Abstract: A lightweight orthopedic brace having no rigid structural elements is constructed from flexible material and is designed primarily to provide for restriction of rotational movement and translation about the targeted joint by providing flexible bracing members which wind in a circumferentially spiraling manner about a target joint to provide active resistance to axial rotation and translation in the joint. The bracing members are adjustable to selectively increase the amount of resistance to axial rotation. The device may further comprise an undersleeve and/or an oversleeve to provide additional compression to the joint and to facilitate the circumferential winding of the bracing members. Construction of the orthopedic brace is such that resistance to rotation is achieved in both the internal and/or external directions. The orthopedic device has a multiplicity of uses, including, but not restricted to prophylactic, post-injury/surgery, as well as proprioceptive and retraining functions.

Abstract: A compression hose having a extremity covering portion and an injured area covering portion. The injured area covering portion further includes an opening that is positioned over the patient's injured area. A number of fastening straps are fixedly attached to one side of the opening and are sized to extend across the opening and secured to a fastener receiver. A locking strap having a longer length than inner fastening straps is positioned at the outer edge of the hose and is sized to extend across the opening and lock the hose in place on the patient's extremity.

Abstract: A method for fastening pads to medical bandages, stockings and the like, wherein the pad is welded by thermal action or by cementing between two support materials of film, fabric, knit material or fleece, of which at least one consists of a thermoplastic material, is shaped substantially to its contour, and is fastened to the bandage by thermal action by means of the thermoplastic material which faces the side of the bandage. Preferably, the pad welded between the two support materials is punched out, cut out or the like according to its contour with an overhanging margin and fastened by means of the latter to the bandage.

Abstract: A brace apparatus for applying tension to the fore portion and the upper portion of a human limb about a limb joint in a direction of limb closure about the joint for joint therapy includes a limb fore portion engaging structure; a limb upper portion engaging structure; an elastic strip interconnecting the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion for creating a range of tension levels between the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion over which the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion move relative to each other; and a mechanism for adjusting the range of tension in the elastic strip.

Abstract: A lightweight wrist brace has a flexible base which extends along the palm and receives a stiffening member within a pocket. A narrow hand strap extends upwardly and sidewardly from the base at about 105-120 degrees on each side of the base. The two hand straps wrap around the hand and are connected to each other with hook and loop fasteners across the dorsal area of the hand. Two wrist straps are spaced from one another at the rearward end of the base. The wrist straps have hook material and loop material disposed thereon and are releasably received within rings positioned adjacent each strap where it extends from the base. The wrist brace is thus capable of being worn on either a right or a left hand and is adapted for wear by people with varying size wrist and hands.

Abstract: A medical film dressing comprising a thin transparent film having a layer of skin adhesive on its front face, shielded before use by a removable cover sheet in contact which is in contact with the adhesive across the entire area of the front face, and a backing sheet detachably affixed over the whole of the rear face of said film. The dressing further comprises a flexible hinge in the form of a folded strip disposed along a peripheral edge of said thin film to conjoin said cover sheet and said backing sheet adjacent said edge, and extending around the corresponding edge of the thin film, and wherein a scoreline is formed in said cover sheet. The score line extends parallel to the edge of the dressing opposite the hinge and wherein the line of perforation extends through said thin film beneath said score line.

Abstract: A device for the delivery of low amplitude vibration to limbs comprises a flexible sleeve adaptable to fit circumferentially around the limb of a living being; means for mounting the sleeve about the limb; means for generating a low amplitude vibration, carried by said sleeve; and means for transmitting the vibrations to said limb. A method for the treatment of repetitive trauma syndrome comprises affixing a device providing a flexible sleeve circumferentially about the limb affected and transmitting a low amplitude vibration from the device to the limb.

Abstract: A unitary device for the correction of hallux valgus is made of an elastomeric fabric material that includes a large portion that encloses the forefoot cirumferentially, and a smaller portion that encloses the great toe circumferentially. The fabric for constructing the device is cut in such a way that there is a bias towards varus of the great toe. Once the device is applied on the great toe and forefoot, the bias of the cut exerts a varus force on the great toe, thus correcting the valgus deformity.

Abstract: An anklet for a foot orthosis has a one-piece member having a sole portion, opposite side portions each terminating in a flap element, a heel portion and a fastening strap. The sole portion has a pocket to receive the foot portion of the orthosis. A soft liner is attached to the interior surface of the anklet. The fastening strap extends over the overlapped flap elements to reinforce the engaged fastening elements on the interior surface of the straps.

Abstract: A medical diabetes treatment boot can be equipped with a cushion placed inside the boot against an upper rear portion of the boot, to promote flotation support for the wearer's ankle when the cushion includes a soft midsection panel adapted to engage the ankle rear surface; a deformable fluid-containing pouch is removably disposed in a hollow interior space within the panel to provide ankle support. The pouch can be removed through a rear access opening that is normally closed by a zipper closure.

Abstract: The invention is a postoperative binder made of relatively inelastic material that is cut to fit the patient and held in place by Velcro.RTM. binders. The present invention uses mechanical, rather than elastic, compression. Mechanical loads are carried near or on the hip joint, either by physically hooking the binder over the hips or attaching it to an elastic band that rides on or above the patient's hips. The present invention provides mechanical support to lower abdominal tissue, especially near the genitals and in the area of the peritoneum.

Abstract: A roll of sheet material is disclosed for use in medical and/or athletic wrapping of a body part. The roll includes a hollow, cylindrical, core with a sheet of plastic film wound thereupon. The axial dimensions of the core and film are limited so that the core and the film can be supported in an open hand between the thumb and the middle and ring fingers, and between the index finger and the little finger. The method of wrapping the body part includes wrapping the film from the core around the body part by moving the roll from a first location to a second location with one hand, transferring the roll from that hand to the second hand such that the second hand engages the roll between the thumb and the middle finger at opposite axial ends, continuing wrapping the body part by moving the second hand with the roll partially around the body part back to the first location, at which point the roll is transferred to the first hand.

Abstract: A patient support for harvesting a saphenous vein utilizing a base member that has an outwardly extending upper element. The upper element includes at least one surface with an edge portion. The edge portion is intended for contacting a portion of the leg and applying pressure to the soft tissue of the leg to provide surgical access to the saphenous vein by shifting the soft tissue relative to a leg bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zinc gluconate gel-containing topical compositions which have an anti-irritant effect on the skin. In particular embodiments, the gel matrix may further comprise chlorhexidine gluconate, wherein the zinc gluconate gel diminishes the irritant and/or allergenic effect of the chlorhexidine gluconate.

Abstract: An enhanced sling device is adapted to be worn on the torso, upper extremities, and shoulders of a wearer to thereby support, immobilize, and elevate either the right or left injured upper extremity or full shoulder of the wearer. The device features a panel of flexible material of one piece construction with smoothly contoured perimeter. The panel is flat, with a front surface and a back surface, but flexible enough to contour to the convex and concave surfaces of the upper extremities, shoulders, chest and back of the wearer. The flexible panel has a one piece "T" configuration with a horizontal segment and a vertical segment which is shorter in overall length than the length of the horizontal segment.

Abstract: A touch fastener strap of the type which includes an elongate strap member with a buckle on a first end and complementary touch fastener elements carried by the strap member adjacent to an opposing second end. The second end of the strap member may be passed through the buckle, doubled over itself and secured in a desired position by connection of the complementary touch fasteners with each other. The improvement is a retention member carried adjacent the second end of the strap member and being deformable between a relatively thin insertion position wherein the second end of the strap member including the retention means is sufficiently thin to be inserted into and through the buckle in a first direction to form a loop, and a relatively thick retention position wherein the strap member including the retention means is sufficiently thick that it is normally retained in the buckle. The strap is also disclosed with specific reference to a wrist splint.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of water-soluble zinc salts as anti-viral agents in genital lubricants (such as condom lubricants or stand-alone gels), to reduce the risk of infection by sexually transmitted viruses. Such zinc-containing anti-viral lubricants can be spread on the shaft of the penis or inside the vagina before sexual intercourse, or applied in other suitable manners that causes the lubricant fluid to be coated on one or more genital surfaces during intercourse. These lubricants also can be sealed in watertight packages containing lubricated condoms, or packaged and sold as "stand-alone" lubricants in watertight containers without condoms. Preferred lubricants contain a water-soluble lubricating agent, such as glycerin or polyethylene glycol, and a suitable zinc salt, and water, to promote ionization of the salt and release of zinc ions (Zn.sup.++).

Abstract: An orthotic garment (1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) has adhesion bases (2) on injury-protective portions of the orthotic garment, injury-protective strips of material (3) attached selectively to the adhesion bases, and a body-protective wrapper such as webbing (4), an injury-covering strap (13) or tape (11) that is fastened selectively to an outside periphery of the garment on an injured portion of a person's body. A method includes determining advantageous support for an injury on a person; providing a garment that fits onto an injured portion of the person and has adhesion bases on injury-protective portions of the orthotic garment; attaching injury-protective strips of material to the adhesion bases; positioning the orthotic garment on the injured portion of the person and wrapping an outside periphery of the orthotic garment selectively to protect the injury.

Abstract: A body support garment having a tubular elastic section for enclosing a body member is provided. The tubular section has an inner surface with a first portion and a second portion, the first portion providing a gripping surface and the second portion providing a predetermined circumferential strain ratio. The garments can be provided in the form of a pant or a vest.

Abstract: A breast-supporting band is described to facilitate participation of women in sports with an elastic top edge, an elastic bottom edge, and an elastic middle band wider than the top and bottom edges having two side edges, in which the middle band stretches less than the top and bottom edges. The side edges of the middle band are fastened in front of a woman's chest.

Abstract: Topical medication coverings 10 including a cruciform shaped upper torso cover member 20, a pi shaped lower torso cover member 30 and a winged T-shaped foot cover member 40 wherein all of the differently configured cover members 20, 30, and 40 are provided with a plurality of panels and each cover member 20, 30 and 40 may be folded about a centerline 50 to form mirror image halves.

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: Apparatus for applying force to a patient's upper torso and cervical region, and method for using the same, comprising a pair of panels adapted to fit under the arms of a patient and to cover the patient's chest and back. The panels have edges defining lateral extremities of the panels at the patient's chest and back. A pair of sleeves is provided having tubular portions adapted for receiving the patient's arms therein. The tubular portions have a slit and are adapted for adjustable fitting about the patient's distal biceps. Straps are used for maintaining the panels against the patient's chest. A bulbous disk is provided for contacting the rear of the patient's lower neck and upper back and for applying a spreading force over the patient's neck and back. Straps are connected to front surfaces of the sleeve upper portions and adapted for applying force to the disk and hence to the patient's neck, back, shoulder girdles, and upper extremities.

Abstract: A foot and ankle therapeutic compression device in which at least a pair of foot compression bands extend outwardly from opposite sides of a central region which engages the bottom of the foot and at least a pair of ankle bands extend rearwardly from the central region, and in which the pairs of foot and ankle compression bands are tightened and anchored in tightened condition by VELCRO hook and loop surfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus in which a pump is used with a sanative protector of the type having a flexible envelope which wraps around and seals a cast, bandage or dressing on an arm, leg or other appendage of a person responsive to vacuum established in an interface region beneath the envelope. The pump comprises a bulb having a wall which encloses a pumping chamber. The wall is formed of a material and wall thickness which provides elasticity sufficient to enable inward deformation from a distended shape toward a collapsed shape, and further having an elastic memory which causes the wall to produce an elastic pressure sufficient to urge the wall outwardly from the collapsed shape toward the distended shape.

Abstract: The subject invention is an integral internal sleeve and external cover for use with medical support devices or protective sport pads. It provides an internal sleeve using cotton/elastomeric fabrics to provide a combination of improved comfort, greater shape and location retention. The combination of design and fabric provide improved protection for limbs from contact discomfort occurring with medical support devices and sport pads. An external cover is provided which fits snugly to the contours of the device or pad being covered. Fabrics providing attractive graphics are preferably used to improve the appearance of the device or pad. A simple design incorporating a thumb loop allows a user to attach the device without assistance.

Abstract: An automatic feedback and adjustment setup is integrally connected to a body joint support. The support may be of the flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid type. The support contains one or more inflatable/deflatable bladders, each bladder individually controlled by a hydraulic pump. Sensors embedded in the support monitor muscle activity (EMG) and transmit those electronic measurements to a microprocessor which processes the measurements according to one of a variety of prestored algorithms. The result of this processing is compared to preset minimum and maximum levels. The inflation level of each bladder is then automatically adjusted by activating the hydraulic pumps to keep the calculated level between these preset minimum and maximum. The combination of support, bladders, sensors, microprocessor, comparison device, and hydraulic pumps creates a closed-looped biofeedback system for controlling the degree of joint stress the person is experiencing while wearing the support.

Abstract: This application considers the problem of the wound care and it introduces a series of support units that will allow for easy, transparent, controlable wound care to be done. The unit also indicates how a pressure applying means can be used to compress the wound site for prevention of bleeding and a better wound care. Importantly, in some models these units will have properties that are designed to detect bleeding if it occurs.

Abstract: To control the reflex response of a muscle or muscular group articulating a joint of a living body, the method and device apply an external pressure to the mechano-receptors guiding the natural reflex mechanism of the muscle or muscular group. The mechano-receptors include skin mechano-receptors and deeper joint mechano-receptors. To increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group, a light pressure intensity .ltoreq.200 mmHg is applied to stimulate only the skin mechano-receptors and thereby increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group. To inhibit the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group, a high pressure intensity .gtoreq.400 mmHg is applied to stimulate the deeper joint mechano-receptors such as the Golgi tendons to thereby increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group.

Abstract: The glove and associated structures provide both healing and support pressure on the user's tendons. When properly used, the integrated glove and associated structures will significantly aid in the support and healing of the hands, wrists and fingers of users. Not only will passive use of the tendon support structures help heal and soothe damaged tendons, but they will also help the user perform work tasks. In a first embodiment, an integrated glove provides finger and upper wrist support portion, along with a lower wrist band attached to the upper wrist support portion. In a second embodiment, a band system includes finger bands, a palm band, an upper wrist band and a lower wrist band which is used without interconnecting fabric, and the components of which may be used independently as needed. A third embodiment has a wrist band having palm band and wrist band portions.

Abstract: A waterproof enclosure includes a pliable, waterproof, elongated sheath having either a closed end and an open end, or two open ends; and a resilient, waterproof, sealing element associated with each open end. A pliable, waterproof, bellows can be interposed between and contiguous with the end of each sealing element and the sheath. Each sealing element may include a first end that is of smaller diameter than a second end, a frustroconical shape, and ribs. A closed sheath end may have a rough surface to improve traction. A gas passage through the sheath can be provided that includes a port actuatable from a first state for inhibiting gas movement through the gas passage and a second state for permitting gas movement through the gas passage. The port can be manually movable from the first state to the second state, and it can include a pressure relief valve. The waterproof enclosure can include a loop integral with the exterior surface of the sheath to which an elasticized cord may be attached.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for reinforcing a patient's skeletal anatomy from a rigid shell fitted at the inside to the patient at skin overlying the skeletal anatomy to be reinforced, has an improvement for adhering the rigid shell to the skin of the patient. A strip of flexible tensile tape has a first side for fitting to the skin of a patent and a second side outward exposed for fitting to the inside of the rigid shell. A hypoallergenic non-inflammatory adhesive is coated on one side of the strip of flexible tape for fitting to the skin. Means for removable attachment to the inside of the rigid shell is placed on the second side of the strip of flexible tape for outward exposure and attachment to the rigid shell. Complimentary means for removable attachment is fitted to the inside of the rigid shell. This attachment transfers loading from the skin of the patient to the rigid shell for orthopedically reinforcing the skeletal anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: A prophylactic device is described which is constructed primarily from portions of plastic film material alternatingly sealed at their periphery and at an aperture contained in the film to yield an accordion-like section. The prophylactic device, as manufactured, is relatively flat, but it can expand to cover a body part to provide protection from transmission of bodily fluids between individuals. The prophylactic device can be used as a glove-like device, a finger cot, a condom, or a wound covering, depending on the size and configuration of the device.

Abstract: This invention introduces special types of pressure stockings that are easier to be used and use different techniques of bringing the edges or the body of these supports together, so that it will be easier for a patient to use them on a daily basis or for a pregnant person to put them on while tolerating the difficulties of pregnancy.

Abstract: A flexible removable dressing for immediate post-operative application around a patient's amputation stump comprises a flexible cylindrical member enclosing a patient's amputation stump and a semi-rigid cup portion detachably connected to the bottom end of the cylindrical portion to fit upon the bottom portion of the amputation stump. Padding of a soft resilient material is positioned within the cup portion. The diameter of the cylindrical portion is adjustable in size.

Abstract: A tubular undercast padding for a body immobilising cast comprises a conformable, elastically extensible material which material comprises a lofted non-woven fabric. The lofted non-woven fabric may be rendered extensible by forming as a folded or creped layer on a supporting layer of an elastically extensible material.

Abstract: A one-size-fits-all ankle brace has a base member which is a unitary piece of elastomeric material, e.g., plush fabric covered neoprene, having an upper portion including a pair of mounting straps, and a lower portion including a pair of mounting straps and a pair of short elastic tension straps attached to the lower portion adjacent respective lower mounting straps. The base member can be folded to form a jacket, wherein the upper mounting straps of the base member are wrapped around the ankle and the leg just above the ankle and the lower mounting straps of the base member wrapped around the ankle, arch, and instep. VELCRO.RTM. fastening components hold the mounting straps in place to secure the brace on the ankle. The upper mounting straps overlap each other from opposite directions than the lower mounting straps. The tension straps are criss-crossed across the jacket and are releasably secured to the upper mounting straps by VELCRO.RTM. fastening components.

Abstract: A stratiform pad for surrounding and protecting a bed sore from pressure while the patient is in bed. The pad comprises a median layer containing a closed cell air bubble film, a body-contacting layer bonded to one surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the patient's body, and a bed-contacting layer bonded to the other surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the bed surface. The pad contains an interior bed sore receiving aperture and provides sustained lift of the body away from the bed in the area of the sore, thus relieving the pain of pressure and providing space for the flow of healing air.

Abstract: A soft tissue support is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a two-ply garment adapted to provide support for hip and shoulder wounds. The garment itself comprises a suspension portion and a tissue support wrap portion adapted to encircle the traumatized parts, and further provides support for the buttocks and the deltoid.

Abstract: Various support devices have one or more balloons that are strapped around a portion of the body with a soft layer between them and the body. In some devices, the balloons are separably mounted a strap that encircles a portion of the body. Various forms of balloons are disclosed. In other devices, the balloon has an open area that is disposed over a bony prominence or ulcerated area. An insert for applying medicine may be disposed within the open area. Certain devices are for body joints and therefore have multiple parts that can move toward and away from each other as the joint flexes.

Abstract: Described is a fabric produced from textile threads, more particularly a knitted fabric, for use within the flexion area of articulated bandages. The knitted fabric is incorporated into the articulated bandage (2) in the form of an insert (8). In order to eliminate the formation of creases within the flexion area of the articular bandage, a transverse wave structure is formed on at least one side, which, by the use of an elastic thread arrangement which is incorporated or located underneath a top structure, is elastically pretensioned and stabilized and is connected to the top structure at predetermined intervals or according to a specific rule.

Abstract: A protective body pad comprising a thermoformable base component and a shock dispersing prominence component. In the preferred embodiment thereof, the prominence is integral with said base component. A plurality of swivel components having flexible strapping attached thereto enables the user to fasten the invention to various points on the body. The strapping is preferably a neoprene material with hook and loop material for the fastening.

Abstract: A sporting belt apparatus which may be gripped by an athletic opponent comprising a sporting belt and a compression short wherein the compression short maintains the vertical position of the sporting belt relative to the waist of the wearer during active movement of the wearer. The sporting belt is adapted to circumferentially extend around the waist area of a wearer and has a thickness sufficient to allow easy gripping of the sporting belt by the opponent. The compression short has elastic means for conforming said compression short tightly to the pelvis of the wearer and includes a crotch strap which is secured to the sporting belt to maintain the vertical position of the sporting belt relative to the waist of the wearer when an upward force is exerted on the sporting belt. The sporting belt apparatus includes elastic means for conforming the sporting belt tightly to the waist of a wearer.

Abstract: A shirt, to be worn on the upper torso of an individual having a waist and waist circumference and a chest and chest circumference, having an upper portion corresponding to the chest area and an upper portion circumference and a lower portion corresponding to the waist area and lower portion circumference wherein the upper portion circumference of the shirt is substantially less than the chest circumference of the wearer and the lower portion circumference is substantially the same as the waist circumference of the wearer. Reinforcement members and panels can be affixed to the shirt to provide additional strength. The shirt can be made of stretchable material and used in weightlifting or for medical rehabilitation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical stockinette for covering and encasing a body extremity such as an armor leg to isolate and protect the extremity during surgery. The stockinette has a generally tubular-shape and is made from a composite material defining a length and a width with the length being longer than the width. The stockinette defines an interior surface and an exterior surface with the tubular-shaped structure defining an open end and a closed end separated by the length. The interior and exterior surfaces are joined circumferentially to one another along substantially the entire length of the tubular-shaped structure. The interior surface is formed from a fibrous material and the overall structure is liquid impervious and circumferentially expandable from a first circumference to a second and larger circumference. Due to the materials and nature of construction, the stockinette of the present invention provides a form-fitting design which is easy to don and remove.

Abstract: A composite stretch fabric is disclosed that is comprised of a laminate of three layers, the center layer being comprised of a web of a nonwoven polyurethane resin with a basis weight in the range of 50-250 g/m.sup.2 and an air permeability of at least 10 cc/sec/cm.sup.2 with stretchable fabric layers adhered to each side thereof, one of which can be a nylon pile and the other of which is a double knit fabric that can be of porous, hollow fiber for sweat absorption, the composite can also be embossed.

Abstract: An apparatus, along with a method for constructing and using the apparatus, which includes an absorbent dressing assembly wrapped around an elastic strap device which extends around a patient's head to secure the absorbent dressing assembly under the patient's nose to absorb nasal drainage. The elastic strap device includes two strap ends which define hollow openings for receipt of opposing ends of a coupling device having circular barbs for adjusting the distance between the strap ends, thus adjusting the size of a loop formed by the elastic strap device. The absorbent dressing assembly includes an absorbent dressing and a fastening hook patch affixed to the absorbent dressing to secure the absorbent dressing in a wrapped position around the strap device. The strap device further includes a restraining hook patch affixed to the strap device to releasably prevent the absorbent dressing from sliding relative to the strap device.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage provides a removable bandage article that can be readily wrapped and fastened around an injured joint. The bandage includes an internal air bladder that can be selectively inflated to provide compression to the injury, and an internal coolant bladder that can be selectively chilled to provide cooling therapy to the injury.

Abstract: A shin pad includes a front pad (21) for protecting a wearer's shin and a rear pad (22) for protecting the wearer's Achilles tendon. The front pad (21) has a bight (23) located between two lobes (24, 25) which each cover one of the two ankle bones which protrude in opposite directions at the wearer's ankle. The rear pad (22) takes the form of a miniature shin pad having a reversed orientation. The lower edge of the rear pad (22) is provided with a bight (33). Located one to either side of the longitudinal axis of the rear pad (22) is one slit of a pair of slits (36). Passing through the slits (36), and a corresponding pair of slits (30) on the front pad (21), is an ankle strap (37) which is provided with a releasable hook and loop VELCRO fastener (38) to enable the two pads to be connected together around the wearers shin.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding and protecting the pelvic and crotch area of a human female, wherein the apparatus includes a rigid, inflexible shield that has a first and a second shield element, and tab members that have tapered side walls that engage the front of the wearer's body to resist upward movement.