A shoulder pad assembly has main body cushions consisting of a plurality of different types of foam material joined together to result in a hybrid pad structure constructed from slow-response foam and open-cell foam. A main body cushion is constructed from a first sheet or panel of slow-response foam disposed over the torso of the wearer, a second sheet or panel of slow-response foam disposed over the back of the wearer, joined together by a third sheet or panel of open-cell foam positioned between the first sheet and second sheet, disposed over the wearer's shoulder. Optionally, a fourth sheet or pad of slow-response foam is disposed on the third sheet, disposed over the wearer's shoulder, preferably at the location that is most likely to suffer blows during football play. Optionally, a fifth sheet or pad of open-cell foam is disposed on the first sheet, on the side of the first sheet in contact with the wearer and a sixth sheet or pad of open-cell foam is disposed on the second sheet.

A belt apparatus is configured to support the trousers worn by a person and to include a number of airbags that are deployable in a falling event to protect the person from bone breakages. The belt apparatus includes a flexible belt element and a fastener that appear and function in much the same way as an ordinary apparel trouser belt, i.e., fitting through belt loops in trousers and being fastenable to itself to support the pair of trousers at the waist of the person. Despite the ordinary appearance of the belt apparatus, it includes airbags internal thereto whose expansion is controlled by a control apparatus. Responsive to a falling event in a particular direction with respect to the person, the control apparatus triggers the rapid expansion of an airbag that is situated on the belt element in the particular direction with respect to the person and takes other actions.

Pivotably connected upper and lower cushions may be sized and shaped to protect chest and lower abdomen areas of a patient, respectively. The cushion structure may be held against the chest and/or abdomen areas of a patient by a combination of an adjustable and disconnectable neck strap attached to an upper portion of the upper cushion, and an adjustable length and resilient strap, such as an elastic belt binder, which may be positioned around the user's waist and the upper cushion. The lower cushion may pivotably move with the patient's legs, allowing the cushion structure to be comfortably used when moving between standing and seated positions, and providing improved protection from automotive seat belts. Pockets may be provided for positioning ice packs proximate the patient's body and for inconspicuously placing a negative-pressure wound therapy vacuum pump or other items.

Embodiments include a method and apparatus for mounting wearable ballistic body armor plates and accessories to a user. Embodiments may include a plate frame assembly comprising one or more plate frames and one or more ballistic body armor plates. The one or more plate frames may at least partially house the one or more ballistic body armor plates and hold them in position with respect to the one or more plate frames. A method of embodiments may include providing one or more plate frames and one or more ballistic body armor plates and using the one or more plate frames to hold the one or more ballistic armor plates in a fixed position with respect to the body armor plates. In some embodiments, the plate frame assembly is resistant to the absorption and/or accumulation of liquids and chemicals.

A half chap to provide a better grip to the rider's leg is discussed. The half chap includes a calf portion configured to encircle a rider's calf. The calf portion has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface has at least one grip strip. The grip strip is designed to improve grip of the half chap to the rider's leg. A strap extends below a lower end of the calf portion and configured to fit in front of the heel of the riders' boot to keep the half chap down and in place. A fastener is provided to close the calf portion.

Disclosed is an upper garment with a customized spine support device. The upper garment includes an upper garment body having a back plate portion and a front plate portion and applied to an upper body; and a spine support device that presses and supports a spine of a wearer to maintain a spacing between vertebras.

A pad may be worn to prevent abrasion or provide a fulcrum during exercise. The pad has a tapering thickness profile to provide support and leverage to the wearer. The pad may have an adhesive side for adhering either to a garment or directly to a wearer. Also disclosed is a variety of garments including pockets in which the pad may be removably retained.

An athletic garment generally includes a short member, a supporter, and a plurality of straps. The short member may include a front panel, rear panel, two side panels, and a waistband. The supporter is dimensioned to releasably receive an athletic protective cup. The straps are coupled to one end of the supporter and are attached to the opposing rear panel of the short member.

The disclosed apparatus, system and method includes at least a protective garment that prevents concussive effects on internal organs. The garment many include a garment body; and, embedded in the garment body, at least one multi-sectional pad. At least two of the multi-sections may comprise: at least one aramid layer; at least one multi-durometer foam layer having a substantially similar surface area to that provided by the at least one aramid layer; and at least one shield layer.

The disclosed apparatus, system and method includes at least a protective garment that prevents concussive effects on internal organs. The garment many include a garment body; and, embedded in the garment body, at least one multi-sectional pad. At least two of the multi-sections may comprise: at least one aramid layer; at least one multi-durometer foam layer having a substantially similar surface area to that provided by the at least one aramid layer; and at least one shield layer.