Protective athletic equipment with layered segmented padding

Abstract

Protective equipment for providing impact protection for a wearer is provided. The protective equipment has a protective element connected together by a flexible connection member and a pad element overlapping the flexible connection member. This configuration improves the level of protection against impacts by providing pads in the areas associated with the connecting parts while still allowing flexibility of movement, but minimizing the overall volume of the pads of the equipment. The protective equipment may be used by various users, including those engaged in contact sports, such as hockey, rugby, long hockey, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of protective apparel, and more particularly to protective gear for providing impact protection to wearers engaging in contact sports such as hockey, football, lacrosse, and the like. Background Art

[0002] Athletes of contact sports need protective equipment with pads, such as shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, gloves, chest protectors, etc. The primary protection provided by wearing such equipment is usually provided by protective shaped foam panels, which are usually tied to the wearer's body to provide protection to specific areas of the wearer's body. The foam can be formed by methods such as molding or die cutting, and can be made of a variety of materials (e.g., sponge foam, hard foam, open-cell foam or closed-cell foam) and have various densities. Typically, these shaped rigid plates are connected by an elastic material in the middle to allow the wearer to bend and stretch the joints as needed without being constrained by the rigid protective pads. The elastic material in the middle allows the wearer to move and change body position while reducing the displacement of the pads during such movement.

[0003] However, unlike a shaped rigid foam sheet, the middle elastic material generally does not provide adequate protection from impact. Protective foam pads are generally not used in these middle areas of the equipment because foam does not stretch easily and therefore may interfere with movement if foam is used in these middle areas. Thus, there is generally a gap in protection, leaving the area of ​​the wearer's body beneath the middle elastic material vulnerable to impact.

[0004] Therefore, despite the progress made to date in the development of protective equipment for contact sports, there is still room for improvement to address the above-mentioned problems and shortcomings in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel protective equipment for providing impact protection to a wearer engaging in contact sports.

[0007] Thus, in one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a protective gear comprising a pad element configured to at least partially cover a flexible connecting member, wherein the flexible connecting member joins a first protective element to a second protective element.

[0008] In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a protective device comprising: (a) a first protective element connected to a second protective element by a flexible connection component, the first protective element having a first position and a second position relative to the second protective element, the flexible connection component allowing the first protective element to reversibly move from the first position to the second position; and (b) a pad element configured to at least partially overlap with the flexible connection component when the first protective element is in the first position or the second position.

[0009] Therefore, the inventors have developed a protective gear that provides protection for areas of the wearer's body that were previously more susceptible to impact when wearing conventional protective gear. The present protective gear provides impact protection for the joint area of ​​conventional protective gear by reducing the protection gap while allowing flexibility of movement and minimizing the bulk of the pad. The present protective gear can be applied to various contact sports, such as hockey, rugby, lacrosse, etc.

[0010] To the best of the inventors' knowledge, protective equipment having such a combination of features is hitherto unknown.

[0011] For those skilled in the art, other advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reading this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present protective equipment, which shows a front view of the protective equipment at rest (in a first position). Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing a front view of the protective equipment in a stretched (second) position.

[0014] 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present protective equipment when used to supplement the protective portion of a shin protector, showing (A) a front view of the inner layer of the shin protector, and (B) another view of the shin protector with the top layer removed. Figure 2C Shows the direction of the arrow as seen along Figure 2A A cross section of the protective equipment taken along line 2C-2C'.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present protective equipment when used to supplement the protective portion of an elbow pad, showing (A) a front view. Figure 3B Shows the direction of the arrow as seen along Figure 3A A cross section of the protective equipment taken along line 3B-3B'. Figure 3C A side view thereof is shown.

[0016] 4 is a schematic diagram of an abdominal pad protecting the present protective equipment, showing (A) a front view and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA', and (B) another front view in a stretched (second) position.

[0017] 5 is a schematic diagram of a hockey pant incorporating the present invention, showing (A) a side view, (B) another side view in a stretched position, and (C) a cross-sectional view taken along line CC'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention relates to protective equipment comprising a padding element which is configured to at least partially cover a flexible connecting part, wherein the flexible connecting part joins a first protective element to a second protective element.

[0019] The present invention also relates to protective equipment, which includes: (a) a first protective element, which is connected to a second protective element by a flexible connecting part, the first protective element having a first position and a second position relative to the second protective element, the flexible connecting part allowing the first protective element to reversibly move from the first position to the second position; and (b) a pad element, which is configured to at least partially overlap with the flexible connecting part when the first protective element is in the first position or the second position.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following exemplary information, which should not be used to limit or interpret the present invention.

[0021] Wearing the present protective equipment can reduce the likelihood of injury to the wearer's body due to external forces (preferably, external forces caused by objects or other people during contact sports such as hockey, football, lacrosse, etc.). The protective equipment can be configured to protect specific areas of the wearer's body, including but not limited to in the form of shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, gloves, chest protectors, etc.

[0022] 1 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the present protective equipment 100. The protective equipment 100 includes a first protective element 105, which is connected to a second protective element 110 via a flexible connection member 120. In this embodiment, the first protective element 105 and the second protective element 110 are also each connected to a third protective element 115 via a flexible connection member 120. In some embodiments, the first protective element is only connected to the second protective element, while in other embodiments, the first protective element is connected to three, four, five or more protective elements via one or more flexible connection members.

[0023] The protective elements 105, 110, 115 are generally rigid and may include any suitable material, including but not limited to molded foam, which may be made from a variety of materials (including sponge foam, low or high density polypropylene foam, hard foam, open cell foam or closed cell foam) and have various densities.

[0024] The protective elements 105, 110, 115 may be comprised of any suitable fabric, including but not limited to wicking fabrics, and optionally a stretchable or compressible material, such as a polyester fabric comprising spandex or LYCRA. TM ) fabric (not shown). The protective elements 105, 110, 115 can also be contained in a single shell with an outer cover (not shown), which can be made of nylon, GORE-TEX TM Or similar non-absorbent and waterproof, water-resistant protective material, which can be a natural material or a synthetic material.

[0025] The flexible connection member 120 may include any suitable flexible material, including but not limited to elastic fabric.

[0026] The flexible connection component allows the wearer to move and change the body position without being constrained by the rigid protective element. As shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the first protective element 105 has a first position relative to the second protective element 110 (eg, Figure 1A ) and a second position relative to the second protection element 110 (as depicted in Figure 1B ), whereby the flexible connection member 120 allows the first protection element 105 to reversibly move back and forth from the first position to the second position. As further depicted in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the first protection element 105 also has a first position relative to the third protection element 115 (eg Figure 1A ) and a second position relative to the third protection element 115 (as depicted in Figure 1B ), whereby the flexible connection member 120 allows the first protective element 105 to reversibly move back and forth from the first position to the second position.

[0027] like Figure 1B As can be seen in FIG. 1 , when the first protective element 105 is in the second position, if there is no other protection under the flexible connecting member 120, the protection for the wearer will be lacking. The protective equipment also includes a pad element (not shown in FIG. 1 ; see FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively). Figure 3B225, 325 in the figure), the pad element is configured to at least partially overlap with the flexible connecting member 120, so that when the first protective element 105 is moved from the first position to the second position, the pad element is used to supplement the protection of the wearer by providing padding in areas of the protective equipment not covered by the protective elements 105, 110 and 115.

[0028] In some embodiments, one end of the pad element 225, 325 is secured to the inner surface of the protective equipment (i.e., on the side of the protective equipment that is closer to the wearer's body) in an orientation that is consistent with the stretching direction of the flexible connecting member. In other embodiments, the pad element can be secured to the outer surface of the protective equipment. In other embodiments, the pad element 225, 325 can be attached to both the outer surface and the inner surface of the protective equipment, such as Figure 2C 20, 220, wherein stitching 250 applied perpendicular to the direction of stretch of the flexible connecting members 120, 220 connects the pad element 225 to both the outer surface and the inner surface. The pad element may be secured within the protective gear by stitching, adhesive, or some other means known in the art. Preferably, the pad element 225 is secured at only one end, such as Figure 2C As seen in FIG. 1 , the rest of the pad element 225 is positioned relative to the flexible connecting member 120 (not shown in FIG. 1 ; see FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively). Figure 3B Components 220, 320) in the apparatus float into place.

[0029] The pad element can include any suitable material, including but not limited to foam. For example, in some embodiments, the pad element includes irradiated cross-linked polyethylene (IXPE) foam, sponge foam, etc. In some embodiments, the pad element includes IXPE foam superimposed on sponge foam [not shown]. The pad element can use a variety of thicknesses, depending on the body part and surface area to be covered. The thickness is preferably between about 0.5 mm and 15 mm, more preferably about 5-10 mm. The pad element can also include vents to promote circulation.

[0030] 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present protective equipment 200. In this embodiment, the protective equipment is a shin guard; however, as described above, the protective equipment may be configured to protect any number of specific areas of the wearer's body.

[0031] like Figure 2A As shown, the protective equipment includes a first protective element 205, which is connected to a second protective element 210 via a flexible connecting member 220. Figure 2BAs shown, the protective gear 200 also includes a pad element 225 on its inner surface (i.e., the side of the protective gear closer to the wearer's body), which is located below the flexible connecting member 220. In other embodiments, the pad element can be fixed to the outer surface, or fixed to the inner and outer surfaces by being stitched.

[0032] The flexible connection member 220 can be made of an elastic material. Alternatively, the flexible connection member 220 can be made of a non-elastic folded pleated material. Those skilled in the art will be aware of the options for the material or structure of the flexible connection member 220 to achieve the desired flexibility.

[0033] This embodiment of the protective equipment is Figure 2C It is further shown in Figure 2C In the figure, the cross section of the protective equipment 200 is viewed along the direction of the arrow. Figure 2A The line 2C-2C' is intercepted. Figure 2C As can be seen in the figure, the cushion element 225 completely covers the flexible connecting member 220. In other embodiments, the cushion element 225 covers a partial cross-section of the flexible connecting member 220.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the pad element 225 is secured to the protective equipment only at the first end 225a, while the second end 225b of the pad element 225 remains unsecured. This allows the pad element 225 to float in place relative to the flexible connection member 220, so that when the first protective element 205 is reversibly moved from the first position to the second position relative to the second protective element 210, the pad element 225 continues to be located below the flexible connection member 220. In this way, protective coverage can be provided to the wearer even if the flexible connection member 220 is stretched.

[0035] like Figure 2C As shown, in some embodiments, the protective equipment also includes a liner 230 [see Figure 3B The liner 230 is disposed between the wearer's body and the pad element 225. The liner is useful for providing an intermediate layer between the pad element 225 and the user's body when the first protective element 205 moves from a first position to a second position and back relative to the second protective element 210. The liner can be made of a variety of materials (including polyester, LYCRA TM ), nylon, cotton or other similar materials).

[0036] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the protective equipment. In this embodiment, the protective equipment is an elbow pad 300.

[0037] like Figure 3AAs shown, the protective equipment includes a first protective element 305, which is connected to a second protective element 310 via a flexible connecting member 320. Figure 3B As shown, Figure 3B Shown is a cross-sectional view taken at line 3B-3B', the elbow pad 300 also includes an internally positioned pad element 325 located on its inner surface, which pad element 325 is only fixed to the protective equipment at a first end (not shown), while the second end 325b of the pad element 325 remains unfixed. Therefore, the pad element 325 floats in place relative to the flexible connecting member 320. In this embodiment, the pad element 325 can include a layered configuration, wherein, for example, an IXPE foam layer is superimposed on a sponge foam. In Figure 3D, a side view of the protective equipment is seen, showing the arrangement of the first protective element 305, the second protective element 310 and the flexible connecting member 320 in the complete elbow pad 300.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present protective equipment. In this embodiment, the protective equipment is an abdominal pad 400, which can be attached to the end of a waistband used with ice hockey pants.

[0039] like Figure 4A As shown, the protective equipment includes first protective elements 405 , each of which is connected to a second protective element 410 via a flexible connection member 420 . Figure 4A The abdominal pad 400 is shown "at rest" (ie, in its first position, not in a stretched form). Figure 4B The abdominal pad 400 is shown in a stretched form (second position) wherein the first guard elements 405 are subjected to a force to pull them in opposite directions relative to each other, thereby causing the flexible connecting members 420 to stretch. Figure 4C A cross-sectional view taken at line 4C-4C' is shown. Although not visible in this figure, beneath the flexible connecting member 420, the pad element may float in space, or may be secured at one end and free floating at the other end. In either embodiment, the pad element provides protection for the wearer beneath the flexible connecting member 420, providing additional protection for areas that were previously susceptible to impact due to the thin elastic material stretching above the body surface during actual wear. The internally positioned pad element may also not be secured at one end, but rather may be loosely placed beneath the flexible connecting member 420 and will remain in place due to the constrained nature of the internal layer.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present protective equipment. In this embodiment, the protective equipment is a pair of ice hockey pants 500 with protection for the waist and hips.

[0041] like Figure 5AAs shown, the protective equipment includes a first protective element 505 and a second protective element 510 connected by a flexible connection member 520 . Figure 5C A cross-sectional view taken at line 5C-5C' is shown. Figure 5A The pants 500 are shown "at rest" (ie, not in a stretched form, in a first position). Figure 5B The pants 500 are shown in a stretched form (second position) when worn by a user, wherein the first guard element 505 is displaced away from the second guard element 510 due to the presence of the wearer's buttocks when the pants 500 are worn. Figure 5B As shown, the pants 500 are worn over the hips causing the middle flexible connecting member 520 to stretch. Although not visible in this figure, beneath the flexible connecting member 520, the pad element may float in space, or may be fixed at one end while the other end floats freely. In either embodiment, the pad element provides protection for the wearer beneath the flexible connecting member 520, providing additional protection for the hips, which were previously more susceptible to impact due to the thin elastic material being stretched over the hips during actual wear.

[0042] Additional protective equipment having joint areas can also be constructed using the concepts of the present invention. For example, knee pads, goalie pads, and hockey gloves can also be formed using the pad elements to protect areas having flexible connecting components. The protective structure of the present invention is versatile and can be easily used in many types of clothing to provide impact protection.

[0043] Thus, an arrangement is provided for providing inner padding beneath a stretch region of a protective garment for sports, using an inner pad that may be free floating beneath the stretch region or may be fixed at one end so that the inner pad moves with the wearer but continues to cover the body part that is beneath the stretch region. Such arrangements are beneficial as they constitute an improvement to protective garments by providing additional padding that is unobtrusive and that may move with the wearer as required during actual sports or wear.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrative embodiments, the description is not intended to interpret the present invention in a limiting manner. Therefore, modifications of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this description.

Claims

1. A wearable protective device for protecting a user's body part, comprising: a. a first protective element for protecting the user from impact; b. a second protective element for protecting the user from impact; c. a flexible connecting member, engaging the first protective element and the second protective element; d. The first protective element has a first position and a second position relative to the second protective element, and the flexible connection member allows the first protective element to reversibly move from the first position to the second position; as well as e. A pad element configured to at least partially overlap the flexible connection member in the first position and the second position to protect the user from further impact.

2. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable protective equipment also includes an inner liner that faces the user's body when the wearable protective equipment is worn.

3. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The pad element is located between the protective element and the liner.

4. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The pad element completely overlaps the flexible connection member in the first position and in the second position.

5. The wearable protective equipment of claim 2, further comprising an outer cover positioned opposite the inner liner such that the protective element, the flexible connecting member, and the pad element are disposed between the outer cover and the inner liner.

6. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible connection component is made of elastic material or corrugated material.

7. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The pad element has a thickness of 0.5 to 15 mm.

8. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 7, wherein: The cushion element has a thickness of 5 to 10 mm.

9. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable protective equipment is a shin guard.

10. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable protective equipment is a pair of shoulder pads.

11. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable protective equipment is an elbow pad.

12. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable protective equipment is hockey pants.

13. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable protective equipment is gloves.

14. The wearable protective equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable protective equipment is a goalie pad.

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