Cushioning elements for apparel may include a pair of material layers and a pad component that is located between and secured to the material layers. At least one surface of the pad component includes a plurality of elongate grooves. In addition, a plurality of elongate voids extend through the pad component.

Personal protective devices have a carrying bag, such as a purse, and a separate bullet resistant vest or penetration resistant (to stab wounds) vest comprises at least one neck sling and at least one torso strap. The bullet/penetration resistant vest is dimensioned to removably fit within the carrying bag. The carrying bags are configured to provide a “ready state” wherein a bullet resistant shield and neck sling are within the carrying bag while at least a connector attached to the end of a deployable torso strap(s) is outside of the carrying bag. The carrying bag has at least one slot designed to allow the torso strap(s) to be pre-fed from the interior of the carrying bag to a position exterior of the carrying bag. In this “ready state”, the majority of the torso strap is maintained within the interior of the carrying bag. The neck sling and torso straps are deployable to secure the vest to a wearer's torso in the deployed position.

A garment (1) comprising an inflatable protection device (10) and a housing (2), the inflatable protection device (10) comprising at least one inflatable bag (12) housed in the housing (2) and designed to move between a rest condition, where it is in a deflated status and an operating condition, where it is in an inflated status and inflation means (14) connected with the inflatable bag (12) and designed, once triggered, for selectively inflating the inflatable bag (12). The at least one inflatable bag (12) is manufactured with an elastic material and, in said rest condition, occupies a limited portion of said housing (2).

Cushioning elements for apparel may include a pair of material layers and a pad component that is located between and secured to the material layers. At least one surface of the pad component includes a plurality of elongate grooves. In addition, a plurality of elongate voids extend through the pad component.

Personal protective devices have a carrying bag, such as a purse, and a separate bullet resistant vest or penetration resistant (to stab wounds) vest comprises at least one neck sling and at least one torso strap. The bullet/penetration resistant vest is dimensioned to removably fit within the carrying bag. The carrying bags are configured to provide a ready state wherein a bullet resistant shield and neck sling are within the carrying bag while at least a connector attached to the end of a deployable torso strap(s) is outside of the carrying bag. The carrying bag has at least one slot designed to allow the torso strap(s) to be pre-fed from the interior of the carrying bag to a position exterior of the carrying bag. In this ready state, the majority of the torso strap is maintained within the interior of the carrying bag. The neck sling and torso straps are deployable to secure the vest to a wearer's torso in the deployed position.

A body protector (2) is provided. The body protector comprises at least one panel (8); a cable (4) which runs at least partially around the body protector; a rotational tightening mechanism (6) comprising a hub (12) which engages the cable; and a one-way hub lock (16); wherein the rotation of the hub in a first direction tensions the cable and the hub lock maintains the tension until it is actively released.

Personal protective devices have a carrying bag, such as a purse, and a separate bullet resistant vest or penetration resistant (to stab wounds) vest comprises at least one neck sling and at least one torso strap. The bullet/penetration resistant vest is dimensioned to removably fit within the carrying bag. The carrying bags are configured to provide a ready state wherein a bullet resistant shield and neck sling are within the carrying bag while at least a connector attached to the end of a deployable torso strap(s) is outside of the carrying bag. The carrying bag has at least one slot designed to allow the torso strap(s) to be pre-fed from the interior of the carrying bag to a position exterior of the carrying bag. In this ready state, the majority of the torso strap is maintained within the interior of the carrying bag. The neck sling and torso straps are deployable to secure the vest to a wearer's torso in the deployed position.

A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

A first embodiment can be a device comprising a means to reduce SLOSH energy absorption in a fluid containing organism by reducing the flow of one or more outflow vessels of the cranium by compressing said vessels.

A protective article of clothing for weight training comprising including a top adapted to be worn on an upper portion of an athlete. The top include a front surface and a rear surface, left and right arm openings and a head opening. An impact-resistant flexible collar is integrally attached to the top and is sized and positioned to substantially encircle the head opening. The collar is also configured to dampen an impact force to at least a portion of the athlete's shoulders, upper chest and upper back.