Protective Clothing and Methods of Making Same

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/650,000, filed May 21, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

An unfortunate aspect of engaging in the act of self-defense is that it is often not known that self-defense is necessary until right when it is needed, which often leads the victim to be both mentally and physically unprepared. Individuals who consciously put themselves into harm's way, such as military personnel and law enforcement officers, typically understand the risks that they face and have both equipment and training to help deal with the threat when it arrives. For example, an officer or soldier may wear varying levels of soft and/or hard body armor to protect themselves from various threats. Additionally, the officer or soldier may have a variety of offensive tools at their disposal, ranging from non-lethal to lethal, which they may carry in purpose-built compartments on their body and may deploy at a moment's notice to neutralize the threat. However, for ordinary citizens and even off-duty officers and military personnel, it is generally unrealistic to wear such high visibility and bulky gear while going about life doing ordinary daily activities, like shopping, eating at a restaurant, and going to a sporting event. Thus, the ordinary citizen and even off-duty officers and soldiers may find themselves unprepared in the face of a threat.

The present disclosure describes examples of protective clothing that may be worn on a daily basis and that are configured to provide the wearer low visibility defensive and/or offensive capabilities in self-defense situations.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a protective garment includes a body and a pair of sleeves extending from the body. Each sleeve may have a cuff portion, a forearm portion, and an elbow portion. A plate may be connected to at least one of the cuff portion, the forearm portion, and the elbow portion. The plate may have a plurality of layers and a sensor disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers. The sensor may be a pressure sensor configured to detect a threshold pressure and generate a corresponding signal. An output device may be communication with the sensor and may be configured to receive the signal and at least one of sound an alarm, call emergency services, and transmit a GPS coordinate when the threshold pressure has been reached.

Additionally, the protective garment may include various defensive and offensive features. For example, the cuff portion may include an extension portion having either a thumb hole or a hardened thumb sheath. The extension portion may be retractable within the sleeve and may include hardened knuckle elements arranged in one or more rows. The sleeves may be lined with a slash-resistant material to protect against cutting attacks. The garment may also include a collar with a plate pocket housing a collar plate that protects against choking or knife attacks. Alternatively or additionally, the collar may house a sheathable tool such as a flail that can be quickly deployed for defense.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular protective system includes components that can be used independently or in combination. Such system may include a standalone protective sleeve configured to be worn under conventional garments, a standalone panic button device that can be attached to any garment, and/or protective headgear available in different styles to suit various wear conditions.

In one example, the standalone protective sleeve includes a tubular body made from cut-resistant material and sized to fit around a wearer's arm. The sleeve may include integrated plate sections, pressure sensors, and/or an output device similar to those in the protective garment. The sleeve may establish a Bluetooth® connection with a mobile device to automatically send distress calls and location data to emergency contacts upon sensor activation.

In another example, the standalone panic button device may include a housing containing a pressure sensor, an alarm speaker, a strobe light, and/or a wireless transmitter. The panic button device may also include an attachment mechanism (e.g., Velcro®) for securing it to any garment. The panic button device may be activated by direct pressure or impact and may be configured to communicate with a mobile device to transmit distress signals and location information to predetermined contacts or emergency services.

In a further example, the protective headgear may include a crown with connected protective plates, sensors, and/or an output device. The headgear may be configured as a baseball cap with a rigid brim that serves as both protection and a potential defensive implement. Alternatively, the headgear may be configured as a beanie for cold weather protection. Both configurations may incorporate a multi-layered protection system with a hard outer shell and cushioned inner layer that protects the wearer while potentially enabling the headgear to serve as an impact weapon without causing self-injury. The protective plates may comprise multiple articulating sections to conform to different head shapes while maintaining protection.

Across all aspects of the present disclosure, the protective plates may include one or more pressure sensors connected to a single circuit board for comprehensive coverage. Output devices may be in communication with the one or more pressure sensors and incorporate strobe lights and/or alarm speakers to disorient attackers and attract attention. Additionally or alternatively, concealable defensive tools may be incorporated into various portions of the protective garments and accessories while maintaining a low profile during everyday wear.

The protective systems described herein may be incorporated into various articles of clothing including, but not limited to, jackets, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, beanies, shoes, gloves, pants, shorts, scarves, undergarments, and other upper and lower body garments. The modular nature of the protective plates, sensors, and output devices allows for adaptation to different garment types while maintaining the same functionality of pressure detection, alarm activation, and emergency notification capabilities.

depict an outer garmentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, outer garmentmay be a jacket. However, in other examples, outer garmentmay be any article of clothing that is typically worn overtop other articles of clothing, such as a sweatshirt, a hooded sweatshirt (“hoodie”), a sweater, and a blazer, for example. Outer garmentmay include a body, a collar, and a pair of sleeves. Bodymay include a pair of front panelsthat may be connected via one or more fastenersto close outer garment. Such fastenermay be a zipper which may extend along an entire length of outer garmentfrom a bottom end to a top end thereof, as shown in. However, in other embodiments, fastenerand front panelsmay extend along only a portion of the length of outer garmentsuch that outer garmentmay be characterized as a pullover outer garment. Although outer garmentis depicted as having a zipper, front panelsof outer garment may be coupled via an alternative fastener or a plurality of fasteners, such as buttons, snaps, Velcro®, magnets, and hooks, for example. As mentioned above, outer garmentmay be a sweatshirt or other type of outer garment that may not have separable panels. Thus, it should be appreciated that outer garmentmay not have front panelsand fasteners.

Outer garmentmay be made from one or more layers of one or more materials. For example, outer garmentmay have an outer layer, one or more intermediate layers, and an inner layer, as illustrated in. However, in some embodiments, outer garmentmay only have outer layerand inner layeror, alternatively, just outer layer. Outer layerof outer garment may be made from any one or more of common textile materials, such as cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (“ePTFE” or Gore-Tex) jersey material, leather, denim, and corduroy, for example. Intermediate layermay be an insulating layer, for example, and may be made from one or more of common insulating materials, such as down, Primaloft®, and Thinsulate™, for example. Inner layer or linermay be made from any one or more of common liner materials, such as polyester, nylon, cotton, silk, and fleece, for example.

depict a collarof outer garmentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Collarmay have a first configuration or flat configuration, as shown in, and a second configuration or raised configuration, as shown in. Collarmay have opposing edgesalong which fastenermay extend. In this regard, collarmay be transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration by fastening fastenerat the edges. For example, zipping zipperfrom a bottom end of collarto a top end of collarmay cause collar to flip up from the flat configuration to the raised configuration. As shown, collarmay include a first pocket or plate pocketthat may extend along an entire length of collarfrom edge to edge or along a portion of a length of collar. Such plate pocketmay be configured to receive and house a collar plate.

depicts a collar plateaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, collar platemay extend along a length between opposite endsand may have a first sideand a second side. Collar platemay be configured to extend about a neck holedefined by collarwhen collaris in the second configuration. In other words, collar platecan bend or may be pre-curved to conform to a shape of collarin both the first and second configurations. Collar platemay be a hard material but may have some flexibility to allow it to flex with collaras it transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration. In this regard, collar platemay be made from any one or more of a polymer material (e.g., polycarbonate, polylactide (“PLA”), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”)), metal material (e.g., stainless steel and aluminum), and a composite material (e.g., fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (“CFRP”)). The rigidity and hardness of collar platemay help defend against a choking attack and/or a knife attack. Pocketmay be accessible by an opening in an edgeof collaror elsewhere along the length of collarsuch that collar platecan be modularly removed and inserted, such as prior to or after washing. Such opening may have one or more fasteners, such as one of the fasteners mentioned above, for closing the opening and preventing collar platefrom inadvertently falling out of collar. Pocketmay be slightly longer than plate, such as up to 5% longer, for example, to provide enough room for collar plateto move as collaris transitioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. In the first configuration, platemay be positioned within pocketsuch that first sidefaces upwardly away from bodyof outer garment, and in the second configuration, first sidemay face inwardly toward the wearer's neck while second sidemay face outwardly, as illustrated in.

In addition to or in lieu of first pocketand collar plate, collarmay house or sheath a sheathable tool. For example, as shown in, collarmay include a second pocket or tool pocketthat may be configured to sheath sheathable tooland may be positioned adjacent to first pocket.

Additionally or alternatively, sheathable toolmay be sheathed within bodyof garment′ which may have pockets similar to that of tool pocket. For example, as shown in, sheathable toolmay be sheathed within bodyat a location proximate to collar, such as at a location that would be beneath collarwhen collaris in the flat configuration, which can help conceal sheathable tool. In another example also depicted in, sheathable toolmay be located in one of panelsnear a bottom end thereof such that sheathable toolis proximate a waist-line of a wearer of garment′. This can facilitate quick access to the sheathable toolas the wearer would not have to reach up towards collarto unsheathe tool. Instead, toolwould be located near the wearer's hand when the wearer's arms are extended by their sides.

An exemplary sheathable toolmay be a flail, as illustrated in. Flailmay have a first end, a second end, an elongate portionextending from first endto second end, and a loopconnected to first end. Elongate portionmay comprise a wire, a chain, or weighted rope, for example. When housed within second pocketof collar, flailmay extend through collarfrom edge to edge. In some embodiments, flailmay be configured to double back such that flailis approximately twice as long as collar. Second pocketmay be dimensioned accordingly. Loopmay be recessed within collar, such as behind a flap, for example, which may allow user to engage loopwith a finger and withdraw flail from collarat a moment's notice to defend against an attack or to flail it about offensively. In this regard, loopmay also provide positive control of flail. Although flailis shown as having one loopat first end, flailmay have a second loop at second endwhich may allow flailto be more easily loaded into second pocket, such as via a coat-hanger or the like.

In self-defense situations, particularly those that involve up close encounters, the victim's arms are often deployed as both offensive and defensive tools which can sometimes result in damage or injury to those limbs. For example, it is common for a victim of a knife attack to have many defensive wounds on the hands and forearms as people instinctively put their arms up to block a slashing or stabbing knife in order to protect vital organs. Additionally, while arms and fists may be used offensively to punch or strike an opponent, it is common for landed punches to result in broken bones in the hand or wrist. Sleevesof outer garmentmay be configured to shield the arms and provide hard points for offense and defense. Sleevesmay each include a cuff portion, a forearm portion, an elbow portion, and an upper arm portion, as shown in.

depicts cuff portionaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Cuff portionis disposed at an end of sleeveopposite body. Cuff portionmay have an extension portionthat may ordinarily be recessed within sleeveand may be deployable or extensible when desired. In this regard, extension portionmay comprise an elastic material that may retract back into sleeve. Alternatively, extension portionmay instead always be exposed and may not retract back into sleeve. Extension portionmay be configured to extend beyond the first line of a wearer's knuckles but not the second line of knuckles so that at least a portion of the fingers are exposed. In other embodiments, extension portionmay extend beyond the second line of knuckles, but not the third and final line of knuckles. As shown, extension portionmay have a thumb holewhich may allow a thumb to be positioned through extension portionwhich may help maintain extension portionover a portion of a wearer's hand. This may help shield the wearer's hand from a knife, for example. Thus, in some embodiments, extension portionmay comprise a slash-resistant material, which is described in more detail below. In still other embodiments cuff portionmay include a circumferential plate pocketfor receipt of a plate therein which can provide further shielding and can be used as a blunt instrument for striking.

depicts a cuff portion′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Cuff portion′ is like cuff portionexcept that, instead of a thumb hole, cuff portion′ includes a hardened thumb sheath′. Thumb sheath′ still allows the wearer to maintain extension portion′ over their hand even during a scuffle. However, thumb sheath′ provides further protection by shielding the wearer's thumb and may also provide a weapon that can be used to jab a perpetrator. Thumb shield′ may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to collar plate, for example.

depicts a cuff portion″ according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Cuff portion″ is similar to cuff portionexcept that cuff portion″ may include an extension portion″ with hardened knuckle elements,. In this regard, extension portion″ may include a first row of hardened knuckle elementsand a second row of hardened knuckle elements, as shown in. However, in some embodiments, extension portion″ may have only one row of hardened knuckle elements. Knuckle elements,may each form indentations on an interior of extension portion″ so that they may receive the knuckles of a wearer, while also forming convex protrusions extending from an exterior of extension portion″. Thus, for example, the first row of knuckle elementsmay correspond to a first row of a wearer's knuckles, and second row of knuckle elementsmay correspond to a second row of a wearer's knuckles. Knuckle elements,may be made from a hardened material, such as carbon fiber or UHWMPE, for example. Additionally, each knuckle element,in a row may be connected to an adjacent knuckle element, or they may each be unconnected such that they may be moveable independently from one another. Furthermore, knuckle elementsof the first row may be connected to knuckle elementsof the second row to provide further rigidity. Knuckle elements,may help provide a shield to knuckles and may help prevent “boxer's fracture” or other types of fractures that may commonly occur in the hand from punching. Cuff portion″ may include a thumb holelike that of cuff portionor may include a thumb sheath′ like that of cuff portion′.

depicts a cuff portion″ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein cuff portion′ of sleeveincludes an extension portion″ configured as a fingerless glove. Fingerless glove′″ may expose the wearer's fingers while covering the palm, back of the hand, and knuckles, with the exception of a full thumb covering′″. Fingerless glove′″ may include a knuckle guard insert pocketpositioned over the knuckle region of glove′″, configured to receive a knuckle guard insertmade of hardened material similar to knuckle elements,. Knuckle guard insertmay be removable to allow for washing of fingerless glove′″ or for replacement with insertsof varying hardness or weight depending on the wearer's needs. Thumb covering′″ may include a thumb cap pocketconfigured to receive a thumb cap insertmade of hardened material (e.g., polycarbonate, metal, or composite material). Thumb cap insertforms a rigid protective covering over the wearer's thumb while also providing an offensive tool that can be used for targeted strikes against an attacker. The combination of knuckle guard insertand thumb cap insertprovides the wearer with multiple hardened striking surfaces while maintaining dexterity through the exposed finger portions of fingerless glove′″.

depicts an exemplary configuration of forearm portionand elbow portionof sleeve. As shown, forearm portionis disposed between elbow portionand cuff portionand may include a circumferential plate connection featurefor connection to a circumferential forearm plate. For example, plate connection featuremay be a plate pocket formed in liningof outer garment. Alternatively, plate connection featuremay be a circumferential band of Velcro® material for modular connection with a forearm plate that may also include Velcro®. Alternatively, forearm portionmay have one or more connection features arranged about an axis of sleevewhere each of such connection features connects to a plate that does not entirely and circumferentially extend about an axis of sleeve. For example, as shown in, forearm portion′ may include a first and second plate connection feature,offset from each other about an axis of sleeve′.

Elbow portionmay extend from upper arm portionto forearm portionsuch that a wearer's elbow is positioned within elbow portionwhen wearing outer garment. As shown, elbow portionmay include a first plate connection featureand a second plate connection featurepositioned below first connection feature. Such connection features may be pockets sewn into liningin outer garmentor may instead include Velcro® or some other attachment mechanism, for example. First and second connection features,may be separated by a gap such that a tip of a wearer's elbow may be positioned within such gap. However, in other embodiments, first and second connection features,may be a single connection feature extending from upper arm portionto forearm portionso that a wearer's elbow may be completely covered by an elbow plate, which may be curved to be conformal to the wearer's elbow. First and second connection features,may be semi-cylindrical or otherwise curved so as to partially extend about an axis of sleeve or upper arm portionwhich can help conform elbow plates,to the wearer and provide concealment.

Each plate connection feature,may be connected to at least one arm band,which may help a plate connected thereto conform to the wearer's arm at the desired position. In this regard, arm bands,may extend from plate connection features., about sleeve, and back to connection feature,so that, when a user positions their arm through an arm band,, the arm band,pulls an elbow plate against their arm in the desired position and maintains it in such a position even during the potential chaos of a self-defense situation. Thus, in the embodiment depicted, first arm bandmay be connected to first plate connection feature, and second arm bandmay be connected to a second plate connection feature

depict forearm portion″ and elbow portion″ of sleeveof garmentaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, forearm portion″ and elbow portion″ of outer garmentmay feature an interchangeable plate system. The interchangeable plate system is configured to protect the wearer and enable the wearer to use their arms and elbows as offensive weapons in self-defense situations. Forearm portion″ may include one or more zippered forearm pocketswith a zipperextending along a portion of the length of forearm portion″, and elbow portion″ may include a zippered elbow pocketwith a zipperextending along a curve of elbow portion″. Zippered forearm pocketsmay be configured to receive a removable forearm plate, and zippered elbow pocketmay be configured to receive a removable elbow plate. Forearm platesand elbow platemay be made of flexible plastic or other suitable materials of varying thickness, providing options for different levels of protection based on the wearer's needs and anticipated threats. The removable nature of forearm platesand elbow plateallows for machine-washing of outer garmentwithout damaging the plates,or the washing machine. Additionally, plates of different materials, weights, or protective capabilities may be interchanged based on the wearer's personal preference or specific use cases. This interchangeable plate system provides improved modularity and simplicity compared to the arm-band configuration described above, as the zippered pockets,securely hold the plates,in position without the use of arm bands,. The zippered configuration also enables quick and convenient insertion or removal of the plates,while ensuring they remain securely in place during wear and use.

depict headgearaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment depicted, headgearis a baseball cap that includes a crownand a brim. However, other embodiments may utilize other types of brimmed caps (e.g., cowboy hat) and non-brimmed caps (e.g., skull cap). Crownmay include a front portion, a rear portion, and opposing side portions. Baseball caps like that of headgearmay include a plurality of triangular shaped panels(e.g., five or six panels) that are connected together to form crownwhich is typically a dome shaped structure configured to cover a top portion of a wearer's head. Where headgearincludes six panels, front portionmay include the two front located panels, rear portionmay include the two rear located panels, and side portionsmay include the remaining panelspositioned between front portionand rear portion.

As shown in, headgearmay include one or more plate connection featuresfor connecting to a corresponding plate, such as Velcro® and/or a plate pocket. For example, in the embodiment depicted, crownmay include one or more plate connection features, which may each be a plate pocket. Each plate connection featureand plateconnected to the connection featuremay correspond in shape. For example, headgearmay include a plate connection featureat the front portionof headgear, rear portionof headgear, and/or side portionsof headgear, as shown in. In this regard, plate connection featuresand the platesconnected thereto may each take on the shape of the portion it is connected to for both comfort and low visibility.

Brimextends from front portionand may include a plate connection feature, as shown in. In the embodiment depicted, plate connection featuremay be a plate pocket, for example. As such, a platethat may be disposed within brimmay take on the shape of brimand may be used as a weapon. In some embodiments, platemay be a durable stiff visor insert made of either metal or hard plastic, replacing the conventional cardboard visors found in most regular baseball caps. This rigid visor construction provides enhanced durability for daily wear and also functions as a potential offensive implement in self-defense situations.

depicts a headgearaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment depicted, headgearis a beanie that includes a crownand a cuffextending from crownand folded onto crown. However, some embodiments of beaniemay not include cuff, but rather may just include crown.

Crownmay include one or more plate connection featuresfor connecting to a corresponding plate, such as Velcro® and/or a plate pocket. In one embodiment, crownmay include a single dome shaped plate connection feature, which may be a plate pocket configured to receive a single dome shaped platethat conforms to the entire crown. The dome shaped platemay cover substantially the entire crown portion of the wearer's head, providing comprehensive protection against impacts. Alternatively, crownmay include a plurality of plate connection featuresdistributed across crown, each configured to receive a corresponding plate, as illustrated in. In this regard, multiple smaller platesmay be used instead of a single dome shaped plate, allowing for greater flexibility, articulation, and comfort while maintaining protective coverage. Each plate connection featureand plateconnected thereto may correspond in shape to the area of crownwhere it is positioned for both comfort and low visibility. Platesmay employ a split design, wherein each plate is divided into sections that articulate relative to one another, allowing headgearto flex naturally with the wearer's head movements.

Cuffextends from the lower edge of crownand may be folded back onto crown. Cuffmay include one or more plate connection features. In one embodiment, cuffmay include a single circumferential plate connection feature, which may be a plate pocket configured to receive a single circumferential platethat extends around the entire cuff. Alternatively, cuffmay include a plurality of plate connection featurespositioned around the circumference of cuff, each configured to receive a corresponding plate, as illustrated in. This multi-plate configuration allows for greater flexibility and comfort when cuffis folded. Plateswithin cuffmay be made of flexible yet durable material such as metal or composite, providing impact protection around the circumference of the wearer's head. When cuffis folded down (unfolded from crown), platesmay provide enhanced protection to the ears, temples, and back of the neck, areas that are particularly vulnerable in cold weather when a beanie would typically be worn.

As described above, outer garment, headgear, and headgearmay each include one or more plate connection features, such as features,,,,,,,,,, and, for example, so that plates can be strategically placed for wearer protection. Such plates, including collar plate, knuckle guard insert, thumb cap insert, forearm plates, elbow plates, crown plates, brim plate, crown plate, and cuff plates, can be made of varying levels of durability to allow for different levels of protection with potential tradeoffs such as weight and rigidity. Additionally, the plates can be made with one or more layers such that each plate may have a harder layer facing outwardly and a softer layer facing inwardly towards the wearer for wearer comfort. Additional features can also be provided with such plates, such as one or more sensors that may be configured to detect a threshold level of impact or pressure which may sound an alarm and/or send a signal to an output device, such as smart phone.

depicts a plateaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Plateis exemplary of any of the aforementioned plates, including collar plate, knuckle guard insert, thumb cap insert, forearm plates, elbow plate, crown plates, brim plate, crown plate, and cuff plates, as well as plates not explicitly shown in the figures but which could be implemented in garmentor headgear/. Platemay include an outer layer, an inner layer, and one or more intermediate layers. As shown, platemay include an outer layer or first layerthat may be made of a hardened material and may include ridges, corrugations, or protrusions, as shown, which may facilitate more damage when used as a weapon. The hardened material can include any one of the materials mentioned above with respect to collar plate. Inner layercan be a soft material, such as a foam or a dense rubber, for example, which can provide comfort and protection to the wearer's arm or head when the plate is positioned within the garmentor headgear/. Thus, outer layermay be made from a material harder than inner layer. Such relative hardness may be determined via a Rockwell hardness test. Intermediate layermay be corrugated and/or made from shock absorbent material which may further reduce the risk of injury to the wearer's limbs and head. Such shock absorbing material can include foam, rubber, and/or polymer gels. Another intermediate layer (not shown) may include a thin piece of plastic material to enclose the absorbent material. In other embodiments, platemay only include outer and inner layers,.

In some examples of plate, a sensormay be sandwiched between one or more of these layers,,, such as outer layerand intermediate layer, as illustrated in. Sensormay be a pressure sensor, such as a piezoelectric or piezoresistive pressure sensor, for example. Although one sensoris depicted, platemay not have any sensoror may instead have a plurality of sensorsforming a sensor array that may be arranged to cover an entire area defined by plateor substantially an entire area covered by plate. Thus, a threshold pressure may be detectable at any location along plate. In some embodiments, a plurality of pressure sensorsmay be connected to a single circuit board, allowing for a wider area of protection and alarm activation. Such an arrangement provides comprehensive coverage across the protective plate, ensuring that impacts or pressure applied to different areas of the plate will still trigger the appropriate response. The plurality of sensors may be arranged in a grid pattern, concentric circles, or strategic locations corresponding to the most vulnerable or likely impact points.

Sensor or sensor arraymay be coupled to an output deviceeither via a communications channel, which may be a wired or wireless connection. Where sensortransmits wirelessly, sensormay include a transceiver for communicating signals back and forth with output device. Output devicemay be a remote device when transmitting wirelessly, such as a smart phone, a tablet, or a personal computer, for example. Output devicecan alternatively be a purpose-built module with a speaker for sounding an alarm, as shown in, and configured so that it may be embedded within garment, such as between one of layers,, andthereof in any one of body, collar, and sleeves. Pressures sensormay be configured to detect pressure, such as a threshold pressure. Such threshold pressure may be 20 lbs/in, for example. Thus, once this threshold pressure is achieved, a signal may be sent from sensor or sensor arrayalong communications channelto output device. Output devicemay decode the signal and sound an alarm, call an emergency contact or emergency services, and/or transmit a GPS coordinate to the emergency contact or personnel. In some embodiments, output devicemay further include a strobe light that activates simultaneously with the alarm. The strobe light may assist in disorienting an attacker, drawing attention from bystanders, and/or helping emergency responders locate the wearer in low-light conditions. The strobe light may be embedded within the same housing as the speaker or may be positioned elsewhere on garmentfor maximum visibility.

Platecan be utilized in outer garment, headgear, or headgearand may be used both defensively and offensively. In this regard, platecan be sized and shaped to be connected to any one of the aforementioned plate locations and, as such, can be modularly positioned within such plate locations for varying levels of protection, comfort, and flexibility. For example, platecan be formed into a cylindrical shape or ring shape and inserted into plate pocketof forearm portionof outer garmentand/or plate pocketof cuff portion. Similarly, platemay be curved and placed into first and second pockets,of elbow portion. Platemay also be inserted into collarin lieu of plate. Platecan also be connected to headgearat front portion, rear portion, and/or side portions, such as being disposed within pockets or via Velcro® or the like. As such, platemay form a shape corresponding to the triangular dome panels comprising front portion, rear portion, and side portions. Also, platemay be formed into a dome shape and positioned within plate pocketof headgear.

More specific examples of plateintegration with the aforementioned outer garmentand headgear/are shown in. In particular,depicts outer garment″ with forearm platespositioned within sleeve. As illustrated, forearm platesare configured similar to plate, each including a sensorembedded therein. Sensorsof forearm platesare connected via a wired connectionto one or more output devices,which may be located anywhere within outer garment″, such as in a chest region, for example. In the example depicted, output devices,include an audible alarm speakerand a strobe light. When a threshold pressure (e.g., 20 lbs/in) is applied to any area of forearm plates, sensorstransmit a signal through wired connectionto output devices,, which immediately activates both the audible alarmand strobe light. The audible alarmis configured to emit a high-decibel sound to attract attention from bystanders and potentially startle or disorient an attacker. Simultaneously, strobe lightflashes at a frequency configured to further disorient an attacker while increasing visibility of the wearer in low-light conditions. The strategic positioning of forearm plateswith integrated sensorsprovides the wearer with both physical protection against impacts or knife attacks and an automatic alert system that activates upon receiving a significant impact, without requiring the wearer to manually trigger an alarm during a high-stress defensive situation.

illustrates the outer garment′″ with elbow platespositioned within sleeve. Elbow platesare configured similar to plate, incorporating a sensorembedded therein. Sensorcan be a sensor array that includes multiple pressure sensors arranged in a pattern that conforms to the curved shape of the elbow, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the elbow's surface. Each sensoris connected via a wired connectionto one or more output devices,, which can be located anywhere within garment′″, such as upper back portion, for example. Similar to the forearm configuration, output devices,includes both an audible alarm speakerand a strobe light. When the wearer uses their elbow defensively to block an attack or offensively as a striking implement, and a threshold pressure is detected by any sensor, a signal is transmitted through wired connectionto output devices,thereby activating both the audible alarmand strobe light. This configuration is particularly advantageous as the elbow is commonly used as both a defensive shield and an offensive weapon in close-quarter self-defense situations. The combination of the protective elbow plateswith the integrated sensorand connected alarm system provides an additional layer of protection and deterrence without compromising the wearer's mobility or the low-profile nature of the protective garment.

depicts headgear′ in the form of a baseball cap with crown platespositioned within front portionand rear portioncrown, for example. Crown platesare configured similar to plate, each incorporating a sensorembedded therein. Sensorsof crown platesare connected via wired connectionsto an output devicediscretely positioned within crown, such as at top end thereof. Output deviceincludes an audible alarm speaker but can also include or alternatively be a strobe light. When a threshold pressure is applied to any of the crown plates, such as during an impact to the head or when the headgearis used as a defensive implement, sensorstransmit a signal through wired connectionsto output device. This configuration provides head protection while also incorporating an automatic alert system that can be triggered during a self-defense situation. Additionally, brim platemay also include a sensorconnected to the same output device, allowing the wearer to intentionally trigger the alarm by applying pressure to brimwhen using it as an offensive implement.

illustrates headgear′ in the form of a beanie with crown plateand cuff platespositioned within crownand cuff, respectively. Crown plateand cuff platesare configured similar to plate, each incorporating sensorsembedded therein. Sensorsof crown plateand cuff platesare connected via wired connectionsto an output devicediscretely positioned within crown, such as at a top end thereof, for example. Output deviceincludes an audible alarm speaker but can also include or alternatively be a strobe light. The multiple sensorsdistributed throughout the crown plateand cuff platesform a comprehensive sensor network that covers a substantial portion of the wearer's head. When a threshold pressure is applied to any area protected by crown plateor cuff plates, the corresponding sensortransmits a signal through wired connectionto output device, which activates both the audible alarm and/or strobe light. This configuration is particularly advantageous in cold weather conditions when a beanie would typically be worn, as it provides comprehensive head protection with an integrated alert system without compromising the comfort or appearance of conventional winter headwear. When cuffis unfolded to cover the ears, temples, and back of the neck, the sensorswithin cuff platesprovide expanded coverage of these vulnerable areas, enhancing both the protective capabilities and the alarm triggering zones of headgear′.

In addition to or in lieu of plate, outer garmentand/or headgear,may comprise a slash-resistant material, such as a slash-resistant textile material. In other words, a slash-resistant fabric material may comprise at least a portion of outer garment, such as inner layer, and a portion of headgearand headgear. For example, collarand/or sleevesmay be lined with a slash-resistant material. More specifically, cuff portion, forearm portion, and elbow portionmay be lined with a slash-resistant material. This may help defend against a knife attack or other penetrating type attack. Such slash-resistant material may include any one or more of an aramid (e.g., Kevlar®), UHMWPE, and P-benzoxazole (e.g., Zylon®), for example.

depicts a standalone protective sleeveaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Protective sleevemay be configured to be worn independently of outer garment, such as underneath any conventional garment. Protective sleevemay include a tubular bodysized to fit around a wearer's arm, with an upper portion, an elbow portionand a forearm portion. Tubular bodymay be constructed from a flexible, cut-resistant material such as aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), UHMWPE, or a composite material, for example, that provides protection against slashing or stabbing attacks while maintaining flexibility and comfort for everyday wear.

As illustrated in, protective sleevemay incorporate standalone pressure sensorsintegrated directly into the material of tubular bodyat strategic locations, such as the forearm portionand upper arm portion, without the use of rigid plates. The standalone pressure sensorsmay be thin and flexible, allowing them to conform to the wearer's arm while maintaining the sleeve's low profile. These sensorsmay be configured to detect a threshold pressure and generate a corresponding signal when the wearer's arm receives an impact or pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Protective sleevemay further include an output devicein communication with pressure sensors. Such communication may be a wired connection, for example. Output devicemay be similar to output deviceand may include a speaker for sounding an alarm, a strobe light, and a wireless transceiver. As shown in, the output deviceincludes both an alarm and a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver of output devicemay establish a Bluetooth® connection to a smart phoneor other mobile device of the wearer. In this regard, upon activation of one or more pressure sensors, output devicemay be configured to automatically send a distress call and the wearer's location data to a predetermined contact list via the connected mobile device. This feature allows for rapid notification of emergency contacts when the wearer may be unable to manually call for help.

depicts a standalone protective sleeve′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Sleeve′ combines both integrated plates and standalone sensors. As shown, protective sleeve′ may include an elbow platepositioned within elbow portionthat incorporates integrated sensors similar to those described with respect to plate. Additionally, standalone sensorsmay be positioned in forearm portionand upper portionwhere no rigid plates are present. This hybrid configuration provides enhanced protection at the elbow while maintaining flexibility and low profile throughout the rest of sleeve′. The combination of plate-integrated sensors and standalone sensorsprovides comprehensive pressure detection coverage across the entire sleeve while selectively reinforcing critical areas. Both the integrated sensors of plateand standalone sensorsmay be in communication with output device, which functions as described above to alert both the wearer's immediate surroundings through an audible alarm and/or strobe light, as well as remote contacts through the wireless connection to the wearer's mobile device.

depict a standalone panic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Panic deviceprovides an alternative to the integrated pressure sensor systems described above by offering a self-contained unit that can be attached to any garment. As shown in, devicemay include a housingthat contains all electronic components. Housingmay be compact and low-profile to remain discreet when attached to a garment.

illustrates an exploded view of device, showing exemplary internal components. In this regard, devicemay include a power source(e.g., one or more batteries), a pressure sensor, an alarm speaker(and/or strobe light), and a wireless transmitter, all contained within housing. Pressure sensormay be similar to pressure sensorand may be configured to detect either direct pressure (when the device is deliberately pressed by the wearer) or impact pressure (when the wearer experiences a collision or attack). The sensitivity threshold of pressure sensormay be adjustable to prevent false alarms while ensuring reliable activation when needed.

Wireless transmittermay be configured to communicate with a smartphoneor other mobile device to transmit a distress signal and GPS location to a predetermined contact list upon activation. In some embodiments, devicemay include its own GPS module to determine location independently of a connected mobile device. FIG.C depicts deviceattached to the inside of a garment, which may be similar to outer garment. Devicemay be secured to garmentusing one or more attachment mechanisms, which may include, but are not limited to, Velcro® strips, pins, clips, or magnets. This versatility allows deviceto be easily transferred between different garments or positioned at the most convenient location for the wearer's needs.