chloride. The gas generator (8) is connected to the outer bag (9) and inner bag (10) of each of the air bag portions (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6).

Abstract: A protective suit is provided for a snowmobile rider. The protective suit includes a torso portion having a front and a back. A first set of protective plates is disposed in the front of the torso portion. The protective plates of the first set of the protective plates are positioned adjacent to one another to form a flexible shield in the front of the protective suit. Similarly, a second set of protective plates is disposed in the back of the torso portion. The protective plates of the second set of protective plates are positioned adjacent to one another to form a second flexible shield in the back of the protective suit.

Abstract: A device for protecting the body of an individual from impacts, comprises a first layer 10 of plastics material e.g. polypropylene which acts to protect from impacts the body of an individual wearing the device. To layer 10 is bonded a second layer 12 is of cross-linked polyethylene foam which acts to cushion the body of the individual The outer margin of layer 12 extends beyond the outer margin of layer 10 by between 5 and 20 mm, preferably 15 mm. A third textile fabric, e.g. terry towelling, layer 14 is attached to the second layer 12 and is generally coincident therewith. The layers 10, 12 and 14 are adhesively bonded together. Means for holding the device around the torso of an individual comprises a strip of textile fabric 22 comprising of or supporting hook-and-eye material for co-operation with a patch of hook-and-eye material 26, the strip of fabric material 22 and the patch 26 of book and eye material adhesively bonded to the surface of layer 10 at opposite ends 20, 38 of layer 10.

Abstract: A baseball chest protector comprises a pad body, a strap assembly, a neck-protecting cushion, a plurality of shock-absorbent pad blocks and a plurality of air vents, in which the pad blocks provide on the chest portion of the pad body are formed with inclined planes in such a shape that the thickness of the upper portion of each pad block is greater than that of the lower portion while the pad blocks provide on the stomach portion of the pad body are formed with curved surfaces; the neck-protecting cushion is a piece of curved plate body which flares out upwardly from the bottom and forms an inverted cone-shaped space. Further, the above-mentioned shock-absorbent pad blocks on the chest portion are formed as a laminate structure of materials with different characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defeating high-velocity projectiles. A plurality of disks of equal size and having a thickness greater than 0.100″ are milled in a plurality of places. Each milled place having a radius of curvature approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the disk. The disks are then laid out in an imbricated pattern row by row such that each disk in a row is in substantially a straight line with the other disks in the row and overlaps a milled place of a disk in a row above its row and has its milled place overlapped by a disk in the row below its row. The imbricated pattern is then adhered to a flexible, high tensile strength substrate and overlaid by a second high tensile strength layer such that the imbricated pattern is enveloped between the substrate and the second layer. The envelope is then coupled to a soft body armor backing.

Abstract: A baseball chest protector with shoulder guards extending over both shoulders of the wearer, to which adjustable straps are attached. The shoulder guards extend just slightly outward of the wearer's shoulder, such that the shoulder is protected but the guard does not interfere with the wearer's throwing motion. The chest protector of the present invention should rest on the wearer's shoulders, ensuring that the protector is properly positioned even when the straps are not perfectly adjusted.

Abstract: A body protector for being custom fitted to a body part to be protected formed of a flexible garment member shaped to lie over the body part to be protected. The garment member is made with two spaced, inner and outer sheets of material forming an inner pocket between the layers. An opening for access into the pocket is formed along at least one of said edges and includes a closure fastener for opening and closing the opening. An insert made with a moisture curable, resin impregnated material is shaped to fit into and dimensionally conform to the pocket to provide a rigid barrier for the body part when the resin is hardened. Straps are provided to secure the protector to the user.

Abstract: This invention concerns a protective body vest for protecting against impact upon a human torso when worn by an athlete during sporting activities. The invention comprises a multi-section one piece garment comprising of a vest sized and shaped to be worn on the torso of an athlete. The vest comprises of an hour glass simulated shaped shoulder portion with oversized apertures for the arms, a front portion, a pair of side portions and a back tapered design back portion. The front and back portions being sized and shaped in a tapered design. The invention further utilizes an offset opening located off a center axis of the vest to protect vital body parts. The invention further utilize an overlap to protect the body areas below the offset opening.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.

Abstract: An extendable neck/face protecting ballistic shield attached to a ballistic vest for rapid deployment between storage and neck/face protecting positions.

Abstract: In a process for forming contours in aramide flat structures, in particular textile flat structures made from aramide fibers, contouring is performed by molding in a temperature range of 180-300.degree. C. and a press pressure range of 4-8 bar (400-800 kPa). The flat structures contoured by molding are suited in particular for the manufacture of antiballistic women's protective clothing as well as of antiballistic helmets. The effectiveness against penetration of bullets and splinters is not affected by the molding process.

Abstract: Expansible sport protective body pouches for torso and extremities are disclosed that dissipate impact energy away from the body by expanding and compressing at predesigned rates when subjected to the forces of impact trauma. Comprised of anatomically-shaped two layer expansible protective pouches, and removable replaceable internal impact deceleration control components, the design allows individual deceleration control elements; foam impact dispersant replaceable inserts with impact deceleration-body heat venting apertures, and replaceable penetration resistant impact trauma shields with impact deceleration control-body heat venting apertures, to be inserted or removed from the replaceable expansible protective pouch. The expansible protective pouch is constructed of various cloth material combinations selected by the wearer; internal impact deceleration control element materials are also a plurality wearer option.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. In a first set of preferred embodiments, the pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.

Abstract: A baseball chest protector includes a protector pad to which is united a chest protector harness. The chest protector harness includes a generally Y-shaped harness back portion defined by a juncture portion, a pair of upwardly diverging arms and a generally downwardly projecting leg formed as a single piece of injection-molded synthetic polymeric or copolymeric material. A lower harness portion or spine portion is also formed as a single injection-molded piece of synthetic polymeric or copolymeric material and is united by an adjusting buckle to the leg or first part of the upper back harness portion. Adjusting buckles also adjustably secure a pair of elastic webs to the arm portions of the Y-shaped harness back portion and the elastic webs are each in turn secured by two injection molded harness top tab portions to shoulder areas of the protector pad of the baseball chest protector.

Abstract: A new dishwashing aid for providing a person a more comfortable and easier way of washing dishes. The inventive device includes a chest plate dimensioned for covering a chest of a user. The chest plate is supported on a counter area of a sink. A hip plate is provided that is dimensioned for covering a pelvic region of the user. The hip plate is adjustably coupled with respect to the chest plate.

Abstract: An improved rigid safety-vest structure intended for general use in hazardous-construction environments, such as encountered by trench and tunnel workers. Sudden cave-in situations are said by the U.S. Federal-agency O.S.H.A. to tragically take many lives annually to insidious suffocation, attributable to simple impairment of a workers'upper-abdomen/thorax region by suddenly surrounding cave-in earth. The notion of the HardJacket.TM. being to prevent these fatalities, by providing the worker a light-weight aerated upper-torso safety-vest within which an earthen immobilized worker can maintain their vital breathing action, -while efforts are being made to bodily extricate them. The disclosure includes a three-paneled frontally opening self-donning structure fabricated with an interlaced metal truss-structure, preferably enveloped in a bright-colored aerating nylon-fabric; plus a generic-variant embodiment, formed of inner and outer rigid-skins separated by a rigid foam-core interior.

Abstract: A protective garment for covering a frontal chest, waist and groin areas of a wearer which includes, a panel constructed of a plurality of sheets in which each sheet is constructed of flexible woven high strength protective fibers and in which the panel is formed for underlying clothing which covers the frontal waist area of the wearer and in which the panel extends continuously to overlie the frontal chest area down to and over the frontal waist and groin areas of the wearer. Various straps are used for releasably securing the panel to and maintaining the panel in a position overlying the frontal chest, waist and groin areas of the wearer.

Abstract: The Multi-Piece, Integrated Body Armor System is a two component system. The first component consists of a small piece of body armor, worn as an undergarment, that can weigh less than 2 pounds (a hard ballistic plate is optional) and covers the human upper torso area (lower neck to below the heart). The second component consists of a vest/jacket that is worn over a normal shirt. This component provides ballistic protection for areas where the first component's protection ends. The significance of this invention is that it offers complete, inconspicuous, ballistic protection while providing the wearer ease and comfort of continuous wear of the undergarment component and ease of removal for the externally worn component.

Abstract: A protective suit for covering the limbs and body of an operative to shield them from the effects of explosive devices such as anti-personnel mines includes on the front thereof an upper reinforced breast plate and a lower reinforced groin plate to provide added protection to the vital organs of the wearer. In the deployed position the groin plate at its upper end overlaps the lower end of the breast plate, and the lower end of the groin plate extends in front of and below the crotch region of the wearer. The groin plate is movable upwardly to a retracted position within a pouch in front of the breast plate, and in this retracted position does not interfere with the freedom of movement of the wearer's legs.

Abstract: The Stealth Chest Guard's size is 5"6/8" by 11"3/8" by 3/8" thick, it is comprised of a rubber pad to absorb the hit from an object such as a ball coming off of a bat or a bounce coming from the ground directed to the heart area. The plastic caplike shape that goes over the rubber is to help distribute the impact away from the heart area and give more support to the rubber pad. the soft terry cloth is worn for comfort and to let the skin breath. The flexablity of the rubber pad and the size of this chest guard was a very important factor. The players in the field need protection ,but they need flexability,and protection without the bulk that comes with other protective gear. The Stealth Chest Guard is light weight ,comfortable ,durable, and provides a protection for the players that is not yet available to them.

Abstract: Armor, in particular body armor for female wearers is made of multiple layers (30) of penetration-resistant material for example made of polyaramid fibers, specially shaped to fit over a shaped area to be protected, e.g. the bust of a female wearer. The armor's shaped part is held in shape by a series of darts (37) in successive layers (30) of the material. Each dart in a material layer comprises a generally V-shaped section (35) whose edges (37) are joined to form the dart. The V-shaped section (35) of the material is folded on itself to form a pleat (40) which is folded over to one side of the dart (37) to form an added thickness overlaying or underlying an adjacent part of the material (30). The darts (37) are angularly offset from one another with the pleats (40) oriented in directions so that the added thickness is distributed substantially evenly, thereby avoiding bulges or stiffness and improving the wearing comfort.