U.S. patent application number 14/921308 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for method and system for colourizing sports pads.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian's Custom Sports Ltd.. Invention is credited to Graham WATSON.
Application Number | 20170112206 14/921308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58562338 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170112206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WATSON; Graham |
April 27, 2017 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLOURIZING SPORTS PADS
Abstract
A system for colourizing a sports pad includes: at least one
sports pad; and at least one decal having a colourized outward
side, and an inward side including a fastener for coupling said at
least one decal to the sports pad. The at least one sports pad
includes at least one visual indicator indicating an application
surface shaped complementary to the at least one decal for affixing
the at least one decal on the at least one sports pad.
Inventors: |
WATSON; Graham; (Kingsville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brian's Custom Sports Ltd. |
Kingsville |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
58562338 |
Appl. No.: |
14/921308 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/08 20130101;
A41D 13/05 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 71/1225
20130101; A63B 71/143 20130101; A63B 71/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/08 20060101
A41D027/08; A41D 13/08 20060101 A41D013/08; A41D 13/015 20060101
A41D013/015; A63B 71/12 20060101 A63B071/12; A63B 71/14 20060101
A63B071/14 |
Claims
1. A system for colourizing a sports pad comprising: at least one
sports pad; and at least one decal having a colourized outward
side, and an inward side including a fastener for coupling said at
least one decal to the sports pad; said at least one sports pad
including at least one visual indicator indicating an application
surface shaped complementary to said at least one decal for
affixing said at least one decal on said at least one sports
pad.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises an
adhesive.
3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one sports
pad includes at least one of a leg pad, a blocker and a glove.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the application surface is
recessed from an outer material of the sports pad.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the visual indicator comprises a
visual indicator perimeter indicating a location of the application
surface.
6. The system of claim 5, the visual indicator perimeter further
comprising a layer of material raised above the application surface
and an outer material of the sports pad.
7. The system of claim 5, the visual indicator perimeter further
comprising stitching.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises a
mechanical fastener.
9. A sports pad comprising at least one visual indicator indicating
an application surface configured to receive a decal.
10. The sports pad of claim 9, wherein the sports pad includes at
least one of a leg pad, a blocker, and a glove.
11. The sports pad of claim 9, wherein the application surface is
recessed from an outer material of the sports pad.
12. The sports pad of claim 9, the visual indicator further
comprising a visual indicator perimeter indicating a location of
the application surface.
13. The sports pad of claim 12, the visual indicator perimeter
further comprising a layer of material raised above the application
surface and an outer material of the sports pad.
14. The sports pad of claim 12, the visual indicator perimeter
further comprising stitching.
15. The sports pad of claim 9 wherein the application surface
comprises a fastener for coupling the decal to the application
surface.
16. The sports pad of claim 15 wherein the fastener comprises an
adhesive.
17. The sports pad of claim 15 wherein the fastener comprises a
mechanical fastener.
18. A decal for colourizing a sports pad comprising: an inward side
and a colourized outward side; said inward side having a fastener
for coupling the decal to an application surface of a sports
pad.
19. The decal of claim 18 wherein the fastener comprises an
adhesive.
20. The decal of claim 18 wherein the fastener is a mechanical
fastener.
21. The decal of claim 18, further comprising a removable
protective sheet affixed to the inward side of the decal.
22. A method for applying a decal to a sports pad comprising:
identifying at least one visual indicator on a sports pad wherein
the visual indicator indicates a location for at least one decal to
be affixed; identifying a decal shaped complementary to said visual
indicator; and affixing said decal to said sports pad within said
visual indicator.
23. A kit comprising: at least one sports pad, said sports pad
comprising at least one visual indicator indicating an application
surface configured to receive a decal; and at least one decal for
colourizing the sports pad, said decal comprising an inward side
and a colourized outward side, said inward side having a fastener
for coupling the decal to an application surface of the sports pad.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for
colourizing sports pads. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a system and method for colourizing sports pads with
decals.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Sports pads generally serve the purpose of outfitting or
protecting the wearer, such as a hockey goaltender. Sports pads can
also serve the secondary purpose of distinguishing the wearer (e.g.
by displaying colours, devices or the like associated with a
particular sports team). Such distinguishing marks are typically
applied at the manufacturing stage; that is, the sports pad is
manufactured with colourized graphics or other visual elements
built directly into the pad.
[0003] However, it is sometimes desirable to alter the appearance
of a sports pad (e.g. when a hockey goaltender changes teams).
Given that distinguishing marks are generally built into the pad at
manufacturing, manufacturers and retailers often stock a given
model of sports pad in a wide variety of different graphical
configurations to accommodate as many desired appearances as
possible. This approach to accommodating various appearances for
sports pads requires costly manufacturing and retail operations, at
least as a result of increased stock levels.
[0004] Other proposed solutions have been to allow users to alter
the appearance of sports pads through the use of coloured tape.
Such solutions, however, require time-consuming and error-prone cut
and paste operations. Conventional coloured tape may also be prone
to leaving residue on the sports pads following its removal (e.g.
to place differently-coloured tape elsewhere on the pads). Further,
such conventional tape may be prone to accidental removal (whether
partial or complete) as a result of impact and friction during
regular use of the sports pads.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an aspect of the specification, a system for
colourizing a sports pad is provided, including at least one sports
pad and at least one decal having a colourized outward side, and an
inward side including a fastener for coupling the at least one
decal to the sports pad. The at least one sports pad includes at
least one visual indicator indicating an application surface shaped
complementary to the at least one decal for affixing the at least
one decal on the at least one sports pad.
[0006] According to another aspect of the specification, a sports
pad is provided. The sports pad includes at least one visual
indicator indicating an application surface configured to receive a
decal.
[0007] According to another aspect of the specification, a decal
for colourizing a sports pad is provided. The decal includes an
inward side and a colourized outward side. The inward side has a
fastener for coupling the decal to an application surface of a
sports pad.
[0008] According to another aspect of the specification, a method
for applying a decal to a sports pad is provided. The method
includes identifying at least one visual indicator on a sports pad,
the visual indicator indicating a location for at least one decal
to be affixed. The method further includes identifying a decal
shaped complementary to the visual indicator, and affixing the
decal to the sports pad within the visual indicator.
[0009] According to another aspect of the specification, a kit is
provided, including at least one sports pad. The sports pad
includes at least one visual indicator indicating an application
surface configured to receive a decal. The kit also includes at
least one decal for colourizing the sports pad. The decal includes
an inward side and a colourized outward side. The inward side has a
fastener for coupling the decal to an application surface of the
sports pad.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached
Figures, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a sports pad bearing
visual indicators, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a sports pad bearing
visual indicators, according to another non-limiting
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a pair of sports pads,
each bearing visual indicators, according to a further non-limiting
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a system for colourizing a sports pad
according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0015] FIGS. 5A-5B depict cross sectional views of the system of
FIG. 4 according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a system for colourizing a sports pad
according to another non-limiting embodiment;
[0017] FIGS. 7A-7B depict cross sectional views of the system of
FIG. 6 according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 8 depicts, a system for colourizing a sports pad
according to a further non-limiting embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 9A-9B depict cross sectional views of the system of
FIG. 8 according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 10 depicts a method for colourizing a sports pad
according to a non-limiting embodiment; and
[0021] FIG. 11 depicts the removal of a removable protective sheet
from a decal according to a non-limiting embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary sports pad
100. The sports pad 100 comprises at least one visual indicator 110
indicating a location shaped complementary to a decal (not shown).
The sports pad 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a blocker for use by a
hockey goaltender. A number of visual indicators 110 (six, in
total) are provided on pad 100, three of which are labelled. In
other embodiments, a wide variety of numbers of visual indicators
110 can be provided. In general, pad 100 includes at least one
visual indicator 110. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the labelled visual
indicators 110 have triangular shapes; however, it is contemplated
that the visual indicators 110 can have any of a wide variety of
other shapes, including, for example, a rectangle, circle, star, or
another shape. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a visual indicator
having the shape of a star, and a further visual indicator having
the shape of a chevron. A more detailed explanation of the
structure of the visual indicator 110 and the corresponding decal
(not shown), and variations, are described more fully in connection
with FIGS. 4-11.
[0023] The sports pad 100 is predominantly monochromic in the
present embodiment. More particularly, in the present embodiment,
the sports pad 100 is predominantly white in colour. In this way,
the sports pad 100 is made suitable for colourization by the
application of decals to its visual indicators, such that the
colourizing effects of such decals are more apparent. In other
embodiments, however, the sports pad 100 can be predominantly
monochromic of a colour other than white, such as black or grey or
any solid colour. In further variations of the present embodiment,
the sports pad 100 need not be predominantly monochromic, and can
comprise several colours and colourized graphics.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another exemplary sports
pad 200. The sports pad 200 comprises at least one visual indicator
210 indicating a location shaped complementary to a decal (not
shown). The sports pad 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a catcher (also
referred to as a glove) for use by a hockey goaltender. Pad 200
bears a total of six visual indicators 210, three of which are
labelled. As noted in connection with FIG. 1, however, it is
contemplated that the sports pad 200 can comprise any suitable
number of visual indicators in other embodiments. Further, as is
shown in FIG. 2, the visual indicators 210 can be of various
shapes, including triangular, star-shaped, and chevron-shaped.
Visual indicators 210 can also take a wide variety of other shapes.
A more detailed explanation of the structure of the visual
indicator 210 and the corresponding decal (not shown), and
variations, are described more fully in connection with FIGS.
4-11.
[0025] Furthermore, as noted in connection with FIG. 1, the sports
pad 200 can be monochromic or not monochromic.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pair of
sports pads 300. Analogous to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the pair of
sports pads 300 comprises at least one visual indicator 310
indicating a location shaped complementary to a decal (not shown).
The pair of sports pads 300 shown in FIG. 3 is a pair of leg pads
for use by a hockey goaltender. As noted above in connection with
FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the pair of sports pads 300 can comprise any
suitable number of visual indicators, including greater or smaller
numbers than the eight visual indicators 310 per pad shown in FIG.
3. The visual indicators can also be of various shapes, including
but not limited to the triangular shapes shown in FIG. 3. A more
detailed explanation of the structure of the visual indicators 310
and the corresponding decal (not shown), and variations, are
described more fully in connection with FIGS. 4-11.
[0027] Furthermore, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, it would be apparent to
the person skilled in the art that the sports pad 300 can be
monochromic or not monochromic, provided the application of decals
to its visual indicators still colourizes the sports pad 300.
[0028] As noted above, in FIGS. 1-3, the sports pads 100, 200 and
300 were exemplified as a hockey goalie blocker, a hockey goalie
catcher, and a pair of hockey goalie leg pads, respectively.
However, it will now be apparent to the person skilled in the art
that the sports pads 100, 200, or 300 can comprise any of a wide
variety of other sports pads, such as, for example, soccer shin
guards, cricket keeper pads, and the like. Furthermore, it is
emphasized that the arrangement and configuration of the visual
indicators shown on the sports pads is exemplary only, and the
claimed invention is not intended to be limited to any particular
arrangement or configuration of visual indicators.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a system for colourizing
a sports pad. In particular, the system shown in FIG. 4 includes a
decal 450 being aligned for application onto a sports pad 400
(which, in the present embodiment, is a blocker similar to that
shown in FIG. 1). The system of FIG. 4 (as well as the other
systems described herein) can also be referred to as a kit where
one or more sports pads are packaged in combination with one or
more decals. The sports pad 400 comprises an outer material 404. As
described in connection with FIG. 1, the sports pad 400 can be
predominantly monochromic, in a colour such as white, black, or
grey, or in variations of the present invention, can comprise
several colours and colourized graphics. In the present embodiment,
these colour attributes are afforded to the sports pad 400 by the
colour makeup of outer material 404. The sports pad 400 further
comprises at least one visual indicator 410.
[0030] The visual indicator 410 comprises an application surface
412 and a visual indicator perimeter 414. In the present
embodiment, the visual indicator 410 is shaped complementary to the
decal 450. Although the decal 450 (and the visual indicator 410)
are triangular in shape, as noted earlier it is contemplated that
the decal 450 and visual indicator 410 can be of another shape,
such as, for example, a rectangle, circle, star, or any other
suitable shape, other examples of which will now be apparent to the
person skilled in the art. The application surface 412, in the
present embodiment, is a portion of the outer surface of the sports
pad 400 on which the decal 450 is to be affixed. In the present
embodiment, the visual indicator perimeter 414 circumscribes the
decal 450 when the decal 450 is applied to the application surface
412. The structure of the application surface 412, the visual
indicator perimeter 414, and the outer material 404, are described
in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0031] The decal 450 comprises an outward side 454 and an inward
side 458. The outward side 454 of the decal 450 is the side which,
when the decal is applied, is facing away from the pad 400 (that
is, remains visible to those viewing the pad 400). The inward side
458 of the decal 450 is the side which, when the decal is applied,
is facing toward the pad (that is, is hidden from view after
installation of the decal 450). In the present embodiment, the
outward side 454 is colourized such that, when applied to the
application surface 412, the decal 450 colourizes the sports pad
400. The inward side 458 comprises a fastener, such as, in the
present embodiment, an adhesive, which removably couples the decal
450 to the application surface 412.
[0032] In the present embodiment, the adhesive used to removably
couple the decal 450 to the application surface 412 comprises
3M.TM. "Adhesive 400". A variety of other suitable adhesives will
also occur to those skilled in the art, however. In general, the
adhesive removably couples the decal 450 to the application surface
412 in such a way that the decal 450 remains coupled to the
application surface 412 during use of the sports pad 400, but can
be removed without damaging the decal 450 or the sports pad 400 and
also preferably without leaving adhesive residue on the sports pad
400 following removal. In this way, the decal 450 can be swapped
with another decal with relative ease.
[0033] Where the decal 450 is coated with an adhesive on its inward
side 458, as in the present embodiment, then the decal 450 can
further comprise a removable protective sheet 1107, as shown in
FIG. 11, covering the adhesive on its inward side 458. In the
present embodiment, the adhesive and the removable protective sheet
1107 are provided to decal 450 via the application to a base sheet
of decal material of a layer of adhesive tape, such as 3M.TM.
"Splicing Tape 465". The adhesive tape can have an adhesive on one
side for substantially permanently attaching the tape to the inward
side 458, and another adhesive (such as the above-mentioned
"Adhesive 400") on an opposite side for removably connecting decal
450 to sports pad 400. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be
coated directly onto the above-mentioned base sheet of the decal
450, rather than applied in the form of an adhesive tape. A wide
variety of fastening mechanisms other than adhesives are also
contemplated, examples of which will be discussed herein.
[0034] FIGS. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of a decal 450
being applied to a visual indicator 410 on sports pad 400. More
specifically, FIG. 5A shows the decal 450 before it is applied to
the application surface 412, whereas FIG. 5B shows the decal 450
after being applied to the application surface 412.
[0035] As shown, in the present embodiment, the application surface
412 (which may be formed of the same material as outer material
404, or of a different material) is recessed into the body of the
pad 400 relative to the outer material 404. More specifically, the
application surface 412 is connected to an underlayer of pad
material 406 forming the body of the pad 400. The application
surface 412 is recessed such that the visual indicator perimeter
414 is raised in the outward direction relative to the application
surface 412. When the decal 450 is applied, as shown in FIG. 5B, at
least a portion of the decal 450 lies within the recess into the
body of the pad 400 in which the application surface 412 is
located. In the present embodiment, substantially all of the decal
450 lies within the recess: the outward side 454 of the decal 450
is substantially flush with the visual indicator perimeter 414. In
this way, the visual indicator perimeter 414 provides protection to
the decal 450 from shear forces that may otherwise impact the decal
450 during sports activities. Furthermore, the outward side 454 of
the decal 450 being substantially flush with the visual indicator
perimeter 414 may provide the visual illusion that decal 450
appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 400.
[0036] In the present embodiment, the visual indicator perimeter
414 includes a portion of outer material 404 stitched to the
material forming the application surface 412 by stitching 416. The
stitching 416 may enhance the visual illusion that decal 450
appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 400 when it is
applied to the application surface 412 (and can also aid in
retaining the structural integrity of the application surface 412
relative to the outer material 404). In other embodiments, the
stitching 416 can be omitted, and the visual indicator perimeter
414 can include simply a portion of the outer material 404
(specifically, the portion of the outer material adjacent to the
recess within which the application surface 412 lies).
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a system for colourizing
a sports pad. In particular, the system shown in FIG. 6 includes a
decal 450 being aligned for application onto a sports pad 600
(which, in the present embodiment, is a blocker similar to that
shown in FIG. 1). The sports pad 600 comprises an outer material
604. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the sports pad 600 can
be predominantly monochromic, in a colour such as white, black, or
grey, or in variations of the present invention, can comprise
several colours and colourized graphics. In the present embodiment,
these colour attributes are afforded to the sports pad 600 by the
colour makeup of outer material 604. The sports pad 600 further
comprises at least one visual indicator 610.
[0038] The visual indicator 610 comprises an application surface
612 and a visual indicator perimeter 614. In the present
embodiment, the visual indicator 610 is shaped complementary to the
decal 450. Although the decal 450 is of a triangular shape, as
noted earlier, the decal 450 and the visual indicator 610 can have
any of a variety of other suitable shapes. The application surface
612 is the surface on which the decal 450 is to be affixed. The
visual indicator perimeter 614 circumscribes the decal 450 when the
decal 450 is applied to the application surface 612. The structure
of the application surface 612, the visual indicator perimeter 614,
and the outer material 604, are described in greater detail in
connection with FIGS. 7A-7B.
[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views of the decal 450
being applied to the visual indicator 610 on sports pad 600.
Specifically, FIG. 7A shows the decal 450 before it is applied to
the application surface 612, whereas FIG. 7B shows the decal 450
after being applied to the application surface 612.
[0040] As shown, in the present embodiment, the application surface
612 is substantially coplanar with the outer material 604; for
example the application surface 612 and the outer material 604 can
be formed by a single continuous piece of material. The application
surface 612 is connected to an underlayer of pad material 606
forming a body of the pad 600. The visual indicator perimeter 614
comprises a layer of fabric or other suitable material (including,
in some embodiments, the same material as outer material 604)
forming a wall raised in the outward direction relative to the
application surface 612 and the outer material 604. Thus, although
the application surface 612 is substantially coplanar relative to
the outer material 604, the application surface 612 is recessed
relative to the visual indicator perimeter 614. When the decal 450
is applied, as shown in FIG. 7B, the outward side 454 of the decal
450 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the raised
wall formed by the visual indicator perimeter 614, but also raised
relative to the outer material 604. In this way, the visual
indicator perimeter 614 provides protection to the decal 450 from
shear forces that may otherwise impact the decal 450 during sports
activities. Furthermore, the outward side 454 of the decal 450
being substantially flush with the visual indicator perimeter 614
may provide the visual illusion that decal 450 appears to be
embedded directly into the sports pad 600.
[0041] In the present embodiment, the visual indicator perimeter
614 is shown stitched to the outer material 604 by stitching 616.
The stitching 616 may enhance the visual illusion that decal 450
appears to be embedded directly into the sports pad 600 when it is
applied to the application surface 612. The stitching 616 can also
aid in the retention of the visual indicator perimeter 614 against
the outer material 604.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a decal 450 being aligned
for application onto a sports pad 800. The sports pad 800 comprises
an outer material 804. As described in FIG. 1, the sports pad 800
can be predominantly monochromic, in a colour such as white, black,
or grey, or in variations of the present invention, can comprise
several colours and colourized graphics. In the present embodiment,
these colour attributes are afforded to the sports pad 800 by the
colour makeup of outer material 1004. The sports pad 800 further
comprises a visual indicator 810.
[0043] The visual indicator 810 comprises an application surface
812 and a visual indicator perimeter 814. In the present
embodiment, the visual indicator 810 is shaped complementary to the
decal 450. Although the decal 450 is of a triangular shape, as
noted earlier, in other embodiments the decal 450 (and visual
indicator 810) can have a variety of other shapes, such as, for
example, a rectangle, circle, star, or another shape. The
application surface 812 is the surface on which the decal 450 is to
be affixed. The visual indicator perimeter 814 circumscribes the
decal 450 when the decal 450 is applied to the application surface
812. The structure of the application surface 812, the visual
indicator perimeter 814, and the outer material 804, are described
in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 9A-9B.
[0044] FIGS. 9A and 9B show cross-sectional views of the decal 450
being applied to a visual indicator 810 on sports pad 800.
Specifically, FIG. 9A shows the decal 450 before it is applied to
the application surface 812, whereas FIG. 9B shows the decal 450
after being applied to the application surface 812.
[0045] As shown, in the present embodiment, the application surface
812 is substantially coplanar with the outer material 804; for
example the application surface 812 and the outer material 804 can
be formed by a single continuous piece of material. The application
surface 812 is connected to an underlayer of pad material 806. The
visual indicator perimeter 814 provides a visual cue that outlines
or otherwise indicates the application surface 820, such as, for
example, a layer of ink, a graphical design, dye, paint, or
stitching, or other visual cue, such that the application surface
812 is outlined. In the present embodiment, the visual indicator
perimeter 814 comprises a layer of ink applied to the outer
material 804. When the decal 450 is applied, as shown in FIG. 9B,
the outward side 454 of the decal 450 is raised above the visual
indicator perimeter 814. If the visual indicator perimeter 814
comprises stitching (instead of, or in addition to the
above-mentioned ink), the visual indicator perimeter 814 may
provide the visual illusion that decal 450 appears to be embedded
directly into the sports pad 800.
[0046] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 for applying a
decal to a sports pad. The method 1000 is one way in which the
decal 450 can be applied to a sports pad, such as, for example, any
of the sports pads 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 or 800 described above.
It is to be emphasized, however, that the blocks of method 1000
need not be performed in the exact sequence as shown.
[0047] Block 1010 comprises identifying a visual indicator on a
sports pad wherein the visual indicator indicates a location for a
decal to be affixed.
[0048] Block 1020 comprises identifying a decal shaped
complementary to the identified visual indicator. This block may
involve selecting a desired decal from a set of decals.
[0049] Block 1030 comprises affixing the identified decal to the
identified visual indicator of the sports pad, within the
identified visual indicator (more specifically, on the application
surface of the visual indicator). This affixation can be achieved
through the use of a fastener. In the present embodiment, as
discussed above, the fastener is an adhesive, such as, for example
3M.TM. "Adhesive 400". In some embodiments, the adhesive can be
pre-coated on the inward side 458 of the decal 450. In the present
embodiment, the adhesive can be pre-coated on the inward side 458
of the decal 450 as a result of the application of 3M.TM. Splicing
Tape 465 to the decal 450. Furthermore, the adhesive on the decal
can be covered by a removable protective sheet 1107, described in
connection with FIG. 11, which can be removed prior to the
application of the decal 450 to the application surface. In the
present embodiment, the removable protective sheet 1107 comprises
the paper liner of 3M.TM. Splicing Tape 465. In other embodiments,
the adhesive can be coated on the application surface of the visual
indicator instead of on the decal 450 itself. In such embodiments,
the adhesive on the application surface can be covered by a
removable protective sheet, which can be removed prior to the
application of the decal.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the removable protective
sheet 1107 being removed from the decal 450 prior to application of
the decal 450 to an application surface 1112 of a sports pad. In an
embodiment in which the decal 450 is coated with an adhesive that
is covered by the removable protective sheet 1107, the removable
protective sheet 1107 is removed prior to the application of the
decal 450 to the application surface 1112.
[0051] Variations to the above embodiments are also contemplated.
For example, although adhesives are discussed above as examples of
fasteners, a variety of other fasteners can also be employed to
removably couple the decal 450 to the sports pads mentioned above.
For example, a hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro.RTM.) fastener system can
be used, with a plurality of hooks on an application surface of a
sports pad, and plurality of complementary loops on the inward side
458 of the decal 450, or vice versa. Alternatively, a system of
snap fasteners (also referred to as press studs or snaps) with
cooperating male and female fittings on the application surface of
a sports pad and the inward side of a decal. In further
embodiments, the application surface can be provided with a
plurality of buttons, and the decal 450 can be provided with slots
or other openings through which the buttons can be fitted to fasten
the decal 450 to the application surface. In the above embodiments,
the fasteners (e.g. snap fasteners) can provide both the fastening
mechanism and the visual indicator perimeter.
[0052] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which an adhesive is used
to fasten a decal to a sports pad, although the method for applying
a decal to a sports pad is described with a decal being coated with
an adhesive, other adhesive applications are also contemplated. For
example, the adhesive can be coated on an application surface of a
sports pad rather than on the inward side of a decal. In such an
embodiment, the adhesive may also be covered with a removable
protective sheet. In further embodiments, the adhesive is not
coated onto either the sports pad or the decal, but is rather
applied just before application of the decal to the sports pad. In
such an embodiment, the adhesive may be applied to either the decal
or the sports pad just before application of the decal.
[0053] In another example variation, the visual indicator perimeter
of a visual indicator can be placed within the boundaries of the
application surface, rather than surrounding the application
surface (and thus, surrounding the decal after application). For
example, the visual indicator can comprise other markings (e.g.
ink, stitching and the like) that are within the bounds of an
application surface of a visual indicator, and which are therefore
covered by a decal upon application of the decal. Such markings can
comprise any suitable one of, or any suitable combination of, a
layer of ink, a graphical design, dye, paint, or stitching, or
other visual cue.
[0054] For example, in an embodiment in which a hook-and-loop
fastener system is used to couple the decal and the sports pad, a
plurality of hooks on an application surface of a sports pad could
serve both as a part of a fastening system as well as a marking for
the proper location and orientation of a decal with complementary
loops. Similarly, a plurality of loops could serve the same dual
purpose for a decal with complementary hooks. In other words, the
visual indicator perimeter can be provided by the fastening
material itself.
[0055] In a further example, in an embodiment in which a system of
buttons and button fasteners are used, a button fastener on an
application surface of a sports pad could serve both as a part of
the fastening system as well as a marking for the proper location
and orientation of a decal with complementary buttons. Similarly, a
button could serve the same dual purpose for a decal with
complementary button fasteners.
[0056] In further example variations, the recessed application
surface shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be combined with the raised
visual indicator perimeter shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B to provide a
deeper recess in which to receive a decal 450. In still further
example embodiments, each of a plurality of visual indicators on a
single sports pad can have a different one of the structures
discussed above. More generally, any suitable combination of the
visual indicator structures discussed herein can be implemented on
a sports pad.
[0057] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the
embodiments set forth in the above examples, but should be given
the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a
whole.
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