Shoulder Pads

Abstract

Protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer, such as a hockey or lacrosse player. The shoulder pads may comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism configured to allow the rib protector to be removably connected to the base. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment mechanism may allow attachment of the rib protector to the base in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions. A protective athletic system comprising the shoulder pads and an undergarment is also provided.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The invention relates generally to protective athletic equipment and, more particularly, to shoulder pads for a player playing a contact sport such as lacrosse or hockey.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Shoulder pads are worn by players of contact sports, such as hockey and lacrosse, for upper body protection. Typically, shoulder pads comprise front and back members for respectively protecting front and back regions of a player's thorax and left and right shoulder protectors for respectively protecting the player's left and right shoulders.

[0003] During play, different players require varying levels of protection depending on their position within a team as well as their personal style of play. As such, certain players may not require shoulder pads offering protection to certain regions of their thorax and may benefit from lighter and less cumbersome shoulder pads which do not restrict their freedom of movement.

[0004] Against this background, there is a need for shoulder pads capable of being adapted to provide a player with varying levels of protection.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism configured to allow the rib protector to be removably connected to the base.

[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the rib protector to the base and configured to allow a position of the rib protector to be adjusted.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism that allows attachment of the rib protector to the base in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a protective base and at least one strap configured for adjusting a fit of the protective base around a rib cage of a wearer. The strap is guided by at least one retaining element that is disposed on a protective element that is detachable from the protective base.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a protective athletic system. The protective athletic system comprises: shoulder pads comprising protective padding for protecting shoulders of a wearer; and an undergarment comprising protective padding. The protective padding of the undergarment complements the protective padding of the shoulder pads. At least some of the protective padding of the shoulder pads is located on a protector that is detachable from the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A detailed description of embodiments of the invention is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIGS. 1 to 3 are respective front, side and isometric views of an example of shoulder pads in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are respective front and back views of regions of an upper body of a player in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B are respective front and back views of a front yoke, a front shield and side chest protectors in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of a protective padding disposed between an inner lining and outer cover;

[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are respective front and back views of a back yoke, a back shield and rib straps in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are respective front and back views of an arch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are respective front and back views of a shoulder protector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a front view of an arm protector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B are respective front and back views of the front yoke, the front shield and the side chest protectors of FIGS. 5A and 5B with chest protectors affixed to the front yoke and the side chest protectors in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIGS. 11A and 11B are respective front and back views of the back yoke, the back shield and the rib straps of FIGS. 6A and 6B with back protectors affixed to the back yoke in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the shoulder pads of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0022] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of an attachment element comprising a button and a slit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 14A is an isometric view of the front yoke in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 14B is an isometric view of the back yoke in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIGS. 15 to 17 are respective front, side and isometric views of another example of shoulder pads in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0026] FIGS. 18A and 18B are respective front and back views of a rib protector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] FIGS. 19A and 19B are respective front and back views of another example of shoulder pads in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 20 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a pocket for a protective padding in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the proposed invention; and

[0029] FIG. 21 is a front view of the front yoke, the side chest protectors and two left chest protectors in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] FIGS. 1 to 3 show an example of shoulder pads 10 for upper body protection of a player playing a contact sport in accordance with an example non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the shoulder pads 10 comprise a base 100 and a rib protector 200, which may be removably connectable to the base 100. In this example, the player is a lacrosse player playing lacrosse and thus the shoulder pads 10 are lacrosse shoulder pads.

[0031] The shoulder pads 10 protect various regions of an upper body of the player. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a thorax 12 of the player has a front side FS, a back side BS, a left side LS and a right side RS. The front side FS of the thorax 12, which can also be referred to as a "chest" or "ventral" side, comprises left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR overlying left and right pectoral muscles of the player, a sternum region SR overlying a sternum of the player, a manubrium region MBR located at the top of the sternum region SR, and left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL overlying the sixth to tenth ribs of the player. The back side BS of the thorax 12, which can also be referred to as a "dorsal" side, comprises a thoracic spinal region TSR overlying thoracic vertebrae of the player, a sternal angle region SAR overlaying a sternal angle of the spine of the player, left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR overlying left and right trapezius muscles of the player, left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR overlying left and right latissimus dorsi muscles of the player and left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL overlying the sixth to twelfth ribs of the player.

[0032] The thorax 12 of the player further has a lateral direction and a medial direction representing directions extending further and closer from the midline of the thorax 12 of the player, respectively. The left and right sides LS, RS of the thorax 12 respectively comprise left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR overlying the lateral sides of the ribs of the player. The thorax 12 additionally comprises left and right shoulders 20.sub.1, 20.sub.2 of the player which join left and right arms 24.sub.1, 24.sub.2 of the player to the thorax 12. Each of the left and right shoulders 20.sub.1, 20.sub.2 has a clavicle region CR, a scapular region BR, an acromioclavicular joint region ACR, and a deltoid region DR respectively overlying a clavicle, a scapula, an acromioclavicular joint, and a deltoid muscle of that shoulder.

[0033] The thorax 12 of the player has a front-back (i.e., a dorso-ventral) axis FBA (which is perpendicular to the front and back views shown in FIG. 4A), a left-right (i.e., dextro-sinistral) axis LRA, and a vertical (i.e., cephalo-caudal) axis VA. A front-back direction, a left-right direction, and a top-bottom direction of the shoulder pads 10 are respectively parallel to the front-back axis FBA, the left-right axis LRA, and the vertical axis VA of the thorax 12 of the player. Similarly, a lateral direction and a medial direction of the shoulder pads 10 are respectively parallel to the lateral direction and the medial direction of the thorax 12 of the player.

[0034] As will be discussed later, the shoulder pads 10 comprise an attachment mechanism 50 allowing configuration of the shoulder pads 10 as desired by the player. The attachment mechanism 50 may provide the player the ability to adjust various levels of protection and ease of movement (e.g., by using more or less padding).

[0035] The base 100 may comprise a front member which substantially overlies the player's sternum region SR when the shoulder pads 10 are worn by the player. The front member may have any suitable shape. For example, in certain embodiments, the front member may comprise an X-shaped member or a Y-shaped member or a rectangular member. In other embodiments, the front member may comprise a panel or a set of interconnected panels. In the non-limiting example of implementation being presently described in detail, the front member comprises a Y-shaped front yoke 110.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 14A, the front yoke 110 may extend upwardly from the bottom of the player's sternum region SR and may bifurcate near the player's manubrium region MBR into left and right front yoke arms 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2. The left and right yoke arms 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2 may extend upwardly and at an angle relative to the vertical axis VA. As such, the left and right yoke arms 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2 may define pectoral sections 115 at least partially overlaying the player's left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and clavicle region CR. The front yoke 110 has lateral sides 119 which extend up the left and right front yoke arms 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2 as well as medial sides 118 on the left and right yoke arms 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2

[0037] Moreover, the base 100 may comprise a front shield 120 which substantially overlays the player's manubrium region MBR when the shoulder pads 10 are worn by the player. In this embodiment, the front shield 120 has a substantially triangular shape devised to fit above the front yoke 110, between the left and right front yoke arms 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2. To that end, the front shield 120 may be affixed to the medial sides 118 of the front yoke 110 via stitching. In other embodiments, the front shield 120 may have any other suitable shape. For example, the front shield 120 may be substantially trapezoidal or oval.

[0038] The base 100 may additionally comprise one or more side chest protectors to provide protection on the lateral sides 119 of the front yoke 110. In this example of implementation, the base 100 comprises left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 disposed on the left and right lateral sides 119 of the front yoke 110, respectively, at a lower end 116 of the front yoke 110. To that end, the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 may be affixed to the lateral sides 119 of front yoke 110 via stitching. In this embodiment, the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 have a predominantly trapezoidal shape, however, the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 may have any suitable shape in other embodiments.

[0039] It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 may be affixed to the front yoke 110 by any other suitable method, for example, by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding.

[0040] In this embodiment and as shown in FIG. 50, the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 comprise protective padding 80.sub.F disposed between an inner lining 60.sub.F and an outer cover 70.sub.F. The protective padding 80.sub.F provides protection to at least part of the sternum region SR, the manubrium region MBR, the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and the clavicle region CR. The protective padding 80.sub.F may comprise any suitable impact-absorbing material. For example, in this embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.F comprises foam. The foam material of the protective padding 80.sub.F may comprise any suitable foam. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the foam may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene (LOPE) foam), vinyl nitrile (VN) foam, polyurethane foam, or any other suitable foam. In this embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.F of the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 comprises EVA foam.

[0041] The protective padding 80.sub.F may have any thickness suitable to offer protection to the player's left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, the clavicle region CR, the sternum region SR and the manubrium region MBR. In certain embodiments, varying parts of the protective padding 80.sub.F may comprise a different thickness to provide varying levels of protection.

[0042] The inner lining 60.sub.F comprises fabric material. The fabric material of the inner lining 60.sub.F may comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the inner lining 60.sub.F may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric. In some cases, the fabric material of the inner lining 60.sub.F may include different types of fabric in different areas of the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2. Similarly, the outer cover 70.sub.F comprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the outer cover 70.sub.F comprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane).

[0043] The inner lining 60.sub.F and the outer cover 70.sub.F may converge at the limits of the protective padding 80.sub.F to define a padding edge 76.sub.F which surrounds the protective padding 80.sub.F. To that end, the padding edge 76.sub.F comprises a first layer of material composed of the inner lining 60.sub.F and a second layer of material composed of the outer cover 70.sub.F. The padding edge 76.sub.F may create a surface suitable to receiving the stitching affixing the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 to the front yoke 110.

[0044] The front yoke 110, along with the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2, may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the front yoke 110 may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials. For instance, in some embodiments, the front yoke 110, front shield 120 and/or left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2 may comprise an outer shell or rigid material (e.g., one or more shell pieces of polycarbonate or other rigid polymeric material). As another example, in other embodiments, the foam material of the protective padding 80.sub.F may include different types of foam in different areas of the front yoke 110. Also, in some embodiments, the protective padding 80.sub.F may comprise-shock absorbing material other than foam. For instance, in some embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.F may comprise a gel.

[0045] The base 100 may additionally comprise a back member configured to cover at least part of the back side BS of the thorax 12 of the player. The back member may have any suitable shape. For example, in certain embodiments, the back member may comprise an X-shaped member or a rectangular member. In other embodiments, the back member may comprise one or more interconnected panels. In this example of implementation, the back member comprises a Y-shaped back yoke 110.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 14B, the back yoke 150 may extend upwardly from the bottom of the player's thoracic spinal region TSR and may bifurcate below the sternal angle region SAR of the player into left and right back yoke arms 152.sub.1, 152.sub.2. The left and right yoke arms 152.sub.1, 152.sub.2 may extend upwardly and at an angle relative to the vertical axis VA. As such, the left and right yoke arms 152.sub.1, 152.sub.2 may define trapezius sections 155 at least partially overlaying the player's left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR. To that end, the back yoke 150 has lateral sides 159 which extend up to the trapezius sections 155 as well as medial sides 158 on the left and right yoke arms 152.sub.1, 152.sub.2.

[0047] The base may further comprise a back shield 160. In this embodiment and with reference continued reference to FIG. 6A, the back shield 160 at least partially overlays the sternal angle region SAR of the player when the shoulder pads 10 are worn by the player. In this case, the back shield 160 has a substantially triangular shape devised to fit above the back yoke 150, between the left and right back yoke arms 152.sub.1, 152.sub.2. To that end, the back shield 150 may be affixed to the medial sides 158 of the back yoke 150 via stitching. It should be understood that the back shield 160 may be affixed to the back yoke 150 by any other suitable method in other embodiments, for example, by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. In other embodiments, the back shield 150 may have any other suitable shape. For example, the back shield 160 may be substantially trapezoidal or oval.

[0048] In this embodiment, the back yoke 150 and the back shield 160 comprise protective padding 80.sub.B (not shown) disposed between an inner lining 60.sub.B and an outer cover 70.sub.B. In this case, these components of the back yoke 150 and back shield 160 may be similar in construction to the protective padding 80.sub.F, the inner lining 60.sub.F and the outer cover 70.sub.F of the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2. Moreover, the inner lining 60.sub.B and the outer cover 70.sub.B may converge at the limits of the protective padding 80.sub.B to define a padding edge 76.sub.B similar to that of the padding edge 76.sub.F. The protective padding 80.sub.B provides protection to the thoracic spinal region TSR, left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR and the player's third and fourth vertebrae.

[0049] In this embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.B of the back shield 160 comprises a plurality of pad members 82 with flex lines 84 (e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members 82 to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding 80.sub.B. In addition, the protective padding 80.sub.8 of the back shield 160 is perforated. The perforated foam may provide protection while allowing increased breathability and weight reduction. Moreover, in this example of implementation, the inner lining 60.sub.B and the outer cover 70.sub.B of the back shield 150 comprise a mesh fabric, which may provide increased breathability, and the padding edge 76.sub.B comprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the padding edge 76.sub.8 comprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane) to fasten the inner lining 60.sub.B and the outer cover 70.sub.B at their points of convergence.

[0050] The back yoke 150, along with the back shield 160, may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the back yoke 150 may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials. For instance, in some embodiments, the back yoke 150 and the back shield 160 may comprise an outer shell or rigid material (e.g., one or more shell pieces of polycarbonate or other rigid polymeric material). As another example, in other embodiments, the foam material of the protective padding 80.sub.8 may include different types of foam in different areas of the back yoke 150. Also, in some embodiments, the protective padding 80.sub.8 may comprise-shock absorbing material other than foam. For instance, in some embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.B may comprise a gel.

[0051] In this embodiment, the front yoke 110 and the back yoke 150 are separate members which are held together by an adjustment system 130 and which are disconnectable from one another by unfastening the adjustment system 130, as further discussed later. That is, the adjustment system 130 is unfastenable to disconnect the front yoke 110 and the back yoke 150 such that the front yoke 110 and the back yoke 150 are separated. More particularly, in this example, the front yoke 110 and the rear yoke 150 can be detached from one another at their top by unfastening the adjustment system 130 and can be detached from one another at their bottom by unfastening left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 (discussed further below).

[0052] To that end, the adjustment system 130 may comprise left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 configured to interconnect the front yoke 110 and back yoke 150 and arch over the left and right shoulders 20.sub.1, 20.sub.2 of the player. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, each arch 170.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) comprises a clavicle portion 172 and a scapular portion 174 for respectively overlying the clavicle region CR and the scapular region BR of the shoulder 20.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) over which it arches. Each arch 170.sub.X further comprises a medial side 178 and a lateral side 179.

[0053] In this embodiment, the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 comprise protective padding 80.sub.A (not shown) disposed between an inner lining 60.sub.A and an outer cover 70.sub.A. In this case, these components of the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 are similar in construction to is the protective padding 80.sub.F, the inner lining 60.sub.F and the outer cover 70.sub.F of the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2. Moreover, the inner lining 60.sub.A and the outer cover 70.sub.A converge at the limits of the protective padding 80.sub.A to define a padding edge 76.sub.A similar to that of the padding edge 76.sub.F. The protective padding 80.sub.A provides protection to the clavicle region CR and the scapular region BR.

[0054] In this example of implementation, the arch 170.sub.X is nonseparably connected to the back yoke 150 (i.e., it is connected to the back yoke 150 such that it cannot be separated from the back yoke 150 without damaging the shoulder pads 10) and extends towards the front yoke 110. As such, the arch 170.sub.X is nonseparably connected to the back yoke 150 by being sewn to an arch strap 176. The arch strap 176 extends in the front-back direction and comprises a first end sewn to the back yoke 150 and a second sewn to the arch 170.sub.X. In other cases, the arch 170.sub.X may be nonseparably connected to the back yoke 150 in other ways (e.g., by being sewn directly to the back yoke 150 or by being integrally formed with the back yoke 150). In other embodiments, the arch 170.sub.X may be detachable from the back yoke 150.

[0055] As mentioned previously, the adjustment system 130 allows the player to adjust the fit of the shoulder pads 10, notably by adjustment of the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2. To that end, the adjustment system 130 comprises left and right arch fasteners 132.sub.1, 132.sub.2 detachably fastening the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 to the front yoke 110 to allow the player to adjust the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2.

[0056] Each arch fastener 132.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) detachably fastens its associated arch 170.sub.X to the front yoke 110 in that it is designed to enable the arch 170.sub.X and the front yoke 110 to be fastened and unfastened at will without damaging the shoulder pads 10. The arch fastener 132.sub.X comprises a first connector 134 on (i.e. that is part of) the arch 170.sub.X and a second connector 136 on (i.e. that is part of) the front yoke 110. When the arch 170.sub.X is fastened to the front yoke 110 by the arch fastener 132.sub.X, the first connector 134 overlaps the front yoke 110 and is detachably connected to the second connector 136.

[0057] The arch fastener 132.sub.X may be any suitable type of fastener. In this embodiment, the arch fastener 132.sub.X is a hook-and-loop fastener. More particularly, in this embodiment, the arch fastener 132.sub.X is a Velcro.TM. hook-and-loop fastener. In this example, the first connector 134 comprises a hook portion of the arch fastener 132.sub.X and the second connector 136 comprises a loop portion of the arch fastener 132.sub.X. In other examples, this may be reversed with the first connector 134 comprising a loop portion of the arch fastener 132.sub.X and the second connector 136 comprising a hook portion of the arch fastener 132.sub.X.

[0058] The adjustment of the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 enabled by the left and right arch fasteners 132.sub.1, 132.sub.2 allows for various aspects of the fit of the shoulder pads 10 to be adjusted. The arch fastener 132.sub.X allows the player to adjust a position in which the first connector 134 of the arch fastener 132.sub.X is detachably connected to the second connector 136 of the arch fastener 132.sub.X. More particularly, in this embodiment, the arch fastener 132.sub.X allows the player to adjust the position in which the first connector 134 is detachably connected to the second connector 136 in the front-back direction of the shoulder pads 10. Also, in this embodiment, the arch fastener 132.sub.X allows the player to adjust the position in which the first connector 134 is detachably connected to the second connector 136 in the left-right direction of the shoulder pads 10. In fact, in this embodiment, the arch fastener 132.sub.X allows the player to omnidirectionally adjust (i.e., adjust in any direction) the position in which the first connector 134 is detachably connected to the second connector 136. In this case, this positional adjustment allows the player to adjust an orientation of the arch 170.sub.X relative to the front yoke 110.

[0059] When the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 are fastened to the front yoke 110, the front yoke 110, the back yoke 150, and the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 define a neck opening 30 for receiving a neck of the player.

[0060] The left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, each of the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2 may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials. For example, in another embodiment, the front yoke 110 may be nonseparably connected to the back yoke 150 by being sewn to left and right elastic shoulder straps 138.sub.1, 138.sub.2 (not shown). Each elastic shoulder strap 138.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) is further sewn to the back yoke 150. The left and right elastic shoulder straps 138.sub.1, 138.sub.2 allow the front yoke 110 and back yoke 150 to remain connected during operation of the adjustment system 130. Moreover, the left and right elastic shoulder straps 138.sub.1, 138.sub.2 allow the front yoke 110 and back yoke 150 to remain attached in the event that the adjustment system 130 becomes detached while the player is playing a sport.

[0061] As mentioned previously, the front yoke 110 and back yoke 150 may additionally be detached from one another at their bottoms by unfastening the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2. In this embodiment, the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 comprise left and right rib fasteners 192.sub.1, 192.sub.2 for detachably fastening the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 to the front yoke 110.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6A, each rib strap 190.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) may comprise a first end 197 which may be affixed to one of the lateral sides 159 at a lower end 156 of the back yoke 150 in any suitable way (e.g., stitching, ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding). The rib strap 190.sub.X further comprises a second end 198 to which each rib fastener 192.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) may be affixed. The rib strap 190.sub.X may comprise nylon webbing or any other suitable material.

[0063] The rib fastener 192.sub.X detachably fastens its associated rib strap 190.sub.X to the front yoke 110 in that it is designed to enable the rib strap 190.sub.X and the front yoke 110 to be fastened and unfastened at will without damaging the shoulder pads 10. The rib fastener 192.sub.X comprises a first connector 194 on (i.e. that is part of) the second end 198 of the rib strap 190.sub.X and a second connector 196 on (i.e. that is part of) the front yoke 110. In this embodiment, the second connector 196 is affixed to the lower end 116 of the front yoke 110. More particularly, in this example, the second connector 196 overlays each side-chest protector 140.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) and is sewn to the front yoke 110. Accordingly, the rib fastener 192.sub.X is fastened when the first connector 194 engages the second connector 196.

[0064] The rib fastener 192.sub.X may be any suitable type of fastener. In this embodiment, the rib fastener 192.sub.X is a clip fastener. In this example, the first connector 194 comprises a male clip portion of the rib fastener 192.sub.X and the second connector 196 comprises a female clip portion of the rib fastener 192.sub.X. To that end, the first connector 194 engages the second connector 196 when the male clip portion enters and is restrained by the female clip portion. In other examples, this may be reversed with the first connector 194 comprising a female clip portion of the rib fastener 192.sub.X and the second connector 196 comprising a male clip portion of the rib fastener 192.sub.X. In yet other examples, the rib fastener 192.sub.X may be a hook-and-loop fastener or a lace fastener.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 may allow the player to adjust the fit of the shoulder pads 10, notably by adjustment of functional length of the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 (i.e. a distance between the first end 197 and the second end 198 of each rib strap 190.sub.X). The adjustment of the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 may allow for various aspects of the fit of the shoulder pads 10 to be adjusted around the ribs of the wearer.

[0066] With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the shoulder pads 10 may comprise left and right shoulder protectors 210.sub.1, 210.sub.2 configured to protect at least part of the left and right shoulders 20.sub.1, 20.sub.2 of the player, respectively. Each shoulder protector 210.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) comprises an acromioclavicular joint portion 212 and a deltoid portion 214 for respectively overlying the acromioclavicular joint region ACR and the deltoid region DR of the shoulder 20.sub.X it protects. The shoulder protector 210.sub.X forms a shoulder "cap" of the shoulder pads 10 for the shoulder 20.sub.X. The shoulder protector 210.sub.X comprises a medial side 218 and a lateral side 219.

[0067] In this embodiment, the shoulder protector 210.sub.X is mounted adjacent to the arch 170.sub.X on the lateral side 179 of the arch 170.sub.X. Also, in this embodiment, the shoulder protector 210.sub.X is movable relative to the arch 170.sub.X. More particularly, in this example, the shoulder protector 210.sub.X is pivotable relative to the arch 170.sub.X.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the shoulder protector 210.sub.X may be detachably connected to the arch 170.sub.X by any suitable means. For example, the shoulder protector 210.sub.X may be detachably connected to the arch 170.sub.X by means of a button and slit fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a "zipper"). In this example, the shoulder protector 210.sub.X is detachably connected to the arch 170.sub.X by means of a button and slit fastener.

[0069] Similarly and with reference to FIG. 9, the shoulder pads 10 may further comprise left and right arm protectors 220.sub.1, 220.sub.2 configured to protect at least part of the left and right arms 24.sub.1, 24.sub.2 of the player, respectively. Each arm protector 220.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) is shaped to allow flexion of the bicep and comprises an outer arm portion 222 for overlaying an outer region of the arm 24.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) which it protects and a strap 224 for retaining itself on the arm 24.sub.X.

[0070] In this embodiment, the arm protector 220.sub.X is mounted adjacent to the shoulder protector 210.sub.X on the lateral side 219 of the shoulder protector 210.sub.X. Also, in this embodiment, the arm protector 220.sub.X is movable relative to the arch 170.sub.X and the shoulder protector 210.sub.X. More particularly, in this example, the arm protector 220.sub.X is pivotable relative to the arch 170.sub.X and the shoulder protector 210.sub.X.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the arm protector 220.sub.X may be detachably connected to the arch 170.sub.X by any suitable means. For example, the arm protector 220.sub.X may be detachably connected to the arch 170.sub.X by means of a button and slit fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a "zipper"). In this embodiment, the arm protector 220.sub.X is detachably connected to the arch 170.sub.X by means of a strap 226 configured to pass through a slit 227 of the arch 170.sub.X and forms a loop bound by a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the arm protector 220.sub.X may be connected to the shoulder protector 210.sub.X (e.g., the arm protector 220.sub.X may be sewn to the shoulder protector 210.sub.X so as to create a hinge-like connection between them).

[0072] In this embodiment, the shoulder protector 210.sub.X and the arm protector 220.sub.X comprise protective padding 80.sub.S (not shown) disposed between an inner lining 60.sub.S and an outer cover 70.sub.S. In this case, these components of the shoulder protector 210.sub.X and the arm protector 220.sub.X are similar in construction to the protective padding 80.sub.F, the inner lining 60.sub.F and the outer cover 70.sub.F of the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2. Moreover, the inner lining 60.sub.S and the outer cover 70.sub.S converge at the limits of the protective padding 80.sub.S to define a padding edge 76.sub.S similar to that of the padding edge 76.sub.F. The protective padding 80.sub.S provides protection to the acromioclavicular joint region ACR, the deltoid region DR and outer region of the arm 24.sub.X.

[0073] In this embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.A of the arm protector 220.sub.X comprises a plurality of pad members 82 with flex lines 84 (e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members 82 to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding 80.sub.A. In addition, the protective padding 80.sub.A of the arm protector 220.sub.X is perforated. The perforated foam may provide protection while allowing increased breathability and weight reduction. Moreover, in this example of implementation, the inner lining 60.sub.A and the outer cover 70.sub.A of the arm protector 220.sub.X comprise a mesh fabric, which may provide increased breathability, and the padding edge 76.sub.A comprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the padding edge 76.sub.A comprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane) to fasten the inner lining 60.sub.A and the outer cover 70.sub.A at their points of convergence.

[0074] The shoulder protector 210.sub.X and the arm protector 220.sub.X may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, each of the left and right shoulder protectors 210.sub.1, 210.sub.2 or the left and right arm protectors 220.sub.1, 220.sub.2 may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials.

[0075] As mentioned previously, the shoulder pads 10 additionally comprise the rib protector 200 removably connectable to the base 100. Removal of the rib protector 200 may allow a player improved freedom of movement. In particular, this may permit greater player comfort during running and rotation of the thorax 12 of the player. The rib protector 200 may then be reconnected to the base 100 when additional protection to the player's ribs is desired.

[0076] The rib protector 200 may comprise left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 (collectively the "chest protectors 230", individually denoted 230.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2})). The left chest protector 230.sub.1 is configured to protect at least part of the left pectoral region LPR and the left front lower rib region LFL of the player. Similarly, the right chest protector 230.sub.2 is configured to protect at least part of the right pectoral region RPR and the right front lower rib region RFL of the player. Each chest protector 230.sub.X comprises a pectoral portion 232 and a lower rib portion 234 for respectively overlying one of the left or right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and one of the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL of the player.

[0077] In this embodiment, the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 are mounted adjacent to the front yoke 110 on the left and right lateral sides 119 of the front yoke 110, respectively. More particularly, each chest protector 230.sub.X may extend vertically from the lower end 116 of the front yoke 110 to the height of the pectoral sections 115 of the front yoke 110. Similarly, each chest protector 230.sub.X may extend horizontally from its respective one of the lateral sides 119 of the front yoke 110 to the pectoral sections 115 of the front yoke 110. In doing so, the chest protector 230.sub.X may have any suitable shape.

[0078] Analogously, the rib protector 200 may further comprise left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 (collectively the "back protectors 250", individually denoted 250.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2})). The left back protector 250.sub.1 is configured to protect at least part of the left latissimus dorsi region LDR and the left back lower rib region LBL of the player. Similarly, the right back protector 250.sub.2 is configured to protect at least part of the right latissimus dorsi region RDR and the right back lower rib region RBL of the player. Each back protector 250.sub.X comprises a latissimus dorsi region portion 252 and a lower rib portion 254 for respectively overlying one of the left or right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL of the player.

[0079] In this embodiment, the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 are mounted adjacent to the back yoke 150 on the left and rights lateral sides 159 of the back yoke 150, respectively. More particularly, each back protector 250.sub.X may extend vertically from the lower end 156 of the back yoke 150 to the height of the trapezius sections 155 of the back yoke 150. Similarly, each back protector 250.sub.X may extend horizontally from the respective one of the lateral sides 159 of the back yoke 150 to the trapezius sections 155 of the back yoke 150. In doing so, the back protector 250.sub.X may have any suitable shape.

[0080] In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism 50 (described further below) removably connects the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 to the base 100. In other cases, less than all of the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 are removably connected to the base 100, the balance of such protectors being non-removably connected to the base (e.g., they may be sewn thereto).

[0081] In this embodiment, the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 comprise protective padding 80.sub.C (not shown) disposed between an inner lining 60.sub.C and an outer cover 70.sub.C. These components of the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 may be similar in construction to the protective padding 80.sub.F, the inner lining 60.sub.F and the outer cover 70.sub.F of the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2. Moreover, the inner lining 60.sub.B and the outer cover 70.sub.B may converge at the limits of the protective padding 80.sub.C to define a padding edge 76.sub.C similar to that of the padding edge 76.sub.F. The protective padding 80.sub.C provides protection to at least part of the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL, the left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL of the player.

[0082] In this embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.C of the chest protectors 230 and the protectors 250 comprises a plurality of pad members 82 with flex lines 84 (e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members 82 to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding 80.sub.C. In addition, in this embodiment, the protective padding 80.sub.C of the chest protectors 230 and the back protectors 250 is perforated. The perforated foam may provide protection while allowing increased breathability and weight reduction. Moreover, in this example of implementation, the inner lining 60.sub.C and the outer cover 70.sub.C of the chest protectors 230 and the back protectors 250 comprise a mesh fabric, which may provide increased breathability, and the padding edge 76.sub.C comprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the padding edge 76.sub.C comprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane) to fasten the inner lining 60.sub.C and the outer cover 70.sub.C at their points of convergence.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 may be joined to one another by one or more straps sewn directly to both the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2. More particularly, in this embodiment, the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 are joined to one another by two straps 236. In this example, each of the straps 236 is sewn directly to the medial sides of both the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 may be joined to one another by one or more straps sewn directly to both the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2. More particularly, in this embodiment, the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 are joined to one another by two straps 256. In this example, each of the straps 256 is sewn directly to the medial sides of both the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2.

[0084] The straps 236, 256 may comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the straps 236, 256 may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric.

[0085] The straps 236, 256 respectively allow the chest protectors 230 and the back protectors 250 to remain connected when removed from the base 100 in order to prevent them being misplaced. Moreover, the straps 236, 256 provide additional stability to allow the position of the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 to remain substantially in place relative to the base 100 in the event that the attachment mechanism 50 affixing one of the left or right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 or the left or right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 becomes detached.

[0086] The chest protectors 230 and back protectors 250 may comprise belt loops 206 configured to receive the corresponding left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2. To that end, when the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 are received by the belt loops 206 and are in an attached configuration, the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2 may provide additional stability to allow the position of the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 to remain substantially in place relative to the base 100 in the event that the attachment mechanism 50 affixing one of the left or right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 or the left or right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 becomes detached.

[0087] As mentioned previously, the shoulder pads 10 may comprise the attachment mechanism 50 allowing configuration of the shoulder pads 10 as desired by the player. To that end and as shown in FIG. 12, certain ones of the chest protectors 230 and the back protectors 250 (collectively the "detachable protectors 320", individually denoted 320.sub.Y (Y.epsilon.{1, 2, 3, 4})) may be disconnectable from the base 100 by unfastening corresponding attachment elements of the attachment mechanism 50.

[0088] The attachment mechanism 50 may comprise plural attachment elements, one or more for each detachable protector 320.sub.Y, to allow fastening of the detachable protector 320.sub.Y to the base 100. In this example of implementation, the attachment mechanism 50 comprises eight attachment elements 300.sub.1-300.sub.8, two for each of the four detachable protectors 320, although the number of detachable protectors and the number of attachment elements may differ from one embodiment to the next. In this embodiment, each attachment element 300.sub.Z (Z.epsilon.{1, . . . , 8}) comprises complementary connectors including a first connector on (i.e. that is part of) a corresponding one of the detachable protectors 320 and a second connector on (i.e. that is part of) the base 100. As such, in this embodiment, which is non-limiting, the attachment mechanism 50 comprises plural first connectors 312.sub.1-312.sub.8 and second connectors 314.sub.1-314.sub.8.

[0089] More particularly, the left chest protector 230.sub.1 comprises the first connectors 312.sub.1 and 312.sub.Z, the right chest protector 230.sub.2 comprises the first connectors 312.sub.3 and 312.sub.4, the left back protector 250.sub.1 comprises the first connectors 312.sub.5 and 312.sub.6, and the right back protector 250.sub.2 comprises the first connectors 312.sub.7 and 312.sub.8.

[0090] Also, and with reference to FIGS. 12, 14A and 14B, the front yoke 110 comprises the second connectors 314.sub.1 and 314.sub.3, the left chest protector 140.sub.1 comprises the second connector 314.sub.2, the right chest protector 140.sub.2 comprises the second connector 314.sub.5, and the back yoke 150 comprises the second connectors 314.sub.5-314.sub.8.

[0091] A given attachment element 300.sub.Z (Z.epsilon.{1, . . . , 8}) may be any suitable type of fastener. For example, in this embodiment, the given attachment element 300.sub.Z comprises a button and slit configuration. In this example and as shown in FIG. 13, each first connector 312.sub.Z (Z.epsilon.{1, . . . , 8}) comprises a button 316 affixed to a corresponding one of the detachable protectors 320.sub.Y, and each second connector 314.sub.Z (Z.epsilon.{1, . . . , 8}) comprises a slit 318 located on the base 100. In other examples, this may be reversed with the first connector 312.sub.Z comprising the slit 318 located on the detachable protector 320.sub.X and the second connector 314.sub.Z comprising the button 316 located on the base 100.

[0092] The button 316 may be implemented as a disk made of plastic material (e.g., nylon, polyethylene, silicon), or a stud which may be riveted to the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y, although any other suitable configuration may be used (e.g., a shank button or sew-through button). In this embodiment, the button 316 comprises a pill shaped plate made of plastic material. The slit 318 creates an opening 319 allowing access from a first side of the base 100 to a second side of the base 100.

[0093] The button 316 may be affixed to the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y by a button strap 317. With reference to FIG. 13, in this embodiment, a first and a second end of the button strap 317 are sewn to the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y with the body of the button strap 317 passing through a pair of button slits 315 extruded in the face of the button 316. The button slits 315 are dimensioned to receive the button strap 317.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the button strap 317 may comprise an elastic fabric. To that end, the elasticity of the button strap 317 allows a freedom of movement of the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y relative to the base 100 when the attachment element 300.sub.Z is attached. As such, this may permit greater player comfort during running and rotation of the thorax 12 of the player.

[0095] In order to attach the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y to the base 100, the button 316 of the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y may be pushed through the opening 319 of the slit 318 and retained therein, thus acting as a fastener. To that end, the material upon which the slit 318 is disposed may comprise a material sufficiently flexible to allow an insertion and removal of the button 316 in the slit 318. More particularly, in this embodiment, the slit 318 of the attachment elements 300.sub.1-300.sub.8 are disposed on the padding edges 76.sub.F, 76.sub.B of the base 100. As mentioned previously, each padding edge 76.sub.X (X.epsilon.{A, B, C, F, S}) comprises an inner lining layer 62.sub.X (X.epsilon.{A, B, C, F, S}) and outer cover layer 72.sub.X. As such, the padding edge 76.sub.X retains sufficient flexibility to allow an insertion and removal of the button 316 in the slit 318.

[0096] The slit 318 of the base 100 may be suitably dimensioned to accept the button 316 of the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y while providing some resistance to the button 316 being pushed out in order to prevent the button 316 of the given detachable protector 320.sub.Y from being unintentionally disengaged.

[0097] In other embodiments, each attachment element 300.sub.Z may comprise a plurality of second connectors for each first connector 312.sub.Z. The player may therefore fasten the first connector 312.sub.Z to a variety of second connectors in order to vary the fit of each detachable protector 320.sub.Z or to be able to receive detachable protectors 320 of different shapes and/or sizes.

[0098] For example, in one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 21, the front yoke 110 may comprise second connectors (e.g., 314.sub.1-314.sub.P) in pre-determined positions, thereby to potentially allow chest protectors (e.g., left and/or right chest protectors) of varying shapes or sizes to be fastened to the front yoke 110. A similar arrangement may be provided on the back yoke 150 so as to permit the adjustment of the back protectors in a plurality of pre-determined positions.

[0099] In still other embodiments, each attachment element 300.sub.Z may comprise a plurality of first connectors for each second connector 314.sub.Z. This configuration allows the detachable protectors 320 (be they chest protectors or back protectors) to be both removable and adjustable in their positioning. As such, certain embodiments provide a modular design that may allow the use of different sized and shaped chest protectors 320, allowing the player to swap or even remove chest protectors to suit his/her comfort and/or performance requirements.

[0100] In yet other embodiments, the attachment elements 300.sub.1-300.sub.8 may comprise any other suitable type of fastener. For example, the fasteners 300.sub.1-300.sub.8 may comprise a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a "zipper").

[0101] In other embodiments still, the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 may be interchangeable such that the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 may be detachably connected to the back yoke 150 to provide protection to at least part of the left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL of the player. Similarly, the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 may be detachably connected to the front yoke 110 to provide protection to at least part of the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, and the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL of the player.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the detachable protectors 320, which may be detachable from the base 100 using the attachment mechanism 50, could be sold separately from the base 100. This allows interchangeability of the detachable protectors 320 with other inner bases having a compatible attachment mechanism in the event that the inner base 100 becomes damaged or if the wearer desires to obtain detachable protectors with different shapes, materials, thicknesses or colours due to personal taste. This may additionally allow the same base 100 to be used with larger size detachable protectors 320 in order to obtain varying degrees of protection.

[0103] In other embodiments still (not shown), the left and right chest protectors 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2 and the left and right back protectors 250.sub.1, 250.sub.2 may overlap to provide additional padding on the left and right sides LS, RS of the thorax 12. To that end, the left chest and back protectors 230.sub.1, 250.sub.1 and the right chest and back protectors 230.sub.2, 250.sub.2 may each form one piece, may be detachably connected to one another by means of the attachment mechanism 50, or may overlap each other when restrained by the left and right rib straps 190.sub.1, 190.sub.2.

[0104] In another embodiment, the player is a hockey player playing hockey and thus FIG. 15 shows an example of shoulder pads 11 for upper body protection of a hockey player. The shoulder pads 11 may comprise a rib protector 540 and a base 400, wherein the rib protector 540 is adjustable vis-a-vis the base 400 and retained thereto.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the base 400 may comprise a front member 410, a back member 450, left and right arches 470.sub.1, 470.sub.2, left and right shoulder protectors 490.sub.1, 490.sub.2 and left and right arm protectors 460.sub.1, 460.sub.2. The front member 410, the back member 450, and the left and right arches 470.sub.1, 470.sub.2 define a neck opening 404 for receiving a neck of the player.

[0106] The front member 410, the back member 450, the left and right arches 470.sub.1, 470.sub.2, the left and right shoulder protectors 490.sub.1, 490.sub.2 and the left and right arm protectors 460.sub.1, 460.sub.2 of the shoulder pads 11 comprise a substantially similar structure and substantially similar features to those of the front yoke 110, the back yoke 150, the left and right arches 170.sub.1, 170.sub.2, the left and right shoulder protectors 210.sub.1, 210.sub.2 and the left and right arm protectors 220.sub.1, 220.sub.2. In contrast however, in this embodiment, the front member 410 comprises left and right side chest protectors 420.sub.1, 420.sub.2. Each side chest protector 420.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) may extend laterally from the front member 410 to cover at least part of the left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR of the player.

[0107] The base 400 may comprise any suitable material. To that end, the base 400 comprises protective padding 421 (not shown). In certain embodiments, the protective padding 421 may be disposed between an inner lining 422 and an outer cover 424. The protective padding 421 may comprise any suitable impact-absorbing material. For example, in this embodiment, the protective padding 421 comprises foam. The foam material of the protective padding 421 may comprise any suitable foam. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the foam may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foam), vinyl nitrile (VN) foam, polyurethane foam, or any other suitable foam.

[0108] The inner lining 422 may comprise fabric material. The fabric material of the inner lining 422 may comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the inner lining 422 may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric. In some cases, the fabric material of the inner lining 422 may include different types of fabric in different areas of the base 400.

[0109] Similarly, the outer cover 424 comprises any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the outer cover 424 comprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane). In this embodiment, the shoulder protectors 490.sub.1, 490.sub.2 comprise an outer shell (e.g., one or more shell pieces of polycarbonate or other rigid polymeric material). For example, in various embodiments, the shoulder protectors 490.sub.1, 490.sub.2 may be made of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (nylon), or polycarbonate, of thermosetting resin, or of any other suitable material.

[0110] In this example of implementation, the rib protector 540 comprises left and right side panels 542.sub.1, 542.sub.2. With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, each side panel 542.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) extends from front to back and thus comprises a front portion 544 for covering at least part of one of the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL, a back portion 545 for covering at least part of one of the left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR, one of the left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL, a side portion 546 for covering at least part of one of the left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR, and a shoulder portion 547 for covering at least part of the clavicle region CR, the scapular region BR, the acromioclavicular joint region ACR, and the deltoid region DR,

[0111] The rib protector 540 may additionally comprise left and right side back protectors 552.sub.1, 552.sub.2. Each side back protector 552.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) may be affixed to a lower end 549 of the back portion 545 of each side panel 542.sub.X by any suitable means (e.g., stitching). The back protector 552.sub.X may extend laterally from the back portion 545 of the rip protector 540 to cover at least part of the left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR of the player and overlap at least part of one of the left and right side chest protectors 420.sub.1, 420.sub.2.

[0112] In this example of implementation, the left and right side back protectors 552.sub.1, 552.sub.2 may comprise any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the left and right side back protectors 552.sub.1, 552.sub.2 comprise an elastic non-foam polymeric material. For instance, in some cases, the elastic non-foam polymeric material of the left and right side back protectors 552.sub.1, 552.sub.2 may comprise polyurethane or spandex. In addition, the left and right side back protectors 552.sub.1, 552.sub.2 may be perforated. The perforated material may increase breathability and reduce the weight of the left and right side back protectors 552.sub.1, 552.sub.2.

[0113] The rib protector 540 may further comprise left and right arm protectors 556.sub.1, 556.sub.2. Each arm protector 556.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, 2}) may comprise an arm portion 548 for covering at least part of the left and right arms 24.sub.1, 24.sub.2 of the player. The left and right arm protectors 556.sub.1, 556.sub.2 may be permanently affixed to the left and right side panels 542.sub.1, 542.sub.2 by any suitable means. In this embodiment, the left and right arm protectors 556.sub.1, 556.sub.2 are permanently affixed to the rib protector 540 by means of stitching. In other embodiments, the left and right arm protectors 556.sub.1, 556.sub.2 may be disconnectable from the rib protector by any suitable means. For example, the left and right arm protectors 556.sub.1, 556.sub.2 may be disconnectable from the rib protector by means of a button and slit fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a "zipper").

[0114] The left and right arm protectors 556.sub.1, 556.sub.2 may comprise protective padding 560.sub.A (not shown) disposed between an inner lining 562.sub.A and an outer cover 564.sub.A. These components of the left and right arm protectors 556, 556.sub.2 may be similar in construction to the protective padding 80.sub.F, the inner lining 60.sub.F and the outer cover 70.sub.F of the front yoke 110, the front shield 120 and the left and right side chest protectors 140.sub.1, 140.sub.2. Moreover, the inner lining 562.sub.A and the outer cover 564.sub.A may converge at the limits of the protective padding 560.sub.A to define a padding edge 566.sub.A similar to that of the padding edge 76.sub.F. In this embodiment, the protective padding 560.sub.A of the left and right arm protectors 556, 556 comprises a plurality of pad members 568 with flex lines 569 (e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members 568 to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding 562.sub.F.

[0115] In this embodiment, the shoulder pads 11 may comprise an attachment mechanism 600 allowing configuration of the shoulder pads 10 as desired by the player. To that end, a front lower end 552 and a back lower end 554 of the rib protector 540 may be adjustably connected vis-a-vis the base 400 by unfastening the attachment mechanism 600 and refastening it in a different position.

[0116] The attachment mechanism 600 may comprise one or more attachment elements to allow fastening of the rib protector 540 to the base 400. In this example of implementation, the attachment mechanism 600 comprises six attachment elements 610.sub.1-610.sub.6, but this is not to be considered a limitation. Each attachment element 610.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, . . . , 6}) comprises a first connector on (i.e. that is part of) the rib protector 540 and a respective second connector on (i.e. that is part of) the base 400. As such, the attachment mechanism 600 comprises first connectors 620.sub.1-620.sub.6 and second connectors 630.sub.1-630.sub.6.

[0117] More particularly, the left side panel 542.sub.1 comprises the first connectors 620.sub.1 and 620.sub.3, the right side panel 542.sub.2 comprises the first connectors 620.sub.2 and 620.sub.4, the left side back protector 552.sub.1 comprises the first connector 620.sub.5, and the right side back protector 552.sub.2 comprises the first connector 620.sub.6. Moreover, the front member comprises the second connectors 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2, the back member 450 comprises the second connectors 630.sub.3 and 630.sub.4, the left side chest protector 420.sub.1 comprises the second connector 630.sub.5, and the right side chest protector 420.sub.2 comprises the second connector 630.sub.6.

[0118] The attachment elements 610.sub.1-610.sub.6 may be any suitable type of fastener. In this example of implementation, the attachment elements 610.sub.1-610.sub.4, comprising the first connectors 620.sub.1-620.sub.4 and the second connectors 630.sub.1-630.sub.4, have a button and slit configuration. More particularly, each of the first connectors 620.sub.1-620.sub.4 comprises a button 622 similar in shape and configuration to button 316 and each of the second connectors 630.sub.1-630.sub.4 comprises a plurality of slits similar in configuration and shape to the slit 318. In this example of implementation, each of the second connectors 630.sub.1-630.sub.4 comprises two slits 624.sub.1, 624.sub.2. The player may therefore fasten each of the first connectors 620.sub.1-620.sub.4 to either of the slits 624.sub.1, 624.sub.2 of each of the respective second connectors 630.sub.1-630.sub.4 in order to vary the fit of the rib protector 540. In this case, the option to select either of the slits 624.sub.1, 624.sub.2 allows the player to adjust a position of the rib protector 540 vis-a-vis the base 400.

[0119] On the other hand, in this example of implementation, the attachment elements 610.sub.5 and 610.sub.6, comprising the first connectors 620.sub.5 and 620.sub.6 and the second connectors 630.sub.5 and 630.sub.6, have a hook-and-loop configuration. More particularly, each of the first connectors 620.sub.5 and 620.sub.6 comprises a hook portion while each of the second connectors 630.sub.5 and 630.sub.6 comprises a loop portion. To that end, the attachment elements 610.sub.5 and 610.sub.6 allow the player to omnidirectionally adjust (i.e., adjust in any direction) the position of the left and right side back protectors 552.sub.1, 552.sub.2 relative to the left and right side chest protectors 420.sub.1, 420.sub.2 and allows the positional adjustment allows the player to adjust an orientation of the rib protector 540 vis-a-vis the base 400.

[0120] FIGS. 19A and 19B show an example of a protective athletic system 14 comprising shoulder pads 12 for upper body protection of a player playing a contact sport and an undergarment 800 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the player is a hockey player playing hockey and thus the shoulder pads 12 comprise features analogous to those of shoulder pads 11.

[0121] The shoulder pads 12 may comprise a protective base 700 and are usable in conjunction with the undergarment 800. More particularly, in this embodiment, the undergarment 800 is a baselayer garment configured to be worn in contact with the wearer's body. In this example, the undergarment 800 is a baselayer shirt. With reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the shirt may comprise a torso portion 810, including a front 812, a back 814, shoulders 815, a neck opening 816 for passing a neck and head of the player, and a lower opening 818 for fitting around a lower torso region (e.g., a waist and hips) of the player. In this embodiment, the undergarment 800 also comprises left and right sleeves 820.sub.1, 820.sub.2 for receiving arms of the player. In this example, the left and right sleeves 820.sub.1, 820.sub.2 are long sleeves. Still, the left and right sleeves 820.sub.1, 820.sub.2 may be short sleeves in other embodiments.

[0122] The undergarment 800 comprises fabric material. The fabric material of the undergarment 800 may comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the inner lining 60.sub.F may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric.

[0123] The protective base 700 is configured to provide impact protection to the player when worn. To that end, the protective base 700 may comprise a front member 710, a back member 720, left and right arches 730.sub.1, 730.sub.2, left and right shoulder protectors 740.sub.1, 740.sub.2, left and right arm protectors 750.sub.1, 750.sub.2, and left and right rib protectors 760.sub.1, 760.sub.2. The front member 710, the back member 720, and the left and right arches 730.sub.1, 730.sub.2 define a neck opening 704 for receiving a neck of the player. In certain embodiments, one or more of these components may be detachably connected to the protective base 700 by means of an attachment mechanism comprising features analogous to those of the attachment mechanism 50 specified above.

[0124] When the protective base 700 and the undergarment 800 are assembled to form the shoulder pads 12, the front member 710 of the protective base 700 may overlay the front 812 of the undergarment 800, the back member 720 of the protective base 700 may overlay the back 814 of the undergarment 800. Similarly, the left and right arches 730.sub.1, 730.sub.2, and the left and right shoulder protectors 740.sub.1, 740.sub.2 of the protective base 700 may overlay the shoulders 815 of the undergarment 800. Moreover, the left and right arm protectors 750.sub.1, 750.sub.2 of the protective base 700 may overlay the left and right sleeves 820.sub.1, 820.sub.2 of the undergarment 800. To that end, the neck openings 704, 816 may align with one another to receive a neck of the player.

[0125] To afford impact protection to the wearer, the undergarment 800 may further comprise a plurality of (in this case eleven) padding elements 840.sub.1-840.sub.11 for protecting regions 890 (not shown) of the thorax 12. The plurality of padding elements 840.sub.1-840.sub.1i includes padding elements 840.sub.1 and 840.sub.2 partially overlapping the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, padding element 840.sub.3 partially overlapping the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL, padding element 840.sub.10 partially overlapping the left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR, and padding elements 840.sub.4-840.sub.9 partially overlapping the left and right arms 24.sub.1, 24.sub.2 of the player.

[0126] The padding elements 840.sub.1-840.sub.11 may comprise any suitable material (e.g., polypropylene foam, high-density foam enclosed in polyethylene, etc.). As best seen in FIG. 20, each padding element 840.sub.X (X.epsilon.{1, . . . , 11}) may be contained within a corresponding pocket 842 that is defined between first and second fabric layers 844, 846 of the undergarment 800. The first and second fabric layers 844, 846 of the undergarment 800 may comprise a synthetic mesh material which may allow an increased breathability of the undergarment 800. The first and second fabric layers 844, 846 of the undergarment 800 may comprise any other suitable material in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the pocket 842 is delimited by a stitching 847, however any other suitable method may be used to delimit the pocket 842. Moreover, in some cases, the padding element 840.sub.X may be inserted or removed from the pocket 842 (and therefore the undergarment 800) via an opening 848 of the pocket 842. The opening 848 is stretchable such that it may expand and retract to accommodate the insertion or removal of the padding element 840.sub.X into the pocket 842. However, it should be appreciated that not all of the padding elements 840.sub.1-840.sub.11 need to be removable.

[0127] Similarly, the front member 710, the back member 720, the left and right arches 730.sub.1, 730.sub.2, the left and right shoulder protectors 740.sub.1, 740.sub.2, the left and right arm protectors 750.sub.1, 750.sub.2, and the left and right rib protectors 760.sub.1, 760.sub.2 of the protective base 700 may comprise protective padding defining a plurality of protective paddings 780.sub.1-780.sub.P. The plurality of protective paddings 780.sub.1-780.sub.P may be substantially similar in form and structure to the protective padding 421 of the front member 410, the back member 450, the left and right arches 470.sub.1, 470.sub.2, the left and right shoulder protectors 490.sub.1, 490.sub.2 and the left and right arm protectors 460.sub.1, 460.sub.2 of the shoulder pads 11.

[0128] In certain embodiments, when the shoulder pads 12 are worn by the player, one or more of the padding elements 840.sub.1-840.sub.11 of the undergarment 800 may be disposed to complement the protective paddings 780.sub.1-780.sub.P of the protective base 700. More particularly, the protective paddings 780.sub.1-780.sub.P of the protective base 700 may overlay one or more of the padding elements 840.sub.1-840.sub.11 of the undergarment 800 so as to offer additional protection to one or more of the regions 890 of the thorax 12. For example, in one embodiment, a particular protective padding 780.sub.i may at least partially overlay padding element 840.sub.1 in order to provide additional protection to the left pectoral region LPR.

[0129] In other embodiments, when the shoulder pads 12 are worn by the player, a particular padding element 840.sub.i of the undergarment 800 may be disposed to complement a particular protective padding 780.sub.i of the protective base 700 in regions where the protective padding 780.sub.i may be too thin or soft to offer adequate protection to the player, according to the player's needs.

[0130] In other embodiments, when the shoulder pads 12 are worn by the player, one or more of the padding elements 840.sub.1-840.sub.11 of the undergarment 800 may be disposed to protect regions of the thorax 12 not protected by the protective paddings 780.sub.1-780.sub.P of the protective base 700. For example, in one embodiment, the padding element 840.sub.7 may be disposed to overlay a region of the right arm 24.sub.2 of the player not protected by either the left or right arm protectors 750.sub.1, 750.sub.2.

[0131] In other embodiments, the protective athletic system 14 may comprise an attachment mechanism (not shown) for allowing configuration of the protective athletic system 14 as desired by the player. To that end, the attachment mechanism may allow the undergarment 800 to be attachable to and disconnectable from (or "removably disconnectable") from the protective base 700. Such an attachment mechanism may be similar to attachment mechanism 50 to the extent that it may comprise plural attachment elements, some on the protective base 700 and corresponding ones on the undergarment 700. This allows fastening of the detachable protective base 800 to the undergarment 800.

[0132] Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0133] Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation.

[0134] In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used.

[0135] To facilitate the description, any reference numeral designating an element in one figure will designate the same element if used in any other figures. In describing the embodiments, specific terminology is resorted to for the sake of clarity but the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood that each specific term comprises all equivalents.

[0136] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up", "down" and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", "radially", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure. Similarly, the terms "inwardly," "outwardly" and "radially" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

[0137] Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and are within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer, said shoulder pads comprising: a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer; a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer; and an attachment mechanism configured to allow the rib protector to be removably connected to the base.

2. The shoulder pads of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a front member for protecting a sternum of the wearer and a back member for protecting part of a back of the wearer.

3. The shoulder pads of claim 2, wherein the rib protector comprises left and right chest protectors for protecting ribs on respective left and right sides of a chest of the wearer.

4. The shoulder pads of claim 3, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment element and a second attachment element configured to allow the left and right chest protectors to be removably connectable to first and second sides of the front member, respectively.

5. The shoulder pads of claim 4, wherein the first attachment element comprises a first part on the left chest protector and a second part on the first side of the front member, the first and second parts of the first attachment element being attachable to and detachable from one another.

6. The shoulder pads of claim 5, wherein the second attachment element comprises a first part on the right chest protector and a second part on the second side of the front member, the first and second parts of the second attachment element being attachable to and detachable from one another.

7. The shoulder pads of claim 6, wherein one of the first part and the second part of the first attachment element is a button and the other of the first part and the second part of the first attachment element is a slit through which the button passes.

8. The shoulder pads of claim 7, wherein when the button is elastically retained to the left chest protector.

9. The shoulder pads of claim 3, wherein the rib protector further comprises left and right back protectors for protecting ribs on respective left and right sides of a back of the wearer.

10. The shoulder pads of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment element and a second attachment element configured to allow the left and right back protectors to be removably connected to first and second sides of the back member, respectively.

11. The shoulder pads of claim 10, wherein the first attachment element comprises a first part on the left back protector and a second part on the first side of the back member, the first and second parts of the first attachment element being attachable to and detachable from one another.

12. The shoulder pads of claim 11, wherein the second attachment element comprises a first part on the right back protector and a second part on the second side of the back member, the first and second parts of the second attachment element being attachable to and detachable from one another.

13. The shoulder pads of claim 12, wherein one of the first part and the second part of the first attachment element is a button and the other of the first part and the second part of the first attachment element is a slit through which the button passes.

14. The shoulder pads of claim 13, wherein when the button is elastically retained to the left back protector.

15. The shoulder pads of claim 9, wherein the left chest protector and the left back protector are interchangeable and wherein the right chest protector and the right back protector are interchangeable.

16. The shoulder pads of claim 3, wherein the left and right chest protectors are padded with padding.

17. The shoulder pads of claim 16, wherein the padding comprises foam.

18. The shoulder pads of claim 16, wherein the left and right chest protectors are perforated.

19. The shoulder pads of claim 9, wherein the left and right back protectors are padded with padding.

20. The shoulder pads of claim 19, wherein the padding comprises foam.

21. The shoulder pads of claim 9, wherein the left and right back protectors are perforated.

22. The shoulder pads of claim 3, wherein the left chest protector extends to a back of the wearer and includes padding for protecting a left side of the back of the wearer, and wherein the right chest protector extends to the back of the wearer and includes padding for protecting a right side of the back of the wearer.

23. The shoulder pads of claim 2, wherein the front member and the back member are connected together by at least one adjustable arch.

24. The shoulder pads of claim 23, wherein the adjustable arch is affixed to one of the front member and the back member and is detachable from the other one of the front member and the back member.

25. The shoulder pads of claim 24, wherein the adjustable arch comprises a fastener and wherein the other of the front member and the back member comprises a complementary fastener.

26. The shoulder pads of claim 2, further comprising at least one adjustable strap attached to the front member and the back member and configured to surround a torso of the wearer.

27. The shoulder pads of claim 9, further comprising at least one rib strap connecting the left back protector to the right back protector.

28. The shoulder pads of claim 27, wherein the rib strap connects the left back protector to the right back protector irrespective of whether the left and right back protectors are attached to the back member of the base.

29. The shoulder pads of claim 1, further comprising a left arm protector and a right arm protector.

30. The shoulder pads of claim 2, further comprising a left shoulder protector and a right shoulder protector, the left and right shoulder protectors being connected to at least one of the front member and the back member of the base.

31. The shoulder pads of claim 2, further comprising a left shoulder protector and a right shoulder protector, the left and right shoulder protectors being detachably connected to at least one of the front member and the back member of the base.

32. The shoulder pads of claim 2, further comprising a left arm protector and a right arm protector, the left and right arm protectors being connected to at least one of the front member and the back member of the base.

33. The shoulder pads of claim 2, further comprising a left arm protector and a right arm protector, the left and right arm protectors being detachably connected to at least one of the front member and the back member of the base.

34. The shoulder pads of claim 3, further comprising a left arm protector and a right arm protector, the left arm protector being connected to the left chest protector and the right arm protector being connected to the right chest protector.

35. The shoulder pads of claim 2, wherein the front member is a front yoke and wherein the back member is a back yoke.

36. Protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer, said shoulder pads comprising: a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer; a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the rib protector to the base and configured to allow a position of the rib protector to be adjusted.

37. Protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer, said shoulder pads comprising: a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer; a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer; and an attachment mechanism that allows attachment of the rib protector to the base in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions.

38. Protective athletic shoulder pads comprising a protective base and at least one strap configured for adjusting a fit of the protective base around a rib cage of a wearer, the strap guided by at least one retaining element that is disposed on a protective element that is detachable from the protective base.

39. A protective athletic system comprising: shoulder pads comprising protective padding for protecting shoulders of a wearer; and an undergarment comprising protective padding; wherein the protective padding of the undergarment complements the protective padding of the shoulder pads, at least some of the protective padding of the shoulder pads being located on a protector that is detachable from the system.

40. The protective athletic system of claim 39, wherein the protective athletic system comprises an attachment mechanism for providing a connection of the undergarment to the shoulder pads.

41. The protective athletic system of claim 40, wherein said connection is a detachable connection.