U.S. patent application number 10/236232 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for protective shoulder pad.
Invention is credited to Gillen, James B., Gillen, Sherry S..
Application Number | 20030079277 10/236232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26667387 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030079277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gillen, James B. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2003 |
PROTECTIVE SHOULDER PAD
Abstract
This invention concerns a removable protective shoulder pad for
protecting against impact to the top, anterior, posterior or
lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm, or portions thereof,
during sporting activities comprising one or more sections that can
be secured to a protective body vest a shirt, a vest or other
garment. The removable protective pad, comprising an outer layer or
layers of rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible material and an inner
layer or layers of flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid material,
is secured to the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a
fastening device or devices. The removable protective pad may
further be secured to the upper arm and/or shoulder by a fastening
device or devices.
Inventors: |
Gillen, James B.; (Lake
Bluff, IL) ; Gillen, Sherry S.; (Lake Bluff,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERONI + MERONI
P.O. BOX 309
BARRINGTON
IL
60011
US
|
Family ID: |
26667387 |
Appl. No.: |
10/236232 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10236232 |
Sep 6, 2002 |
|
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10118676 |
Apr 9, 2002 |
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10118676 |
Apr 9, 2002 |
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10000246 |
Oct 29, 2001 |
|
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6446273 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0512 20130101;
A41D 13/0568 20130101; A41D 13/08 20130101; A41D 31/285 20190201;
A41D 13/0518 20130101; A41D 13/0531 20130101; A41D 13/0153
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/268 |
International
Class: |
A41D 027/26 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination for the purpose of protecting against impact
to the top, anterior, posterior and lateral regions of the shoulder
and upper arm, or portions thereof, the single-section removable
protective pad and article of clothing combination comprising: an
article of clothing selected from the group consisting of a
protective body vest, a shirt, a vest or other garment; and a
single-section removable protective pad, the single-section
removable protective pad comprising: a layer or layers of
protective padding material or materials, the outer layer or
layers, or a portion or portions thereof, comprising rigid,
semi-rigid or semi-flexible material for the purpose of protecting
the underlying shoulder and upper arm from impact, the inner layer
or layers, or a portion or portions thereof, comprising flexible,
semi-flexible or semi-rigid material for the purpose of protecting
the underlying shoulder and upper arm from impact, a single- or a
multi-part strap or straps being attached to the single-section
removable protective pad by fastening means and/or fastening device
or devices, the single- or a multi-part strap or straps wrapping
around a shoulder portion or a shoulder/upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment, the
single-part strap or straps being fastened onto itself and/or onto
the single-section removable protective pad and the parts of the
multi-part strap or straps being fastened together and/or onto the
single-section removable protective pad by a fastening device or
devices to secure the single-section removable protective pad to
the shoulder portion or the shoulder/upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment, the
single- or a multi-part securing strap or straps being
adjustable.
2. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 1 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps pass through a slot or slots in and/or an
opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on the single-section
removable protective pad.
3. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 1 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are comprised of elastic material.
4. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 1 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are removable.
5. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 1 wherein the single-section
removable protective pad comprises a fastening device or devices
attached on the single-section removable protective pad by
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices to secure the
single-section removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or
onto a user's shoulder area.
6. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 5 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the single-section removable protective pad onto a
user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area comprise a single- or
a multi-part strap or straps attached to the single-section
removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices, the single- or multi-part strap or straps
encircling the upper arm and/or shoulder area, the single-part
strap or straps being fastened onto itself and/or onto the
single-section removable protective pad and the parts of the
multi-part strap or straps being fastened together and/or onto the
single-section removable protective pad by a fastening device or
devices to secure the single-section removable protective pad to
the upper arm and/or shoulder area.
7. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 6 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are adjustable.
8. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 6 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps pass through a slot or slots in and/or an
opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on the single-section
removable protective pad.
9. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 6 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are constructed of or comprise elastic
material.
10. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 6 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are removable.
11. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 1 wherein the single-section
removable protective pad is secured onto the shoulder portion
and/or onto the upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the
shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening device or devices
attached by fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices on
the single-section removable protective pad and/or on the single-
or multi-part strap or straps attached on the single-section
removable protective pad and/or on a part or parts and/or component
or components of the single-section removable protective pad,
including any attachments, and correspondingly on the shoulder
portion and/or on the upper arm portion of the protective body
vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment.
12. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 11 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the single-section removable protective pad onto
the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment comprise
a strap or straps and/or a pad or pads attached on the
single-section removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices, the strap or straps and/or the pad or
pads being fastened onto the shoulder portion and/or the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment by a fastening device or devices attached onto the strap or
straps and/or the pad or pads and correspondingly on the shoulder
portion and/or the upper arm portion of the protective body vest,
the shirt, the vest or other garment.
13. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 12 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are adjustable.
14. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 12 wherein the strap or straps pass
through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or
a loop or loops on the single-section removable protective pad.
15. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 12 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are removable.
16. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 1 wherein the single-section
removable protective pad, or a portion or portions, or a layer or
layers thereof, is punctuated with air holes.
17. A multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination for the purpose of protecting against impact
to the top, anterior, posterior and lateral regions of the shoulder
and upper arm, or portions thereof, the multi-section removable
protective pad and article of clothing combination comprising: an
article of clothing selected from the group consisting of a
protective body vest, a shirt, a vest or other garment; and a
multi-section removable protective pad, the multi-section removable
protective pad comprising: a layer or layers of protective padding
material or materials, the outer layer or layers, or a portion or
portions thereof, comprising rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible
material for the purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and
upper arm from impact, the inner layer or layers, or a portion or
portions thereof, further comprising flexible, semi-flexible or
semi-rigid material for the purpose of protecting the underlying
shoulder and upper arm from impact, a single- or a multi-part strap
or straps being attached to the multi-section removable protective
pad, or a section or sections thereof, by fastening means and/or
fastening device or devices, the single- or multi-part strap or
straps wrapping around a shoulder portion or a shoulder/upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment, the single-part strap or straps being fastened onto itself
and/or onto the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, and the parts of the multi-part strap
or straps being fastened together and/or onto the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a
fastening device or devices to secure the multi-section removable
protective pad to the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment, the
single- or a multi-part securing strap or straps being adjustable,
the sections of the multi-section removable protective pad being
fastened together by a fastening device or devices.
18. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps pass through a slot or slots in and/or an
opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on the multi-section
removable protective pad.
19. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are comprised of elastic material.
20. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are removable.
21. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the multi-section
removable protective pad comprises a fastening device or devices
attached on the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area.
22. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 21 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the multi-section removable protective pad onto a
user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area comprise a single- or
a multi-part strap or straps attached to the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices, the single-
or multi-part strap or straps encircling the upper arm and/or
shoulder area, the single-part strap or straps being fastened onto
itself and/or onto the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, and the parts of the multi-part strap
or straps being fastened together and/or onto the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a
fastening device or devices to secure the multi-section removable
protective pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder area.
23. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 22 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are adjustable.
24. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 22 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps pass through a slot or slots in and/or an
opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof.
25. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 22 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are constructed of or comprise elastic
material.
26. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 22 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are removable.
27. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the multi-section
removable protective pad is secured onto the shoulder portion
and/or onto the upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the
shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening device or devices
attached by fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices on
the multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or
sections thereof, and/or on the single- or multi-part strap or
straps attached on the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, and/or on a part or parts and/or
component or components of the multi-section removable protective
pad, including any attachments, and correspondingly on the shoulder
portion and/or on the upper arm portion of the protective body
vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment.
28. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 27 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the multi-section removable protective pad onto
the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment comprise
a strap or straps and/or a pad or pads attached on the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, by fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices,
the strap or straps and/or the pad or pads being fastened onto the
shoulder portion and/or the upper arm portion of the protective
body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening
device or devices attached onto the strap or straps and/or the pad
or pads and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or the
upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest
or other garment.
29. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 28 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are adjustable.
30. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 28 wherein the strap or straps pass
through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or
a loop or loops on the single-section removable protective pad.
31. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 28 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are removable.
32. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections, or a portion or
portions, or a layer or layers thereof, is punctuated with air
holes.
33. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, are contoured to overlap with both each other and elbow
pads to provide continuous protection to the upper arm and shoulder
regions.
34. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 17 wherein the fastening device or
devices fastening the sections of the multi-section removable
protective pad together comprise a strap or straps, the strap or
straps being attached to a section or sections of the multi-section
removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices, the strap or straps being fastened by a
fastening device or devices to secure the sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad together.
35. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 34 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together are adjustable.
36. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 34 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together are removable.
37. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 34 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together are constructed from or comprise elastic material.
38. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 34 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together pass through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or
openings in and/or a loop or loops on a section or sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad.
39. A single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination for the purpose of protecting against impact
to the top, anterior, posterior and lateral regions of the shoulder
and upper arm, or portions thereof, the single-section removable
protective pad and article of clothing combination comprising: an
article of clothing selected from the group consisting of a
protective body vest, a shirt, a vest or other garment; and a
single-section removable protective pad, the single-section
removable protective pad comprising: a layer or layers of
protective padding material or materials, the outer layer or
layers, or a portion or portions thereof, comprising rigid,
semi-rigid or semi-flexible material for the purpose of protecting
the underlying shoulder and upper arm from impact, the inner layer
or layers, or a portion or portions thereof, comprising flexible,
semi-flexible or semi-rigid material for the purpose of protecting
the underlying shoulder and upper arm from impact, a fastening
device or devices attached by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices on the single-section removable protective pad
and/or on a part or parts and/or component or components of the
single-section removable protective pad, including any attachments,
and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or on the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment to secure the single-section removable protective pad onto
the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment, a
fastening device or devices attached on the single-section
removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices to secure the single-section removable protective
pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area, the
fastening device or devices securing the single-section removable
protective pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area
being removable.
40. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 39 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the single-section removable protective pad onto
the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment comprise
a strap or straps and/or a pad or pads attached on the
single-section removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices, the strap or straps and/or the pad or
pads being fastened onto the shoulder portion and/or the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment by a fastening device or devices attached onto the strap or
straps and/or the pad or pads and correspondingly on the shoulder
portion and/or the upper arm portion of the protective body vest,
the shirt, the vest or other garment.
41. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 40 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are adjustable.
42. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 40 wherein the strap or straps pass
through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or
a loop or loops on the single-section removable protective pad.
43. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 40 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are removable.
44. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 40 wherein the strap or straps are
constructed of or comprise elastic material.
45. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 39 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the single-section removable protective pad onto a
user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area comprise a single- or
a multi-part strap or straps attached to the single-section
removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices, the single- or multi-part strap or straps
encircling the upper arm and/or shoulder area, the single-part
strap or straps being fastened onto itself and/or onto the
single-section removable protective pad and the parts of the
multi-part strap or straps being fastened together and/or onto the
single-section removable protective pad by a fastening device or
devices to secure the single-section removable protective pad to
the upper arm and/or shoulder area.
46. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 45 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are adjustable.
47. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 45 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps pass through a slot or slots in and/or an
opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on the single-section
removable protective pad.
48. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 45 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are constructed of or comprise elastic
material.
49. The single-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 39 wherein the single-section
removable protective pad, or a portion or portions, or a layer or
layers thereof, is punctuated with air holes.
50. A multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination for the purpose of protecting against impact
to the top, anterior, posterior and lateral regions of the shoulder
and upper arm, or portions thereof, the multi-section removable
protective pad and article of clothing combination comprising: an
article of clothing selected from the group consisting of a
protective body vest, a shirt, a vest or other garment; and a
multi-section removable protective pad, the multi-section removable
protective pad comprising: a layer or layers of protective padding
material or materials, the outer layer or layers, or a portion or
portions thereof, comprising rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible
material for the purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and
upper arm from impact, the inner layer or layers, or a portion or
portions thereof, further comprising flexible, semi-flexible or
semi-rigid material for the purpose of protecting the underlying
shoulder and upper arm from impact, a fastening device or devices
attached by fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices on
the multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or
sections thereof, and/or on a part or parts and/or component or
components of the multi-section removable protective pad, including
any attachments, and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or
on the upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt,
the vest or other garment to secure the multi-section removable
protective pad onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment, a fastening device or devices attached on the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, by fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices
securing the multi-section removable protective pad onto a user's
arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area, the fastening device or
devices securing the multi-section removable protective pad onto a
user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area being removable, the
sections of the multi-section removable protective pad being
fastened together by a fastening device or devices.
51. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 50 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the multi-section removable protective pad onto
the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment comprise
a strap or straps and/or a pad or pads attached on the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, by fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices,
the strap or straps and/or the pad or pads being fastened onto the
shoulder portion and/or the upper arm portion of the protective
body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening
device or devices attached onto the strap or straps and/or the pad
or pads and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or the
upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest
or other garment.
52. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 51 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are adjustable.
53. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 51 wherein the strap or straps pass
through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or
a loop or loops on the single-section removable protective pad.
54. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 51 wherein the strap or straps are
constructed of or comprise elastic material.
55. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 51 wherein the strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads are removable.
56. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 50 wherein the fastening device or
devices securing the multi-section removable protective pad onto a
user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area comprise a single- or
a multi-part strap or straps attached to the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices, the single-
or multi-part strap or straps encircling the upper arm and/or
shoulder area, the single-part strap or straps being fastened onto
itself and/or onto the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, and the parts of the multi-part strap
or straps being fastened together and/or onto the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a
fastening device or devices to secure the multi-section removable
protective pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder area.
57. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 56 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are adjustable.
58. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 56 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps pass through a slot or slots in and/or an
opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof.
59. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 56 wherein the single- or multi-part
securing strap or straps are constructed of or comprise elastic
material.
60. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 50 wherein the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections, or a portion or
portions, or a layer or layers thereof, is punctuated with air
holes.
61. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 50 wherein the sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, are contoured to overlap with both each other and elbow
pads to provide continuous protection to the upper arm and shoulder
regions.
62. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 50 wherein the fastening device or
devices fastening the sections of the multi-section removable
protective pad together comprise a strap or straps, the strap or
straps being attached to a section or sections of the multi-section
removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices, the strap or straps being fastened by a
fastening device or devices to secure the sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad together.
63. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 62 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together are adjustable.
64. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 62 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together are removable.
65. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 62 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together are constructed from or comprise elastic material.
66. The multi-section removable protective pad and article of
clothing combination of claim 62 wherein the strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together pass through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or
openings in and/or a loop or loops on a section or sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad.
Description
PRIOR HISTORY
[0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/118,676, filed Apr. 9, 2002, which
application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/000,246.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a removable
protective shoulder pad. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a removable protective pad for use in combination with a
protective body vest or other similar garment to protect wearers
from injury to the top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions of
the shoulder and upper arm, or portions thereof, during sporting
activities.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Typically, inline skaters and skateboarders wear protective
pads on their elbows and knees, a helmet and wrist guards. Although
impact to the shoulder and upper arm areas occasionally occurs as a
result of an inline skating or skateboarding accident, particularly
in falls at inline skating/skateboarding parks due to the extreme
surface inclines, protective padding is usually not worn in the
shoulder or upper arm area. The disinclination by skaters to wear
protective padding in the shoulder or upper arm area is likely
attributable in part to a general impression in the skating
community that any currently available protective padding, whether
or not it is designed specifically for skaters, does not adequately
address the comfort, safety, athletic performance and ease-of-use
issues of the skater.
[0006] It is therefore highly advantageous to provide a protective
pad that can be easily attached to and removed from a protective
body vest, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, or
other shirt, vest, or similar garment. Further, it is highly
advantageous to provide a protective pad that is relatively
unobtrusive to the wearer, allows unhindered movement of the
shoulders and arms of the wearer and protects the top, anterior,
posterior and lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] According to our present invention, we have provided a
single-section removable protective pad that can be secured to a
protective body vest, such as those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/118,676, or other shirt, vest or similar garment for the
purpose of protecting against impact to the top, anterior,
posterior or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm, or
portions thereof. The single-section removable protective pad
generally comprises a layer or layers of a protective padding
material or materials. The outer layer or layers of the
single-section removable protective pad, or a portion or portions
thereof, comprises rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible material for
the purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and upper arm
from impact. The inner layer or layers of the single-section
removable protective pad, or a portion or portions thereof,
comprises flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid material for the
purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and upper arm from
impact.
[0008] The single-section removable protective pad comprises a
single- or multi-part strap or straps attached to the
single-section removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices that wrap around the shoulder portion
or shoulder/upper arm portion of the protective body vest, such as
those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment. The single-part strap or straps are fastened onto
itself and/or onto the single-section removable protective pad and
the multi-part strap or straps are fastened together and/or onto
the single-section removable protective pad by a fastening device
or devices to secure the single-section removable protective pad to
the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the protective body
vest, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a
shirt, a vest or other garment. The single- or multi-part strap or
straps is/are adjustable. The single- or multi-part strap or straps
may pass through a loop or loops on and/or an opening or openings
in and/or a slot or slots in the single-section removable
protective pad. The single- or multi-part strap or straps may
comprise elastic material. The single- or multi-part strap or
straps may be removable.
[0009] The single-section removable protective pad may further
comprise a fastening device or devices attached on the
single-section removable protective pad by fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices to secure the single-section removable
protective pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder
area.
[0010] The fastening device or devices securing the single-section
removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's
shoulder area may comprise a single- or a multi-part strap or
straps attached to the single-section removable protective pad by
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices, the single-
or multi-part strap or straps encircling the upper arm and/or
shoulder area, the single-part strap or straps being fastened onto
itself and/or onto the single-section removable protective pad and
the parts of the multi-part strap or straps being fastened together
and/or onto the single-section removable protective pad by a
fastening device or devices to secure the single-section removable
protective pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder area. The single-
or multi-part securing strap or straps may be adjustable. The
single- or multi-part securing strap or straps may be removable.
The single- or multi-part securing strap or straps may be
constructed of or comprise elastic material. The single- or
multi-part securing strap or straps may pass through a slot or
slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on
the single-section removable protective pad.
[0011] The single-section removable protective pad may be secured
onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a
fastening device or devices attached by fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices on the single-section removable
protective pad and/or on the single- or multi-part strap or straps
attached on the single-section removable protective pad and/or on
any part or parts and/or component or components of the
single-section removable protective pad, including any attachments,
and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or on the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment.
[0012] The fastening device or devices securing the single-section
removable protective pad onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the
upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest
or other garment may comprise a strap or straps and/or a pad or
pads attached on the single-section removable protective pad by a
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices, the strap or
straps and/or the pad or pads being fastened onto the shoulder
portion and/or the upper arm portion of the protective body vest,
the shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening device or
devices attached onto the strap or straps and/or the pad or pads
and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment. The strap or straps and/or the pad or pads may be
adjustable. The strap or straps and/or the pad or pads may pass
through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or
a loop or loops on the single-section removable protective pad. The
strap or straps and/or the pad or pads may be removable.
[0013] The single-section removable protective pad may further be
punctuated with air holes.
[0014] In another embodiment, we have provided a multi-section
removable protective pad that can be secured to a protective body
vest, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, or
other shirt, vest or similar garment for the purpose of protecting
against impact to the top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions
of the shoulder and upper arm, or portions thereof. The
multi-section removable protective pad generally comprises a layer
or layers of a protective padding material or materials. The outer
layer or layers of the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
portion or portions thereof, comprises rigid, semi-rigid or
semi-flexible material for the purpose of protecting the underlying
shoulder and upper arm from impact. The inner layer or layers of
the multi-section removable protective pad, or a portion or
portions thereof, comprises flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid
material for the purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and
upper arm from impact.
[0015] The multi-section removable protective pad comprises a
single- or multi-part strap or straps attached to the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices that wraps
around the shoulder portion or shoulder/upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, such as those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other garment. The single-part
strap or straps are fastened onto itself and/or onto the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, and the parts of the multi-part strap or straps are
fastened together and/or onto the multi-section removable
protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a fastening
device or devices to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad to the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the protective
body vest, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a
shirt, a vest or other garment. The single- or multi-part strap or
straps are further adjustable. The single- or multi-part strap or
straps may pass through a loop or loops on and/or an opening or
openings in and/or a slot or slots in the multi-section removable
protective pad, or a section or sections thereof. The single- or
multi-part strap or straps may comprise elastic material. The
single- or multi-part strap or straps may be removable.
[0016] The sections of the multi-section removable protective pad
are fastened together by a fastening device or devices.
[0017] The multi-section removable protective pad may comprise a
fastening device or devices attached on the multi-section removable
protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a fastening
means and/or a fastening device or devices to secure the
multi-section removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or
onto a user's shoulder area.
[0018] The fastening device or devices securing the multi-section
removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's
shoulder area may comprise a single- or a multi-part strap or
straps attached to the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, by a fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices, the single- or multi-part strap or
straps encircling the upper arm and/or shoulder area, the
single-part strap or straps being fastened onto itself and/or onto
the multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or
sections thereof, and the parts of the multi-part strap or straps
being fastened together and/or onto the multi-section removable
protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a fastening
device or devices to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder area. The single- or
multi-part securing strap or straps is/are adjustable. The single-
or multi-part securing strap or straps may pass through a slot or
slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on
the multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or
sections thereof. The single- or multi-part securing strap or
straps may be constructed of or comprise elastic material. The
single- or multi-part securing strap or straps may be
removable.
[0019] The multi-section removable protective pad may be secured
onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a
fastening device or devices attached by a fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices on the multi-section removable
protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, and/or on the
single- or multi-part strap or straps attached on the multi-section
removable protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, and/or
on any part or parts and/or component or components of the
multi-section removable protective pad, including any attachments,
and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or on the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment.
[0020] The fastening device or devices securing the multi-section
removable protective pad onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the
upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest
or other garment may comprise a strap or straps and/or a pad or
pads attached on the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, by a fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices, the strap or straps and/or the pad or
pads being fastened onto the shoulder portion and/or the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment by a fastening device or devices attached onto the strap or
straps and/or the pad or pads and correspondingly on the shoulder
portion and/or the upper arm portion of the protective body vest,
the shirt, the vest or other garment. The strap or straps and/or
the pad or pads may be adjustable. The strap or straps may pass
through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or
a loop or loops on the single-section removable protective pad. The
strap or straps and/or the pad or pads may be removable. The
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections,
or a portion or portions, or a layer or layers thereof, may be
punctuated with air holes.
[0021] The sections of the multi-section removable protective pad,
or a section or sections thereof, may be contoured to overlap with
both each other and commercially available elbow pads similar in
design to those utilized by skateboarders and inline skaters to
provide continuous protection to the upper arm and shoulder
regions.
[0022] The fastening device or devices fastening the sections of
the multi-section removable protective pad together may comprise a
strap or straps, the strap or straps being attached to a section or
sections of the multi-section removable protective pad by a
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices, the strap or
straps being fastened by a fastening device or devices to secure
the sections of the multi-section removable protective pad
together. The strap or straps fastening the sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad together may be adjustable.
The strap or straps fastening the sections of the multi-section
removable protective pad together may be removable. The strap or
straps fastening the sections of the multi-section removable
protective pad together may be constructed from or comprise elastic
material. The strap or straps fastening the sections of the
multi-section removable protective pad together may pass through a
slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or a loop or
loops on a section or sections of the multi-section removable
protective pad.
[0023] In another embodiment, we have provided a single-section
removable protective pad that can be secured to a protective body
vest, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, or
other shirt, vest or similar garment for the purpose of protecting
against impact to the top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions
of the shoulder and upper arm, or portions thereof. The
single-section removable protective pad generally comprises a layer
or layers of a protective padding material or materials. The outer
layer or layers of the single-section removable protective pad, or
a portion or portions thereof, comprises rigid, semi-rigid or
semi-flexible material for the purpose of protecting the underlying
shoulder and upper arm from impact. The inner layer or layers of
the single-section removable protective pad, or a portion or
portions thereof, comprises flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid
material for the purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and
upper arm from impact.
[0024] The single-section removable protective pad being secured
onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the upper arm portion of the
protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a
fastening device or devices attached by a fastening means and/or a
fastening device or devices on the single-section removable
protective pad and/or on any part or parts and/or component or
components of the single-section removable protective pad,
including any attachments, and correspondingly on the shoulder
portion and/or on the upper arm portion of the protective body
vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment.
[0025] The single-section removable protective pad further
comprises a fastening device or devices attached on the
single-section removable protective pad by a fastening means and/or
a fastening device or devices to secure the single-section
removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's
shoulder area, the fastening device or devices securing the
single-section removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or
onto a user's shoulder area being removable.
[0026] The fastening device or devices securing the single-section
removable protective pad onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the
upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest
or other garment may comprise a strap or straps and/or a pad or
pads attached on the single-section removable protective pad by a
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices, the strap or
straps and/or the pad or pads being fastened onto the shoulder
portion and/or the upper arm portion of the protective body vest,
the shirt, the vest or other garment by a fastening device or
devices attached onto the strap or straps and/or the pad or pads
and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or the upper arm
portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other
garment. The strap or straps and/or the pad or pads may be
adjustable. The strap or straps and/or the pad or pads may pass
through a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or
a loop or loops on the single-section removable protective pad. The
strap or straps and/or the pad or pads may be removable.
[0027] The fastening device or devices securing the single-section
removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's
shoulder area may comprise a single- or a multi-part strap or
straps attached to the single-section removable protective pad by a
fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices, the single-
or multi-part strap or straps encircling the upper arm and/or
shoulder area, the single-part strap or straps being fastened onto
itself and/or onto the single-section removable protective pad and
the parts of the multi-part strap or straps being fastened together
and/or onto the single-section removable protective pad by a
fastening device or devices to secure the single-section removable
protective pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder area. The single-
or multi-part securing strap or straps may be adjustable. The
single- or multi-part securing strap or straps may further be
constructed of or comprise elastic material. The single- or
multi-part securing strap or straps may further pass through a slot
or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops
on the single-section removable protective pad.
[0028] The single-section removable protective pad may further be
punctuated with air holes.
[0029] In another embodiment, we have provided a multi-section
removable protective pad that can be secured to a protective body
vest, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, or
other shirt, vest or similar garment for the purpose of protecting
against impact to the top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions
of the shoulder and upper arm, or portions thereof. The
multi-section removable protective pad generally comprises a layer
or layers of a protective padding material or materials. The outer
layer or layers of the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
portion or portions thereof, comprises rigid, semi-rigid or
semi-flexible material for the purpose of protecting the underlying
shoulder and upper arm from impact. The inner layer or layers of
the multi-section removable protective pad, or a portion or
portions thereof, comprises flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid
material for the purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and
upper arm from impact.
[0030] The multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or
sections thereof, being secured onto the shoulder portion and/or
onto the upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt,
the vest or other garment by a fastening device or devices attached
by fastening means and/or a fastening device or devices on the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, and/or on any part or parts and/or component or components
of the multi-section removable protective pad, including any
attachments, and correspondingly on the shoulder portion and/or on
the upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the
vest or other garment.
[0031] The multi-section removable protective pad is secured onto a
user's arm and/or onto a user's shoulder area by a fastening device
or devices attached on the multi-section removable protective pad,
or a section or sections thereof, by fastening means and/or a
fastening device or, the fastening device or devices securing the
multi-section removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or
onto a user's shoulder area being removable.
[0032] The fastening device or devices securing the multi-section
removable protective pad onto the shoulder portion and/or onto the
upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest
or other garment may comprise a strap or straps and/or a pad or
pads attached on the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices, the strap or straps and/or the pad or pads being
fastened onto the shoulder portion and/or the upper arm portion of
the protective body vest, the shirt, the vest or other garment by a
fastening device or devices attached onto the strap or straps
and/or the pad or pads and correspondingly on the shoulder portion
and/or the upper arm portion of the protective body vest, the
shirt, the vest or other garment. The strap or straps and/or the
pad or pads may be adjustable. The strap or straps may pass through
a slot or slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or a loop
or loops on the single-section removable protective pad. The strap
or straps and/or the pad or pads may be removable.
[0033] The fastening device or devices securing the multi-section
removable protective pad onto a user's arm and/or onto a user's
shoulder area may comprise a single- or a multi-part strap or
straps attached to the multi-section removable protective pad, or a
section or sections thereof, by fastening means and/or a fastening
device or devices, the single- or multi-part strap or straps
encircling the upper arm and/or shoulder area, the single-part
strap or straps being fastened onto itself and/or onto the
multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or sections
thereof, and the parts of the multi-part strap or straps being
fastened together and/or onto the multi-section removable
protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, by a fastening
device or devices to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder area. The single- or
multi-part securing strap or straps is/are adjustable. The single-
or multi-part securing strap or straps may pass through a slot or
slots in and/or an opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on
the multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or
sections thereof. The single- or multi-part securing strap or
straps may be constructed of or comprise elastic material.
[0034] The multi-section removable protective pad, or a section or
sections, or a portion or portions, or a layer or layers thereof,
may be punctuated with air holes.
[0035] The sections of the multi-section removable protective pad,
or a section or sections thereof, may be contoured to overlap with
both each other and commercially available elbow pads similar in
design to those utilized by skateboarders and inline skaters to
provide continuous protection to the upper arm and shoulder
regions.
[0036] The sections of the multi-section removable protective pad
are fastened together by a fastening device or devices.
[0037] The fastening device or devices fastening the sections of
the multi-section removable protective pad together may comprise a
strap or straps, the strap or straps being attached to a section or
sections of the multi-section removable protective pad by fastening
means and/or a fastening device or devices, the strap or straps
being fastened by a fastening device or devices to secure the
sections of the multi-section removable protective pad together.
The strap or straps fastening the sections of the multi-section
removable protective pad together may be adjustable. The strap or
straps fastening the sections of the multi-section removable
protective pad together may be removable. The strap or straps
fastening the sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad together may be constructed from or comprise elastic material.
The strap or straps fastening the sections of the multi-section
removable protective pad together may pass through a slot or slots
in and/or an opening or openings in and/or a loop or loops on a
section or sections of the multi-section removable protective
pad.
[0038] Other objects of our invention, as well as particular
features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in,
or apparent from, the following description and the accompanying
drawing figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] Other features of our invention will become more evident
from a consideration of the detailed description of our patent
drawings, as follows:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single-section removable
protective pad approaching the upper arm/shoulder area and the
protective body vest.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single-section removable
protective pad secured onto the upper arm and a protective body
vest.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a top view of a single-section removable
protective pad.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a side view of a single-section removable
protective pad.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a top view of a multi-section removable protective
pad.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a multi-section removable
protective pad secured onto the upper arm, shoulder and a
protective body vest.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of
the present invention is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3,
and 4 and essentially comprises a removable protective pad and
article of clothing combination, or a removable protective pad for
use in combination with an article of clothing, the removable
protective pad having a shoulder attachment section or sections. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of the
present invention comprises a single-section removable protective
pad 10 that can be secured to a protective body vest 100 such as
the protective body vests as described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/118,676. The reader is directed to the specifications of U.S.
patent application Ser. Nos. 10/000,246 and 10/118,676, which are
hereby incorporated by reference thereto. Removable protective pad
10 is designed for the purpose of protecting against impact to the
top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions of the shoulder and
upper arm, or portions thereof. Furthermore, the preferred
embodiment of the present invention comprises a single-section
removable protective pad 10 that can be also secured to a shirt, a
vest or other garment for the purpose of protecting against impact
to the top, anterior, posterior or lateral regions of the shoulder
and upper arm, or portions thereof.
[0047] The single-section removable protective pad 10 comprises or
is constructed of a layer or layers of a protective padding
material or materials. As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-6,
inclusive, the outer layer or layers 20 of the single-section
removable protective pad, or a portion or portions thereof,
comprises or is constructed of rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible
material for the purpose of protecting the underlying shoulder and
upper arm from impact. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, inclusive, the
inner layer or layers 30 of the single-section removable protective
pad, or a portion or portions thereof, comprises or is constructed
of flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid material for the purpose
of protecting the underlying shoulder and upper arm from
impact.
[0048] As specifically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
single-section removable protective pad 10 is secured to a
protective body vest 100 such as those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/118,676 by an adjustable, elastic strap 70. As further
generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the single-section removable
protective pad 10 is secured to a protective body vest, a shirt, a
vest or other garment by an adjustable, elastic strap 70 such that
adjustable, elastic strap 70 wraps around the shoulder portion or
upper arm portion of the protective body vests as described in U.S.
patent application Ser. Nos. 10/000,246 and 10/118,676, a shirt, a
vest or other garment. As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-6,
inclusive and as specifically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5,
adjustable, elastic strap 70 comes back through a slot or opening
90 in the single-section removable protective pad 10--although a
loop attached onto the single-section removable protective pad
could be utilized--and is fastened onto itself by a fastening
device 80 (as referenced in FIGS. 2 and 3) to secure the
single-section removable protective pad 10 to the shoulder portion
or upper arm portion of the protective body vests such as those
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other
garment. Excellent results are obtained when the fastening device
80 comprises or is constructed of hook-and-loop fastening-type
material. An optional feature of this version of the single-section
removable protective pad 10 not depicted enables the adjustable,
elastic strap 70 to be additionally secured by directly fastening
to, in addition to wrapping around, the shoulder portion or upper
arm portion of the protective body vests such as those described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other garment
by a fastening device or devices attached to the adjustable,
elastic strap 70 and correspondingly on the shoulder portion or
upper arm portion of the protective body vests such as those
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other
garment. Excellent results are obtained when the fastening device
comprises or is constructed of hook-and-loop fastening-type
material. With this optional feature the adjustable, elastic strap
70 is first directly fastened to, and then wrapped around the
shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the protective body vests
such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a
shirt, a vest or other garment before coming back through a slot or
opening in or a loop on the single-section removable protective pad
10 and being fastened onto itself.
[0049] In an alternative version of the single-section removable
protective pad not depicted, both ends of the strap securing the
single-section removable protective pad to the protective body
vests such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a
shirt, a vest or other garment run through slots or openings in, or
loops on, the single-section removable protective pad, reverse
back, and fasten onto itself, thereby making the strap removable.
As with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an
optional feature of this version of the single-section removable
protective pad 10 not depicted enables the adjustable, elastic
strap 70 to be additionally secured by directly fastening to, in
addition to wrapping around, the shoulder portion or upper arm
portion of the protective body vests such as those described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other garment
by a fastening device or devices attached to the adjustable,
elastic strap 70 and correspondingly on the shoulder portion or
upper arm portion of the protective body vests such as those
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other
garment. Excellent results are obtained when the fastening device
comprises or is constructed of hook-and-loop fastening-type
material.
[0050] In another alternative version of the single-section
removable protective pad not depicted, the pad is fastened onto the
shoulder/upper arm portion of the protective body vests such as
those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment by a multi-part strap, the parts of which are
fastened together to secure the single-section removable protective
pad onto the shoulder/upper arm portion of the protective body
vests such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a
shirt, a vest or other garment. An optional feature of this version
of the single-section removable protective pad 10 not depicted
enables a section of the adjustable, elastic, multi-part strap to
be additionally secured by directly fastening to, in addition to
wrapping around, the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of the
protective body vests such as those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other garment by a fastening
device or devices attached to the section of the adjustable,
elastic, multi-part strap and correspondingly on the shoulder
portion or upper arm portion of the protective body vests such as
those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment. Excellent results are obtained when the fastening
device comprises or is constructed of hook-and-loop fastening-type
material. With this optional feature a section of the adjustable,
elastic, multi-part strap 70 would first be directly fastened to,
and then wrapped around the shoulder portion or upper arm portion
of the protective body vests such as those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other garment before being
fastened to the other part of the multi-part strap.
[0051] In yet another alternative version of the single-section
removable protective pad not depicted, the pad is fastened onto the
shoulder and/or upper arm portion of the protective body vests such
as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment by a fastening device such as a snap fastener, button
fastener, hook-and-loop fastening-type material, a partial strap
with a snap fastener, button fastener or hook-and-loop
fastening-type material or a pad with a snap fastener, button
fastener or hook-and-loop fastening-type material attached to the
single-section removable protective pad and correspondingly on the
shoulder and/or upper arm portion of the protective body vests such
as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment, whereby the partial strap and pad essentially serve
to bridge the distance between the single-section removable
protective pad and the shoulder or upper arm portion of the
protective body vests such as those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other garment, the pad being
similar in function to the shoulder pads commonly utilized in
select women's clothing by building up the shoulder area or a
portion thereof.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the single-section removable
protective pad 10 is secured to the upper arm and/or shoulder by an
adjustable, elastic strap 40 that encircles the upper arm and/or
shoulder and is inserted through a loop 60 (as referenced in FIGS.
2, 3, and 5) attached to the single-section removable protective
pad 10--although a slot or opening in the single-section removable
protective pad could be utilized--reverses back, and is fastened
onto itself by a fastening device 50 to secure the single-section
removable protective pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder, as
specifically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 and as generally shown in
FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5. Excellent results are obtained when the
fastening device 50 comprises or is constructed of hook-and-loop
fastening-type material.
[0053] In an alternative version of the single-section removable
protective pad not depicted, both ends of the strap securing the
single-section removable protective pad to the upper arm and/or
shoulder run through slots or openings in, or loops on, the
single-section removable protective pad, reverse back, and fasten
onto itself, thereby making the strap removable.
[0054] In another alternative version of the single-section
removable protective pad not depicted, the pad is secured onto the
upper arm and/or shoulder by a multi-part strap, the parts of which
are fastened together to secure the single-section removable
protective pad onto the upper arm and/or shoulder.
[0055] In yet another alternative version of the single-section
removable protective pad not depicted, the single-section removable
protective pad is secured onto 1) the upper arm by an adjustable,
elastic strap that encircles the upper arm, is inserted through a
loop attached to the single-section removable protective
pad--although a slot or opening in the single-section removable
protective pad could be utilized--reverses back, and is fastened
onto itself by a fastening device to secure the single-section
removable protective pad to the upper arm and 2) the shoulder by an
adjustable, elastic strap that encircles the shoulder, is inserted
through a loop attached to the single-section removable protective
pad--although a slot or opening in the single-section removable
protective pad could be utilized reverses back, and is fastened
onto itself by a fastening device to secure the single-section
removable protective pad to the shoulder.
[0056] In still yet another alternative version of the
single-section removable protective pad not depicted, the
single-section removable protective pad is not secured to either
the user's upper arm or shoulder by a fastening device or
devices.
[0057] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
present invention comprises a multi-section removable protective
pad 25 that can be secured to protective body vests such as those
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other
garment for the purpose of protecting against impact to the top,
anterior, posterior or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper
arm, or portions thereof, the multi-section removable protective
pad 25 comprising a first section 35, a second section 45 and a
third section 55, the sections being contoured to overlap with both
each other and commercially available elbow pads similar in design
to those utilized by skateboarders and inline skaters to provide
continuous protection to the upper arm and shoulder regions.
[0058] The multi-section removable protective pad 25 comprises a
layer or layers of a protective padding material or materials. The
outer layer or layers 20 of the multi-section removable protective
pad, or a portion or portions thereof, comprises or is constructed
of rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible material for the purpose of
protecting the underlying shoulder and upper arm from impact. The
inner layer or layers 30 of the multi-section removable protective
pad, or a portion or portions thereof, comprises or is constructed
of flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid material for the purpose
of protecting the underlying shoulder and upper arm from
impact.
[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the multi-section removable
protective pad 25 may be secured to protective body vests such as
those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment by an adjustable, elastic strap 70 attached to the
multi-section removable protective pad 25 that wraps around the
shoulder portion or shoulder/upper arm portion of the protective
body vests as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a
shirt, a vest or other garment, comes back through a slot or
opening 90 in the multi-section removable protective pad
25--although a loop attached onto the multi-section removable
protective pad could be utilized--and is fastened onto itself by a
fastening device 80 to secure the multi-section removable
protective pad 25 to the shoulder portion or upper arm portion of
the protective body vests such as those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10,000,246 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other garment. Excellent results
are obtained when the fastening device 80 comprises or is
constructed of hook-and-loop fastening-type material.
[0060] In an alternative version of the multi-section removable
protective pad, both ends of the strap securing the multi-section
removable protective pad to the protective body vests such as those
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other
garment run through slots or openings in, or loops on, the
multi-section removable protective pad, reverse back, and fasten
onto itself, thereby making the strap removable.
[0061] In another alternative version of the multi-section
removable protective pad, the multi-section removable protective
pad, or a section or sections thereof, is fastened onto the
shoulder/upper arm portion of the protective body vests as
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or other
garment by a multi-part strap, the parts of which are fastened
together to secure the multi-section removable protective pad onto
the shoulder/upper arm portion of the protective body vests such as
those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment.
[0062] In yet another alternative version of the multi-section
removable protective pad, the multi-section removable protective
pad, or a section or sections thereof, is fastened onto the
shoulder and/or upper arm portion of the protective body vests such
as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment by a fastening device, such as a snap fastener,
button fastener, hook-and-loop fastening-type material, a partial
strap with a snap fastener, button fastener or hook-and-loop
fastening-type material or a pad with a snap fastener, button
fastener or hook-and-loop fastening-type material attached to the
multi-section removable protective pad and correspondingly on the
shoulder and/or upper arm portion of protective body vests such as
those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,246 and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/118,676, a shirt, a vest or
other garment.
[0063] The multi-section removable protective pad 25 is secured to
the upper arm and/or shoulder by an adjustable, elastic strap or
straps 40 that encircle the upper arm and/or shoulder and are
either 1) inserted through a loop 60 attached to the multi-section
removable protective pad 25--although a slot or opening in the
multi-section removable protective pad could be utilized--reverses
back, and is fastened onto itself by a fastening device 50 or 2) is
attached to a fastening device 50 on the multi-section removable
protective pad 25 to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and
6. Excellent results are obtained when the fastening device 50
comprises or is constructed of hook-and-loop fastening-type
material.
[0064] In an alternative version of the multi-section removable
protective pad, both ends of the strap securing the multi-section
removable protective pad to the upper arm and/or shoulder run
through slots or openings in, or loops on, the multi-section
removable protective pad, reverse back, and fasten onto themselves,
thereby making the strap removable.
[0065] In another alternative version of the multi-section
removable protective pad, the pad is fastened onto the upper arm
and/or shoulder by a multi-part strap, the parts of which are
fastened together to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad onto the upper arm and/or shoulder.
[0066] In yet another alternative version of the multi-section
removable protective pad not depicted, the multi-section removable
protective pad, or a section or sections thereof, is/are secured
onto 1) the upper arm by either one or two adjustable, elastic
straps that encircle the upper arm, are inserted through a loop
attached to the multi-section removable protective pad--although a
slot or opening in the multi-section removable protective pad could
be utilized--reverse back, and are fastened onto itself by a
fastening device to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad to the upper arm and 2) the shoulder by an adjustable, elastic
strap that encircles the shoulder, is inserted through a loop
attached to the multi-section removable protective pad--although a
slot or opening in the multi-section removable protective pad could
be utilized--reverses back, and is fastened onto itself by a
fastening device to secure the multi-section removable protective
pad to the shoulder.
[0067] In still yet another alternative version of the
multi-section removable protective pad not depicted, the
multi-section removable protective pad comprises two sections
whereby the top section protects the shoulder/upper arm region of
the user, or portions thereof, and the bottom section protects the
upper arm region, or a portion thereof, of the user, the bottom
section being contoured to overlap with any protective elbow pad
worn by the user which is similar in design to the commercially
available elbow pads utilized by skateboarders and inline
skaters.
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first section 35,
second section 45 and third section 55 of the multi-section
removable protective pad 25 are secured together by adjustable,
removable, elastic straps 65 that loop or pass through double slots
or openings 75 on the first section 35 and the second section 45,
and the second section 45 and the third section 55--although loops
attached onto the respective sections could also be utilized--and
are fastened onto themselves by a fastening device (hidden from
view) to secure the sections of the multi-section removable
protective pad 25 together. Excellent results are obtained when the
fastening device comprises or is constructed of hook-and-loop
fastening-type material.
[0069] As various possible embodiments may be made in the above
invention for varying usages and for varying purposes, and as
various changes might be made in the embodiments and methods above
set forth, and as the details concerning certain common practices
may not have been included, it is understood that all of the above
matters here set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to
be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *