U.S. patent application number 12/480203 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-09 for lacrosse shirt and protective pad assembly.
Invention is credited to Daniel R. Armstrong, John D. Fiegener, Michael Tinstman.
Application Number | 20100306908 12/480203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43299656 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100306908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fiegener; John D. ; et
al. |
December 9, 2010 |
LACROSSE SHIRT AND PROTECTIVE PAD ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A garment comprising an undershirt having at least one first pad
disposed proximate a wearer's sternum, and at least one second pad
dimensioned wider than the wearer's sternum and secured to the
undershirt at the at least one first pad, wherein the at least one
second pad is removably secured to the undershirt.
Inventors: |
Fiegener; John D.;
(Marblehead, MA) ; Armstrong; Daniel R.; (Fort
Thomas, KY) ; Tinstman; Michael; (Malden,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
43299656 |
Appl. No.: |
12/480203 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/463 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/14 20151001;
A63B 71/12 20130101; A41D 13/0556 20130101; A41D 13/0512 20130101;
A41D 13/0153 20130101; A63B 2243/007 20130101; A63B 2071/1208
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/463 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: an undershirt having at least one first
pad disposed proximate a wearer's sternum; and, at least one second
pad dimensioned wider than the wearer's sternum and secured to the
undershirt at the at least one first pad.
2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one second pad is
removably secured to the undershirt.
3. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one second pad is
generally bow shaped in a direction away from a wearer's
sternum;
4. The garment of claim 3 wherein the at least one second pad
further comprises a mounting flange on each opposing end.
5. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one second pad is at
least partially spaced apart from the undershirt.
6. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one second pad
deflects inwards upon impact.
7. The garment of claim 6 wherein the impact is distributed from
the at least one second pad to the at least one first pad in an
area distal the wearer's sternum.
8. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one first pad is two
or more pads.
9. The garment of claim 1 further comprising at least two mounting
loops extending from the undershirt; the at least one second pad
having at least two fingers each having a hook proximate a free
end, wherein the at least two fingers are engaged with the at least
two mounting loops.
10. The garment of claim 9 wherein the hook resists disconnection
of the finger and the mounting loop.
11. The garment of claim 9 wherein the at least two mounting loops
are arranged approximately ninety degrees from each other and the
at least two fingers are arranged approximately ninety degrees from
each other.
12. The garment at claim 9 wherein the fingers are contained within
the at least one second pad perimeter.
13. The garment of claim 9 wherein each of the at least two fingers
are secured within each of the at least two mounting loops in
generally opposing directions.
14. The garment of claim 9 wherein each of the at least two fingers
are disposed on opposing ends of the at least one second pad.
15. The garment of claim 9 wherein the at least two mounting loops
are disposed within a perimeter of the at least one first pad.
16. The garment of claim 9 wherein the at least one first pad is
two or more pads and the at least two mounting loops are each
disposed within a perimeter of two or more of the first pads.
17. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one first pad is a
soft pad and the at least one second pad is a hard pad.
18. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one first pad is a
hard pad and the at least one second pad is a soft pad.
19. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one first pad and
the at least one second pad are soft pads.
20. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least one first pad and
the at least one second pad are hard pads.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention relates generally to athletic pads used to
prevent injury during lacrosse or other contact sports. More
particularly, the invention relates to an athletic pad assembly
that allows removal of an outer pad. Specifically, the invention
relates to a separate shoulder pad and sternum protector assemblies
which are connected to an undershirt that may have a plurality of
additional pads.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Athletic pads are well known and used in a variety of sports
including lacrosse and football. Shoulder pads typically used in
football and lacrosse have a neck opening located between two hard
shoulder portions which connect at both the front and back below
the player's neck. The shoulder pad may be a two piece unit split
along the centerline of both the front and back. The back is
connected with riveted plates, while the front may be connected
with a draw string or plates. The shoulder pad assembly is a ridged
unit which redistricts movement of the player. While the player is
protected from potential injury, mobility is limited and it is
cumbersome to clean and maintain the pads due to their size.
[0005] An alternative to the hard style pads are soft pads. Soft
pads may be placed within an athletic garment or on the outside of
the athletic garment. To locate the pads within the garment, the
pad is stitched within a pocket in the garment and is permanently
fixed. In an alternative arrangement, soft pads are stitched to the
outside of the garment instead of located within a pocket. The soft
pads provide much greater mobility for the player since he is not
restrained by a ridged one-piece should pad. Nevertheless, the soft
pads suffer from a lack of protection. The soft pads cannot
withstand the force of harder hits and the player may be injured
more readily when wearing soft pads instead of ridged shoulder
pads.
[0006] One attempt to overcome the problems of the hard shoulder
pads and the soft shoulder pads is the Rhinoskin by Brine. The
Rhinoskin shoulder pads have a soft pad system covering the entire
rib section of a player and extending upwards around the neck to
cover the player's shoulders. Further, the soft pads continue down
the shoulder blades of the player about half way down his back. On
the front side, a loop is stitched near the collar bone area of
each side and includes hook or loop on the outside. Similarly, on
the back side, a loop is stitched near the shoulder blade of each
side and includes hook or loop on the outside. A hard pad, can then
be located between the front and back loops on either or both
sides. The hard pad includes a length of material with either hook
or loop that passes through one of the loops and is wrapped around
the loop and secured to the top of the loop.
[0007] While the Rhinoskin prior art is adequate for the purpose
for which it was intended, there remains needs that must be
satisfied in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention broadly comprises a garment including
an undershirt having at least one first pad disposed proximate a
wearer's sternum, and at least one second pad dimensioned wider
than the wearer's sternum and secured to the undershirt at the at
least one first pad.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which Applicant has contemplated applying the
principles of the invention, is set forth in the following
description and are shown in the drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a player wearing a preferred
embodiment garment with a plurality of first and second pads;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a player wearing a preferred
embodiment garment with a plurality of second pads located on the
player's left side and a plurality of second pads removed from the
player's right side and sternum;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a player wearing a preferred
embodiment garment with a plurality of second pads located on the
player's left side and a plurality of second pads removed from the
player's right side;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a preferred embodiment second
pads being installed within mounting loops as indicated by arrows
on a players right side;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of preferred embodiment second
pads installed within mounting loops on a player's right side;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the encircled region of FIG. 5
illustrating a preferred embodiment interaction of the fingers and
the mounting loops;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a section view of the fingers and mounting loops
taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred
embodiment second pad and elbow pad removed from a player; and,
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another preferred
embodiment second pad removed from a player and another preferred
embodiment elbow pad secured to the mounting loop.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While
the present invention is described with respect to what is
presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the
disclosed aspects.
[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now
described.
[0021] The garment of the present invention is indicated generally
at 10, as is shown in FIGS. 1 through 9. As particularly shown in
FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment garment 10 includes an undershirt
12, a plurality of first pads 14A-14W, and a plurality of second
pads 16A-16E. Garment 10 may also include elbow pads 18A and 18B
secured to either undershirt 12 or one of the second pads
(described below). First pads 14A-14W are soft pads disposed within
undershirt 12 in a preferred embodiment, while second pads 16A-16E
are hard pads. Although the preferred embodiment illustrates the
first pads as soft pads and the second pads as hard pads, one of
ordinary skill in the art will immediately realize that the first
pads may be hard pads and the second pads may be soft pads, or any
combination thereof is within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as claimed.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, undershirt 12 is illustrated
with second pads 16A, 16B, and 16C removed and second pads 16D and
16E attached. Further, right elbow pad 18A is detached, while left
elbow pad 18B is illustrated being worn by a player 22. The right
shoulder pad area includes 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, and 14V, while
the left shoulder pad area includes 14K, 14M, 14N, 14P, 14Q, and
14R. The sternum pad area includes 14F, 14G, 14H, 14L, and 14J.
[0023] In accordance with a main feature of the invention,
undershirt 12 includes mounting loops 20 at various positions
throughout the front and back sides to secure second pads 16A-16E.
Mounting loops 20 are preferably a folded piece of straight
material sewn to undershirt 12. In a preferred embodiment, each
mounting loop 20 is secured to the undershirt within a perimeter of
first pads 14. Due to the increased size of second pad 16C, two
mounting loops 20 may be secured within the perimeter of a single
pad, such as first pad 14F or 14J.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the second right shoulder pad
includes pads 16A and 16B which are secured to undershirt 12 at
mounting loops 20 located at first pads 14A, 14E, and 14V. Second
shoulder pads 16A and 16B are preferably held together with a
connector 19 so that the two second pads function as a single unit.
The second left shoulder pad includes pads 16D and 16E, which are
secured to undershirt 12 at mounting loops 20 located at first pads
14M, 14Q, and 14R. Similarly, second pads 16D and 16E are held
together with a connector 21 so that the two second pads function
as a single unit. Finally, the sternum pad includes pad 16C and is
secured to undershirt 12 at mounting loops 20 located at first pads
14F and 14J.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 6-7, in accordance with another main
feature of the present invention, second pads 16 include fingers 24
formed integral to second pads 16. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5,
fingers 24 are formed within a perimeter of second pads 16.
Specifically, fingers 24 define at least a portion of the outermost
periphery of second pads 16. Second pads 16A and 16B are installed
by inserting a distal end 26 of finger 24 within mounting loop 20
in the direction indicated by arrow 28. Since the fingers are
secured within mounting loops 20 in different directions, the
chances of second pads 16 inadvertently becoming disconnected are
reduced.
[0026] FIGS. 6 and 7 further illustrate finger 24 engaged with
mounting loop 20. A hook 30 extends from distal end 26 inward and
helps to prevent finger 24 from becoming inadvertently disconnected
from mounting loop 20. At the same time however, fingers 24 can be
also be removed from mounting loop 20 to facilitate cleaning of
undershirt 12 or second pads 16A-16E. Further, an opening 29 is
defined by the second pad and distal end 26 of finger 24. The
opening extends proximate hook 30 and finger 24 to define a channel
31. Advantageously, channel 31 allows simple engagement of the
finger and mounting loop as well as allowing a wearer to adjust
what pads careworn.
[0027] In accordance with yet another main feature of the present
invention, second pads 16 include an elbow finger 32 at a terminal
end 34 in a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Elbow pads 18A and 18B each have an elbow mounting loop 36 at an
elbow terminal end 38. Elbow pad 18A and 18B are located on a
player's elbow with elbow mounting loop 36 proximate terminal end
34 of second pads 16A. In this position, elbow finger 32 is engaged
with elbow mounting loop 36 to insure that the elbow pad is
properly positioned during use.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, another preferred embodiment of
elbow pads 18A and 18B are illustrated. This embodiment functions
similar to the previously described embodiment in that it locates
and insures that that the elbow pad is properly positioned during
use. The second preferred embodiment will be described with
reference to the right side shoulder pad and elbow pad; however the
description is equally applicable to the left side. Second pad 16A
does not include an elbow finger; instead terminal end 34 is
smooth. Undershirt 12 includes a shirt mounting loop 40 sewn to a
sleeve 42. Elbow pad 16A includes a finger 44 with a hook 46 both
formed in terminal end 38. Finger 44 is formed similar to and
functions similar to fingers 24 of second pads 16. Elbow pad 16A is
connected to undershirt 12 by engaging finger 44 with shirt
mounting loop 40.
[0029] In accordance with still another main feature of the present
invention, second pad 16C is preferably bow shaped in a direction
away from a player's sternum when in use. Referring to FIGS. 1 and
2, second pad 16C includes a center portion 48, an angled portion
50 extending from each side of the center portion and directed
backwards, and a mounting flange 52 extending from each of the
angled portions. Center portion 48 and mounting flanges 52 are
preferably parallel to each other, while angled portion 50 provides
the bow-like shape. Second pad 16C, and center portion 48, are each
wider than the player's sternum so that contact in the sternum area
is deflected through second pad 16C whereby the second pad is
deflected inward.
[0030] Second pad 16C also includes a plurality of fingers 24
formed in the perimeter of mounting flanges 52. Preferably, two
fingers 24 are formed in each mounting flange to insure the second
pad is secured in place during play. However, it should be
immediately apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that only
one finger 24 is necessary at each mounting flange 52 in order to
maintain the second pad proximate the player's sternum. Further,
fingers 24 are also preferably arranged with distal ends 26 facing
in generally opposite directions and include hooks 30 to prevent
accidental removal of second pad 16C.
[0031] Second pad 16C connects to undershirt 12 at mounting loops
20 at first pads 14F and 14J. In a preferred embodiment, two
mounting loops 20 are located within the perimeter of first pad 14F
and first pad 14J. Further, the two loops within each first pad are
arranged generally perpendicular to each other to resist
inadvertent removal of second pad 16C. In operation, impact at
second pad 16C is deflected through the first pads 14F and 14J to
reduce the potential for injury to the player.
[0032] Having described the structure of a preferred embodiment, a
preferred method of operation will be described in detail and
should be read in light of FIGS. 1 though 9.
[0033] Initially, a wear puts undershirt 12 on and may proceed with
only first pads 14A-14W. Next, the wear locates second pads 16A and
16B on one side and second pads 16D and 16E on the other side. In
order to locate the second pads, fingers 24 are inserted through
corresponding mounting loops 20 on undershirt 12. The same method
may be used to locate second pad 16C proximate the wearer's sternum
by inserting fingers 24 of second pad 16C within mounting loops 20
on undershirt 12. Next, elbow pads 18A and 18B may be connected by
inserting elbow finger 32 within elbow mounting loop 36. While the
method of operation has been described as a series of steps, the
wearer may decide to wear any number of pads in any combination or
wear only the first pads.
[0034] During play, second pads 16A-16E absorb impact and transfer
the impact force to first pads 14A-14W which are proximate the
impact area. The force on the first pads is spread across all of
the interconnected pads proximate the impact area and thereby
reduces the force. Since the force is reduced because it is spread
across a broader area, the first pads also function to absorb the
impact.
[0035] It will be evident to one skilled in the art that a variety
of changes can be made that are within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. For instance, the first pads may be a single
unit disposed within the undershirt, or may be completely omitted
so long as the mounting loops remain to secure the second pads.
[0036] Accordingly, the garment is an effective, safe, inexpensive,
and efficient device that achieves all the enumerated objectives of
the invention, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered
with prior art devices, systems, and methods, and solves problems
and obtains new results in the art.
[0037] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0038] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited
to the exact details shown or described.
[0039] Having now described the features, discoveries, and
principles of the invention, the manner in which the garment is
constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and
the advantageous new and useful results obtained; the new and
useful structures, devices, elements, arrangement, parts, and
combinations are set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *