Protective padding assembly for a sports apparel article

Abstract

A protective sports garment comprising including an article of clothing and at least a first pad assembly having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a pad area. The pad assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart cells coupled together by a plurality of linking members, and first and second regions. Each of the first and second regions extends over at least 25 percent of the pad area. The first region is formed of a first inner layer and a first outer layer, and the second region is formed of the first inner layer and does not include the first outer layer. The first inner and outer layers are formed of first and second materials having first and second durometer values measured on a hardness scale, respectively. The second durometer value is greater than the first durometer value. The inner surface of the pad assembly engages the article.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a sports apparel article including a padding assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to protective sports apparel incorporating one or more improved padding assemblies to enhance the protection, performance and comfort of the user.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Many sports require protective equipment including padding assemblies to help protect players from impacts and injury. Protective equipment can include a variety of external pads applied over the players clothing and / or uniform. Protective equipment pads are worn by players in a number of contact sports, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball and soccer. In recent years, sports apparel articles such as pants, shirts, shorts and sleeves have been configured to incorporate one or more protective pads. The padding can be attached directly to the inside or outside of the apparel article or placed within pockets on the apparel article. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a pad assembly for use with athletic apparel that includes a plurality of cells and linking members. The cells are formed of a first material and have an inner and outer surface. The linking members are formed of a second material and have first and second ends. The pad assembly has first and second regions that are formed of different materials and have different hardness values. The pad assembly can be attached to the athletic apparel to provide protection and comfort.

Problems solved by technology

Many sports apparel articles incorporating protective pads can be bulky, heavy, provide only limited flexibility, and inhibit breathability of the apparel article.

When such sport protective apparel articles are worn with external pads, the combination can be uncomfortable and unnecessarily inhibit the movement and flexibility of the user.

Some existing pads incorporated into apparel items provide only limited articulation or flexibility.

Such pad assemblies can offer insufficient support and protection from sharp impacts.

In some designs, the pouch or packet can be large enough to allow for bunching of some small pad and excessive separation of other pads leaving areas of the user's body unprotected and vulnerable to impacts.

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