U.S. patent application number 14/231793 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-02 for upper body protective system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Austin Brown. Invention is credited to Austin Brown.
Application Number | 20140289938 14/231793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51619361 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140289938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Austin |
October 2, 2014 |
UPPER BODY PROTECTIVE SYSTEM
Abstract
A contact sports upper body protector having an inner,
breathable fabric layer and an outer layer composed of multiple,
individual padding elements. A tensioning system is integrated into
the inner layer to comfortably secure the protector to the body
without impeding movement and includes reinforcing such as
stitching running over the shoulders and joining together front and
back before proceeding toward the waist of the wearer where a
tensioning strap on either side is cooperatively engaged. The
tensioning strap extends from the front portion of the garment
through a D-ring on the rear and returns to the front where it is
removeably secured at a point below its original departure point so
as to provide tension both around the body/waist and over the
shoulders to secure the protector in place.
Inventors: |
Brown; Austin; (Glen Rock,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brown; Austin |
Glen Rock |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51619361 |
Appl. No.: |
14/231793 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61807091 |
Apr 1, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0512 20130101;
A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 71/12 20130101; A41D 13/015 20130101;
A63B 2071/1208 20130101; A41D 13/0518 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/455 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/015 20060101
A41D013/015 |
Claims
1. A garment for the protection of a wearer during contact sports,
comprising an inner fabric layer capable of being worn around the
neck and over the shoulders of said wearer and having an opening
therein to accommodate the neck of said wearer, said inner fabric
layer further comprising a front portion and a back portion, said
front portion extending downward from said opening along left and
right lateral edges to a distal bottom end positioned at or below a
sternum of said wearer and said back portion extending downward
from said opening along left and right lateral edges to a distal
bottom end in back of said wearer, said back portion further
comprising a pair of strap guides, each strap guide being affixed
on opposing sides of said back portion proximate to said distal
bottom end; a tensioning system, comprising, a left tensioning
element engaged from the left lateral edge of said front portion,
passing through a corresponding strap guide on said back portion,
and engaged to said front portion proximate said distal bottom end,
and a right tensioning element engaged from the right lateral edge
of said front portion, passing through a corresponding strap guide
on said back portion, and engaged to said front portion proximate
said distal bottom end whereby tensioning of said left and right
tensioning elements results in tightening of said inner layer along
the torso of said wearer, over said shoulders and around the
abdomen of said wearer; and an outer layer of one or more padding
elements affixed to said inner fabric layer.
2. The garment of claim 1 wherein said strap guides are D-rings and
wherein said left and right tensioning elements are straps.
3. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a left and a right
reinforcing seam each stitched along said inner fabric layer from
proximate one of said tensioning elements to an opposing shoulder
of said wearer, wherein said left and a right reinforcing seams
cross each other.
4. The garment of claim 1 wherein said distal bottom ends of said
front portion and said back portion terminate at or near the waist
of said wearer.
5. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a fastening strip on
said front portion to which said left and right tensioning elements
are removably affixed.
6. The garment of claim 5 wherein said left and right tensioning
elements are removably affixed to said fastening strip by the
cooperative engagement of Velcro.RTM. panels, snaps, hooks, or
buckles.
7. The garment of claim 1 wherein said left and right tensioning
elements are made of an elastic material.
8. The garment of claim 1 wherein said left and right tensioning
elements are each between 10 and 20 inches long.
9. The garment of claim 8 wherein said left and right tensioning
elements are each 15 inches long.
10. The garment of claim 1 wherein said strap guides are adjustable
along said left and right lateral edges of said back portion.
11. The garment of claim 1 wherein said one or more padding
elements collectively cover shoulders, chest, sternum, upper
back/shoulder blades, lower back/kidneys and abdominal area of said
wearer.
12. The garment of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of gaps
between each of said one or more padding elements wherein said one
or more padding elements are capable of moving relative to one
another.
13. The garment of claim 1 wherein said one or more padding
elements are made of foam material.
14. The garment of claim 11 wherein the edges of said one or more
padding elements correspond to said left and right reinforcing
seams.
15. The garment of claim 1 wherein said front portion further
comprises a releasable, vertical closure between said opening and
said distal end.
16. The garment of claim 15 wherein said closure is resealed with a
zipper.
17. The garment of claim 15 wherein said closure is resealed with
one or more buttons.
18. The garment of claim 1 wherein said back portion further
comprises a resealable, vertical closure between said opening and
said distal end.
19. The garment of claim 18 wherein said closure is resealed with a
zipper.
20. The garment of claim 18 wherein said closure is resealed with
one or more buttons.
21. A method of securing a protective garment to the upper body of
a wearer comprising the steps of providing a protective garment be
worn over the shoulders of said wearer and extending downward
therefrom, front and back, toward the waist of said wearer, said
protective garment comprising a front portion and a back portion,
said front portion extending downward from said wearer's neck to a
bottom end in front of said wearer and said back portion extend in
downward from said wearer's neck to a bottom end in back of said
wearer; affixing a tensioning element to each of a left side and a
right side of said protective garment such that each tensioning
element is engaged from said front portion to said back portion and
back again to said front portion, tensioning each said tensioning
element to thereby tighten said protective garment on a torso of
said wearer, over said wearer's shoulders and around the abdomen of
said wearer.
22-34. (canceled)
35. A garment for the protection of a wearer during contact sports,
comprising: a padded front portion for wear over the chest, said
padded front portion being substantially X-shaped with four
corners; a back portion for wear over the back, said back portion
being attached to said front portion at all of said four corners,
and adjustably attached thereto at least two of said four corners;
a first length-adjustable tensioning element attaching one of said
front portion corners to said back portion; and a second
length-adjustable tensioning element attaching another of said
front portion corners to said back portion.
36. The garment of claim 35 wherein said first and second
tensioning elements are incrementally adjustable in length.
37. The garment of claim 36 comprising a fastening strip on said
front portion to which said tensioning elements are removably
affixed.
38. The garment of claim 37 wherein said tensioning elements are
removably affixed to said fastening strip.
39. The garment of claim 38 wherein said left and right tensioning
elements are removably affixed to said inner fabric layer fastening
strip by the cooperative engagement of Velcro.RTM. panels, snaps,
hooks, or buckles.
40. The garment of claim 35 wherein said left and right tensioning
elements are removably affixed to said front portion at least at
one end.
41. The garment of claim 1 wherein said left and tensioning
elements are made of an elastic material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/807,091 filed Apr. 1, 2013, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to upper body protective wear
for use during contact sports, and more particularly, to a
lightweight upper body protective garment constructed to be stable
but yet adjustable in multiple directions.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background
[0005] Protecting players from injury is a primary concern for any
sport. Sports such as hockey, football and lacrosse feature
player-to-player contact as well as player-to-ground and
player-to-equipment (i.e., ball, stick, puck, etc.) contact that
has the potential to injure participants. Consequently, players
participating in such contact sports wear protective gear such as
helmets, elbow/knee pads, rib/kidney protectors and shoulder pads.
To be effective, padding such as shoulder pads must absorb and
distribute the force of blows or contact but also must not impede
the player's range of motion, agility and speed. Player health also
requires that pads provide adequate ventilation so that players are
not overheated or overly fatigued through use of their equipment
during the intense physical exertion of game play.
[0006] To accomplish these opposing requirements of protection and
breathability without impediment, protective gear is typically
constructed of an assembly of soft padding in combination with
molded, semi-rigid or hard shells or plates configured to be worn
by the participant only over the areas of the body most likely to
be impacted during play of the particular game with which the pads
are intended to be used. Such pads are relatively heavy, inflexible
and non-breathable. Shoulder pad construction may also vary
depending on the on-field role of the intended wearer. For example,
a lacrosse defenseman's pads may preferably be both light and
minimally protective whereas an attackman's might offer much more
protection as they are more likely to be the target of much
checking and physical contact. A midfielder's pads might be a
balance of the two or skew towards one extreme or the other.
Likewise, a football quarterback's shoulder pads should emphasize
freedom of motion whereas a lineman's pads should offer much more
protection while being streamlined so as to offer as few handholds
as possible for opposing players to exploit. In all cases it is
desirable that the pads and protective gear be properly fit and
securely attached.
[0007] Regardless of the game, shoulder pads typically take the
form of a garment donned over the head and harnessed atop the
shoulders and upper body. Because of their rigid or semi-rigid
construction and so as not to impede movement, conventional
shoulder pads typically cover the shoulder and ribcage areas but do
not extend down over the abdominal area to the waist. The pads are
secured around the ribcage, the chest and back portions being
joined by straps or fasteners extending underneath the player's
armpits for this purpose. Some lacrosse attackmen or football
receivers prefer more rib/kidney protection. Supplemental pads are
available either as separate rib/kidney protectors worn around the
midsection or hung by suspenders, or as integral rib/kidney
protectors secured to the shoulder pads. The net result is often a
hodge-podge of pads tightened against the body along random seam
directions, and exhibiting poorly-planned stretch characteristics.
This creates additional bulk and restriction. What is needed is an
ultra-lightweight upper body protective garment that combines a
unique pad pattern with an undergarment having a particular seam
alignment for improved fit and increased mobility, plus a
fastening-strap system that first tightens the garment in a
diagonal direction and then around the lower torso for a stable and
secure fit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an upper body protector that is lightweight so as not to
fatigue the player, breathable for comfort and constructed from
flexible materials so as not to impede the player's motion.
[0009] It is another object to provide an upper body protector that
integrates a diagonal pad pattern, diagonal seam alignment, and
novel tensioning system that first tightens the garment in a
diagonal direction and then around the lower torso for a stable and
secure fit and increased mobility.
[0010] In accordance with the above-described object, an embodiment
of the present invention is a contact sports upper body protector
having an inner, breathable fabric layer and an outer layer
composed of multiple, individual padding elements including rib and
sternum protection pads substantially oriented along a "V"
extending from the shoulders to the naval, and kidney and abdominal
pads on opposite sides of the base of the "V."
[0011] A tensioning system is integrated into the inner layer to
comfortably secure the protector to the body without impeding
movement and includes reinforcing such as stitching running over
the shoulders and joining together front and back before proceeding
toward the waist of the wearer where a tensioning strap on either
side of the wearer's body is cooperatively engaged. The tensioning
strap extends from the front portion of the garment through a
D-ring on the rear and returns to the front where it is removeably
secured at a point below its original departure point so as to
provide tension both around the body/waist and over the shoulders
to secure the protector in place. In effect, the tensioning system
first tightens the garment a diagonal direction and then around the
lower torso for a stable and secure fit.
[0012] The combination of the unique pad pattern, undergarment seam
alignment and tensioning system provides an improved fit, more
comprehensive protection, and increased player mobility.
[0013] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become readily apparent from the following
detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Other objects features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications
thereof, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a three-quarters front view of an upper body
protector according to the present invention configured as worn on
an athlete's upper body.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of an upper body protector according
to the present invention configured as worn on an athlete's upper
body.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of an upper body protector according
to the present invention configured as worn on an athlete's upper
body.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a three-quarters rear view of an upper body
protector according to the present invention configured as worn on
an athlete's upper body.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an upper body protector according
to the present invention configured as worn on an athlete's upper
body.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front schematic diagram of an upper body
protector according to the present invention shown prior to being
placed on an athlete's upper body.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a front schematic view of an upper body protector
according to the present invention in which the outer layer has
been omitted for purposes of the illustration, shown prior to being
placed on an athlete's upper body.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a three-quarters front schematic view of an upper
body protector according to the present invention in which the
outer layer has been omitted for purposes of the illustration
configured as worn on an athlete's upper body.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of an upper body protector
according to the present invention in which the outer layer has
been omitted for purposes of the illustration configured as worn on
an athlete's upper body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The present invention is an upper body protective garment or
protector for use during contact sports. The protective garment is
constructed to be lightweight and breathable, to offer protection
from blows and contact to the upper body experienced during game
play and to be affixed securely to the wearer at the lower torso so
as to be stable during use.
[0025] With combined reference to FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of a
protective garment 1 according to the present invention is shown
with an inner fabric layer 10 (see also FIGS. 7-9) configured to be
worn over the upper body of the wearer. The inner layer 10 is
preferably formed of lightweight synthetic woven or non-woven
materials, and is most preferably a breathable synthetic mesh
material such as polyester mesh. The inner layer 10 defines a
harness covering all or a majority of the shoulders, and has a
front portion 12 and a rear portion 14 extending downward to
respective lower ends at or near the waist of the wearer. The
front, rear and neck/shoulder portions need not be distinct panels
or elements but rather may constitute portions of a larger element
or fabric panel. The front portion 12 is worn over the chest and
comprises an array of padding arranged substantially in a
butterfly-shape with four wingtip corners at the shoulders and
abdomen. The rear portion 14 is worn over the back, and is attached
to the front portion 12 at all four wingtip corners, essentially
forming a harness with two over-shoulder straps. At the waist the
rear portion is attached to the front portion by two
length-adjustable straps as will be described.
[0026] The lower corners/ends of the front and back portions 12, 14
of the inner layer 10 may extend to or even slightly beyond the
hips of the wearer owing to variations in player physiology, but
are preferably truncated at or just above the hips to provide
optimal, secure fit of the protective garment 1. As with
conventional jerseys, a hole is provided through the center of the
neck/shoulder portion for the player's head. In alternate
embodiments, the front or back portions 12, 14 may be split
vertically in the manner of a buttoned shirt to allow easier
donning of protective garment 1, however it is imperative that the
split front or back portion be capable of being securely closed or
rejoined so as to transmit loads under tension as will be
described. The front and back portions 12, 14 of the protective
garment 1 are preferably, but not necessarily, independent below
the neck/shoulder, which is to say that they do not rejoin one
another below the arms of the wearer. Rather, as shown in the
depicted embodiment, the sides of the front and back portions 12,
14 and the protective garment 1 as a whole remain open, subject to
attachment only by the tensioning system, and preferably no side
panel(s) are incorporated. This eliminates bunching of fabric side
panels which otherwise impedes the movement or comfort of the
wearer.
[0027] The front portion 12 of inner layer 10 provides a base layer
for attachment of the padding of the present invention, and toward
this end the front portion 12 comprises a chest portion 12a, which
extends from the wearer's neck/shoulders downward in a generally
"V"-shape, from the shoulders toward the center of the waist, and
an abdominal portion 12b, which flares outward below the waist on
opposite sides of the base of the "V" of chest portion 12a to cover
the lower abdomen (see FIG. 2). The back portion 14 of inner layer
10 also provides a base layer for attachment of additional padding,
and toward this end the back portion 14 may extend from the
neck/shoulder downward substantially covering the player's back,
and flaring outward slightly on opposite sides of the lower back
(see FIG. 5).
[0028] It should be here noted that terms of relative position used
herein such as "upper/lower" or "inner/outer" refer to the relative
position of elements as depicted in the drawings and are not
intended to be limiting in and of themselves. The relative
positions of the layers of a protective garment 1 according to the
present invention may be changed within the scope of the
invention.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 5-9, a tensioning system is provided
on both the front and back portions 12, 14 of the protective
garment 1 to adjustably secure the garment to the torso of the
wearer. As part of this system the lower end of the front portion
12 is characterized by an adjustable fastening strip 30 affixed to
front portion 12 horizontally, running along its lowermost lateral
edge (see FIG. 6). The fastening strip 30 may preferably be one or
more panels of hook-and-loop fastener such as sold under the
trademark Velcro.RTM., though snaps, hooks, buckles or other known
means to releasably and adjustably secure a tensioning strap may
also be used.
[0030] A strap-guide element 32 such as a nylon D-ring is attached
at each flared lower corner of the back portion 14, as seen in
FIGS. 8-9 in the depicted embodiment. The strap-guide element 32
may alternatively be any ring, loop or slot through which the
tensioning straps (to be described) are slideably passed-through
and retained.
[0031] A tensioning element, preferably in the nature of a flat
strap 34 such as 2 inch wide nylon webbing, is engaged to each side
of the abdominal portion 12b of front portion 12 at its upper
lateral edges and above the fastening strip 30, and protrudes
outwardly to the side at a slight downward angle. Each strap 34, in
its entirety, is preferably about 15 inches long within an
acceptable range of from 10-20 inches, and is preferably formed
from elastic or another suitable stretchable fabric material. The
straps 34 may be stitched or otherwise affixed at one end directly
to the lateral edges of the abdominal section 12b of front portion
12, and terminate at distal ends, which are initially free from
attachment. In use, straps 34 wrap around the wearer's sides
underneath his/her arms, are passed through the respective
strap-guide elements 32 on the rear portion 14, and are returned to
the front portion 12 of the garment where they engage with
fastening strip 30. To accommodate their engagement with fastening
strip 30, each strap 34 is provided at its distal free end with a
fastener 31 complimentary to the fastening strip 30 on the front
portion 12 (such as the opposing hook-and-loop fastener portion).
This way, straps 34 can be releasably and adjustably affixed to the
front portion 12 to secure the front and back portions 12, 14 to
the torso of the wearer.
[0032] As best seen in FIG. 9, the strap-guide element 32 is
preferably positioned at an elevation (E2) below the point at which
the strap 34 is permanently affixed to the front portion 12 (E1)
such that the first segment 40 of the strap 34 has vector
components in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
Similarly, the strap-guide element 32 is preferably positioned at
an elevation (E2) above that of the point at which the strap 34
engages fastening strip 30 (E3) of the front portion 12 such that
the second segment 41 of the strap 34 also has vector components in
both the horizontal and vertical directions. In certain embodiments
the elevation of the strap-guide element 32 (E2) may be adjustable.
The strap-guide element 32 is most preferably positioned at an
elevation mid-way between those of the two points at which the
strap engages the front portion 12. Because of the horizontal and
vertical vector components and the routing of the tensioning strap
34 through the D-ring, the tensioning system serves to tighten the
inner portion of the protective garment in both the horizontal
(i.e. around the waist/torso) and diagonal and vertical (i.e.,
along torso and over the shoulder) dimensions for an improved and
secure fit.
[0033] Affixed to the inner layer 10 is an outer layer 20 of
padding mechanically affixed to the inner layer as by sewing,
adhesive or other suitable means. The padding layer 20 preferably
comprises a plurality of individual molded, resilient, expanded
open or closed-cell elastomeric foam elements 22 affixed to front
and rear portions 12, 14 of the inner layer 10 as shown in the
depicted embodiment. The individual padding elements 22 may
themselves be fabric covered and include elements shaped to protect
the shoulders (epaulets), chest, sternum, upper back/shoulder
blades, lower back/kidneys and abdominal area. Importantly, while
the individual elements are securely fixed to the inner layer 10,
they are positioned so as to leave small gaps or channels 24
between them to both permit flexing of the garment as the player
moves during play and to permit some movement between the applied
elements 22 relative to one another to promote secure, proper fit
of the protective garment under the control of the tensioning
system.
[0034] Relative movement of the applied elements 22 to ensure
secure fit is, as described, accomplished by tensioning the straps
34 and stretching of the fabric of the inner layer 10 within the
channels. However, uncontrolled or indiscriminate stretching of the
inner layer 10 will result in a poor and inconsistent fitting
garment that is not sufficiently secured to the player. Such a
garment would be stretched or tensioned in undesirable locations
that impede movement and reduce player comfort. Stretching of the
fabric of the inner layer 10 under tension of the straps 34 must be
controlled and some support is provided by the mechanically affixed
elastomeric foam elements 22. Additional control of the stretching
of the inner layer is provided by opposing reinforcing seams 50
extending diagonally along the torso and over each shoulder of the
wearer, crossing or engaging each other on the front portion 12 of
the inner layer 10 at approximately the sternum, extending sideward
and downward along chest portion 12a to align with the upper
lateral edges of abdominal sections 12b, and arching inward and
downward from the upper lateral edges of chest portion 12a to
roughly the middle of the lower lateral edge of abdominal portion
12b underneath fastening strip 30. Seams 50 also extend along rear
portion 14 diagonally from each shoulder and cross or engage each
other at approximately the wearer's mid back (not shown). If
desired, the seams 50 may be reinforcing sashes constructed by
applying piping, cording, webbing or additional fabric to the inner
layer 10, though seams of reinforced stitching applied to the inner
layer 10 of the garment may be used.
[0035] The reinforcing seams 50 may be fiat lock stitching to
provide a flat seam for comfort and increased durability, or any
other known stitch suitable for use with the woven polyester mesh
or other fabric of choice of the inner layer 10 that resist
stretching in their longitudinal direction. With particular
reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in a preferred embodiment the stitching
50 on front portion 12 includes two lengths 51 extending upward
from proximate to each of the points at which the ends of the
straps 34 are affixed to the upper lateral edges of abdominal
section 12b. Lengths 51 cross, overlap or join at the chest point
54 and continue over a shoulder of the wearer, proceeding to cross,
overlap or join again in the middle of the wearer's back before
descending to terminate in proximity to the D-ring strap-guide
elements 32. In both cases the strap-guide elements 32 and/or
straps 32 may be directly engaged to or by the seams 50 or may be
in close proximity so as to be engaged via the fabric of the inner
layer 10.
[0036] Each seam length 51 in conjunction with the strap 34 forms a
reinforcing sash that divides each of the front and back portions
12, 14 into 4 diagonal quadrants centered on the chest point 54 or
(comparable back point--not depicted) to control overall movement
and compression of the garment under tension of the straps 34. By
joining the lengths 51 at the chest point 54 the lateral vectors of
the two tensioned straps 34 cancel one another resulting in only a
vertical component securing the garment down onto the shoulders of
the wearer. At the same time, the opposing straps 34 in conjunction
with the lower ends of the front and rear portions 12, 14 form a
band around the wearer further securing the garment in place.
Additional lengths of stitching may be provided to further
reinforce the fabric of the abdominal portion 12b including lengths
52 extending from proximate the mid-portion of the lower edge of
abdominal section 12b to proximate the juncture of chest portion
12a and abdominal portion 12b. In some embodiments, portions of
lengths 52 may join and be coextensive with the stitching along the
lateral edges of the protective garment and thus may further extend
upward from proximate the juncture of chest portion 12a and
abdominal portion 12b and continue over the shoulder before
descending to the waist again proximate the D-ring of the depicted
strap guides 32.
[0037] As best seen in FIG. 6, an exemplary array of individual
padding elements 22 on front portion 12 of protective garment 1
comprises right and left shoulder epaulets 221, 222, an inverted
triangular pad 225 covering the suprasternal notch, and two
elongate substantially trapezoidal protective breast pads 223, 224
each secured between a corresponding epaulet 221, 222 and the
triangular pad 225, and extending downward and converging inward
below triangular pad 225. The trapezoidal protective breast pads
223, 224 may be defined by cutouts as shown for aesthetics and to
conserve weight. The inner and lower edges of the trapezoidal
protective breast pads 223, 224 generally follow seams 50 to an
open angle, and a five-sided stomach pad 226 is fitted to this
angle and protrudes down almost to the fastening strip 30.
Abdominal pads 227, 228 occupy the abdominal portion 12b of the
inner layer 10 on opposing sides of the stomach pad 226.
[0038] On rear portion 14, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to right
and left shoulder epaulets 221, 222, which extend over the wearer's
shoulder from front portion 12 to rear portion 14, an exemplary
array of individual padding elements 22 also includes an inverted
triangular pad 225a covering an upper portion of the wearer's
trapezius just below the neck, and two elongate, substantially
trapezoidal trapezius pads 223a, 224a each secured between a
corresponding epaulet 221, 222 and the triangular pad 225a, and
extending downward and converging inward below triangular pad 225a
to cover, in combination with triangular pad 225a, roughly the
entire trapezius. Trapezius pads 223a, 224a may be defined by
cutouts as shown for aesthetics and to conserve weight. Lower back
pads, 227a, 228a extend along the lower, diagonal edges of
trapezius pads 223a, 224a to cover areas roughly overlapping the
wearer's kidneys.
[0039] Again, pads 221-228 are preferably individual foam elements
that collectively cover the shoulders, chest, sternum, upper
back/shoulder blades, lower back/kidneys and abdominal area in a
jigsaw manner, and when shaped as described the lines of spacing
between pads 221-228 run transverse to the lines of tension imposed
by the tensioning system, providing the greatest possible degree of
freedom in the direction of tensioning. One skilled in the art
should understand that the padding elements described above may be
combined, consolidated or otherwise modified as a matter of design
choice without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
For example, pads 221-228 need not be individual padding elements,
but can be consolidated into fewer larger padding elements, of
similar or alternate shapes, provided that the tensioning system
functions as intended.
[0040] The result of the foregoing is an upper body protector that
is extremely lightweight, breathable and snug-fitting, yet
protective and completely non-restrictive of player motion.
[0041] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and
certain modifications of the concept underlying the present
invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations
and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described
will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming
familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood,
therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *