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: 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: The present invention relates to abdominal binders and is particularly directed to the bullet resistant construction. Durable inner and outer semi elastic single panels will house the Spectra Shield or similar type soft armor fabric. A feature of this invention is to have the soft armour fabric run as almost as long and wide as the binder itself thus making the it bullet resistant to most handgun bullets because the Spectra Shield will be layered. An abdominal binder so formed works such that a bullet striking the binder causes the layered material to flex thereby dissipating the force of the bullet. Because Spectra Shield soft armor fabric is very lightweight and very thin, my invention will not sacrifice the desired comfort or the toning and support functions that are needed in an abdominal binder.

Abstract: A protective garment and undergarment with scissor deflecting and jamming obstacles includes strapping having the obstacles in series patterned to be parallel to a strap thereof and have parallel and angular surfaces thereto configured to deflect a pair of commercial scissor blades into an angle of incidence to the strap. A spacing between obstacles is also configured to be less than a total thickness of the scissor blades in order to jam the scissors there between and impede or deter an assault of the wearer. The garment also includes a waist strap, a crotch strap and thigh straps disposed at an outer respective edge to of the garment. Each strap includes a non-elastic material and the cut-resistant obstacle strapping permanently disposed there around configured to deflect a pair of scissors into an obstacle cutting position or jam the pair of scissors on an obstacle thereof and impede or deter an assault.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to support garments and personal protective gear and, more particularly, to supportive waistbands providing an adjustable belt capable of both orthopedic support and essential body armor. The invention is capable of being worn with bullet proof or protective vests without interfering with comfort or the utility of the vest. A myriad of different schemes for design, use, and placement of body armor and protective elements are disclosed.

Abstract: The abdominal shield is worn by an angler when fishing to prevent injury and irritation to the abdomen which might otherwise be caused by the butt end of a fishing rod rubbing or pressing against the abdomen. The shield distributes forces associated by the butt end of the fishing rod more widely and permits the angler to adjust the position of the fishing rod to achieve the leverage necessary to reel in the fish.

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: A load bearing weight distribution device is provided. The device comprises a flexible, yet rigid, back brace, a waist belt, wherein the waist belt is connected through a housing to back brace, and a vertical and circumferential tensioning mechanism. The back brace comprises flexible body with arms. The vertical and circumferential tensioning mechanism comprises a first securement strap and a second securement strap. The load bearing weight distribution device is designed for use with armor vests and other similar devices. First and second securement straps connect upper front portion of the armor vest through first and second channels and first and second rings, respectively, of the back portion and through first and second passages of the armor vest, respectively, for attachment to a securement device positioned on a lower front portion of the armor vest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rash guard shirt for a surfer or body boarder that provides relief from the discomfort and soreness experienced at the base of the rib cage where it contacts the board. The rash guard shirt is worn on the upper body of the user and consists of a main body portion and a padded portion. The padded portion is comprised of a pad or multiple pads oriented to cover the base of the rib cage, where it is in contact with a board while the surfer or body boarder is engaged in their respective activity.

Abstract: Armoured over-trousers (10) are formed as “chinks” having an open lateral external flank (13). Protective anti-ballistic armour plate (42), integral with fabric material (22) used for the over-trousers or otherwise incorporated within correspondingly sized, shaped and strategically located pockets (40), protects lower abdominal regions, including the buttocks, upper thigh regions and genitals, of the wearer. The open flank (13) provides mobility whilst ensuring a low thermal burden and access to storage pockets in conventional trousers (14). The over-trousers are secured around the legs by strapping (16, 18) to reduce the possibility of a blast wave (36) funneling effect that might otherwise be experienced should the over-trousers (10) only fit loosely around the legs of a soldier.

Abstract: A liner system and method of thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.

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.

Abstract: A protective system (1) for protecting a user during a contact sport includes an undershirt (3) and an outer shell (7). The undershirt (3) is configured to be worn by the user, and is provided with a plurality of shock- absorbing pads (5) each being shaped and sized to protect different body parts of the user, each shock-absorbing pad (5) providing a close-to-the-body protection for a corresponding body part of the user. The outer shell (7) is configured to be worn by the user, over the undershirt (3), and is provided with a plurality of impact-dispersion pads (9) each being shaped and sized to protect different body parts of the user, each impact-dispersion pad (9) providing a floating protection for a corresponding body part of the user.

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

Abstract: A device for dispersing and dampening impact forces that includes a first sheet structure and a second sheet structure that are joined together at a boundary zone. The boundary zone joins the first sheet structure and the second sheet structure together to define at least one gas-tight chamber having two sides. A gas is contained within the gas-tight chamber at a pressure within a predetermined range of acceptable pressures for dispersing impact forces translated against one side of the device such that a blunt force trauma producing impact force is not transferred through the device to a wearer's body disposed proximal to the other side of the device.

Abstract: A shirt for protecting the abdominal, rib, and kidney areas of a surfer is disclosed. The shirt is worn on the upper body of a user while surfing, in which the lower portion is constructed from a circumferential band of neoprene rubber extending between the waist and the chest of the user to provide cushioning for the rib and kidney areas of the user to help minimize pain, discomfort, and the effects of impact-related injury. The lower neoprene portion is attached via a sewn seam located below the chest to an upper portion, comprising the remainder of the shirt, which is constructed from a lightweight and flexible nylon and spandex fabric. The resulting garment gives the invention the combined qualities of cushioning for the intended critical areas, while ensuring unrestricted freedom of movement for the wearer.

Abstract: Garments designed to be worn in conjunction with conventional chaps to protect the lower abdomen of the wearer and upper legs of a wearer are described herein. Also described are garments that replace conventional chaps.

Abstract: An impact adsorbing undergarment includes one or more breathable portions and one or more energy absorbing portions that are configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected.

Abstract: Protective elements may include a pair of material layers, a plurality of pad components, and a plate. The pad components may be located between the material layers, and the plate may be positioned adjacent to one of the material layers and opposite the pad components. Similar protective elements may also be utilized with apparel systems. For example, an inner garment may include the protective element, and an outer garment may extend over the inner garment. The outer garment may include an outer pad locatable to extend over the plate, and the outer pad may have a greater area than the plate.

Abstract: A Supplemental Automotive Restraint System for Pregnant Women has a protective shell structure with integral “Pelvic Yoke and Crotch Post”, “Breast Plate”, structural “Abdominal Bridge/Shell” over the abdomen between the “Pelvic Yoke” and the “Breast Plate”, “Shoulder Belt Retainer”, and appropriate padding and fill material, all of which work in conjunction with the standard automotive Type II lap and shoulder belt restraint system as required to be installed in all new passenger cars manufactured for sale in the United States by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 (FMVSS 208). The purpose of the “Supplemental Automotive Restraint System for Pregnant Women” is to reduce the likelihood of injury to a pregnant mother and her unborn child during maneuvering, crash, or other non-impact event of a motor vehicle while the mother is driving or riding in the vehicle.

Abstract: A fetal stimulation device is incorporated into a garment to be worn by a pregnant woman. The garment is preferably formed of an elastic material and includes a torso portion which is arranged around the torso of the woman. An audio device and a pair of speakers are connected with the garment torso portion to deliver sound such as music or words to a fetus. The garment torso portion also includes and elongated massaging element which is arranged around the perimeter of the torso portion to deliver vibrations to the fetus. The sounds and vibrations stimulate the fetus during prenatal development. In addition, massaging and heating elements are provided in the rear of the garment to deliver vibrations and heat to the back of the woman. A layer of radiation proof fabric is provided between the audio device and the woman to prevent radiation from reaching the fetus.

Abstract: A soft body armor garment having an upper portion for covering at least a portion of the lower body of a user, having a lower portion located in proximity to the upper portion which is sufficiently elongated such that the lower portion wraps around to cover at least a portion of the leg of the user; the lower portion having a first and second side, the first side for wrapping around the leg of the user; the second side having an attachment mechanism for securing to the first side around the leg of the user; an attachment mechanism located at the upper portion of the garment wherein the mechanism secures the garment to the user; and at least one receptacle to hold at least one item.

Abstract: The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.

Abstract: A device for protecting against impact. The device includes an inflatable valve made of sheets of high-strength PVC (1) provided with an inflating end (3). Fitted within this valve using a method of thermal bonding (4) are walls (2) configured as a labyrinth in order to better regulate the air flow.

Abstract: A chest protector formed of a base, upper and lower shoulder straps, a neck pad, neck cushions, shoulder cushions, chest cushions, upper and lower abdomen cushions, lateral cushions, bottom cushions and breathing cloths. Each upper abdomen cushion is formed of an inner low bounce foam, an outer low bounce foam and an intermediate hard plastic board sandwiched in between the inner low bounce foam and outer low bounce foam. Each lower abdomen cushion is formed of an inner low bounce foam and an outer low bounce foam. The inner low bounce foam of each abdomen cushion is shorter and relatively softer than the associating outer low bounce form so that a buffer space is defined between the outer low bounce foam of each abdomen cushion and the base below the associating inner low bounce foam and the outer low bounce foams of the abdomen cushions are respectively held in a sloping status after stitching of the breathing cloths to the base.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: A combination of a compression garment and a custom fitted armor plate is disclosed that protects a specific body part of a wearer. The compression garment is formed with at least one compartment for receiving and supporting the custom fitted body armor plate against the wearer's body part to be protected. The compression garment conforms to the wearer's body and the compression features of the garment tightly press the armor against the wearer's body thereby maintaining the armor in precise position during active and/or sometimes violent sporting and athletic activities.

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: The present invention relates to a device for protecting against impact. Said device consists of an inflatable valve made of sheets of high-strength PVC (1) provided with an inflating end (3). Fitted within this valve using a method of thermal bonding (4) are walls (2) configured as a labyrinth in order to better regulate the air flow.

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 protective garment is provided and includes a jacket having various releasably mounted protective components. The jacket includes a protective collar of ballistic resistant fabric for protecting the neck of a wearer and has front and rear portions which are releasably connected together at opposed side portions of the collar so that the front and rear portions can fold down when not in use. A protective plate is releasably fastened to the front of the jacket and the fastening mechanism allows the plate to be held in a number of different vertical positions. The jacket also includes a rear pocket for housing a rear protective plate. The sleeves of the jacket include a sleeve extension which is slideably mounted to the main sleeve to vary its effective length.

Abstract: The invention provides a body protector which can be simply and easily installed and detached by hands of an athlete himself or herself, and can be finely adjusted properly by the hands of the athlete himself or herself after installation. Fastening bands are made detachable via a surface fastener provided during an overlapping under a relation that the fastening bands are structured as a pair of right and left parts respectively extending from both right and left side portions of a protector main body so as to be overlapped with each other, suspending bands are structured such as to extend from two right and left symmetrical positions in an upper portion of the protector main body, and a leading end side of the suspending band is freely attached to and detached from the fastening bands via the surface fastener.

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 ballistic vest having a front panel and a rear panel attached to each other by releasable connectors. The front and rear panel each have a ballistic package having a plurality of sheets of ballistic material and a semi-rigid frame structure attached to the layers of the ballistic material. The frame structure has a plurality of members defining openings in the frame structure wherein the frame structure absorbs energy from a projectile entering the sheets of ballistic material.

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 protective body garment including a body covering for protecting the body from injury during sporting events and having a plurality of pads, a torso portion having a neck opening therein and two sleeve portions fixedly coupled thereto. Each of the pads is covered by a panel made from cloth and sewn to the garment. A plurality of cushions is fixedly coupled to the garment and is covered by a panel, which is sewn to the garment. Each of the cushions has a base portion and a hollow collapsible member directed away from the garment wherein the collapsible member is fixedly coupled to the base portion. A first cushion is fixedly coupled to a right elbow portion of the garment and a second cushion is fixedly coupled to a left elbow portion of the garment.

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: 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: 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 post operative vest for patients recovering from abdominal surgery has front and rear panels with an opening for the patient's head. The front and rear panels are connected only at the top and ties or other fasteners extend from the sides of the panels to adjustably secure the vest about the patient's mid-section. A centrally located front pocket is sized to releasably secure a post operative surgical pillow at a position proximate the user's surgical site. The closure means allows for securing pillows of different sizes and facilitates orientation of the pillow in different positions as may be required by the patient.

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 protective device adapted particularly for use by a soccer player includes a front and rear panel connected to each other by elastic straps. The front panel includes a protective portion primarily adapted to protect only the stomach area beneath the rib cage and the rear panel is adapted to provide protection primarily to the kidney areas. The rear panel rests at the waist of the individual keeping it in proper position. This can provide significant protection to the soccer player without being so obtrusive as to be not worn by the soccer player.

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 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: 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: A costume element having an inner layer and an at least in part transparent outer layer forming a passage therebetween, the passage having an upper opening. A fluid visible in at least a part of the passage is injected into the passage through the upper opening. A lower opening to the passage can be coupled to the upper opening by one or more tubes providing fluid communication and a pump.

Abstract: A body pad construction for a padding garment, having a body shape moulded pad formed of expanded polypropylene foam material, of a predetermined density, and moulded and shaped to conform to a portion of the body to be protected, a laminate reinforcement of scrim filaments bonded with the exterior of the moulded body pad, and shaped to the exterior of the body pad, inner and outer covering panels formed of a laminate of synthetic woven fabric the inner and outer panels being placed on opposite sides of the pad, and the fabric being bonded to the pad on both sides, and the layers of the inner and outer panels being bonded together, around the edges of the pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination shoulder pad and helmet assembly uniquely designed to protect a user from serious cervical spine injuries. The device comprises a helmet having a mounting bracket on the back portion thereof The mounting bracket has a pair of opposing embrasures in communication with and an axial, cylindrical bore. An elongated tubular rod is received within the bore having an indention at opposing ends thereof. The rod is retained within the bore using a spring biased pin received within the embrasures and the indention which also limits the rotation of the rod relative to the cylindrical bore. The spring biased pin has a concave portion proximal its head which may be selectively aligned with the rod indention to release the rod from the brackets. The opposing end of the rod is secured to a similar bracket and pin mechanism mounted to the top edge of a set of shoulder pads. Furthermore, a mid-torso protective device is secured to the lower edge of the shoulder pads.

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.