Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack for absorbing a liquid discharged from a patient. The absorbent pad and thermal pad comprises an outer sheet made of a liquid impermeable material and an inner sheet of a liquid permeable material. An absorbent sheet is disposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. A flexible liquid impermeable container having a chemical mixture which undergoes an thermal reaction upon activation thereof is interposed between the outer and inner sheets to enable the thermal source to be applied to the patient and to enable any liquid from the patient to permeate through the inner sheet to be absorbed by the absorbent sheet. The inner sheet of a liquid permeable material provides a moderate insulation barrier whereas the absorbent pad provides a substantial insulation barrier for directing the thermal source to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a C-shaped thermal heat pack for heating the female breast during post partum nursing and, more particularly, to a thermal heat pack which readily conforms to the contours of different sized female breasts to provide therapeutic heat to an adjacent breast to reduce swelling and irritation. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a bendable thermal heat unit which assumes a cup or cone shape upon application to the breast. The present invention adjusts and conforms to various sizes of the female breasts to which it is to be applied. The present invention provides a layered conformable member with a C-shape having a selected indentation to permit formation of various sized rounded conical cups. A centrally located hole is provided for insertion of a nipple therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the therapeutic treatment of an elongated protruding body part. An inner liner and an outer liner, joined together at a proximate end form a cavity there between which is filled with a thermal reservoir material. The inner liner and outer liner are permanently sealed together and shaped to accommodate the body part which is to be thermally treated. The method includes chilling or heating the body part by chilling or heating the apparatus prior to placement over the body part. Preferred embodiments include a sterile inner pocket protected by a removable seal element and self-adhesive straps to secure the device more firmly in place.

Abstract: A device for providing therapy to the perineal and rectal areas of a patient is provided. The device can be used alone or in conjunction with an absorbent pad. The device is particularly useful for alleviating post-partum swelling and pain. Different embodiments of the device can be used to provide either hot or cold therapy to a patient.

Abstract: A patient's body temperature is regulated by using an enclosure to enclose a portion of the patient's body in an isolated environment. In accordance with one embodiment, the patient's entire body below his head is enclosed. Once enclosed, the patient is surrounded by heated vapor that is injected into the enclosure. The heated vapor condenses on the patient's skin to warm the patient quickly, efficiently and safely. This embodiment is well suited for the treatment of hypothermia patients. In accordance with alternative embodiments, only a portion of the patient's head is enclosed. In these embodiments, an enclosure is placed on the patient's head, and heated vapor is fed into the enclosure. Excess air and vapor are preferably dissipated by vents in the cap, whereas excess condensate is preferably absorbed by an absorbent layer provided in the cap. These embodiments are well suited for regulating a patient's body temperature in a surgical setting.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A non-contact wound covering for covering a wound. A peripheral sealing ring is covered by a barrier layer and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive. The barrier layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume over the wound. The barrier layer may include active and passive heaters and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is the transfer of a heated fluid to the wound covering.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveniently and removably sealing inlet ports within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the present invention a generally planar sheet of material having a plurality of resilient side extensions extending from a central body is used to close an inlet port within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the preferred invention, the generally circular portion of the central body has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inlet port. Preferably, for extensions extend from the central body each extension being generally circular. Each extension is preferably formed from the same material used to form the central body, and is sufficiently resilient to be easily flexed and to return to an essentially coplanar sheet when released.

Abstract: A therapeutic heat transfer pad includes a pad assembly having two sheets of impervious material connected or bonded to one another by an edge seal or seam along perimeters thereof to form a fluid receiving cavity therebetween. The sheets are also connected or bonded to one another by a plurality of inner seals or seams located interiorly of the edge seal to define a plurality of interconnected fluid passages. A pair of fluid inlet tubes extend into the fluid receiving cavity from externally of the pad assembly for introducing a heat transfer fluid into the fluid receiving cavity. The inlet tubes enter the fluid receiving cavity at a common entry point or location and terminate within the fluid receiving cavity at open ends, respectively. The open ends of the inlet tubes are spaced from one another in the fluid receiving cavity and are adjacent and in communication with different ones of the fluid passages.

Abstract: A device for a heat treatment of a body part, comprising a heating element (1) and means (2) for holding the heating element against the body part to be heat-treated. The heat element (1) comprises a plurality of separate heating cells (6) and is flexible in such a manner that it may be adapted to abut said body part.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveniently and removably sealing inlet ports within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the present invention a generally planar sheet of material having a plurality of resilient side extensions extending from a central body is used to close an inlet port within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the preferred invention, the generally circular portion of the central body has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inlet port. Preferably, for extensions extend from the central body each extension being generally circular. Each extension is preferably formed from the same material used to form the central body, and is sufficiently resilient to be easily flexed and to return to an essentially coplanar sheet when released.

Abstract: A heat transferring therapeutic pack utilizing a mass of thermal material for application to a human body in order to apply a hot or cold compress. The therapeutic pack utilizes a flexible container having an inner chamber which holds the mass of thermal material. A pair of outer surfaces in general opposition to one another surround the inner chamber. A heated material is connected to one of the outer surfaces of the flexible container and includes hook and/or pile fasteners. The second surface of the sheet of material connects to one of the outer surfaces of the flexible container. The other outer surface of the flexible container is able to directly contact the human body permitting heat transferring applications.

Abstract: A weight-bearing apparatus such as a cushion, prosthetic device, or bed mattress includes a support surface having a shaped or sculpted portion that conforms to the shape of a body portion being supported. The shaped portion fits to the body portion, thereby to position the body portion so as to situate one or more weight-bearing parts of the body portion over specific zones of the support surface that are cooled below normal body temperature. The reduced temperature applied to the zones of the support surface removes heat from the weight-bearing areas, thereby reducing the risk of injury to tissue in those areas.

Abstract: A sealed envelope or enclosure, shaped to fit a portion of the internal anatomy of the human mouth at a surgical site, said enclosure containing a non-toxic liquid or gel material capable of freezing to a semi-solid or solid state. The envelope may also contain a binder such as a sponge material or gauze impregnated with the liquid or gel material. The enclosure is placed in the mouth, to provide both pressure and cold, to reduce bleeding, swelling and pain after oral surgery or trauma.

Abstract: A non-contact heated wound covering preferably having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: Hypothermia is treated using an inflatable cover having an undersurface for expelling warmed air and a heater/blower assembly for inflating the inflatable cover. In one embodiment, the heater/blower assembly maintains the temperature of the warmed air expelled through the undersurface in a range of 85.2° F. to 117.7° F. In another embodiment, the heater/blower assembly maintains temperature of the warmed air provided to inflate the inflatable cover in a range of 113.3° F. to 121.3° F.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a human or animal body, while selectively cooling weight-bearing areas of the body in order to prevent or reduce damage from ischemia includes a cooling layer that is partitioned into a plurality of zones, and a surface disposed over the cooling layer to support the body. Each zone of the cooling layer is disposed for cooling a respective portion of the surface. Means are provided to selectively operate one or more zones of the plurality of the zones to cool a portion of the surface that receives pressure from a weight-bearing surface of the body being supported.

Abstract: A fuel tank stores fuel gas. A catalytic burning section is connected to the fuel tank for generating heat based on an oxidative reaction between the fuel supplied from the fuel tank and air. The fuel tank and the catalytic burning section are assembled as a catalytic heat generating apparatus. The catalytic heat generating apparatus is detachably installed in a housing of a heater section. The heater section has both ends provided with a pair of belt portions wound around a user's body.

Abstract: A surgical barrier device includes an inflatable thermal blanket formed integrally with, or attached to, a surgical drape. The inflatable thermal blanket is inflatable through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable thermal blanket exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the inflatable thermal blanket. The surgical drape extends from the inflatable thermal blanket and is sized to substantially cover the entirety of the patient's body. Where patient access is required, the drape has an opening to provide access to a surgical site.

Abstract: An improved magnetic hot or cold pack is provided having a water absorbent filler such as polyacrylamide and having at least one magnet and an accessory strap that allows the application of heat therapy, cold therapy, magnetic therapy or heat with magnet therapy or cold with magnet therapy. Also provided is a method of preparing a magnetic hot and cold therapy pack having a water absorbent filler such as polyacrylamide and at least one magnet and an accessory strap.

Abstract: A personal thermal garment has a shell and a thermal insert that overlay and cover a substantial portion of the back and the chest of a user. The shell has inner and outer layers that are interconnected to define a chamber between the layers, the chamber extending substantially throughout the shell and overlaying a substantial portion of the back and chest of the user. An access opening to access the chamber is provided in the shell. The thermal insert can be preheated to warm the user or can be precooled to cool the user. The thermal insert substantially conforms to the chamber and has a body portion with two leg portions that extend in the same general direction from the body portion. The insert body substantially overlays and covers the back of the user, with one of the two legs extending over one of the user's shoulders, and the other of the two legs extending over the other shoulder.

Abstract: A cooling system for the head, neck, and spine to reduce swelling caused by trauma to the brain is disclosed comprising a head device having a front panel and a back panel, a neck brace supporting the head device using a front rigid member and a back rigid member, and a cooling medium that cools the head device when activated.

Abstract: A surface pad apparatus for a surgical table includes a body pad section positioned to lie beneath at least the torso and the thighs of the patient. The body pad section includes an upwardly-facing top surface and spaced-apart, elongated first and second sides. The apparatus also includes longitudinally extending first and second arm pad sections positioned to lie adjacent to the first and second sides of the body pad section and positioned to lie beneath the arms of the patient. Each arm pad section includes a top surface that is generally coplanar with the top surface of the body pad section.

Abstract: Cap and vest components of an animate body heat exchanger designed to apply a controlled temperature to parts of a human body are described. The cap and vest components are often used in combination, and the interior side edges of the cap are curvilinear and intermesh lengthwise to assure that the portion of the head underlying the junction between such edges is subjected to the controlled temperature. The vest includes not only a zipper for application and removal, but also separate lacing for close fitting adjustment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal compress and holder which has opposed pockets for receiving the thermal compress and a user's hand. The compress is preferably in a novelty character shape, in which case the holder resembles a sleeping bag with the novelty character's head peering out.

Abstract: A sweatband system is provided including a band having an inner cloth layer with a heating element mounted therein and connected to a battery pack situated on the band. The band further has an elastomeric outer layer which is defined by an inner face and an outer face which form an interior space for housing a cold pack. The band further includes a pair of ends each with a fastener mounted thereon for securing the band about a body part of a user.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad for heating or cooling has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The method of forming the pad includes vacuuming the thermoplastic envelope prior to sealing. The pad can be used alone or with a comforter to provide warmth or to remove heat from the body of the user.

Abstract: A system for regulating a core body temperature of a person includes a pressure applicator configured to apply negative or cyclical positive pressure to a portion of the person to vasodilate blood vessels of the person within the portion, a heating device configured to supply heat to the portion of the person, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus is coupled to the heating device and includes a controller configured to vary the amount of heat supplied by the heating device. The amount of heat supplied by the heating device is varied in response to a difference in temperature between a preset temperature programmed into the controller and an actual core body temperature of the patient received by the controller from a temperature sensor on the person such that the controller maintains the actual core body temperature of the person at substantially the preset temperature.

Abstract: A device which is shaped like a mitt or a glove with separate sheaths for the thumb and fingers. The mitt or glove has surfaces for covering the palm and back of the human hand. Each of the palm and back surfaces is formed as a plenum which is filled with a heat exchange material. The heat exchange material is selected to provide cooling over a reasonably extended period of time, at an appropriate therapeutic temperature. The heat exchange material is preferably a phase change material such as a paraffinic phase change material having a phase change temperature on the order of 50 degrees F. However, other temperatures and materials are contemplated. The mitt or glove is made of a flexible plastic sheet material such as a tripolymer material or polypropylene. The mitt or glove is formed of four die cut sheets of the plastic sheet material which are shaped in the pattern of the outline of a human hand and forearm. The patterned sheets are stacked together and heat sealed together along their periphery.

Abstract: A heat pack capable of being heated to at least 55.degree. C. is provided and includes a flexible impervious outer container capable of being sealed to retain a liquid such as water therein and of maintaining its sealed integrity when heated to at least the aforesaid temperature. A porous, non-rigid filing material, which can absorb at least its own weight of the liquid, is located in the container. Advantageously, the pack contains a weight of liquid in the range 250 goods to 1250 goods, which liquid is water or compounds having one or more hydroxyl groups, or a mixture of water and such hydroxyl group compounds. In order to prevent microbial growth within the liquid-filled, sealed container, a predetermined quantity of a preservative at an appropriate concentration is also added to the fill. The filling material is preferably either fibrous or spongy in nature and advantageously may be a textile material or paper which is either recycled or would otherwise be treated as scrap or waste.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a thin layer of a cooling composition having a novel and narrow relative range of components, where such thin layer is maintained as such in a thin sheath for use as a cooling cushion especially for the seat of a sitting human, but may also be used for the back of a reclining human. The use of this cushion is for ambient temperatures at about 75.3.degree. F. (23.degree. C.) and above, i.e., the initial melting temperature for the cooling composition incorporating a specific phase change material.

Abstract: A thermal regulating cushioning device for heating and/or cooling is provided. The thermal regulating device comprises a flexible, deformable outer membrane being adapted to sealably receive a liquid-like material therein. A foam core is disposed within the flexible, deformable outer membrane wherein the foam core has a dimension substantially coincident with the outer membrane. A liquid-like material is sealably contained within the flexible, deformable outer membrane and saturating the foam core with the liquid material being at least partially circulatable through the foam core wherein the cooperation of the saturated foam core and the sealable flexible membrane provide a uniform, thermal regulating medium and structural support such that the cushioning device is readily, uniformly deformable when a load is applied thereto. An external heater and/or cooler circulates the liquid through the cushioning device.

Abstract: A cold therapy pad includes a flexible envelope containing a high thermal capacity gel which will remain cold for a period of time after being frozen and a flexible permanent magnet contained within the envelope. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the envelope is made of a flexible polymer such as vinyl, the thermal gel is made of silicate, and the permanent magnet is made of molten metal hardened in an electric field. The magnet may be embedded in the gel so that it is substantially centrally located relative to the envelope. If desired, the magnet may be located between the envelope and the gel. The basic construction of the invention lends itself to many geometric configurations and sizes. In different embodiments, the therapy pad is dimensioned to overlie particular body parts such as joints, limbs, the neck, the waist, the chest, and the eyes. In some embodiments VELCRO.RTM. strips are provided to affix the therapy pad to a body part.

Abstract: A device to treat the temporomandibular and maxillomandibular region of patient with cryo, thermal and/or compression therapy is disclosed. The device comprises a fabric layer anatomically designed to contact the temporomandibular joint and the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, and a heater for heating the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and temporal regions. In an alternative embodiment, a device comprises a fabric layer designed to contact the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, a hard plate placed on said fabric layer to resist bulging of said inflatable layer when inflated, and a conductive layer covering said inflatable layer. Methods to use the device to treat the maxillomandibular region and temporomandibular joint of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal liner in a diving suit has a layer of incompressible phase change materials for storing latent heat energy and for later releasing the std energy while changing phase. This thermal liner provides thermal protection for divers' wetsuits, drysuits, and hot-water suits using stored energy from phase change materials, for extreme cold water diving. The thermal liner can function as an emergency backup heat source upon power failure when electrically-heated drysuits are used, or as an emergency backup heat source in case of interruption of warm water supply when hot-water diving suits are used. It can also be used as a supplemental source of heat for divers wearing passively-insulated wetsuits or drysuits to prolong acceptable durations in cold water missions. The thermal liner gives divers an emergency "come home" capability in case of power failure within drysuits supplied with an electrically-heated undergarment, or of an interruption of the warm water supply to a hot-water suit.

Abstract: Flexible multijoint thermal therapy pads which are dimensioned and structured to promote effective thermal therapy by promoting increased flexibility, comfort, convenience and heat transfer when applied to a range of joints in the body. Pads according to the present invention feature distinct members each of which corresponds to and may be applied to conform to a limb or body part surrounding the knee, shoulder and other joints. The pads connect these members using at least one conduit that is not substantially centered on the kneecap or top of the shoulder when they are applied for thermal therapy on the knee or shoulder, respectively. The pads thus do not blindly adhere to traditional multijoint notions of symmetry, but instead opt for increased flexibility, prevention of undesired blockage or occlusion during joint flexure and restriction of range of motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer blanket which wraps the torso and legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum and head exposed and allows for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates. The blanket of the present invention is also made up of panels which may be selectively opened to gain access to the chest, abdomen, legs or back to expose a surgical field or to provide access to these areas for necessary medical care.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a joint connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold pack which utilizes the negative heat of solution of a material dissolving in a liquid. The cold pack further includes a gelling agent, which is activatable to form a gel. The gel provides a number of benefits, including better distribution of cold, increased cold persistence in the cold pack, and a more complete utilization of the ingredients of the cold pack than possible with prior art devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal body pads comprising one or more thermal packs having a unified structure of at least one continuous layer of a semirigid material which softens when heated and a plurality of individual heat cells, which typically comprise an exothermic composition, spaced apart and fixedly attached across the thermal pack. The material of the continuous layer or layers provide sufficient rigidity to maintain structural support of the heat cells, to prevent unacceptable stretching of structures of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use of the thermal pads, and to ensure child resistance, while also providing good overall drape characteristics when heated. The disposable thermal body pads are intended to be attached to a user's clothing on one side and to be held directly against the user's skin on the other side, for pain relief.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater disposed against the bandage, aligned with a wound treatment area, an adhesive attachment device acting between the heater and the bandage, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater in order to provide a normothermic therapy to a wound. The normothermic therapy includes maintaining the temperature of tissue at the wound and/or near the wound in a range of about 36.degree. C. to 38.degree. C. The controller operates the heater by turning it on and off in a manner that cycles the heater's temperature.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: A gel pad and gel pad system for application of heat or cold to various parts of a human body through the use of a pad and headpiece, pad and strap or a combination of pad, headpiece, pad and strap.

Abstract: A controlled cold therapy apparatus for treating body portions of an animal. The apparatus includes an appliance configured to fit over the body portion to be treated such that substantial total surface area contact is obtained between the body portion to be treated and the appliance. The appliance is comprised of a liquid impervious material which includes a liquid supply connector and a liquid return connector opened to internal flow channels to enable cooled liquid to be circulated through the appliance in a U-shaped flow pattern. The appliance is surrounded by an insulating jacket and is preferably secured around the body portion to be treated by hook and loop fastener strips. The apparatus further includes a liquid control station which circulates cooled liquid through the appliances connected thereto. The liquid control station may be a portable unit or a central fixture unit incorporated into a structure for treating multiple animals at the same time.

Abstract: A family of reusable hot/cold therapeutic compress appliances for application to a large number of different treated areas on the body of a patient, each member of the family being dimensioned to receive an integral number of standardly sized and dimensioned pouches containing a heat absorbing material. Individual compress appliances of the family comprise at least one sealed pouch containing a heat absorbing material contained within a sleeve comprising a relatively heat-conductive patient-contact surface, an adjacent outer adherent surface, and an insulant disposed between the sealed pouch and the outer adherent layer to reduce heat transfer occurring away from the patient-contact surface. Attachment means associated with the sleeve are co-operatively configured so as to releasably adhere to any location on the outer adherent surface, allowing the patient using the compress appliance to select a location of adherence that may provide a safe and therapeutic compressive loading.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a bandage that is transparent to, or transmissive of, energy in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a heater that generates heat, and an attachment device for retaining the heater over or on the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient, and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at the wound treatment area. A controller may be provided for cycling the temperature of the heater in order to maintain the normothermic condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal back wraps having one or more thermal packs comprising a plurality of heat cells, wherein heat is applied to specific areas of the user's back, for pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable elastic thermal back wraps having good conformity to user's back which provides consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application.

Abstract: A thermal applicator for medical use which is worn upon or applied directly to the body of a patient to modify its temperature for therapeutic treatment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the utilization of a heat pipe having first and second ends and a length, the first and second ends communicating with first and second thermally conductive plates, respectively, the first thermally conductive plate configured to communicate with an exterior portion of the body of the patient and to provide localized thermal treatment, the second thermally conductive plate placed at an area removed from the area to be treated, and configured to accept, for example, an ice pack (or other thermal material or apparatus) to affect a change in the temperature of the second thermally conductive plate, cooling the second end of the heat pipe and allowing the heat pipe to cool the first thermally conductive plate, thereby providing localized cooling of the area to which it is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the relief or treatment of painful or tender breasts in a lactating women comprising, a support attachable to a womens upper body and a breast cover mounted to said support for at least partially covering one or both breasts, whereby in use said breast cover induces localised heating or cooling in at least part of said one or both breasts.

Abstract: A cushioning pad, sized to be disposed about the inguinal area of a human male and to be worn for the support and protection of said area, contains a gel material to protect against both localized blows and chafing. The pad fits into a protective garment having a securing means for securing it about the inguinal area. In one embodiment, the pad further comprises an inner layer of gel material, an outer layer of gel material, and a layer of shaping material disposed therebetween. The layer of shaping material may be sized to be shorter and narrower than the inner layer and outer layer of gel material so that the layer of shaping material is completely interior to the cushioning pad, and no sharp or blunt plastic edges can come into contact with the body of the athlete.