U.S. patent application number 17/444241 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-27 for pads with three dimensional image element.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3DCALZ, LLC. Invention is credited to Brian Michael Gudalis.
Application Number | 20220022570 17/444241 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005887625 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220022570 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gudalis; Brian Michael |
January 27, 2022 |
PADS WITH THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGE ELEMENT
Abstract
A shin guard includes a protective plate having a front face and
a rear face. The rear face is contoured to fit around a shin of a
wearer of the shin guard. Further, the shin guard includes a three
dimensional image element carried on the front face. This image
element projects an image outline through a sock worn over the shin
guard. A sports pad is provided including an outer shell defining a
pocket and a pad received and held in the pocket. A three
dimensional image element is captured between said outer shell and
the front face of the pad. That image element projects an image
outline through the outer shell to enhance the uniform of the
player wearing the sports pad.
Inventors: |
Gudalis; Brian Michael;
(Lexington, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3DCALZ, LLC |
Lexington |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005887625 |
Appl. No.: |
17/444241 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15888866 |
Feb 5, 2018 |
11076647 |
|
|
17444241 |
|
|
|
|
15425870 |
Feb 6, 2017 |
|
|
|
15888866 |
|
|
|
|
14614936 |
Feb 5, 2015 |
|
|
|
15425870 |
|
|
|
|
14050439 |
Oct 10, 2013 |
|
|
|
14614936 |
|
|
|
|
14207981 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
9884240 |
|
|
15888866 |
|
|
|
|
14050439 |
Oct 10, 2013 |
|
|
|
14207981 |
|
|
|
|
61936988 |
Feb 7, 2014 |
|
|
|
61798583 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
61723177 |
Nov 6, 2012 |
|
|
|
61755208 |
Jan 22, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/125 20130101;
A41B 11/001 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A41D 13/0568 20130101;
A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A41D 13/0562 20130101; A41B 11/02
20130101; A63B 71/12 20130101; A41D 13/0543 20130101; A63B
2071/1258 20130101; A41D 13/0156 20130101; A63B 71/1225 20130101;
A41D 27/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05; A63B 71/12 20060101 A63B071/12; A41B 11/02 20060101
A41B011/02; A41B 11/00 20060101 A41B011/00; A41D 27/08 20060101
A41D027/08; A41D 13/015 20060101 A41D013/015 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method for ornamenting clothing, the method comprising:
attaching a three-dimensional image element to a protective pad,
wherein: the protective pad comprises an inner surface configured
to face toward a body part of a user and an outer surface
configured to face away from the body part, the three-dimensional
image element comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a
fastener positioned on the inner surface, and attaching the
three-dimensional image element to the protective pad comprises
attaching the fastener of the inner surface of the
three-dimensional image element to the outer surface of the
protective pad such that the three-dimensional image element is
carried on the protective pad and projects outwardly from the outer
surface of the protective pad; and positioning the protective pad
below at least one layer of fabric of an article of clothing worn
by the user such that the three-dimensional image element causes a
deformation of the at least one layer of fabric of the article of
clothing in a shape corresponding to the three-dimensional image
element.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises an
adhesive, and attaching the three-dimensional image element to the
protective pad comprises attaching the adhesive to the outer
surface of the protective pad.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and
loop fastener, and attaching the three-dimensional image element to
the protective pad comprises attaching the hook and loop fastener a
corresponding hook and loop fastener on the outer surface of the
protective pad.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional image
element comprises foam.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the foam comprises a closed cell
foam.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional image
element comprises a three-dimensional shape and a background sheet,
the background sheet comprising the inner surface of the
three-dimensional element.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional shape is
positioned on the background sheet such than an outer perimeter of
the background sheet is not covered by the three-dimensional
shape.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the
protective pad is larger than the inner surface of the
three-dimensional image element.
10. The method of claim 2, further comprising: attaching a
background sheet to the outer surface of the protective pad, and
wherein attaching the three-dimensional image element to the
protective pad comprises attaching the fastener of the inner
surface of the three-dimensional image element to the background
sheet that is attached to the outer surface of the protective pad
such that the three-dimensional image element is carried on the
protective pad, projects outwardly from the outer surface of the
protective pad, and the background sheet is positioned between the
protective pad and the three-dimensional image element.
11. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective pad is configured
to protect the body part of the user.
12. The method of claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional image
element is configured as a shape of a letter or number.
13. The method of claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional image
element is configured as a shape of entwined letters.
14. The method of claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional image
element is configured as a shape of a word.
15. The method of claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional image
element is configured as a shape of a mascot.
16. The method of claim 2, wherein the article of clothing
comprises sports pants.
17. The method of claim 2, wherein the article of clothing
comprises socks.
18. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective pad comprises a
shin guard.
19. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective pad comprises a
thigh pad.
20. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective pad comprises an
elbow pad.
21. The method of claim 2, wherein positioning the protective pad
below the at least one layer of fabric of an article of clothing
worn by the user comprises positioning the protective pad within a
pocket of the article of clothing.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/888,866, filed Feb. 5, 2018, which is a
continuation-in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/425,870, filed on Feb. 6, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/614,936, filed on Feb. 5, 2015,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/050,439, filed on Oct. 10, 2013, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/723,177, filed on
Nov. 6, 2012, and 61/755,208 filed on Jan. 22, 2013. Further, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/614,936 claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/936,988, filed on Feb.
7, 2014. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/207,981, filed on Mar. 13, 2014,
which is scheduled to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 9,884,240, on Feb. 6,
2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/050,439, filed on Oct. 10, 2013, which claims the
benefit of priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/723,177, filed on Nov. 6, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/755,208, filed on Jan. 22, 2013. Further,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/207,981 claims the benefit of
priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/798,583, filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The full disclosure of each of
these documents is incorporated herein by reference. Any and all
applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is
identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present
application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR
1.57.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This document relates generally to the sports equipment
field and, more particularly, to soccer shin guards and elbow and
knee pads including a three dimensional image element for
projecting a desired image outline.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Soccer players commonly wear shin guards in order to protect
their shins from contact during soccer practice and matches. This
document relates to a shin guard that incorporates a three
dimensional image element which projects an image outline of a
desired shape, such as a player number or team logo, that enhances
the team uniform.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with the purposes and benefits described
herein, a shin guard is provided. That shin guard comprises a
protective plate having a front face and a rear face. The rear face
is contoured to fit around the shin of a wearer of the shin guard.
Further, the shin guard includes a three dimensional image element
carried on the front face of the protective plate.
[0005] That image element may take on any desired shape. In one
possible embodiment, the image element is in the shape of a player
number. In another possible embodiment, the image element is in the
shape of a logo.
[0006] In one possible embodiment, the three dimensional image
element is tapered outwardly from a central area toward an outer
edge so that the central area projects a greater distance from the
front face than does the outer edge. For many images, this
contouring enhances the image produced by the image element through
a sock covering.
[0007] In one possible embodiment, the shin guard includes a
fastener for securing the protective plate to the shin of the
wearer. That fastener may take the form of a strap. That strap may
include a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the
fastener may take the form of a sleeve of elastic material.
[0008] In one possible embodiment, the shin guard further includes
an ankle pad depending from the protective plate so as to overlie
the ankle when the shin guard is being worn. In one possible
embodiment, the shin guard further includes a foot loop for
securing the shin guard around a foot below the protective
plate.
[0009] In one possible embodiment, the three dimensional image
element is a discrete body releasably attached to the front face of
the protective plate. Thus, for example, the three dimensional
image element may be attached to the front face by a hook and loop
fastener. In another possible embodiment, the three dimensional
image element is a discrete body secured to the front face by an
adhesive. In yet another possible embodiment, the three dimensional
image element is integrally formed as a permanent part of the
protective plate as a single piece construction.
[0010] In the following description, there are shown and described
several preferred embodiments of the shin guard. As it should be
realized, the shin guard is capable of other, different embodiments
and its several details are capable of modification in various,
obvious aspects all without departing from the shin guard as set
forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the
drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in
nature and not as restrictive.
[0011] In another aspect, a sports pad comprises an outer shell
defining a pocket and a pad received and held in the pocket. The
pad has a front face. A three dimensional image element is carried
on the front face of the pad. That image element projects an image
outline through the outer shell.
[0012] That image outline may take on any desired shape. In one
possible embodiment the image element is in the shape of a player
number. In another possible embodiment the image element is in the
shape of a logo.
[0013] In one possible embodiment the three dimensional image
element is provided on a background sheet. In one possible
embodiment the three dimensional image element is tapered outwardly
from a central area toward an outer edge so that the central area
projects a greater distance from the front face of the pad than
does the outer edge.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect, the pad further includes
a fastener for securing the pad to a limb of an individual wearing
the pad. In one possible embodiment the fastener is a partial or
full elastic sleeve. In another possible embodiment the fastener
includes at least one elongated strap and a cooperating hook and
loop fastening device. In one possible embodiment the pad is
configured to protect and be worn over a knee. In another possible
embodiment the pad is configured to protect and be worn over an
elbow.
[0015] In one possible embodiment the outer shell is a first color
and the three dimensional image element is a second color. In one
possible embodiment the first and second colors contrast. In
another possible embodiment the three dimensional image element is
provided on a background sheet and the three dimensional image
element is a first color, the background sheet is a second color
and the outer shell is a third color. In one possible embodiment
the first, second and third colors are all different. In another
possible embodiment the second and third colors are the same and
the first color is different. In another possible embodiment the
first and third colors are the same and the second color is
different.
[0016] In yet another possible embodiment the three dimensional
image element and the front face are different colors. In yet
another possible embodiment the three dimensional image element and
the front face are the same color.
[0017] In accordance with an additional aspect a method of
promoting a sports team is provided. That method comprises
equipping a player on the sports team with a sports pad including a
three dimensional image element that projects an image outline of a
logo. In one embodiment that method further includes wearing the
pad on a knee. In another embodiment that method further includes
wearing the pad on an elbow.
[0018] These and other embodiments will be set forth in the
description which follows and in part will become apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following
description and drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0019] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and
forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of
the shin guards and sports pads and together with the description
serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawing
figures:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a shin guard including
the protective plate and a three dimensional image element carried
on the front face of the protective plate.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one possible embodiment of the
shin guard showing how the protective plate is contoured to fit
around the shin of a wearer and further showing a strap with
optional hook and loop fastener extending around the calf and
fastening the shin guard over the shin of the wearer.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 2 but showing an
alternative embodiment incorporating an elastic sleeve fastener
instead of the strap.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment
of the shin guard including a protective plate, an elastic sleeve,
an ankle pad and a foot loop for securing the shin guard at the
bottom to the foot of the wearer.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the tapering of a
three dimensional image element from an area of greatest height or
thickness at a central portion thereof to an area of the lowest
height or thickness at an outer edge thereof.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sports pad including
an outer shell defining a pocket, a pad received and held in the
pocket and a three dimensional image element carried on the front
face of the pad so that the image element projects an image outline
through the outer shell.
[0026] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the three
dimensional image element on the pad.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the three dimensional
image element connected to the pad.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the tapering of
the three dimensional element from an area of greatest height or
width at a central portion thereof to an area of lowest height or
width at an outer edge thereof.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sports pad secured to a
knee of an individual.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sports pad secured to
an elbow of an individual.
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the shin guard, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Sports enthusiasts including, for example, soccer and
volleyball players, commonly wear padding on their shins, elbows,
and knees in order to protect their shins, elbows and knees from
contact with hard surfaces such. This document relates to sports
pads for shins, knees, and elbows that incorporate a three
dimensional image element which projects an image outline of a
desired shape such as a player number or team logo that enhances
the team uniform.
[0033] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 illustrating a first
embodiment of a shin guard 10. As illustrated, the shin guard 10
includes a protective plate 12 and a three dimensional image
element 14 carried on the front face 16 of the protective plate.
The protective plate 12 may comprise, for example, a molded piece
of high strength plastic material.
[0034] As illustrated in the FIG. 2 embodiment, the shin guard 10
is worn to protect the shin S of a player from contact injury.
Toward this end, the rear face 18 of the protective plate 12 is
contoured to fit around the shin S of the wearer. The protective
plate 12 is secured overlying the shin S by a strap 20 that is
connected at its ends to opposite sides of the protective plate 12
and extends around behind the calf C of the wearer. In the
illustrated embodiment, the strap 20 includes an adjustable hook
and loop fastener 22. In other embodiments, the strap 20 may simply
be a continuous strap of elastic material.
[0035] In the embodiment of shin guard 10 illustrated in FIG. 3,
the protective plate 12 is held in proper position overlying the
shin S by means of a sleeve 24 of elastic material. As should be
appreciated, that sleeve 24 extends continuously around the calf C
from each side of the protective plate 12. In this embodiment, the
shin guard 10 is pulled on over the foot like a sock.
[0036] In the embodiment of shin guard 10 illustrated in FIG. 4,
the protective plate 12 is held in position over the shin S by an
elastic sleeve 24 just as illustrated in FIG. 3. In addition, the
shin guard 10 includes an ankle pad 26 depending downwardly towards
the foot from the protective plate 12 and sleeve 24. In addition,
an elastic foot loop 28 extends from the ankle pad 26 around the
foot F of the wearer. An athletic sock AS overlies the shin guard
10 and the image element 14 forms an image outline 25 in the
sock.
[0037] As should be appreciated, all of the embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 1-4 include the three dimensional image element 14. The
three dimensional image element 14 may be a discrete body that is
releasably attached to the front face 16 of the protective plate
12. Thus, the image element 14 may be attached to the front face 16
by means of, for example, a hook and loop fastener. Such a
connection allows one to change the image element 14 at any desired
time from, for example, a player number to a team logo. In an
alternative embodiment, the discrete image element 14 may be more
permanently attached to the front face 16 of the protective plate
12 by means of an appropriate adhesive. In yet another possible
embodiment, the three dimensional image element 14 is integrally
formed as a permanent part of the protective plate 12 as a single
piece construction. This could be done by molding or other
means.
[0038] In any of the embodiments, the three dimensional image
element 14 may take the shape and form of any desired image
including, but not limited to, a player's number and a logo. For
purposes of this document, the term "logo" refers to letters,
words, numbers, names, trademarks, mascots, images, stripes,
designs and other three dimensional shapes that may commonly
identify or are used by athletic teams, athletes and
individuals.
[0039] The three dimensional image element 14 may be solid, hollow,
an outline or a combination. For example, to form a "shamrock"
logo, the shape of the shamrock may be cut out of a 3 mm thick
piece of foam. The cut out shamrock could be pulled from the foam
and adhered to the protective plate 12. The resulting image outline
produced by the image element 14 in an overlying athletic sock AS
would appear as a solid shamrock. In addition, the outline of the
shamrock that remains in the foam can be used to show the image
outline of a shamrock but instead of it being full, it is an
outline of a shamrock or a hollow three dimensional image.
Obviously, different widths and colors of foam may be utilized to
create varying images, shadows and appearances including complex
images such as an American flag.
[0040] For some images, the three dimensional image element is the
same thickness throughout. However, the depth of the three
dimensional image element may be manipulated to give the image
outline more or less detail and definition when it projects through
the exposed fabric area overlying the image element. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 5, while a three dimensional image element
14 of a "O" can be seen as a "O" if the entire "O" is 3 mm thick,
forming the inside line L.sub.1 of the "O" slightly higher than the
outside line L.sub.2 to create a sloped face F allows the inner
circle of the "O" to show differently/more prominently and this can
give it a different detail when it is seen through the clothing
covering the image element. Further there are various ways to
manipulate an "O" to make it appear differently while ensuring that
it is an "O". For example it can be made a perfect circle or an
oval. It can be made flat versus wavy. It can be made using only
the outlines of the inside and outside circles. For some images,
but not all, the inside lines must be made slightly higher than
those on the outside in order for the details to show through the
sock covering the image element 14. Also using rounded edges can
help give definition. For example an American flag can be made by
rounding the red strips of the flag, omitting the white stripes,
making the blue a rectangle with square edges and adding slightly
raised dots for the stars. This is an example of how different
processes and shaping can be used to form a three dimension image
element 14 that provides the desired image outline projecting
through the exposed fabric area of the sock covering the
element.
[0041] The three dimensional image element 14 may be made from a
number of different materials including, but not limited to foams,
high density synthetic materials, foam rubbers and plastics.
Particularly useful foam materials include polyethylene foam,
polypropylene foam and PVC foam. Regardless of the chemical makeup
it is preferred that the foam be a "closed cell" foam. In some
instances the three dimensional image element 14 is made from the
same material as the protective plate 12 to which it is attached so
that it may be used in athletic events without increasing any risk
in injury. In fact, as previously noted, the image element 14 may
even be molded with the plate 12 so that the two form a unitary
construction.
[0042] As should be appreciated, the three dimensional image
element 14 may be punched or cut from a sheet of foam as previously
described. Alternatively, the three dimensional image element 14
may be molded in a mold. The production operation utilized depends
on the material being formed into an image and the intended use of
the image. Logos, like college logos, mascots or trademarks could
be punched or cutout from the foam. Logos such as single or
entwined letters like an "S", "OU", "NC", "ND", "UK", "3C", etc.
show through and produce the desired image whether they are solid
letters, outlined letters or a combination of both. Logo images
such as an eagle and cat's paw may also be easily produced.
[0043] Images or logos formed in molds may be given additional
detail in certain areas that is not possible with a simple punching
operation. For example, molds may help when forming rounded
portions, edges and crevices. This allows the three dimensional
image element 14 to produce an image outline that is often times
significantly more detailed in appearance from a simple punched
image. Forming the image in a mold may help give varying depths
within the same image so as to make it look more realistic and
provide a desired hologram-like affect to the image outline.
[0044] It should also be appreciated that the three dimensional
image element 14 may be made in multiple sizes. Obviously, they can
also be made of different colors depending on the desired effect.
Only a portion of the entire three dimensional image element 14 may
include one or more colors to enhance the image as it projects or
appears through the exposed fabric area overlying the image
element.
[0045] Color may be used to enhance the three dimensional effect
and the produced image outline. In one possible embodiment, the
sock AS worn over the image element 14 is a first color and the
three dimensional image element is a second, contrasting color. In
one particularly useful embodiment the sock is white or other
relatively light color while the three dimensional image element 14
is a darker, contrasting color. This contrasting color arrangement
has a tendency to enhance the 3D or holographic effect provided to
the image outline 25 visible in the sock AS.
[0046] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6-9 illustrating a sports pad
110 including an outer shell 112 that defines a pocket 114 for
receiving and holding a pad 116. A three dimensional image element
118 is captured between the pad 116 and the part of the shell 112
forming the pocket 114. In the illustrated embodiment the image
element 118 is carried on the front face 120 of the pad 116.
[0047] As should be appreciated, the three dimensional image
element 118 projects an image outline 122 through the outer shell
112 which is made from a fabric material commonly employed in the
construction of knee and elbow pads. More specifically, the portion
115 of the outer shell 112 overlying and engaging the image element
118 conforms to the shape of the image element. That image outline
122 may take the shape and form of any desirable image including,
but not limited to, a player number and a logo. For purposes of
this document, the term "logo" refers to letters, words, numbers,
names, trademarks, mascots, images, stripes, designs and other
three dimensional shapes that may commonly identify or be used by
athletic teams, athletes and individuals.
[0048] In one possible embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the pocket
114 may be opened or closed by means of a flap 126. When the flap
126 is open, the pad 116 may be removed from the pocket 114 for
cleaning or to change or reposition the element 118 on the front
face 120 of the pad 116. The pad 116, with the three dimensional
element 118 in its proper position, may then be replaced in the
pocket 114. The flap 126 is then folded over the top of the pad 116
and secured by hook and loop fastener 128 or other similar means to
the outer shell 112 at the rear of the pad thereby closing the
pocket 114 and securing the pad in position. It should be noted
that the illustrated flap 126 is only one possible way of opening
and closing a pocket 114 to hold the pad 116 and that the general
concept of a sealable pocket is not to be considered as limited
thereto.
[0049] As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the three dimensional
image element 118 is secured to the front face 120 of the pad 116
by means of a fastener 129, such as a layer of adhesive or a hook
and loop fastener system such as sold under the trademark VELCRO.
The image 118 may include a three dimensional logo 130 alone or a
combination of a logo 130 and background sheet 132 (note additional
fastener 131) as illustrated that is mounted directly to the front
face 120 of the pad 116. FIG. 8 illustrates a combined logo 130 and
background sheet 132 secured in position on the front face 120 of a
pad 116.
[0050] The three dimensional image element 118 may be solid,
hollow, an outline or a combination. For example, to form a
"shamrock" logo the shape of the shamrock may be cut out of a 3 mm
thick piece of foam. The cutout shamrock could be pulled from the
foam and adhered to the pad 116. The resulting image outline 122
would appear as a solid shamrock. In addition, the outline of the
shamrock that remains in the foam can then be used to show the
image outline 122 of a shamrock but instead of it being full, it is
an outline of a shamrock or a hollow three dimensional image.
Obviously different widths and colors of foam may be utilized to
create varying images, shadows and appearances including complex
images such as an American flag.
[0051] For some images the logo 130 of the three dimensional image
element 118 is the same thickness throughout. However, the depth of
the logo 130 may be manipulated to give the image outline 122 more
or less detail and definition when it projects through the exposed
fabric area of the outer shell 112. For example, while a three
dimensional image element 118 of a "O" can be seen as a "O" if the
entire "O" is 3 mm thick, forming the inside line L.sub.1 of the
"O" slightly higher than the outside line L.sub.2 to create a
sloped face F allows the inner circle of the "O" to show
differently and this can give it a different detail when it is seen
through the clothing or outer shell covering 12 (See FIG. 9).
Further there are various ways to manipulate an "O" to make it
appear differently while ensuring that it is an "O". For example it
can be made a perfect circle or an oval. It can be made flat versus
wavy. It can be made using only the outlines of the inside and
outside circles. For some images, but not all, the inside lines
must be made slightly higher than those on the outside in order for
the details to show through the outer shell 112. Also using rounded
edges can help give definition. For example an American flag can be
made by rounding the red strips of the flag, omitting the white
stripes, making the blue a rectangle with square edges and adding
slightly raised dots for the stars. This is an example of how
different processes and shaping can be used to form a three
dimension image element 18 that provides the desired image outline
122 projecting through the exposed fabric area of the outer shell
112.
[0052] The three dimensional image element 118 may be made from a
number of different materials including, but not limited to foams,
high density synthetic materials, foam rubbers and plastics.
Particularly useful foam materials include polyethylene foam,
polypropylene foam and PVC foam. Regardless of the chemical makeup
it is preferred that the foam be a "closed cell" foam. In many
instances the three dimensional image element 118 is made from the
same material as the pad 110 to which it is attached so that it may
be used in athletic events without increasing any risk in injury.
In fact, the image element 18 may even be molded into the pad
116.
[0053] As should be appreciated the three dimensional image element
118 may be punched or cut from a sheet of foam as previously
described. Alternatively, the three dimensional image element 118
may be molded in a mold. The production operation utilized depends
on the material being formed into an image and the intended use of
the image. Logos 130, like college logos, mascots or trademarks
could be punched or cutout from the foam. Logos 130 such as single
or entwined letters like an "S", "OU", "NC", "ND", "UK", "3C", etc.
show through and produce the desired image 122 whether they are
solid letters, outlined letters or a combination of both. Logo
images 122 such as an eagle and cat's paw may also be easily
produced.
[0054] Images or logos 130 formed in molds may be given additional
detail in certain areas that is not possible with a simple punching
operation. For example, molds may help when forming rounded
portions, edges and crevices. This allows the three dimensional
image element 118 to produce an image outline 122 that is often
times significantly more detailed in appearance from a simple
punched image. Forming the image in a mold may help give varying
depths within the same image so as to make it look more realistic
and provide a desired hologram-like affect to the image outline
122.
[0055] It should also be appreciated that the three dimensional
image element 118 may be made in multiple sizes to fit different
sized items. For example, a three dimensional image element 118 of
an eagle could be 12.7 cm wide to fit across a knee pad or 10.0 cm
wide to fit on a smaller elbow pad. Obviously, they can also be
made of different colors depending on the desired effect. Only a
portion of the entire three dimensional image element 118 may
include one or more colors to enhance the image as it projects or
appears through the exposed fabric area of the outer shell 112
overlying the image element.
[0056] Color may be used to enhance the three dimensional effect
and the produced image outline 122. In one possible embodiment the
outer shell 112 is a first color and the three dimensional image
element 118 is a second, contrasting color. In one particularly
useful embodiment the outer shell is white or other relatively
light color while the three dimensional image element 118 is a
darker, contrasting color. Where the three dimensional image
element 118 includes a logo 130 provided on a background sheet 132,
the three dimensional image element may be provided in a first
color, the background sheet in a second color and the outer shell
in a third color. In one possible embodiment all three colors are
different in order to contrast and set forth a particular image
outline 122. In another possible embodiment the second and third
colors of the background sheet 132 and outer shell 112 are one
color while the first color of the image element 118 is different.
Often, the image element 118 is provided in a darker color which in
some embodiments has a tendency to show through the lighter,
covering color of the outer shell 112 thereby enhancing the 3D or
holographic effect provided to the image outline 122. In yet
another possible embodiment the first and third colors of the image
element 118 and outer shell 112 are the same while the color of the
front face 120 of the pad 116 is different.
[0057] As best illustrated in FIGS. 6, 10 and 11, the sports pad
110 further includes a fastener for securing the pad 110 to a limb
of an individual. As illustrated in FIG. 6, that fastener 140
comprises a partial or full elastic sleeve. Where the pad 110 is
configured, sized or molded to a shape to protect and be worn over
a knee, an individual inserts his foot through the fastening sleeve
140 and pulls the pad up in position so that the pad 110 with the
3D image 118 overlies the front of the knee with the elastic sleeve
140 securing the pad in position by wrapping around the back of the
knee (see FIG. 10).
[0058] In an alternative embodiment the fastener 140 comprises one
or more straps 142 with cooperating hook and loop fasteners 144.
Where the pad 110 is configured to protect and be worn over an
elbow, the pad 116 is positioned over the elbow and the straps 142
are secured with the hook and loop fasteners 144 over the arm on
opposite sides of the elbow to hold the straps 142 and sports pad
110 in position with the image outline1 22 projecting outwardly
from the elbow.
[0059] In accordance with an additional aspect, a method of
promoting a sports team is provided. That method includes equipping
a player on the sports team with a sports pad 110 that includes the
three dimensional image element 118 that projects an image outline
122 of a logo, such as a team logo 130, in a desired manner. As
indicated above, that logo 130 may be displayed by wearing the pad
110 over a knee and/or over an elbow as desired.
[0060] The foregoing has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. For example, forearm pads and football helmet chin
straps may also be provided and are consistent with the teachings
presented in this document. All such modifications and variations
are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in
accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and
equitably entitled.
* * * * *