A back protection device for the practice of sporting activities includes a plate covering at least partially the surface of the back and in the thickness of which recesses are made intended to ensure the flexibility of the plate. The plate comprises a longitudinal ridge, the axis of which is intended to extend along the spine by delimiting, on either side, two right and left parts, each composed of an upper zone and a lower zone. The four zones are movable relative to each other, each being provided with recesses in the form of slots opening onto at least one face of the plate and being oriented with an inclination angle that is variable relative to the axis of the longitudinal ridge, so as to dissociate the flexibility of said zones.

An athletic protector includes: an interior portion; an exterior portion configured to cover the interior portion; and a belt portion configured to be securable to the exterior portion. The interior portion includes at least one hard member. The hard member is formed in an arch shape, is elastically deformable, and has a length L1 in a width direction, a length L2 in a height direction orthogonal to the width direction, and a length L3 between both ends along the width direction. Length L1 in the width direction and length L2 in the height direction have a relation of L2>L1/2. Length L1 in the width direction and length L3 between both ends have a relation of L3<L1.

A kneepad device includes an outer cover having a curved body and including two or more protrusions positioned along, and extending away from, an inner surface of the curved body. The kneepad also includes an inner cushion configured to couple with the outer cover and contact a knee of a user when being worn. The outer cover has a hardness that is greater than that of the cushion, such that the outer cover provides a protective shell, and the inner cushion conforms to the surface of the user's knee. When coupled, the outer cover and inner cushion define an air pocket therebetween, which reduces the localized pressure exerted on the user's knee when kneeling. The two or more protrusions can define elongate strips of material, the space between which further defines the air pocket between the cover and the cushion.

A collar sized to be worn around the neck of a human subject has at least one member that defines an arc of less than 360 and greater than 180 having a diameter, a first compressor at a first end of the arc, a second compressor at a second end of the arc and a bend angle sensor. The collar is adapted to exert an inwardly-directed force on the first and second compressors when worn. The bend angle sensor is configured and positioned to detect a bend angle of the collar, wherein the bend angle correlates to the inwardly-directed force on the first and second compressors when worn.

A protective pad assembly for removably positioning on an arm or a leg of a user of the protective pad assembly for protecting an elbow or a knee of the user. The protective pad assembly comprises an outer protective unit including a protective cushion pad configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user from impact, and a self-retaining device mounted to the outer protective unit for retaining the outer protective unit on the arm or leg of the user. The self-retaining device includes a resilient retaining split-ring clamp having two opposite free ends spaced from one another. The free ends of the resilient retaining split-ring clamp are circumferentially expandable or contractable relative to one another for retaining the protective pad on an arm or a leg of the user of the protective pad assembly over one of the elbow and the knee thereof.

A protective torso assembly to be worn by a player engaged in a contact sport, includes an outer protective member assembly including left and right front chest members having upper recessed segments and left and right arch members having frontal portions coupled to the chest members by flexible couplers such that said frontal portions overlie the upper recessed segments. When the protective torso assembly is in a neutral state, a first reference point of the frontal portion of the left arch member is positioned a first distance from a second reference point of the recessed segment of the left chest member. When the protective torso assembly is in an extended state, the left arch member pivots about the recessed segment of the left chest member, whereby the first reference point is positioned a second distance from the second reference point, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

A fluid-filled damper system for apparel and protective padding manages impact forces through controlled fluid movement between chambers. The system includes a flexible bladder defining first and second fluid chambers connected by a flow restrictor that limits fluid transfer rate between chambers. When force is applied to the first chamber, fluid displaces into the second chamber at a rate regulated by the flow restrictor, creating progressive damping that varies with compression rate.

A motorized ambulatory assist device is configured to augment natural walking or running motion by applying torque to an article of footwear at specific points in a gait cycle. The device includes a shin-mounted control pack secured to a lower leg of a wearer, a drive unit rigidly coupled to the control pack, a lower control arm rotatably coupled to both the drive unit and the article of footwear, and a motor assembly that tensions a drive belt extending between the motor and the lower control arm. The device may include a quick disconnect coupling that enables selective attachment and detachment from the footwear, a fluid-filled bladder between the control board assembly and shin guard to dampen reactionary forces, and flexible battery packs integrated with elastic bands that secure the device to the wearer's leg.

A magnetic quick-release closure system for apparel and footwear applications combines magnetic attraction with mechanical retention to provide secure closure with intuitive, single-handed release capability. The system includes a closure panel with first and second edges, and a receiving surface with complementary features. The first edge nests within an upstanding convex ledge on the receiving surface, creating a pivot point. Multiple magnet pairs draw the panel toward the receiving surface and assist alignment. A spring-biased retention latch engages the second edge of the closure panel when closed, providing mechanical security during athletic activities. A pull tab enables a translational pulling motion of the closure panel, aligning a notched portion on its second edge with the latch for quick release. The system may also incorporate magnetic repulsion assistance for opening and an over-center locking feature for enhanced security under tension.

A rotatable quick disconnect coupling system for apparel and footwear applications provides secure attachment and detachment between components while enabling rotational movement. The system includes a keyed post with a non-radially symmetric cross-sectional profile that inserts into a receiver with a complementary internal profile, preventing unintended rotation of the post within the receiver. A spring-biased latching protrusion extends from the keyed post to engage a retention edge of the receiver when fully inserted. A user-activated release mechanism allows easy detachment by retracting the latching protrusion, via configurations such as an upstanding tab or a push-button. A bearing shaft extending from the keyed post rotatably couples with an annular portion of a connected component, enabling rotational movement while maintaining secure attachment.