Abstract: A simulated shoulder is provided for purposes of creating a costume. The shoulder includes a platform having an upper and a lower surface, horizontally disposed support columns defining the periphery of the shoulder platform, and a head supporting structure attached to the upper surface for support of an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder is attached to the head supporting structure and simulates a head or supports a costume mask. An elongated support column extends downwardly from the platform. The support column is attached at one end to the platform and spaced apart a sufficient lateral distance so as to accommodate a wearer's head. There is also provided an adjustable flexible strap attached to the support columns to hold the structure to a wearer and for supporting the shoulder platform.

Abstract: A self-ventilating vest having a plural number of conduits extending through the vest, the conduits having an intake opening and one-way intake valve through which outside air can be drawn into the conduit, one or more compressible members, such as a tube, bulb or bladder retaining the air so that it absorbs body heat, and a one-way exhaust valve and exhaust opening through which the warmed air is expelled. The compressible members are compressed by the expansion of the chest during breathing or exertion to expel the warmed air, and when the compressive forces are removed, the compressible members expand to draw fresh air back into the compressible members through the intake opening to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A protective system including a garment-shaped inflatable member for surrounding at least upper portions of the body of a rider of a non-enclosed vehicle, and apparatus for exposing the interior of the inflatable member to the pressurized gas source for rapidly inflating the inflatable member in response to a sudden separation of the rider from the vehicle by at least a predetermined distance. The inflatable member has a garment-shaped configuration when in a non-inflated orientation, and when inflated, has an expanded, generally bulbous configuration such that large magnitude concentrated forces experienced thereby on impact with an object subsequent to the sudden separation of the rider from wherein the vehicle are prevented from transfer directly to the rider, thereby protecting the surrounded upper portions of the rider's body from serious injury.

Abstract: A safety swimwear is provided, having a bodice portion, at least one floatation member or bladder and a protective panel securely affixed to the exterior of the bodice portion and holding the bladder. The panel is securely affixed to the exterior side of the bodice portion in a manner which draws attention to the presence of the floatation member and/or the level of deflation or inflation of the bladder. The panel may be of a contrasting appearance, such as, a contrasting color, texture and/or pattern, against the bodice portion to highlight the presence of the panel and particularly the bladder. In an embodiment of the swimsuit, two bladders and two panels are provided so that one bladder is securely affixed to a front piece of the swimsuit and another bladder is securely affixed to a back piece of the swimsuit. The bladders and thus the panels may be of different configurations.

Abstract: An integrally molded solid protective casing of a shin guard with a close space. The solid protective casing is made of plastic material and integrally molded into a solid casing defining therein a close space. When an outer side of the protective casing is impacted by external force, a gas in the close space is compressed to buffer the external force impact and thus reduce injury of a user's shin.

Abstract: A decorative visor assembly to be worn in shading relation on a user's forehead, the visor assembly including a first and a second, generally planar material panels, and a seal assembly structured to selectively and precisely couple the first material panel to the second material panel. The seal assembly itself includes a perimeter seal structured to define a primary chamber between the first and the second material panels, and which is substantially fluid impervious so as to contain a quantity of a fluid within the primary chamber for selective introduction and removal so as to define an inflated orientation and a deflated orientation of the primary chamber.

Abstract: A system of inflatable pillows of great dimensions suitable to protect the totality or at least a part of the human body in the case of impacts, falls, etc. is characterized by the fact that it may be controlled by the voice of the individual to be protected by means of a microphone. The signal from the microphone is suitably elaborated by an electronic gear box and initiates the deflagration of a great quantity of a propellant which is in the form of cloth placed in the interior of the inflatable pillows.

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 jockey jacket actuates upon sensing a particular event, such as the jockey falling from the horse during a race. A series of air tracks are inflated by a gas generator to pump up a series of air-pockets, mini-airbags, and a collar protection region, preferably with a series of concentric circular cylinders which expand and provide resistance to motions that are transverse to the concentric axis. A plurality of caps are telescopically disposed within the tracks and are forced upwards by the injected gas. These caps form a column that, together with the other columns and a support member Within the jacket collar, forms an exoskeleton around the jockey's neck. A base webbing provides support for the columns. The jacket includes microelectronics to control the jacket actuation. The jacket is usable for other activities, such as motorcycling.

Abstract: A garment for use by a patient during an operation comprises an inner skin and an outer skin which between them define a space. A source and value are provided for passing a gas mixture of air and a predetermined volume of helium through the space to control the body temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A rucksack is provided with a disaster-protection hood attached to the rucksack body. When not in use the hood is folded away in a strip between the rucksack body and the hood. A gas charging apparatus with a compressed carbon dioxide cylinder when operated, inflates the hood to form a disaster-protection hood in which the back of the neck the and each side of the face are protected by the cushioning imparted by such inflation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing aid for a human body ensuring an effective alleviation of a shock to the human body. In the present invention, air bags are inflated upon a detection of separation of a wearer's body from an object of contact, such as when the wearer has fallen from an aerial place, thereby making it possible to absorb a shock to the human body with the aid of the air bags even when the wearer has directly dropped on the ground or the like.

Abstract: A inflatable shin guard for providing air cushioned padding to a shin guard. The inventive device includes a shell member having a front and a back and adapted to conform to the shin of a user. The back of the shell member has a recess. An inflatable bladder member is provided in the recess of the back of the shell member. The bladder member is adapted to substantially fill the recess when inflated.

Abstract: A new pneumatic torso armor and helmet for creating a visual display on a wearer for use at sporting events. The inventive device includes an inflatable body portion comprised of a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of shoulder panels. The front panel has a chest portion and an abdominal portion. A side of the front panel has an inflation tube extending outwardly therefrom. The front panel has couplers extending outwardly of lower side edges thereof. The back panel has corresponding couplers extending outwardly of lower side edges thereof for mating with the straps of the front panel. The shoulder panels have opposed lateral edges each having corresponding couplers disposed thereon for engaging the shoulder panels to a wearer.

Abstract: An impact absorbing garment is shown having a number of inflatable compartments attached to the garment. A source of pressurized gas is mounted to a manifold assembly also attached to the garment. The manifold assembly includes internal passageways connecting a gas inlet that receives gas from the source of pressurized gas to a gas outlet. Tubing attached to the garment connects the manifold assembly gas outlet to the inflatable compartments. The manifold assembly also houses a gas release valve. A toggle link mechanism supported within the manifold assembly provides a mechanical advantage by reducing the force required to maintain the gas release valve in a closed position against high pressure gas at the gas inlet. An electric solenoid moves a slide member to release the toggle link mechanism and open the gas release valve when an electrical circuit is closed between the solenoid valve and an electrical power source attached to the garment.

Abstract: A protective system for the rider of a non-enclosed vehicle including a garment-shaped inflatable member for surrounding at least upper portions of the body of the rider, a source of pressurized gas, and apparatus for exposing the interior of the inflatable member to the pressurized gas source for rapidly inflating the inflatable member in response to a sudden separation of the rider from the vehicle by at least a predetermined distance, wherein the inflatable member has a garment-shaped configuration when in a non-inflated orientation, and which when inflated, has an expanded, generally bulbous configuration such that large magnitude concentrated forces experienced thereby on impact with an object subsequent to the sudden separation of the rider from the vehicle are prevented from transfer directly to the rider, thereby protecting the surrounded upper portions of the rider's body from serious injury.

Abstract: A pump that can be adjusted to vary the volumetric output of the pump. The pump has a flexible housing that defines an inner pump chamber. The flexible housing can be collapsed by the user to discharge the contents of the inner chamber. Integral with the housing is an outer spring that returns the pump to the original extended position when the housing is released by the user. The pump further includes one-way valves that allow air to flow into and out of the inner chamber. Wrapped around the housing is a belt that controls the extended volume of the inner chamber and the corresponding volumetric output of the pump. The belt can be adjusted to vary the size of the inner chamber and the volumetric output of the pump. The belt may have different settings that define the amount of air provided by the pump. When used as part of a resuscitator unit, the belt can be adjusted to match the volumetric output of the pump with the lung capacity of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a garment support that satisfies this need for substantial waist size adjustability, yet maintaining comfort and style. A garment support having features of the present invention comprises a flexible, expandable, inner tube-type device to which an air intake and release mechanism will be attached. The present invention can be built into the inner waistband of garments or can be made detachable therefrom.

Abstract: A glove for padding a human hand. The inventive device includes a glove member having open truncated finger tubes and a thumb tube extending therefrom. Pneumatic chambers are coupled to a palm web of the glove and can be individually inflated to a desired pressure to selectively pad the glove.

Abstract: A two-ply inflatable sock whose dimension and fit is adjustable by the wearer is provided. The sock has an inner layer constructed of a wicking material and a water repellant outer layer. An inflatable toe cup positioned between the inner and outer layers and is adapted to encase the toes of the wearer, while an inflatable heel collar, likewise disposed between the inner and outer layers, is adapted to circumscribe the heel. The wearer may adjustably control the inflation of the toe cup and heel collar by manipulating finger pump and air release mechanisms so as to alter the dimension and fit of the sock. The toe cup and heel collar may be partially filled with a gel material, such as a plastisol or hydrogel.

Abstract: A diaper having an inflatable component and a pump is disclosed. The pump has a pump chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a resilient chamber wall. The resilient chamber wall is deformable to displace air from the pump chamber to the inflatable component. A check valve provides unidirectional flow from the pump to the inflatable component.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace for a joint includes a support mechanism attached to limb members on either side of the joint for providing support to the joint and for permitting a predetermined range of movement of the joint. The support mechanism defines a void space substantially surrounding the joint between the support mechanism and the joint. An inflatable air bag that preferably includes several air cells substantially surrounds the joint in the void space. At least one sensor attached to the support mechanism provides a trigger signal in response to a predetermined, potentially injurious condition, such as a severe force, stress, strain or acceleration. An inflation mechanism operatively connected to the air bag and the sensor inflates the air bag in response to the trigger signal, thereby providing additional support to the joint before the joint is injured.

Abstract: A pocket formed on the inside of the knees of a pair of firefighters pants supports a plurality of flexible gas-filled modules which are unconnected to one another and are disposed in abutting relationship to provide a continuous cushion and thermal barrier over the knee cap and surrounding knee area of a firefighter. A detachable closure closes the pocket and allows individual modules to be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A garment for wear during game play provides protection against impact forces. The garment comprises inner and outer layers of a fabric mesh with an intermediate support layer. A support layer includes a primary air channel extending along the normal seam locations of the garment with an interwoven grid of secondary air tubes being in communication with the primary air channel. Pressurized air is introduced through a valve in the primary air channel so as to inflate the air channel and grids connected thereto. Upon inflation, the grids cover the underlying body parts so as to protect against impact forces. The valve allows for a quick deflation of the air channel for allowing the garment to be worn during normal game play. The garment may also be worn in non-game environments in order to support the underlying muscles of the wearer.

Abstract: A new extended coverage anti-G suit combines a new continuous lower body pressure bladder with a nonextensible outer covering. The continuous lower body pressure bladder includes an abdominal bladder section and a pair of wrap-around leg bladder sections. Each leg bladder sections overlaps slightly at the inseam. A trouser-shaped nonextensible outer covering covers the pressure bladder and restrains its expansion when the pressure bladder is inflated. A pair of pressure socks worn between regular socks and boots interconnects with the pressure bladder.

Abstract: Inflatable air strips for protection of a motorcyclist body in case of a traffic accident are disclosed. The air strips comprise plurality of horizontal and vertical air strips which are all interconnected and inflated with gas from two gas inflators. A gas diffusing process is initiated by an activating cord which is extended from the ignitor unit and attached to the motorcycle.

Abstract: A knee pad unit for protecting the knee of an individual in a kneeling position and having outer plastic shell and a plurality of inflatable pneumatic tubes attached within the shell. The shell has two exterior rails having a front portion formed in a curved configuration to permit rocking. The plurality of inflatable tubes includes a central ring for suspending the knee and rear tubes for suspending the upper leg.

Abstract: The invention is a self-contained protective device/system designed to protect the hips, pelvis, buttocks, and coccyx areas of the user. The device may be worn outside of the clothing. Because it is small in size and lightweight, it may be easily put on and removed and does not interfere with body movements. It contains the following components: an inflatable air bag folded into pleats, a battery, a gas cartridge, sensors to determine angular motion and acceleration, a triggering/valve mechanism to release the gas and a relief valve. When the user falls, the sensors automatically release gas from the cartridge and inflate the airbag assembly, forcing the folded pleats to fully cover said areas of the user's body. After use the relief valve is opened to release air from the airbag assembly, the pleats are reinserted into the system and the invention is ready for reuse after the spent cartridge is replaced.

Abstract: An atmospheric air pressure inflatable garment has an inner layer and outer layer define a confined space with a compressible material therein. The compressible material has resiliency and strength characteristics so that it compresses under atmospheric conditions when the air pressure in the confined space is reduced to sub-atmospheric pressure and an air passage adapted to permit passage of air into and out of the confined space but not water when a seal for sealing the passage is released. The garment is stored with the air removed and permitting atmospheric air to fill the space when the seal is opened raise the pressure in the space to atmospheric and causes the compressible material to expand separating the inner and outer layers and forming an insulation therebetween.

Abstract: An inflatable garment applies compression to a limb for the treatment of vascular disorders. The garment is made with an inflatable chamber formed from a blank of superimposed layers of sheet material. Side portions of the blank are joined together in the garment to encompass the foot. An inflatable tongue is located to lie under the foot. The side portions of the blank and the tongue form intercommunicating inflatable sacs. The tongue itself is not laterally joined to the side portions of the blank. The resulting inflatable garment is more comfortable to wear and more effective therapeutically.

Abstract: An improved game glove including a front portion and a back portion defining a hand space therebetween and forming a major region for receiving the fingers of the wearer and a minor region for receiving the thumb of the wearer; an opening at one edge of the glove for the passage of the hand of a wearer into the hand space; a bladder positioned in the hand space, the bladder having a major portion in the major region of the glove and a minor portion in the minor region for the glove; and an inflation system to selectively inflate the bladder the inflation system including a pump system having a diaphragm for selectively inflating the bladder to improve the fit of the glove on a wearer's hand, the pump system also including a tube coupling the diaphragm and the bladder.

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 low stretch fabric for use in inflatable devices that place pressure on body parts, such as anti-G garments. The novel design of the present invention allows it to inflate to a lesser volume, than conventional fabrics, while maintaining the same pressure. This results in faster response times and less bulk of the garment constructed of the present invention.

Abstract: A helmet has attached to its lower rim an inflatable bag which normally is folded so as not to restrict normal head and neck movements of the wearer but on inflation will fill the gap between the helmet rim and shoulders of a wearer. Carried by the helmet and preferably packed with the bag is a package including a conventional gas generator, igniter and battery. A switch to operate the igniter is located on the crown area of the exterior surface of the helmet and is closable on an impact with a predetermined force on the crown of the helmet. When closed the bag is almost instantaneously inflated and fills the gap to transfer most if not all of the impact force to the shoulders and relieve the cervical spine of a damaging axial compressive force. In another version, shoulder pads are provided in which there is an attachment in the form of an inflatable bag on the inner rim encircling the neck of the wearer.

Abstract: The novel air pressure knee brace apparatus is comprised of a unit that is capable of allowing the user to provide the amount of support pressure that he or she desires for the knee joint. The apparatus is comprised of a flexible material wrap that is designed to fit around the knee of an individual. The rear portion of the wrap can be made of a mesh material that permits a cooling of the leg area. The frontal portion of the material contains an air bladder retained in position by a mesh perimeter and overlay and contains an air valve that can be inflated as desired to provide the needed support for the knee joint and, at the same time, allow for freedom of motion of the knee joint. Adjustment units are attached to the apparatus to permit tightening or loosening of the entire apparatus around the leg.

Abstract: A bathing suit top includes inflatable bladders in each of the cup portions of the top to provide support for the breasts of the wearer. An air pump is secured to the inflatable portions of the bathing suit top to selectively fill the first and second breast support bladders with ambient air. The air pump is preferably positioned in the connecting portion of the bathing suit between the two cups such that the pump can be discretely hidden behind a small piece of fabric. When the air pump is depressed air is forced into the two air bladders in the bathing suit cups and the breast support bladders are simultaneously filled to the same level in order to provide the identical amount of support to both breasts. The breast support bladders are designed to include three peninsula shaped sections to enable the breast support bladder to conform to the shape of the individual wearers breasts.

Abstract: An adjustably cushioned sock wherein a plurality of flexible bladders are provided internally of the sock to receive and retain variable amounts of air therein; pumps to variably supply air to the internal flexible bladders; and a release value to permit such air contained within the flexible internal bladders to be variably exhausted therefrom.

Abstract: A headwear piece having a crown defining a first opening for reception of the head of a wearer, an inflatable bladder mounted to the crown so that the bladder resides between the crown and a wearer's head in the crown opening, structure for selectively introducing a fluid into the bladder, and structure mounted to the crown for covering the fluid introducing structure and allowing operation thereof from a location externally of the crown.

Abstract: The inflatable clothing apparatus is designed to provide an inflatable (on position) and deflatable (off position) convection cooled clothing. The apparatus contains a spiralled inner tubular structure attached to the inner portion of the shirt and the inner tubular structure has separate expansion points connected by the air tube. When the expansion points are inflated lifting the shirt away from the skin and opening the cooling flap at the lower rear portion of the shirt, air circulation increases to the skins surface by allowing air to convect upward from the lower flap out through the neck opening. Air passages are also located in the shoulder and upper back area. A release mechanism (valve) is provided to allow deflation of the expansion points in order to provide warmth for the user by closing the flap and having the shirt contact the skin.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a collapsible flexible pump which includes an inflatable spring and framework. The inflatable spring framework is formed by attaching a layer of flexible material over selected exterior portions of the flexible material pumping chamber to form a passageway therebetween. Inflation of the inflatable spring framework via an inflation valve, results in the collapsed flexible pump distending into a three dimensional pumping chamber inscribed by the inflated spring framework. The pumping chamber includes appropriate inlet and discharge valves. By applying a compressive force to the pumping chamber, the volume of fluid within the pumping chamber is forced out through the discharge valve. The restoring tendency of the distended inflatable spring framework returns the pump chamber to the extended position on the returning intake stroke. A plurality of exemplary inflatable articles are disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention is a specific, illustrative embodiment of an integrated pump and inflatable liner assembly which comprises a hollow inflatable member for the reception and storage of fluid, the inflatable member having a selected configuration so as to line the protective headgear and partially encircle a user's head; the inflatable member housing at least one resilient member for protection of the user's head; and a pump formed integrally with the inflatable member for moving fluid therein. When the member is positioned inside a helmet, the pump is exposable for adjustment by the user. A bleed valve in the hollow member controls the passage of fluid from the hollow member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing glove for sports and industrial activities having air or gas filled compartments on the palm portion to function as cushions to absorb shocks and impacts transmitted to the palm by an object gripped by the glove.

Abstract: A gas ventilated garment including a primary manifold for receiving air at 20 to 125 pounds per square inch which is connected through a plurality of gas conduits to a plurality of radial dispersion valves positioned at various locations throughout a garment such as a jacket to slowly release air adjacent the body of a user for cooling. The individual radial valves are adapted to release the pressurized gas at extremely low rates normally being less than one cubic feet per minute. The configuration of the radial valves is unique in the restriction to a very low volume rate of release as well as a unique radial configuration allowing the gas to be dispersed in a radial or circular fashion from the individual locations thereby achieving cooling with a skew as seven or less individual ventilation gas radial dispersion valves strategically positioned throughout a garment such as a jacket.

Abstract: An inflatable hat, preferably constructed of a metallized gas-impermeable polymeric sheet, may be provided in any of a number of novelty shapes, forms, colors, designs, and the like. Inexpensive construction affords adaptability to toys, advertising, sports promotions, and various theme objectives.

Abstract: A body protector for athletes, particularly those engaged in motocross or motorcycle racing, having an outer semirigid plastic shell and an inner layer of air cell material for absorbing the impact of a fall or collision. The air cell material comprises a closed network of cells that are interconnected with channels. The channels slow the air movement away from the impact area, thereby distributing the energy of the impact throughout the cell network. An integral pump allows the wearer to maintain the air cell material at the desired pressure. An inflation indicator allows the wearer to estimate the pressure level of the air cells.

Abstract: An air inflatable bib comprising a main body member (10), a catcher member (15) attached to a bottom portion of the main body member (10) and having at least one inflatable air confining chamber joined to the catcher member; wherein at least one inflatable air confining chamber is inflated with air, and extends the adjoined catcher member out and away from a bottom portion of the main body member, whereby forming a wide-open, non-collapsible pouch-like catchall pocket, between a bottom portion of the main body member and the adjoined catcher member; and wherein the bib further includes at least one inflatable air confining chamber/portion (29) joined to the main body member; wherein the air confining chamber/portion is inflated with air to comprise an inflated patterning of the air inflatable bib.

Abstract: A game glove including a front and a back forming a major region for the fingers of the wearer and a minor region for the thumb of the wearer thereby defining a hand space therebetween; an opening at the lower edge of the glove for the passage of the hand of a wearer into the hand space; a bladder positioned in the hand space, the bladder having a major portion in the major region of the glove and a minor portion in the minor region for the glove; and a pump system to selectively inflate and deflate the bladder.

Abstract: A game glove including a front and a back forming a major region for the fingers of the wearer and a minor region for the thumb of the wearer thereby defining a hand space therebetween; an opening at the lower edge of the glove for the passage of the hand of a wearer into the hand space; a bladder positioned in the hand space, the bladder having a major portion in the major region of the glove and a minor portion in the minor region for the glove; and an inflation system to selectively inflate the bladder the inflation system including a pump system having an oval shaped diaphragm for selectively inflating the bladder to improve the fit of the glove on a wearer's hand.

Abstract: A game glove including a front and a back forming a major region for the fingers of the wearer and a minor region for the thumb of the wearer thereby defining a hand space therebetween; an opening at the lower edge of the glove for the passage of the hand of a wearer into the hand space; a bladder positioned in the hand space, the bladder having a major portion in the major region of the glove and a minor portion in the minor region for the glove; and an inflation system to selectively inflate the bladder.

Abstract: An automatically inflatable safety collar device comprising a collar made of a "C" shaped control ring resilient rod member, an inflatable rubber tube member surrounding the rod with a first cap attached to one end of said rod and sealing one end of said tube and a second cap with a gas inlet nipple attached to the other end of the rod and sealed to the tube, a generally "C" shaped foamed cushion member of toroidal arc contour hollow through its length split at its inner periphery from inner surface to outer surface and surrounding the tube and a stretchable fabric cover surrounding the cushion, a compressed gas container, a gas release trigger device, a gas transfer pressure line connected between the container and the nipple; and a trigger device operating tether cord attachable to a vehicle.