Abstract: A compressive circular knit for pulling over an articulated extremity, consisting of a knitting thread and an elastic thread, which form the loops, and an inlaid elastic weft thread, comprising two first knitted fabric portions which are spaced apart from each other in the knitted fabric longitudinal direction and which are knitted with floating and there is provided a knitted fabric region consisting of further different knitted fabric portions adjoining each other in the circumferential direction, wherein the knitted fabric region consists of: a second knitted fabric portion (4) knitted with floating, wherein the float count is greater than that of a first knitted fabric portion (2), two third knitted fabric portions (5) adjoining the second knitted fabric portion (4) in the circumferential direction which are each knitted with floating, wherein the floats of any one course are knitted offset relative to the next course, and also a fourth knitted fabric portion (7) provided in the circumferential direction

Abstract: A pair of athletic pants comprises a hip portion, and two leg portions extending from the hip portion. Each leg portion includes a knee portion configured to be worn over the knee of a human, the knee portion comprised of a first material. A slit is formed in each knee portion and a second material provided in each slit, wherein the second material has greater elasticity than the first material in at least two different directions. In at least one embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a lens. In at least one other embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a symmetric lens. In at least one embodiment, the athletic pants are baseball pants.

Abstract: A protective garment including a body portion and an extremity permanently coupled to the body portion. The extremity includes a joint that provides the extremity with a bent position forming an acute angle relative to a vertical axis when the extremity is at rest without an arm or leg of a wearer received therein.

Abstract: An air deflector is mounted to the area of the knee of a motorcyclist to prevent a stream of air from striking the motorcyclist's face. In one embodiment, the deflector comprises a deflector plate and a mounting plate connected by a hinge mechanism. When the motorcycle is in motion, the air flow impacts the deflector plate, forcing the deflector to extend upward until a support web restrains the deflector plate.

Abstract: An air deflector is mounted to the area of the knee of a motorcyclist to prevent a stream of air from striking the motorcyclist's face. In one embodiment, the deflector is in the form of a cap visor.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of beads. The base member defines a plurality of apertures. The cover layers are secured to opposite surfaces of the base member and extend across the apertures. The beads are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the beads may be formed from polymer foam materials, and the cover layers may be formed from textile materials. The pad element may be utilized to attenuate impact forces and provide one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability.

Abstract: A protective device, in particular of a type suitable for use during sports activities to protect in case of knocks, falls and impacts in general, comprises at least one substantially rigid main protective element, apt to be applied at a region to be protected, at least one substantially rigid ancillary protective element, apt to be applied in a position next to the main protective element and connecting means for connecting the ancillary protective element to the main protective element apt to allow the mutual rotation working as hinge about a main axis. The connecting means comprises deformable connections between the protective elements so that the connecting means allow, besides said rotation, also rotations along axes different from said main axis and/or limited translation motions nearing thereto and/or away therefrom.

Abstract: A protective garment including a body portion and a curved extremity permanently coupled to the body portion and being shaped and configured to receive a leg or an arm of a wearer therein. The extremity has a seam coupling portions of the extremity together such that the seam thereby directly provides curvature to the extremity.

Abstract: A patella protector assembly for use with an orthopedic device, wherein the patella protector assembly has a central shell, an upper shell slidably connected to the central shell, and a lower shell slidably connected to the central shell. The central shell includes a main shell and a flexible perimeter edge portion surrounding at least a section of the perimeter of the main shell. The perimeter edge portion has greater flexibility than the main shell. The upper and lower shells are arranged pivotally and telescopically relative to the central shell such that the central, upper and lower shells together form a continuous shell without gaps therebetween.

Abstract: A rolling knee support comprises a base with a detachable knee pad. The base includes a knee pad receiving portion and roller attachment portions. Each of the roller attachment portions has a caster mounted thereto. The knee pad is detachably mounted to the knee pad receiving portion. A strap extends from the rolling knee support for attachment of the rolling knee support to a wearer's knee area. An outer cover may be placed on the knee pad when the knee pad is detached from the rolling knee support.

Abstract: A knee brace, method of use thereof, and modification to an existing knee brace facilitates inducing side loads to a knee joint to align upper and lower leg portions relative to one another, thereby allowing the knee joint to function properly over its full dynamic range of motion. The knee brace, whether as manufactured or modified, acts to apply a lateral shear force to the knee joint through application of opposing lateral forces, with one lateral force being above the knee joint in one direction and the other lateral force being below the knee joint in an opposite direction. The counteracting forces act to shift femoral condyles and tibial condyles of the knee joint back into proper lateral alignment without acting directly on the patella to counteract the effects of the patella femoral syndrome.

Abstract: Traction on wet slippery icy and/or snowy surfaces is improved by the use bamboo leaves which are disposed on articles which engage the slippery surfaces. The bamboo leaves are disposed on the articles in question with the underside of the bamboo leaves oriented so as to engage the slippery surfaces. The bamboo leaves are preferably cut into shaped forms such as circles, squares or the like, which are releasably secured to the articles in question. The securement can be accomplished with releasable adhesives or releasable hook and loop devices. Articles to which the bamboo leaves can be secured include footwear, gloves, crutches, canes, walkers, vehicle tires and any other articles that would benefit from improved traction on slippery icy and/or snowy surfaces. When the hook and loop securement option is used, one sheet of the hook and loop material will be secured to a surface of the bamboo leaf shaped forms and a complementary sheet of the hook and loop material will be secured to the article in question.

Abstract: A lower leg appliance provides padding and cushion support for the knee, ankle and hip joints in the leg, by providing a hard surfaced knee pad, a hard surfaced ankle pad and a soft surface calf and thigh pad positioned between the calf and thigh, held in place by at least three adjustable straps having a closure means, the three pads working in conjunction to provide relief and support to a persons knees, ankles and hips while squatting or kneeling during chores, activities or labor.

Abstract: A knee pad assembly for protecting a knee of a worker installing tile, wood floors, etc. The knee pad assembly includes an outer knee pad structure, a knee cap support spring, and a resilient foam inner knee and shin pad structure.

Abstract: A protective pad includes an outer surface layer, an inner surface layer, and an anti-impact rubber cushion. The exterior surface of the anti-impact rubber cushion is contoured by a plurality of flexible bumpers that protrude and are internally hollow. A perforation is formed in the top of each flexible bumper and a plurality of ventilation channels are disposed underneath in a crisscrossed arrangement. Furthermore, the ventilation channels and the holes in the flexible bumpers are interconnected. A shock-buffering foam sponge is built into the inner surface layer to augment its impact absorbing capability. An elastic foam sponge having a plurality of aeration holes formed in it is integrated into the outer surface layer to increase air circulation and the dissipation of bodily heat to optimize wearing comfort and safety.

Abstract: A method of protecting a garment area from soiling and wear comprises adhesively attaching a flexible first adhesive patch to a desired garment area; removing and discarding the first adhesive patch and attaching a flexible second adhesive patch to substantially the same garment area.

Abstract: A protective pad is affixed to a protective garment having a moisture barrier and having an outer shell covering the moisture barrier, the moisture barrier being impervious to moisture and the outer shell being pervious to moisture. The protective pad has a moisture absorber incorporating a superabsorbent polymer and an outer cover pervious to moisture. The moisture absorber covers a region of the outer shell of the protective garment. The outer cover of the protective pad covers the moisture barrier. The outer cover of the protective pad is affixed to the outer cover of the protective garment, at least partly around the moisture absorber. The outer cover of the protective pad and the outer shell of the protective garment, in the covered region, are adapted to conduct moisture into the moisture absorber, in which the superabsorbent polymer is adapted to absorb much if not all moisture conducted into the moisture absorber.

Abstract: In a fit adjustable brassiere, the combination comprising front structure including a flexible, frontal fabric panel at the front side of the brassiere; a halter, including two transversely spaced support bands having lower frontal extents associated with front structure and extending upwardly relative to frontal fabric panel, and then downwardly at the rear side of the brassiere to define lower rearward extents; rear structure associated with and extending below the band lower rearward extents; and there being a first wing carried by the rear structure and configured to freely extend toward front structure and at one side of the brassiere, and there being a second wing carried by rear structure at the other side of the brassiere, the wings having independently adjustable position connections with front structure to transfer force from rear structure to front structure.

Abstract: The invention is a bicycling device and method of use thereof, whereby muscle power can be more efficiently transferred from the cyclist's upper-extremities (arms) to the conventional footpedals via the cyclist's lower-extremities (legs) without need of mechanical contrivance and associated drain on fractional human-power capability. The device is attached proximally to the knee region as a method by which a cyclist may obtain a firm manual handhold, whereby the cyclist can grasp the device with his hand and proceed to exert appropriate downward-thrust or upward-thrust (during up-stroke using shoe/pedal-cleats) supplied from upper-extremities according to the regular cyclic rotation of the associated footpedal. Since upper extremity thrusting is applied directly through mechanism of the cyclist's own lower extremities, the need for manufactured mechanical contrivance and its associated weight penalty has been averted.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a flashlight holder for protective helmets, hardhats or the like comprising a carrier element adapted to accommodate within its inner walls a standard flashlight, an adjustment means connected to the carrier element and provided to adjust the carrier holding the flashlight in the position required by the protective helmet wearer. A mounting adaptor means is connected to the carrier element by the adjustment means and provided to releasably attach the holder to the protective helmet. The holder is attached to the side of the helmet and adjustment means are located at the lower extremity of the carrier element. Those adjustment mean comprises a swivel ball-socket arrangement. Another embodiment comprises a carrier integrally connected to an outer wall or casing of the flashlight element.

Abstract: The disclosure is a helmet, for example a pilot's helmet, including a shell and an attachable structure carrying optronic equipment. To facilitate manual fitting and removal of the structure on the shell by the wearer, the structure is equipped with mobile linkage parts that can take two stable positions, with a mechanism for locking the linkage parts in these positions, an open position used during the initial positioning of the structure on the shell, and a closed position in which the linkage parts lock the structure on the shell. Fitting and removal of the structure is further facilitated by the fact that the linkage parts can be opened or closed simply by pressing manually on two parts mounted symmetrically, one on each side of the shell, and that each position of the linkage parts is maintained by the mechanism for locking.

Abstract: A device for the mechanical hooking of a display system to a helmet which includes a sheath that surrounds the body of the display system except for elbowed optical elements leading to the combiner forming the eye-piece of the display system and that has a projecting longitudinal ridge acting as a guiding shaft for the hooking and as a fastening lug, and also includes a hooking stud. The device also has a stage that is interposed between the side wall of the helmet and the sheath. This stage is provided with a channel designed to receive the longitudinal ridge of the sheath and a hook jaw designed to grasp the hooking stud. The device is fixed to the side wall of the helmet by mechanism enabling the adjustment of its position both vertically and laterally, to enable the adjusting of the position of the eye-piece of the display system in the alignment of the helmet wearer's eye.

Abstract: The equipment is usable by a person exposed to NBC threats. It has a helmet, a face-cover provided with fastenings for connection to the helmet and with a coupling for a breathing gas feed or ventilation hose. A flexible envelope extends the helmet and the face-cover downwards. For providing sealed connection between the helmet, the face-cover, and the envelope, a hoop is fixed to the helmet in permanent or removable manner. It projects from the base of the helmet forwards. The top edge of the hoop receives the face-cover and the lower edge hoop receives the envelope in sealed manner.

Abstract: Device for rapidly and automatically deploying and retracting a combiner attached to a visored helmet. A combination of opposing springs, one made from conventional materials and the other from shape memory alloy (SMA), effects a detent mechanism and the retracting and deploying mechanism. The conventional spring normally exerts a greater force than the SMA spring, but the latter exerts the greater force upon being heated, preferably by means of an electric current passing through the spring. Alternative deployment and retraction means include a solenoid-conventional spring combination or an electrical motor which used in conjunction with a locking and unlocking means incorporating a SMA spring.

Abstract: A protective headgear assembly for use by personnel required to use sighting devices in which a close-fitting helmet carries impact-resistant, energy-absorbing material over that portion covering the wearer's nape, crown and side head portions over the ears but which is free of such material in the frontal portion which covers the wearer's forehead to permit the wearer to bring his eye into close proximity with a sighting device. A separable body of impact-resisant, energy-absorbing material is removably positioned over the helmet frontal portion by detachable fasteners which secure the body to a soft cover on the helmet where the wearer desires only bump protection or by a separable part of a two-part ballistic shell attached to the helmet where the wearer desires both bump and ballistic protection. The helmet can be adapted for use by non-sighter personnel by using either a unitary soft cover or a unitary ballistic shell to position the separable body on the helmet.

Abstract: A flip-up helmet mount for a night vision goggle includes a plurality of nested relatively movable brackets, the first of which is secured to a user's helmet. A second bracket pivots relative to the first to provide flip-up motion for the night vision goggle, and a third of the nested brackets is pivotal on the second bracket to provide a tilt angle adjustment for the night vision viewer. In order to both save battery power, and to prevent the user from inadvertently revealing his position by forgetting to turn off the night vision viewer before flipping it up, the support structure includes a magnetic flux source cooperable with a magnetically-responsive switch of the night vision viewer to maintain the viewer turned on only when the viewer is in its use position.

Abstract: Knee and elbow braces arranged to fit all sizes of persons, Each brace is formed of a generally planar elastomeric, e.g., fabric-covered-neoprene, base member and a generally planar elastomeric, e.g., fabric-covered-neoprene, spider member attached to the base member. The base member includes two upper mounting straps, and two lower mounting straps to mount the brace on the person's joint. Each of the upper mounting straps is arranged to be wrapped in opposite directions around the limb above the joint to be protected. The lower mounting straps are arranged to be wrapped in opposite directions around the limb below the joint. The mounting straps include VELCRO.RTM. fasteners to hold the straps in place. When so wrapped the straps define cut away areas to prevent bunching of the material making up the brace when the joint is flexed. The spider member includes two upper and two lower tension straps which are arranged to be releasably secured by VELCRO.RTM.

Abstract: A respirator 15 has a harness 10 that allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently disposed beneath a wearer's chin when not in use. The harness 10 includes a substantially flat, flexible strap 14 and an element 12 that contains a curved elongated slot 16. The substantially flat, flexible strap 14 is threaded through the curved elongated slot 16. The curved configuration of the slot 16 causes the flat flexible strap 14 to be deformed to assume the curved configuration of the slot. This deformation of the strap 14 allows the strap 14 to frictionally engage element 12, and the frictional engagement allows the respirator body 20 to be incrementally withdrawn from the wearer's face so that it can be temporarily stored beneath the wearer's chin, and allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently repositioned over the nose and mouth of the wearer by simply pulling on free ends 34 of each strap 14 and joining a buckle 32 behind the wearer's neck.

Abstract: A mechanical device for alleviating pain from swelling caused by Baker's cysts and the like comprising a rigid arcuate tubular element placed in the cavity behind the knee joint and fastened by straps placed over the knee at the femur and the tibia.

Abstract: A unified, low-profile, lightweight and strong component mounting system an aircrew member's helmet is disclosed. The system includes a substantially rectangular mounting bracket that carries necessary power, communications, and optical inputs to the components, mounting hardware and specially designed interface pieces for each component. The system is designed to securely and easily snap-lock onto the helmet and is positioned to stay balanced while attached to eliminate crewmember discomfort.

Abstract: The restraining inflatable neck guard is adapted to be located around a person's neck when deflated. A source of compressed gas is coupled to the neck guard for inflating the guard. A normally closed electrically actuated valve is provided for releasing the compressed gas from the source for flow to the inflatable neck guard when actuated. A sensor is provided for sensing acceleration/deceleration forces in three mutually perpendicular directions and for producing electrical outputs having levels which are proportional to the forces sensed. A threshold device compares the electrical outputs with a threshold to actuate the valve when either of the electrical outputs reaches the threshold. The sensor may be employed to sense acceleration/deceleration forces in one direction only. Aircraft or vehicle systems may be used to initiate the inflation sequence. The restraining inflatable neck guard is designed to maintain distance between the neck and collar throughout the inflation process.

Abstract: A helmet mounted night vision device for a pilot that is automatically propelled away from the pilot before the pilot ejects from an aircraft, thereby preventing injury to the pilot caused by the night vision device striking the ejecting pilot. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention night vision device is a binocular device, having a right optical assembly and a left optical assembly that are viewed by the right and left eyes of the pilot, respectively. The right and left optical assemblies are each attached to elongated arm members. Each of the arm members, supporting the optical assemblies, are pivotably coupled to a common mounting plate that is removably attachable to the helmet of the pilot. Prior to ejection, the left and right optical assemblies are joined in front of the eyes of the pilot, thereby forming the binocular device.

Abstract: The vision limiting device, commonly known as a hood 40 comprises a unitary frame structure 41 having an inverted U-shape when in its operative position. The frame structure 41 includes a top wall 43 joining two spaced side walls 42 and 44, wherein when worn on the head of an aviator, the side walls 42 and 44 provide side shields for preventing peripheral view. In addition, the frame structure 41 includes a concave inner edge 45 that is shaped and configured to conform to the unique curvature of the central front outer portion of the Army sound protective helmet (SPH-4), as shown in FIG. 4. A front outer wall 46 connects the top wall 43 and side walls 44, wherein the front outer wall 46 includes a lip 48 which defines a generally inverted U-shaped cutaway opening 49. A bracket 50 supports a quick coupling means 52, which comprises a cylinder 54 having a spring loaded ball 55 on each end thereof.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for enabling the use of night vision goggle having a plug-type mounting connector and a spring biased latch, with a head mounting assembly having a plate-type receiving carriage. The adapter comprises a housing having a plug-type receptacle which is configured to receive the plug-type mounting connector and a bar capable of engaging the latch. The adapter also comprises a mounting plate which is integrally formed to the hosing and configured to engage the plate-type receiving carriage. The plug-type mounting connector is secured within the plug-type receptacle by an engagement between the latch and the bar. The plug-type mounting connector is capable of selective disengagement from the plug-type receptacle by manual manipulation of the latch.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting assembly for mounting a night vision apparatus onto a standard army issue helmet. The present invention includes a support member for retaining the night vision apparatus and a clamping assembly used to join the support member to the helmet. The clamping assembly is removably attachable to a standard army issue helmet above the eyes of the wearer. The support member is pivotably connected to the clamping assembly in a manner that enables the support member to be pivotably rotated about the clamping assembly between an operational position and a stowed position. At the operational position, the support member retains the night vision apparatus in front of the eyes of the wearer. At the stowed position, the night vision apparatus is "flipped up" to a position above the field of view of the wearer, where the night vision apparatus can be retained until again needed.

Abstract: A head equipment comprises a component such as a helmet connectable to the head of a wearer and movable by the wearer in a limited field, with at least five degrees of freedom. It comprises an arm constituted by articulated segments giving the component at least five degrees of freedom with respect to the fixed structure and linking the component to a fixed structure.

Abstract: A visor adaptor assembly for use in conjunction with an aviator's helmet pted for supporting a helmet sighting system and night vision enhancement device. A support with vertical slot is adaptable to be mounted on a helmet and further includes a connector partially projecting through the slot with a connector extension coupled to the connector. A visor extension is connected to the connector which is coupled to an aviator's visor and a position adjustment nut is releasably coupled to the connector extension. Manual adjustment of the nut along the vertical slot adjusts the aviator's visor vertically within the support.

Abstract: A helmet mounted display device including an opaque display element arranged to be mounted on a helmet visor outside of a wearer's usual instantaneous field of view and a display control circuit disposed remotely from the display element and coupled thereto by signal transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A protective leg or arm covering is manufactured from a single piece of material. The material is cut into a blank having the shape to fit the purpose needed to protect the portion of the leg or arm desired. It is designed to be wrapped around the leg or arm, securing snugly but comfortably in the area of protection from the top of the leg or arm with the lateral edges extending to the bottom of the leg or arm or any partial area in between. A hook and pile closure sewn at the corners of the top and the bottom elevations of said blank of material provides the user with adjustability to the desired snugness of the fit. A hook and pile closure sewn along the lateral edges of said blank of material provides the user with full or partial protection from anything that would penetrate or enter the opening along said lateral edges.

Abstract: A protective leg covering is manufactured from a single piece of material. The material is cut into a blank having a rectangular shape. It is designed to be wrapped around the leg, securing snugly but comfortably two to three inches above the knee with the longitudinal edges of the leg section extending down to the top of the arch of the foot in front and above the bottom of the heel in back. A hook and pile closure sewn at the corners of the top and the bottom elevations of said blank of material provides the user with adjustability to the desired snugness of the fit. The device is light weight, having no metal strips, straps or other heavy objects required in its construction, requires nothing to be removed or adjusted on the leg or foot to be attached to the leg of the wearer, and is easy and quick to put on and take off.

Abstract: A kneepad having a lower, substantially cylindrical portion for resting against the shinbone of a user, an upper partly spherical portion for resting against a kneecap of a user, and a retaining strap connected to lateral edges of the lower portion for extending about a leg of a user. The retaining strap is connected in the vicinity of a lower edge of the lower portion remote from the upper portion. From the side, the upper portion has the shape of an arc. The upper region of the upper portion, remote from the lower portion, is formed by folds that extend over approximately half of the arc. The upper portion also has a lower region interposed between the upper region thereof and the lower portion. This lower region has no folds and has essentially the same construction as the lower portion.

Abstract: A gaiter for bicycling providing a plurality of panels to ensure a comfortable fit for various leg sizes. The gaiter incorporates a unique internal pocket capable of holding small items such as keys, change, or ID while bicycling. The gaiter uses one or more light reflective panels enabling the bicyclist to be more easily seen. Use of one or more panels of grease resistant material protects the wearer's clothing from being soiled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a child's knee pad with a convex inner and a concave outer surface and thinning downwardly in pad thickness for preshaping and fitting to a child's knee.

Abstract: This combination article is designed to be worn by toddlers to protect their knees and when desired they can also effectively function as ear muffs. Primarily, the article consists of an oval shaped pad with attached straps having mating hook and loop pile fasteners attached for adjustably securing the article to a toddler's knees or around the toddler's head. When secured to a toddler's head, a pair of the articles are secured together by the fasteners.

Abstract: A ski pants cover comprising a ski pant provided at the upper portion of the knee with a first retaining piece adapted to mount a cover at the ankle portion with likewise a second retaining piece for mounting the cover, said first retaining piece being hidden by a fly-front and the cover formed in such a manner as that a knee abutting portion, a shin abutting portion and a calf abutting portion are integrally connected each other and extendable, and characterized in that at the upper end of said knee abutting portion of said cover is provided with a third retaining piece adapted to engage the first retaining piece provided on the upper portion of the knee, and at the external ends of said shin abutting portion and said calf abutting portion of said cover are provided with fourth and fifth engaging pieces for engagement at a time when the cover is wound around the ski pant respectively and furthermore, at the ankle portion of said cover is provided with a sixth retaining piece adapted to engage the second reta

Abstract: A knee pad comprising an upper pad which may be secured on the leg at a point above the knee and a lower pad which may be secured on the leg at a point below the knee. A cover holds portions of the two pads in overlapping relation at the front of the knee for protecting it. The pads are freely movable with respect to one another inside the cover when the knee is flexed.

Abstract: A shin guard and a method of making it are disclosed. The shin guard has a rigid outer shell of polyurethane and a polyurethane foam backing. A recess is formed in the foam backing by pressing in a hot die having the profile of the recess to be made. The recess is oblong and centered over the shin bone or tibia. A dense, modified polyurethane is then cast in the recess. The combination of polyurethane foam and dense, modified polyurethane provides excellent shock absorption in a light weight shin guard.

Abstract: The invention constitutes rain chapes which are provided separately for each leg and substantially protect the lower legs and feet from the rain to which they are otherwise exposed due to the incomplete length of a raincoat. The chapes are preferably fabricated of the extremely light-weight synthetic materials which are currently used in raincoat design and permit easy carrying in a folded condition in a purse or pocket.