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

Abstract: A bulletproof vest which includes a vest body, the vest body having two receiving spaces respectively defined in two front panels thereof, two front openings respectively disposed at a front placket thereof in communication with the receiving spaces, and a rear opening disposed at a back panel thereof at an inner side between the receiving spaces, a front bulletproof shield mounted in the receiving spaces inside the vest body to protect the user's front side against bullet, the front bulletproof shield having two opposite extended lateral side portions respectively extended out of the rear opening at the vest body and fastened together by a hook joint, and a rear bulletproof shield fastened to the vest body at a back side by hook and loop materials to protect the user's back side against bullet.

Abstract: An air inflated sealed rubber padding cushioning protective device for use in contact sports and worn underneath traditional shoulder pads. The air inflated sealed rubber padding has a smooth, flat surface that changes to a modular configuration when the protective padding is donned; effectively conforming to the contour of the body area covered at creases that constitute flexible joints. The air inflated sealed rubber padding uses the cushioning power of air to displace the force of impact, such as impacts delivered to the shoulder, clavicular, and scapular areas. The protective padding not only prevents injuries, but is also capable of protecting injured players from further injury. Alternatively, the air inflated sealed rubber padding can additionally have a plurality of air filled openings that form an array of air filled pockets having a honeycomb appearance.

Abstract: A child body protector formed of polyurethane foam in an oval shape in the design of a ladybug on its outer surface which has straps to strap onto the back of a child in order to provide cushioning from a fall which may occur while a child is learning to walk. The outer image on the protector provides amusement to the child.

Abstract: An orthopedic belt for pelvis is disclosed, which comprises an upper belt made of an elastic cloth which covers mainly a sacroiliac joint and a lower belt made of the same elastic cloth which covers mainly a hip joint, wherein the right and left end portions of both upper and lower belts are joined to each other in an overlapped state to form both end portions of the orthopedic belt; middle portions in the length of the upper and lower belts are connected to each other in a parallel state via a plurality of cloth-made connecting pieces; a pocket is provided inside a central portion in the length of the upper belt; an orthopedic block for sacral bone support having a ceramic portion is received in the pocket; and hook and eye members for connecting the both end portions of the orthopedic belt upon being interlocked to each other are provided in both end portions of the orthopedic belt.

Abstract: An exercise aid is composed of a harness which is worn on the lifter's chest when performing the bench press exercise and has left and right sides disposed at opposite respective sides of a central plane of the harness. The harness includes two pockets which are symmetrically disposed about the central plane. A stiff plate can be removably inserted in each pocket to provide a spacer which limits the extent to which the bar can be lowered.

Abstract: A back support for preventing injury to the spinal column that allows a user a limited amount of freedom of rotary motion. The apparatus includes an upper support, which in use extends from a top end approximately at the neck of a user to a bottom end at the thoracic lumbar transition region. At this point, the bottom end of the upper support is connected by way of a limited motion rotary flex joint to a top end of a lower support, which in use extends from the thoracic lumbar transition region to the tail bone or sacrum region. Both the upper and lower supports are contoured to conform with the shape of the spine and surrounding bodily structure to distribute any impact forces, and except for the length and contour, the upper and lower supports are of similar construction. A preferred embodiment of the supports includes a rigid core member extending the length of each support.

Abstract: A chest pillow for use by a post-surgical patient has a flexible plate and padding surrounding and covering all sides and edges of the plate. A fabric cover surrounds and encloses the padding and the plate. Separable straps extend between upper and lower edges of the pillow, the straps having sufficient length to pass around the upper body of the patient, thereby to hold the pillow in a desired position, ready for use.

Abstract: A protective garment minimizes injury to the wearer resulting from an impact to the general area of the heart. The garment is particularly adapted for use in sports participation such a little league baseball. The garment includes a shirt having a front side with a pocket on the inside of the shirt disposed in the general area of the heart. An impact resistant laminate is mounted in the pocket to shield the general area of the heart. The impact resistant laminate includes a protective flexible plate and a cushioning structure mounted in front of the plate.

Abstract: A substantially flat, wearable cushion (10) that a baby carries behind the head. The cushion (10) comprises a substance having impact absorbency (18) that is covered by a wrapper (20). Its corners are rounded and its size is wide enough to surround the baby's head and shoulders and long enough to hold two shoulder straps (12). Shoulder straps (12) are stretchable to ease the baby's arms into the device. Cushion (10) is supported behind the baby's head without any elements that visually or physically protrude around or upon the baby's head. If the baby slips, its head, as well as its neck and shoulders, will fall against cushion (10).

Abstract: A ballistic panel carrier vest with front and rear ballistic panel carrying pockets and a trauma plate pocket has front, rear and side portions, as well as epaulets, breast pockets with flap closures and buttoned placket front opening that look like the same elements of an underlying shirt so that the fact of wearing the vest is concealed. The vest is made from a shirt of the type over which it will be worn by cutting off the collar and sleeves, and either cutting the shirt tail off at the waist or folding it under. Loose edges of epaulets, breast pocket flaps and placket are sewn down.

Abstract: An improved body armor for use in protecting a wearer from penetration injuries from bullets and other hazards is disclosed. The body armor employs a waterproof/moisture vapor permeable cover over flexible armor plating layer or layers which improves breathability of the armor. Additionally, the waterproof nature of the cover allows for use of more flexible armor materials which has not be treated to be water repellent. As a result, a more wearable and, thus, effective body armor is created.

Abstract: A body protective vest for sports use has a front panel and a back panel joined at the shoulders and side panels. The front panel and back panel include inner and outer plies having elongate padding inserts held in place between the inner and outer panels by line stitching. The padding inserts on the front panel are angled diagonally and held in place by diagonal line stitching which permits the front panel to yield and fold as the wearer assumes different positions.

Abstract: Body protectors, particularly an articulated shock absorbing vest for use in the equestrian sports. The vest is characterized by its capability of absorbing traumatic impact and crush, while not interferring with movement of the equestrian rider's torso and arms. The vest includes a back panel and two adjoining side panels conformed to fit the human torso. Each panel includes a plurality of shock absorbing cellular foam ribs independently and movably supported in skeletal array. A protective spinal sheath is supported upon the back panel.

Abstract: A support belt has a core layer made of a three dimensional fabric in which a cushion layer has a serpentine undulating cross-sectional shape in at least one dimension so as to define peaks and valleys which space inner and outer surfaces of the core such that the thickness of the core at a given location is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of threads of the fabric at that location. The core may have multiple cushion layers and may be covered with a closed weave fabric on one or both sides thereof. Preferably, a strap encircles the core and a buckle is provided for adjustably securing the strap around a body with the core between the strap and the body.

Abstract: A back guard is provided for protecting the back against impact. The back guard is worn by a wearer over the back. The guard comprises interlocking members. Each of the members is curved to conform to the spine. In particular, a recess is provided for the spinous process to prevent impact thereto during a collision.

Abstract: A device for massaging a body part comprises a plurality of massaging protuberances of various shapes that are attached securely to the inside of a garment. When a person wearing the massage garment sits on a chair or on a bed or couch, the body of the person presses against the massaging protuberances. The resisting force of pressed protuberances works to stimulate the circulatory system and to make muscles or joint supple, so as to relieve pain and tension of the person wearing the massage garment.

Abstract: A dickie of a generally cylindrical configuration comprising an upper extent formed with a neck opening of a cylindrical configuration for passage of a wearer's head and having a reduced diameter, the neck opening having a turned over upper end and a pair of knitted layers with downwardly extending lower ends. An intermediate extent is formed in the shape of a cone having a reduced upper diameter formed as integral extensions of the lower portion of the upper extent and having an enlarged lower diameter with an increasing diameter from the upper diameter to the lower diameter, the intermediate extent being formed as a pair of knitted layers. A lower extent is formed as a body opening and has a cylindrical configuration with an enlarged diameter, the body opening including a pair of knitted layers with downwardly extending lower ends and with upper ends formed as integral extensions of the lower ends of the intermediate extent.

Abstract: A thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis device includes a jacket having opposite side portions, a back portion, and a releasable front portion. The back portion is integrally formed with the side portions. A compartment is formed within the jacket for receiving padding and a brace member, with the padding being positioned between the patient and the brace member. The brace member is formed from a moldable material so as to conform to the patient's spine. The side portions of the jacket include pockets for receiving side supports to provide lateral trunk stability for the patient. Auxiliary pads can be attached to the side portions to provide additional lateral stability when the patient is sitting in a chair.

Abstract: A protective body armor garment shell is disclosed which has a front panel and a back panel made of a lightweight material and having features simulating a uniform shirt such that the garment shell can be worn over or in place of a standard uniform shirt and maintain a professional appearance while concealing the fact that body armor is being worn. The back panel is attached to the body utilizing a belt which firmly retains the garment to the body even when the front panel is loosely draped across the chest. The drapable feature allows a person wearing the garment to loosen the front panel to provide ventilation while maintaining the garment on the body, to maximize comfort.

Abstract: A safety containment shield for use by the authorities to protect the officer during usage, and to minimize damage to the person confronted. The shield is a composite of laminar material, including a sheet of rigid polymer, having foam cushioning layers provided on both its front and back surfaces. An outer covering of canvas or vinyl is provided, and hand gripping means, in the form of arm straps, are furnished upon the backside, to facilitate the grasp by the user, particularly during participation in a conflict.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique spine protector for use with or without protective clothing and in particular, in bomb disposal suits or in sports related activities. The protector is made up of a plurality of overlapping elongate support members having a central recess in the mid-portion thereof such that when an external force is applied to the spine protector, the force exerted is transmitted to the spinal muscles and/or thoracic support structures on either side of the vertebrae while the vertebrae remain minimally loaded. The spine protector is made up of two sizes of support members which overlap each other in mating relationship and are loosely joined so that the spine protector can flex in three dimensions.

Abstract: A protective garment incorporating radiation resistant materials has a resilient support for conforming to and supporting the weight of the garment across the back of the wearer. The support is a wide resilient band having a first end connected at a first interior side seam and a second end connected at a second interior side seam for extending across an interior back panel surface of the garment. When stretched across the back, the garment weight is distributed uniformly across the back to reduce fatigue. Alternatively, the garment may have a pair of resilient straps which extend from the shoulder seams and sides of a front panel, across the back to the front of the garment. By providing resilient back panels which extend from the shoulders, the front panel weight is distributed over the shoulders and back. Utilizing such a protective garment reduces upper body fatigue for those required to wear such garments.

Abstract: A back support (110 & 210) for providing abdominal and lumbosacral support having a waistband (111 & 211) comprising a front panel (112 & 212) and a second panel (113 & 213). An elastic band (150 & 151) is operatively connected to the waistband (111 & 211). In one embodiment, the front panel (210) forms a cup to lift and support the fat tissue of an obese wearer.

Abstract: A ballistic panel carrier vest with front and rear ballistic panel carrying pockets and a trauma plate pocket has front, rear and side portions, as well as epaulets, breast pockets with flap closures and buttoned placket front opening that look like the same elements of an underlying shirt so that the fact of wearing the vest is concealed. The vest is made from a shirt of the type over which it will be worn by cutting off the collar and sleeves, and either cutting the shirt tail off at the waist or folding it under. Loose edges of epaulets, breast pocket flaps and placket are sewn down.

Abstract: A cooling vent having opposed front and back panels to substantially cover a user's torso, the panels being non-integral along at least a first side and a first shoulder. First shoulder connector means allows the front and back panels to be releasably connected to one another such that the first shoulder can open or close. A plurality of elongated pockets are provided on at least one of the panels and preferably both, each of which has an opening to receive a cooling pack into the pocket. By virtue of the foregoing open side and shoulder construction, the vest can be removed sideways after use allowing a user to wear protective headgear, such as a gas mask, until after the vest is removed and without having to attempt to remove the vest over their head. In one embodiment, each pocket has inner and outer walls, each wall having a structural layer and an insulation layer.

Abstract: A protective device for the spinal column, particularly as accident protection for motorcycle riders, having a plurality of plate elements positioned one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the spinal column. The plate elements are made of a deformable material and are arched to form hollow spaces between the plate elements and a basic body to which the elements are secured. The hollow spaces are filled with a shock-absorbing filler body of plastic foam.

Abstract: A training aid for skaters includes an enlarged block made from a soft resilient material and including an elongated exterior wall which has an upwardly facing exterior surface. An arrangement is provided for permitting removable support of the block on the skater's torso with the exterior wall projecting from the skater's neck below and significantly forwardly beyond the skater's chin with the exterior surface positioned closely adjacent and below the skater's chin. The resilient block is made from a material which is sufficiently opaque to obstruct normal vision therethrough, thereby obstructing the skater's vision of his skates and a portion of the ice immediately forwardly thereof.

Abstract: A sleeveless jacket that would be worn by the user of a chain saw. The front and shoulders of the jacket are padded with a material that jams a chain saw if it cuts into the padding to protect the user from being cut by the saw.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable protective cushion to be worn by people in high speed and high impact sports such as snowboarding for cushioning the blow when falling on their rear, or for sitting on as a seat when working on their boot bindings. The inflatable protective cushion comprises a pouch made of flexible and non-stretchable fabric material. The pouch has at least four constricted compartments parallel to one another, each constricted compartment containing an inflatable membrane made of flexible impervious material, where the inflatable membrane is arranged in constricted configuration. The inflatable protective cushion further comprises a valve means for inflating the inflatable membrane and maintaining a desired pressure therein, and means for attaching the pouch to the wearer, such that each of the two opposite hip regions of the wearer's body is overlapped by at least two of the at least four constricted compartments of the pouch.

Abstract: A protective body armor garment shell is disclosed which has a front panel and a back panel made of a lightweight material and having features simulating a uniform shirt such that the garment shell can be worn over or in place of a standard uniform shirt and maintain a professional appearance while concealing the fact that body armor is being worn. The back panel is attached to the body utilizing a belt which firmly retains the garment to the body even when the front panel is loosely draped across the chest. The drapable feature allows a person wearing the garment to loosen the front panel to provide ventilation while maintaining the garment on the body, to maximize comfort.

Abstract: A heat-intercepting shield or shroud in the form of a garment, blanket or belt having on at least one surface thereof one or more pockets to receive replaceable packets of refreezable material which absorb large quantities of heat as the material melts. Each pocket has two coextensive fabric layers stitched together to form opposite pocket walls. Over the entire pocket area and next to the one wall are coextensive layers of non-breathable continuous reflective material and of insulating material. These materials are flexible and are stitched next to that one pocket wall in seams at the edge of the pocket so that both heat reflection and retardation of heat flow by the insulation occurs over the entire pocket area. Between the layer of insulation and the other pocket wall is a space for a heat absorbing packet or packets of frozen gel. The side of the shield or shroud with the packet or packets is placed toward the object to be cooled or protected from external radiant, conductive or convective heat.

Abstract: A protective device for reducing incidence of injury from falls comprises a sheet of flexible polymeric material provided with an array of fluid filled chambers and releasable fasteners such as VELCRO strips at spaced apart locations on the sheet for enabling securing of the sheet to a person's hips. The releasable fasteners on the sheet may function to releasably fasten the sheet to a garment such as a coat or robe. The fluid filled bubbles of the sheet material are designed to maximize protection in the areas where enhanced impacts are expected to occur during falls.

Abstract: A ballistic protective insert for use with soft body armor by female personnel is disclosed. The ballistic protective insert provides enhanced protection to female breast tissue which is uniquely susceptible to the harmful effects of blunt trauma from ballistic impact. The ballistic protective insert is a rigid, inflexible cup worn over a woman's breast and under a conventional soft body armor vest. The insert is preferably made of SPECTRA SHIELD, a high strength polyethylene material, sheets laminated together with epoxy. The protective insert appears to work by a combination of dynamic effects. The dynamic effects include redirecting ballistic impact forces to the muscular chest wall surrounding the breasts, and creating a compression wave inside the breast which reflects off the chest wall as a tension wave and then tends to push the insert away from the breast. The protective inserts resist any significant deformation for as long as possible to reduce impact intensity.

Abstract: A baseball catcher's chest protector includes a main pad adapted to cover the chest, stomach, and shoulders of the catcher, and a shoulder pad adapted to cover one shoulder and the upper portion of one arm of the catcher. The shoulder pad is hingedly and removably attached to the main pad by flexible straps. The main pad is provided with generally diagonally extending hinge lines to permit the pad to conform to the body of the catcher.

Abstract: A pair of straps project from opposite ends of a pouch for use in securing the pouch around a person's waist with an elongate opening in the pouch positioned above the person'seat. The opening is releasably closed by two separate (inner and outer) zippers. An elongate panel or sheet of flexible, waterproof material is secured at one end of one edge of the pouch opening to extend downwardly out of one (the outer) zipper into an operative position beneath one's seat, where it can be secured in place by two other straps which fasten around one's legs. At such time the other or inner zipper may be closed to retain personal items, (comb, sunblock lotion, etc.) in the pouch. When not in use the waterproof panel is rolled up and stored in the pouch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective vest having a collar or neck guard intended for use with helmets and, optionally, with shoulder pads or harnesses, of the types worn by players in contact sports. The protective vest has a flexible body with shoulder portions between chest and back panels. Surrounding an opening for receiving a player's neck is an upstanding collar, integrally formed with the body, which has an upper ring-like surface for contacting the bottom edge of the player's helmet. When contacted by the player's helmet, the collar, formed of resilient material, is placed in energy-absorbing compression. Also, the chest and back panels surrounding the collar, also being made of resilient material, are placed in a tension and compression loading, to further aid in absorbing the loading applied to the collar.

Abstract: An article of protective athletic equipment to be worn by a person includes padding in the form of a layer of closed cell, elastomeric foam having a regularly bi-directionally convoluted surface for confronting the person. An exemplary shoulder pad using such padding has a chest protector including a substantially rigid, shape-retaining layer forming a back portion, and arch portion and a front portion including outside edges proximately overlying a vertical mid-line of each pectoralis major of the person so that forward motion of the arm is unrestricted by the chest protector. The outside edge of the chest protector extends downwardly and outwardly below the pectoralis major to provide protection for the ribs. Flexible pads are coupled to the shape-retaining portion to extend outwardly over the outer portion of the pectoralis major, the flexible pad being pivotable about the outside edge of the chest protector during movement of the shoulder.

Abstract: A combined shirt and religious article that is rectangular in shape, includes a neck opening, and fasteners for fitting it to the torso of the wearer. It replaces the need for a separate undershirt and fringed religious garment.

Abstract: A protector for use in sporting activities which is sized to cover the chest and abdomen of its wearer is provided with an outer layer formed of a light-weight leather or leather-like material, an inner layer formed of batting, and closed-cell foam pads provided intermediate the inner and outer layers. Optionally, a lightweight breathable material may be placed alongside the batting. The foam pads are sized and positioned to cover selected vulnerable portions of the chest and abdomen region from damage resulting from a direct impact thereto. The use of foam pads instead of a foam layer throughout the protector maintains the maneuverability of the protector without sacrificing an appreciable loss of protection to the wearer.

Abstract: A protective body suit is described which includes a body suit formed of a stretchable material which defines a pair of leg openings, a pair of arm openings, and a neck opening. The body suit is sized and shaped to conform snugly to the chest and hips of a user, and the material can be either a closely woven or knit material or an open mesh material. A pair of resilient side pads are secured to the body suit between the arm openings and the aligned leg openings to protect the sides of the user. A pair of resilient shoulder pads are secured to the body suit between the neck opening and respective ones of the arm openings to protect the shoulders of the user. At least one resilient back pad is secured to the body suit between the side pads to protect the back of the user. The body suit is effective to hold the pads securely in place against the body of the user during athletic activity.

Abstract: A chest protector formed by a pair of chest protector bodies; each of the chest protector bodies being formed to include a one-piece, homogeneous, in situ molded foamed polymeric/copolymeric material; a zipper disposed along a vertical line of the chest protector for securing the chest protector bodies to each other, and straps for securing the chest protector bodies to each other across the back of a user.

Abstract: A protective garment construction (10) for weight lifters comprising a jacket member (13) having a plurality of internal compartments (30) which are dimensioned to receive a plurality of padded members (40) including: a neck pad member (41); an upper back pad member (42); a pair of shoulder pad members (43); and, a pair of upper chest pad members (44); wherein, the padded jacket member (13) prevents a metal bar (100) from bruising the neck and upper torso of a weight lifter during normal weight lifting exercises.

Abstract: A combination beach towel and robe having a releasably secured flap for closing the head opening of the robe. In another aspect, a pocket is provided at one end of the towel to facilitate use of the towel as a car seat cover and to also provide a pocket for use when the beach towel is used as a robe.

Abstract: A protective vest is disclosed having a body portion wrappable and securable about a torso of a wearer and a head portion hingeably connected thereto for securing about the head of the wearer. The body and head portions both include respective quick connection means for easy entry into the vest prior to an aircraft crash. A multiple layer laminate material forms the head and body portions and gives thermal, puncture and shock absorption protection. The entire vest can be folded and stored within the head portion in a compact pack.

Abstract: A water vest for motocross riders comprises a combination of shoulder pads for the motocross rider, and a water absorbing and air cooling layer attached to the inside of the shoulder pads for overlying the chest area of the motocross rider. The shoulder pads are in the shape of a vest having a front face for overlying the chest area of the rider. The front face is perforated so it is porous to air. The water absorbing and air cooling layer includes an elongated jacket having flexible outer plies porous to air and water. A water absorbing layer, preferably multiple thin layers of a water absorbing material, are disposed in the hollow interior of the jacket. The water absorbing material is capable of absorbing many times its weight in water and is porous to traveling air when water is retained by it. Fasteners removably attach the water absorbing and cooling layer to the front face of the shoulder pads. The water absorbing layer is soaked in water and then fastened to the inside of the shoulder pads.

Abstract: An article of woman's body armor comprises a carrier garment such as a T-shirt or undervest with front and rear pockets for receiving armor insert panels of soft flexible bullet-resistant material. The front insert panel has slits extending from the side edges thereof with a pair of VELCRO hook and pile tabs on opposite sides of each slit, the tabs of each pair being secured respectively to opposite surfaces of the panel. The edge portions of the panel defining the respective slits can be overlapped and releasably secured by means of the VELCRO hook and pile tabs to form the panel into a bosom-accommodating cup-like shape with the degree of overlap determining the cup size.

Abstract: A shoulder garment adapted to be worn particularly by persons who are exposed almost overnight to strong sun rays to thus prevent a sun burn on the shoulders of the wearer. Also, the shoulder garment may be worn over a jacket or shirt so as to present an ornamental article of wearing apparel.

Abstract: A protective breastplate rigidly attached to the straps of a vehicle seat belt in which fiber reinforced material layers are shaped to form an air-tight, hollow chamber anatomically adapted to the upper thorax and abdomen of a vehicle occupant; a metal mesh lining is provided on the interior of the chamber to prevent pointed objects from piercing the protector, and an air intake valve is attached at the bottom.