Abstract: A method utilizing a synthetic neck muscle system for minimizing risk of an injury when the system is worn by a user. An impact-absorbing layer of the system is constructed from a core material having a fiber-reinforced foam with a plurality of microspheres located therein. A shell frame of the system has a shell material having a fiber-reinforced putty. The system is molded into a C-shaped structure to be wrapped around the user's neck.

Abstract: A cycling suit (1) comprises a seat pad (2) located in a crotch area; the seat pad comprises a cover (3) and a padding (4); the cover (3) comprises three-layer structure with a first layer, an outer layer and an intermediate layer, and a front portion (5) of the cover is formed with an insert (10) of a single-layer skin contact textile.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a flexible lumbar wear-pad having an external low-friction high-wear-resistance surface, the lumbar wear-pad configured to be replaceably coupled to the lower back region of a belted fall-protection safety harness. In various embodiments, the lumbar wear-pad may cover a length of the webbing over the hip and lumbar vertebrae regions of a wearer's lower back. In some embodiments a lumbar wear-pad may be field replaceable on a fall-protection safety harness. An exemplary embodiment may have three prominences, a smaller center prominence located near a wearer's lumbar vertebrae and two side prominences located near a wearer's hip bones. In some embodiments, the lumbar wear-pad may be flexible so as to anatomically conform to a wearer's body. Exemplary lumbar wear-pads may provide protection for both a wearer and the wearer's harness during sliding or leaning engagements with vertical surfaces.

Abstract: A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device includes a garment that is shaped and/or configured to resist the backwards leaning moment of a sailor whilst hiking thereby reducing muscular strain and effort.

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

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dorsal wear-pad having an external, low-friction, high-wear-resistance surface, the dorsal wear-pad configured to be releasably coupled to a D-ring connection region of a fall-protection safety harness. In various embodiments, the dorsal wear-pad may project out and away from a wearer so as to prevent the D-ring from contacting a wall surface. For example, the dorsal wear-pad may have a D-ring aperture through which the D-ring may project. In some embodiments, the dorsal wear-pad may have a back shield to prevent a snap-hook connected to the D-ring from contacting a wearer's back. An exemplary embodiment may have two prominences, one on either side of the D-ring. Some exemplary dorsal wear-pads may advantageously protect both a wearer and the wearer's harness during sliding or leaning engagements with vertical surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for designed for supporting a hip of a pregnant woman who often experiences hip pain associated with her pregnancy to help relieve this pain including a leggings with hook-and-loop belts, straps and strips associated with pillows for the thigh and ankles.

Abstract: This lumbar support belt (1) may be fitted around the lower part of a patient's trunk; it comprises a strip (2) of elastic textile material provided at each end with means for attaching the strip to itself and at least two posterior boning elements made of an elastic material (5a, 5b) positioned one on each side of the transverse mid-plane (A) of the strip; the belt may be positioned on the patient in such a way that the ends of the strip fasten together over the abdominal region of the patient and the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) press against the lumbar region of the patient; in addition, the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) are arranged in a V-shape in such a way that the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) converge towards the lumbo-sacral region of the patient.

Abstract: A garment having a piece of clothing with a plurality of pad segments located proximate a backside of a wearer's body, including at least one joint region, for protecting the wearer by dissipating energy resulting from a sudden impact. The pad segments arranged with respect to the interior radius of the joint region such that an interstitial space located between each adjacent pad segment becomes narrower moving a protruding portion of each adjacent pad segment closer together, and in some instances such that the adjacent protruding portions touch one another, when the joint region moves from an extended position to a flexed position. The garment with energy dissipating pad segments may be used alone or in conjunction with pads that shield energy.

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: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

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: An energy absorbing and displacing structure for athletic protective equipment, such as an athletic shin-guard, is provided using a flexible web-shaped body to hold a rigid band-shaped member in place. The inner rigid band-shaped member follows the contour of the desired area to protect. The outer flexible web-shaped body is made of a softer rubber like material and works as a locator and supporter keeping the inner, rigid band-shaped member, in proper location.

Abstract: The present invention features a ballistic vest 100 for protecting a spinal cord of a person wearing the ballistic vest. In some embodiments, the ballistic vest 100 comprises a pocket 110 disposed on the backside of the vest at a place where it overlays the user's spinal cord and a soft or hard trauma plate 120 that is inserted into the pocket 110. The trauma plate is effective to prevent a projectile from damaging the user's spine.

Abstract: A cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: A load-carrying device including a rear panel supporting a load and two carrying mechanisms, the ends of each carrying mechanism being connected to the rear panel. The carrying mechanisms include a second extensible zone located in the area of the front portion of the torso of the wearer, the second extensible zone having anisotropic extensibility properties, such that the transverse tensile force required to obtain a 25% elongation of a panel forming the second extensible zone is less than the longitudinal tensile force required to obtain a 25% elongation of such panel.

Abstract: A spinal protective device includes a plurality of support members abutted in series with one another along a spine of a user. Each adjacent pair of support members has a respective pair of forward fulcrum contact areas where the support members abut one another for relative pivotal movement in a hyperflexion direction and a respective pair of rearward fulcrum contact areas where the support members abut one another for relative pivotal movement in a hyperextension direction. A rear tension member connected between the support members limits relative movement in the hyperflexion direction and a front tension member connected between the support members limits relative movement between the support members in the hyperextension direction. Straps about the torso secure the support members along the spine of the user.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone 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: 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: An apparatus to be worn on an individual's shoulders, chest and back below a full face helmet to limit the occurrence of cervical spinal cord injuries in the event of a crash.

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 upper body protective garment having a lower portion including flexibly interconnected protective abdominal and lower back members, an upper portion including protective thoracic and upper back members with a neck hole defined therebetween, a flexible front connection allowing at least limited movement of a bottom end of the thoracic member with respect to the abdominal member, and a flexible rear connection between the lower back member and the upper back member provided by a protective spinal member including flexibly interconnected rigid members for overlaying a spine of the wearer, the front and rear connections allowing the upper portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to shoulders of the wearer and the lower portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to a waist of the wearer while the shoulders and waist are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: The armour repair patch uses a simplified adhesive system for securement of the repair patch in the field without specialized equipment. A preferred adhesive system includes a pressure sensitive adhesive provided on a back surface of a body member and a fabric overlay cover is and extending beyond the body member. This combination provides an effective system for battlefield repair.

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: An orthopedic protective assembly is disclosed. The orthopedic protective apparatus includes a foam shaped collar to conform to a user's neck area. The foam shaped collar comprises a multi-layer polymer material having a pliable outermost protective layer to absorb initial impact energy and additional layer(s). The additional layer(s) require(s) greater impact energy to deform than those of the pliable outermost protective layer. In one embodiment, shim extension(s) customize(s) impact energy absorption properties of the foam shaped collar by filling a gap between an underside of the foam shaped collar and a shoulder region of a user.

Abstract: A personal roll bar device for protecting a user's head, neck and back provides, in the exemplary embodiment, an impact member positioned adjacent the user's back and removably engaged with the user proximal the user's waist, the impact member extending upwardly therefrom above the user's head. A stabilizing means is removably engaged with the user's upper body and slidably coupled with the impact member, and is configured for maintaining the impact member adjacent the user's back during use. Thus, in the event the user experiences a head-first fall while using the device, an upper end of the impact member substantially protects the user's head and neck from initial impact, with the resulting impact forces being distributed through the impact member and substantially absorbed by the user's waist, thereby reducing the risk of burst and compression fractures in the user's neck and back.

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: A garment protective system includes a protective member and an adjustable member. In another aspect of the present invention, body armor inside a jacket is repositionable due to adjustment of a coupled adjustment strap. A further aspect of the present invention provides a waist belt adjustably coupled to a shoulder area and/or a back area of a jacket.

Abstract: An apparatus for protective body armor to protect the head, neck, and spine from impaction, lateral extension, hyperflexion, hyperextension, while allowing for normal physiologic movement and range of head and neck motion is disclosed. In at least one embodiment a protective body armor includes: a shell adapted to couple to at least one upper body plate, to cover the head and neck, to allow normal physiologic movement and range of the head and the neck within the shell, and to prevent movement beyond the normal movement and range, wherein the shell does not move relative to the at least one upper body plate once rigidly coupled and the farthest distance the head can move upon an impact to the user is within a boundary of the shell; and a skull pad for wear by the user directly upon the head within the shell and for coverage of the skull area.

Abstract: To enable a front portion of a chest protector to be easily undone to allow cooling down while maintaining the protection performance for the chest protector fitted to a garment. A chest protector detachably fitted to an interior surface of a body garment includes left and right protective shell members, with the left and right protective shell members engaging in a separable manner.

Abstract: A spinal protective device includes a plurality of support members abutted in series with one another along a spine of a user. Each adjacent pair of support members has a respective pair of forward fulcrum contact areas where the support members abut one another for relative pivotal movement in a hyperflexion direction and a respective pair of rearward fulcrum contact areas where the support members abut one another for relative pivotal movement in a hyperextension direction. A rear tension member connected between the support members limits relative movement in the hyperflexion direction and a front tension member connected between the support members limits relative movement between the support members in the hyperextension direction. Straps about the torso secure the support members along the spine of the user.

Abstract: Silver coated nylon woven and non-woven fibers are disclosed that can be used to make fabrics, bags, and pads that are silver coated on one side of the fabric, bag, and/or pad. Silver coated nylon fabrics, bags, and pads provide an antimicrobial surface which remains on the surface and retains its antimicrobial characteristic until destroyed. The silver coating can be used as a way to eliminate, reduce and/or ameliorate odors emanating from the bacteria. The methods of adherence of the silver to the nylon may be performed in a number of ways. The pads may be further associated with protective gear that can be used by professions and athletes that use protective gear.

Abstract: A garment which comprises an inflatable protective device able to expand from a rest condition, wherein it's in a deflated status, to a working condition, wherein it's in an inflated status, inflation means able to inflate said protective device and an electronic controller able to activate the inflation means if a risk and/or danger signal is detected by sensors incorporated in the garment. The inflatable protective device, after being moved to the working condition, can return automatically to the rest condition without requiring to be repacked or reset and the inflation means can inflate the protective device more than once without requiring to be recharged.

Abstract: An orthotic apparatus for assisting a person having an orthotic disability, such as foot drop, comprising an ankle belt component and a shoe/foot belt component connected by a pair of coil springs which are adjustably and releaseably attached between the belts. The foot at the beginning and end of the step will flex, due to the springs, and still return to lift the foot, which allows for normal walking and requires no special adaptation to the shoe.

Abstract: A garment comprising a portion suitable for being combined with an inflatable member for protecting a user. is described. The portion of the garment includes a covering surface suitable for forming a covering for the inflatable member. The covering surface comprises at least one insert made of elastic material.

Abstract: An upper body protective garment having a lower portion including flexibly interconnected protective abdominal and lower back members, an upper portion including protective thoracic and upper back members with a neck hole defined therebetween, a flexible front connection allowing at least limited movement of a bottom end of the thoracic member with respect to the abdominal member, and a flexible rear connection between the lower back member and the upper back member provided by a protective spinal member including flexibly interconnected rigid members for overlaying a spine of the wearer, the front and rear connections allowing the upper portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to shoulders of the wearer and the lower portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to a waist of the wearer while the shoulders and waist are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: A garment comprising: at least one pocket; and at least one protective pad located within said at least one pocket; and at least one connecting structure for securing at least one optional protective pad to the garment the at least one connecting structure being capable of cooperating with a complementary connecting structure operatively connected to the at least one optional protective pad.

Abstract: A helmet system that enables a user of the helmet system to customize the helmet system according to personal taste, a task at hand, responsibilities within a tactical group (e.g., communications, command, etc.), and/or according to other parameters. The customization of the helmet system may include a customization of electronics modules carried on the helmet system that optionally provide communications, environment detection, health or biometrics monitoring, power, information transmission/reception, information processing, and/or other functionalities. The customization of the helmet system may include a customization of structural components that enable the user to balance the structural protection provided to the user against other considerations. The other considerations may include, for example, weight, form factor, comfort, and/or other considerations.

Abstract: An item of protective gear for a body, including a section of shell material and a section of a relatively softer flexural material joined in a unitary structure, wherein the flexural material is a joint compliantly allowing for the shell material to conform to the body, or is an edge extension on the shell material for cushioning or comfort; and the item is configured to protect a specific area of a body.

Abstract: A back protector having a back plate configured to, among other things, relieve, reduce, or eliminate the stress or discomfort that can be imposed on a person's upper trunk region during certain activities. The protected areas can include the upper back, spine, and/or lower shoulder area of a person, such as a plumber, in the supine position. The upper trunk protector further includes apparatus or means for attaching the plate to the person to be protected, such as a first elongate strap and a second elongate strap each having a first end and a second end, and a waist belt. Preferably, the waist belt is attached along a bottom portion of the back plate and is configured to be worn about the person's waist, while the first elongate strap and second elongate strap are each attached at the first end to a top section of the back plate and at the second end to corresponding points on the waist belt. Related methods are described.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and displacing structure for athletic protective equipment, such as an athletic shin-guard, is provided using a flexible web-shaped body to hold a rigid band-shaped member in place. The inner rigid band-shaped member follows the contour of the desired area to protect. The outer flexible web-shaped body is made of a softer rubber like material and works as a locator and supporter keeping the inner, rigid band-shaped member, in proper location.

Abstract: Garment (10) for sporting activity, in particular a suit for motorcyclists, which is made of breathable fabric in selected regions and comprises a protective shield (40). At least the bottom portion (44) of the shield is removably inserted underneath a layer (58) of puckered elastic material fixed to the breathable fabric.

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

Abstract: A protective device is provided for protecting the back of a wearer against injury. The device includes an array of support elements that extend along the wearer's back adjacent his spine and is held in position on his back by attachment means, which can include a neck brace attached to the upper end of array, a chest strap, a waist strap and/or webbing that are spaced apart axially along the array. The support elements are attached to each other in such a way that they can move relative to each other to allow free, but limited bending, extension and contraction of the array, but the connection means between the elements is configured to prevent further movement between them once a predetermined limited movement has taken place, so that the array becomes practically rigid and can bear further loading that may otherwise have been born by the spine.

Abstract: An item of clothing, such as a light jacket, heavy jacket, sports jacket or the like, comprising, at the inside of the back, a fastener for fastening to the upper body of a user which comprises two shoulder straps which are adapted to allow the item of clothing to hang from the upper body when it is not being worn.

Abstract: To provide a foam-molded product which is light-weight and superior in formability, flexibility and shock absorbing capacity, and which exhibits favorable tactile impression and excellent safety, as well as a shock absorber using the same that provides favorable feel in wearing.