Strapping system for sports equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a strapping system for a wearable protective sports garment for a sports player, the strapping system comprising at least one strap for partially or fully encircling the body part of the player and reversibly securing the garment. The garment may comprise an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the strap is located at least partially under said outer layer, said strap further comprising a first end portion permanently affixed to the garment and a second end portion configured to be releasably coupled to the garment or to said strap itself. The garment may also comprise at least one contractible cut-out opening having first and second side edge portions capable of moving from a first position to a second position. The invention also provides a strapping system for a protective shoulder pad assembly, the protective shoulder pad assembly comprising at least front and rear protective elements for providing impact protection for the upper body of a user, wherein the strapping system comprises a V-shaped strap for reversibly joining the front and rear protective elements.

Description

Strapping System for Sports EquipmentFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of protective sports apparel and more particularly to strapping systems for protective equipment for sports players, having a primary strap that wraps around the entire limb or body part to fasten the protective equipment more securely and evenly to the limb or body part.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to strapping systems for protective sports equipment with a primary strap that wraps around the entire limb or body part to which it is securing the protective equipment, and which may be partially encased within the protective equipment. The strapping system allows protective equipment to be fastened more securely, evenly, and with improved fit.

[0003] Players in high-impact sports, including ice hockey, football, lacrosse, and soccer, have a need for padded protective gear, such as shin guards, shoulder pads, and elbow pads to reduce and prevent injury. Standard strapping systems simply close the gap between two edges of an item of protective gear. For example, strapping systems for shin guards are most commonly constructed with one or more straps that are fixed to one side of the shin guard and wrap across the back of the player’s leg with a short strap or tab to secure the shin guard to the leg. Similarly, strapping systems for elbow pads are constructed such that one or more straps are fixed to the sides of the elbow pad and wrap partially around the player’s upper arm and forearm.

[0004] The design of standard strapping systems for protective gear including shin guards and elbow pads are often made using hook and loop closures, but the typical fastening configurations as described above are often not sufficiently strong and secure to provide a good fit. As well, such straps are prone to becoming dislodged in the event of a heavy impact. Shifting or sliding of protective gear due to inadequate securement or poorfitting limits the protection provided by such gear. It would be beneficial if strapping systems could be designed in a more integrated fashion to more evenly secure and better immobilize protective gear to a player’s body part.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved strapping systems for protective gear for sports players, such as hockey players, that are convenient to wear and allow for a more even and secure fitting of the protective gear to the player’s body part.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] These needs are addressed by the strapping systems of the present invention which provide a more even and secure fitting of protective equipment to a sports player’s limb or body part. In one aspect, an improved fastening system for a wearable protective sports garment is provided.

[0007] Protective sports garments are configured to wrap at least partially around a portion of a body of a user which is prone to impacts during active play of the sport. For example, protective gear for hockey is available for protecting the front parts of the knee and shin (shin guards), the shoulders and upper torso (commonly called shoulder pads), and elbows (elbow pads). Such protective gear is usually multi-layered, incorporating one or more layers of padding on the inside as well as a rigid protective shell on the outer surfaces. As mentioned above, such gear has typically been attached to the relevant body part by short straps that connect around the rear part of the body part, opposite the protective surface.

[0008] As described herein, the inventors have created improvements in the primary fastening straps associated with such protective gear. The strapping of the invention is configured to traverse the front (protective) side of the gear through a channel provided within or between the aforementioned layers before becoming fastened at a connection point. Thus, the strap is connected to securely affix the protective gear and to provide a circumferential connection. This structure provides for a superior means of connecting and fitting the protective gear to the body part, and also better distributes pressure along the entire length of the strap to allow for a secure fit.

[0009] Some embodiments of protective gear incorporating the strap of the invention, such as shin guards, may also comprise one or more protective layers with at least one cut-out oriented towards the protective face of the gear. The cut-out is configured to be contractible along a portion of the garment upon application of pressure by the strap which is installed above the cut-out. This additional feature provides further opportunity for superior fitting and securement of the protective gear.

[0010] The strapping system therefore comprises at least one strap for encircling the portion of the body of the user and reversibly attaching the garment to the portion of the body, the at least one strap being configured to extend across the at least one cut-out (where present) when encircling the portion of the body, facilitating the first and second side edge portions of the cut-out to reversibly move from a first position to a second position.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one cut-out, where present, is configured to contract such that the first and second edge portions are brought into proximity when the at least one strap extends across the cut-out and encircles the portion of the body of the user.

[0012] The garment comprises an exterior surface, an interior surface, and at least one peripheral edge connected to the at least one fastening strip. Preferably, the garment further comprises at least one outer rigid shield for providing impact protection for the portion of the body of the user.

[0013] Preferably, the strapping system has a first end portion configured to be integral with or permanently affixed to the at least one peripheral edge of the garment, and a second end portion configured to be releasably coupled to a complementary surface on the peripheral edge or on the strap, so as to create a circumferential or near-circumferential fastening mechanism. The at least one fastening strip may comprise clips, hook and loop fasteners, or snap fasteners. In a further aspect, the garment is a shin guard, or elbow pad. The user may be any person seeking protection from physical impacts, such as an ice hockey player, ball hockey player, field hockey player, lacrosse player, baseball player, cricket player, soccer player, or football player.

[0014] In another aspect, a strapping system for a protective shoulder pad assembly is provided, the shoulder pad assembly comprising padding for the shoulders as well as front and rear panels which may include further padding for providing additional impact protection for the upper back and chest of a user. The strapping system comprises an upside-down V-shaped strap connected by its apex to a central region back panel of the shoulder pad assembly, for releasably connecting to complementary surfaces located on the front panel, thereby creating a circumferential connection around the torso.

[0015] In particular, the V-shaped strap is preferably affixed to a back portion of the shoulder pad assembly, oriented upside down and affixed by the apex of the V, and is made of a stretchable material, which may comprise spandex, nylon, or a blend of synthetic fibers and stretchable fibers. The two end portions of the V are adapted to mate with corresponding end portions connected to the bottom of a front portion of the shoulder pad assembly at chest level. Each of the two end portions extends downward and releasably attaches to one of the two opposing side ends of the front protective element by a fastening means when the V-shaped strap joins the front and rear portions. When so fitted, the strap provides downward pressure on the shoulder pads to provide superior fit to the body. The fastening means is adjustable so that the user may fix the straps to make the shoulder pad assembly fit as tightly as desired. The fastening means may comprise clips, hook and loop fasteners, or snap fasteners.

[0016] These and other aspects of the invention are described herein by reference to the description and figures as follows.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will now be better understood with reference to the description and to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIG. 1A is a left side view of an elbow pad incorporating the strap of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 1 B is a schematic of an embodiment of FIG. 1A illustrating a flattened view of a layer of the elbow pad, showing the strap in an unstretched state.

[0020] FIG. 2A is a back view of a shin guard incorporating the strap of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 2B is a flattened view of an internal layer of the shin guard of FIG. 2A, showing the strap of the invention in an unstretched state.

[0022] FIG. 2C is a schematic of an embodiment of FIG. 2B illustrating the strap in a stretched state.

[0023] FIG. 2D shows a front view of the shin guard of FIG. 2A.

[0024] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a shoulder pad assembly.

[0025] FIG. 3B is a back view of the shoulder pad assembly of FIG. 3A, in which the strapping system is in an unstretched state.

[0026] FIG. 30 is an embodiment of a back panel of the shoulder pad assembly of FIG. 3A, illustrating the V-shaped strap in association with a protective shield.

[0027] FIG. 3D is an isolated front view of the V-shaped strap of the present strapping system for a shoulder pad assembly of FIG. 30.

[0028] In these figures, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to define the limits of the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances details may have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to these drawings, it will be appreciated that the invention can be implemented in a range of different sports for a range of different sports players. These embodiments are given by way of example only.

[0030] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 A shows a side view of an embodiment of the present strapping system for an adjustable elbow pad 200. In this view, the adjustable elbow pad 200 comprises an upper arm portion 220, an elbow portion 240, a rigid elbow shield 242 connected to the top of the elbow portion 240, and a forearm portion 260. Elbow pad 200 is configured to nestle the elbow of a player for providing protection thereto. The elbow pad can be constructed so that the upper arm portion 220, elbow portion 240, and / or the forearm portion 260 are integral and contiguous with one another, or they may be separately constructed and then connected with flexible joints to allow better range of motion. The upper arm portion 220, elbow portion 240, and forearm portion 260 can be made using EVA foam or other types of foams, gels, thermoplastic materials, and the like. The adjustable elbow pad 200 may optionally have one or more interior surfaces which may also be padded and comprise any suitable fabric, most preferably a moisture-wicking fabric, and optionally a stretchable or compression material, such fabrics containing spandex fibers or LYCRA™.

[0031] The upper arm portion 220 engages an upper arm of a player and comprises an upper arm pad 222 configured to wrap around the tricep area of the upper arm, as well as a first strap 230 for fastening said upper arm portion 220. The first strap 230 may be fastenable by any known means, such as VELCRO™ located on the end of first strap 230 for fastening to a complementary surface on the opposite edge of upper arm portion 220 (not visible in this view.)

[0032] Elbow portion 240 may include the aforementioned rigid elbow shield 242, as well as a second strap 246 extending from one edge of elbow shield 242 and connectable to the opposite edge of elbow shield 242 by reversible fastening means, similar to that described for first strap 230.

[0033] The invention is embodied in the configuration of the forearm strap 268, associated with the forearm portion 260. Forearm strap 268 has a forearm strap first end 270 which is permanently affixed to an edge of the elbow portion (not visible in FIG. 1A; best seen in FIG. 1 B). Forearm strap 268 also includes forearm strap second end 272, and is constructed in this embodiment from an elastomeric material. Forearm strap 268 is installed within a channel 267, seen in partial view in FIG. 1A, and best seen in FIG. 1 B. Channel 267 allows the non-attached portion of forearm strap 268 to slide therein as it is pulled and fastened by the user. Forearm strap 268 emerges from channel 267 at forearm first side end portion 264. Forearm second side end portion 266 is not visible in FIG. 1A, but can be seen in FIG. 1 B.

[0034] FIG. 1 B shows an interior padded layer 290 which forms part of the elbow pad 200 seen in FIG. 1A. Upper arm portion 220 is not shown in FIG. 1 B; rather this figure is limited to the elbow portion 240 and forearm portion 260. Also featured is a cutout 244 which, when assembled as part of an elbow pad 200, provides a cavity for the player’s elbow that lies deeper than the padded surface of the interior padded layer 290.

[0035] Also better visible in FIG. 1 B is the channel 267 in which the third strap 268 is internally and permanently fastened at edge 270. In this embodiment, the channel 267 runs internally within interior padded layer 290. The upper surface 295 of forearm portion 260 includes a fastenable surface, such as one constructed of Velcro, which may mate with end 272 located on forearm strap 268. Other embodiments are possible. For instance, instead of internal channel 267, forearm strap 268 may run between interior padded layer 290 and an outer shell or outer protective surface. As well, while the invention is shown embodied only in forearm strap 268 in this version of an elbow pad, the invention could also be applied to first strap 230 or second strap 246. Many such variations are possible and in the purview of the skilled person.

[0036] When forearm strap 268 is in an unstretched or resting state, the second end portion 272 is free, as can be seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B. When forearm strap 268 is in the stretched state, the second end portion 272 can be reversibly attached by pressure to the opposing “loop” surface of the fastening strip on the exterior surface of second sideend portion 266 of the forearm portion 260 allowing it to be adjustably mounted and securely fitted to the player’s forearm.

[0037] Straps associated with a forearm portion of an elbow pad tend to be more exposed to impact during active play than the straps associated with the elbow portion or the upper arm, and are therefore more likely to become dislodged or un-fastened following receipt of heavy impacts. It is therefore particularly beneficial to have forearm strap 268 installed in this location. Forearm strap 268 provides additional benefits over first strap 230 and second strap 246, as forearm strap 268 provides a circumferential connection around the forearm, distributing pressure more evenly around the limb, and allowing for a tighter, more secure, customized fit.

[0038] Each of straps 230, 246, 268 may be made of a stretchable material, such as spandex, nylon, or a blend of synthetic fibers and stretchable fibers.

[0039] The invention may also be employed in other types of protective gear. FIG. 2A shows a back view of protective gear incorporating the strapping system of the present invention, in the form of an adjustable shin guard 100. The shin guard 100 comprises a knee portion 199 connected to a shin portion 198 (visible in FIG. 2D) and in this embodiment is constructed of three protective layers. Inner layer 131 is a padded layer which incorporates a cutout 191 to accommodate a player’s kneecap. Optionally, inner layer 131 may also incorporate a slot 192 which is cut out, and may be contiguous with cutout 191. Inner layer 131 has a surface for facing the leg of the player, comprising any suitable fabric, most preferably a moisture-wicking fabric, and optionally a stretchable or compression material, such as fabrics containing spandex fibers or LYCRA™.

[0040] Inner layer 131 may be removably or permanently connected to a further padded middle layer 121, which includes flaps 140 and 160 (best seen in FIG. 2B and 2C) at its lateral edges for partially enveloping the leg. Middle layer 121 may also include a padded top cap 193 for protecting the area of the thigh just above the knee.

[0041] Outer layer 194 is located at the front side of the shin guard 100, and may be permanently attached to middle layer 121. Outer layer 194 provides a further protectivelayer, and is typically constructed of durable, impact-resistant polymers or other similar materials providing good protection against impacts during active games.

[0042] First strap 190, connected in this embodiment to middle layer 121 , is configured to connect an upper portion of shin guard 100 to the leg. It is outfitted with standard closures such as hook and loop closures, buckles, or snaps, preferably hook and loop closures.

[0043] Shin strap 180 utilizes the elements of the invention. Shin strap 180 has a shin strap first end 182 (not visible in this view, but visible in FIG. 2B and 2C) which is permanently connected to middle layer 121 in an area proximal to one of its edges, in this case close to flap 140. Shin strap 180 is otherwise unconnected, and is configured to extend in a direction parallel to the front protective surface of shin guard 100. Shin strap 180 may also be provided with a channel located within middle layer 121 with an exit point 193 through which shin strap second end 184 emerges. Shin strap 180 may be constructed with a stretchable, elastomeric material, and may be equipped with a fastening surface at end 184, which connects with a complementary fastening surface on the middle layer 121 or on flap 140, in FiG. 2B shown as surface 142. In this manner the user may pull shin strap 180 tightly around the calf to connect it to middle layer 121 or surface 142, providing a secure and circumferential fit around the leg.

[0044] FIG. 2B shows an isolated view of middle layer 121 , which in this depiction is oriented so that it faces the outer layer 194. Middle layer 121 has side flaps 140 and 160, and also features cut-out opening 120 having a generally elongated linear shape. The cutout opening 120 comprises a first side portion 122 and a second side portion 124 that oppose each other and are capable of contracting to result in a tightening of the inner layer 121 across the shin of a player. The aforementioned shin strap 180 is shown permanently connected to an area of the middle layer 121 proximal to a lateral edge thereof, close to flap 140, by its shin strap first end 182. Shin strap 180 then extends across the elongated portion of cut-out opening 120, and incorporates a fastening mechanism or surface at its shin strap second end 184. When middle layer 121 is incorporated into a shin guard 100, the user may pull shin strap second end 182 around the calf to connect it with a complementary fastening surface 142.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the first side portion 122 and second side portion 124 of the cut-out opening 120 have a first position relative to each other (as depicted in FIG 2B) and a second position relative to each other (as depicted in FIG. 20). In the first position, the side portions (122 and 124) are separated and the cutout opening 120 is in an “open” state. FIG. 2C shows that when shin strap 180 is pulled, the side portions 122 and 124 become squeezed together into a second position. In other words, the side portions (122 and 124) contract and are brought into proximity and the cutout opening 120 is in a “closed” state. The first side portion 122 and the second side portion 124 reversibly move back and forth from the first position to the second position depending on the status of shin strap 180.

[0046] Therefore, when the shin guard 100 is installed on a player’s leg, as can be seen in FIG. 2C, the shin strap 180 extends across the cut-out opening 120 to encircle the leg of the player, and is in a stretched state, and the first side portion 122 and the second side portion 124 move into the second position. A player may tighten the shin strap 180 as desired by pulling the strap over the cut-out opening 120 and the first side flap 140, and applying pressure so that the opposing “hook” and “loop” surfaces may join to form a reversible bond.

[0047] Shin strap 180 may be a single strap as shown or may take other forms such as a forked shape for shin strap first end 182 or for shin strap second end 184, or shin strap 180 may comprise two or more thinner straps which work together to perform the described functions.

[0048] The described utilization of shin strap 180 results in two beneficial contributions to the secure fitting of this protective gear. First, it provides a circumferential means of securement which is more durable and better customized to fit around the user’s leg as compared to the straps of the prior art, which only secure the shin guard in place by connecting across the gap at the back of the shin guard. By having a flexible shin strap 180 that wraps 360° or almost 360° around the leg, pressure is distributed across the entirely of shin strap 180 and around the leg, providing a better distribution of forces and more comfortable, even securement of the shin guard 100 to the leg.

[0049] Secondly, in embodiments of shin guard 100 incorporating the cutout opening 120 with elongated portion as shown herein, the tightening of shin strap 180 across the elongated portion results in tightening of the middle layer 121 around the leg, and closing of the gap in the elongated portion. This facilitates a greater capacity to tighten the shin guard 100 around the leg, and increase the security of the attachment and the customization of the fit to the player’s leg.

[0050] Another application of the concepts of the invention is in the securement of shoulder pads. FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a set of shoulder pads 300. The shoulder pads 300 comprise a pair of shoulder shields 302a and 302b for protecting shoulders of a player, a chest protector 320 for protecting a chest of a player, and a back protector 340 for protecting the upper back of a player (visible in FIG. 3B). Each of shoulder shields 302a and 302b may be formed integrally with a portion of the shoulder pads 300 or may be constructed as reversibly attachable pads that connect to the exterior top portions of the chest protector 320 and / or back protector 340 by, for example, opposing “hook” and “loop” surfaces. The chest protector 320 and back protector 340 can be at least partially made from EVA foam or other types of foams, gels, thermoplastic materials, and the like, and may also incorporate rigid protective surfaces made from suitable polymers. The chest and back protectors 320 and 340 may optionally also comprise interior portions containing additional padding, if it is desired, and may also optionally have an interior surface comprising any suitable fabric, most preferably a moisture-wicking fabric, and optionally a stretchable or compression material, such fabrics typically containing spandex fibers or LYCRA™.

[0051] The chest protector 320 comprises a chest shield 322 and two opposing bottom side edges 324a and 324b, each having a fastening strip on the exterior surface comprising a surface capable of reversibly attaching to opposing complementary surfaces, such as a hook or loop surface. The back protector 340 comprises a back shield 342 (visible in FIG. 3B) and at least two opposing slots 344a and 344b for receiving and retaining a V-shaped strap 400 for wrapping around and reversibly securing the back protector 340 to the chest protector 320 by connecting with bottom side edges 324a and 324b. The V-shaped strap has arms 420a and 420b which terminate in end portions 440a and 440b. End portions440a and 440b are equipped with a hook or loop surface that is complementary to the surface that is located at chest protector bottom side edges 324a and 324b.

[0052] The V-shaped strap 400 comprises a centre region 402 for securing the V- shaped strap to the centre of the back shield 342, in this embodiment on an inner surface thereof. The V-shaped strap 400 is made of a stretchable material, which may be spandex, nylon, or a blend of synthetic fibers and stretchable fibers. The V-shaped strap allows the shoulder pads 300 to be adjustably mounted and securely fitted to the upper body of a player. In this embodiment, when the V-shaped strap 400 is secured to the back shield 342, the two arms 420a and 420b extend through the slots 344a and 344b of the back shield 342. As mentioned above, each end portion 440a and 440b has a fastening strip (not shown) on the interior face which comprises a hook or loop surface capable of reversibly attaching to opposing surfaces. When the V-shaped strap 400 is extended across its length for joining the back protector 340 to the chest protector 320, each end portion 440a and 440b reversibly engages the fastening strips on the two opposing bottom side edges 324a and 324b of the chest protector 320 through the respective “hook” and “loop” surfaces.

[0053] When the V-shaped strap 400 is in an unstretched or resting state, the two end portions 440a and 440b are free, as can be seen in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C. Alternatively, when the back protector 340 and the chest protector 320 are joined by the V-shaped strap 400, the strap extends and is in a stretched state, allowing the two end portions 440a and 440b to reversibly attach to the fastening strips on the two bottom side edges 324a and 324b of the chest protector.

[0054] While the V-shaped strap 400 has been shown as installed on the back protector 340 and joining with the chest protector 320 by the two bottom side edges 324a and 324b, the V-shaped strap may also be installed on the chest protector and configured to attach to fastening strips located on the two bottom side edges of the back protector. Either configuration will achieve the benefits of the invention. However, connecting V- shaped strap 400 to the back protector 340 is advantageous in that fewer impacts tend to be received on the back versus the front of the player, so there is somewhat lessopportunity for accidental dislodgement of the end portions 440a and 440b during active Play.

[0055] This particular configuration of a set of shoulder pads 300 which are fastened to the body using the V-shaped strap 400 results in a circumferential connection of the protective gear to the body. This is a beneficial advance, as shoulder pads of the prior art typically only utilize short tabs at the bottom edges to connect the front and back sections. The present invention allows for a more distributed force across the straps and front. A further benefit in the context of shoulder pads 300 is that fastening of the V-shaped strap 400 also results in a downward pulling pressure on the shoulder shields 302a and 302b to more securely connect them to the shoulders. In this manner a stronger, more secure connection is provided than was found with shoulder pads of the prior art.

[0056] While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that numerous variations, modifications, and embodiments would be evident to a person of skill in the art.

Claims

Claims:1 . A strapping system for a protective sports garment having an outer layer and an inner layer, the strapping system comprising at least one strap for encircling a portion of the body of the user and securing the garment thereto, said strap being located at least partially under said outer layer, said strap further comprising a first end portion permanently affixed to the garment and a second end portion configured to be releasably coupled to the garment or to said strap itself.

2. The strapping system of claim 1 , wherein said strap is partially located within a channel under said outer layer.

3. The strapping system of claim 1, wherein said strap is made at least in part from a flexible material.

4. A protective sports garment incorporating the strapping system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one cut-out configured to be contractible and having first and second side edge portions, the first and second side edge portions having a first position and a second position relative to each other, and wherein said at least one strap is configured to extend across the at least one cut-out when encircling the portion of the body of the user, permitting the first and second side edge portions to reversibly move from the first position to the second position.

5. The protective sports garment of claim 4, wherein said first and second edge portions are brought into proximity when the at least one strap extends across the at least one cut-out and encircles the portion of the body of the user.

6. The protective sports garment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the garment further comprises at least one shield for providing impact protection for the portion of the body of the user.

7. The protective sports garment of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the garment is a shin guard, shoulder pads, or elbow pad.

8. The shin guard of claim 7, wherein said strap is configured to at least partially encircle a shin of said user to secure said shin guard.

9. The shin guard of claim 8, wherein said strap is configured to form a circumferential connection.

10. The elbow pad of claim 7, wherein said strap is configured to at least partially encircle a forearm of said user to secure said elbow pad.

11. The elbow pad of claim 10, wherein said strap is configured to form a circumferential connection.

12. The strapping system or protective sports garment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the user is a ice hockey player, ball hockey player, field hockey player, lacrosse player, baseball player, cricket player, soccer player, or football player.

13. A strapping system for a protective shoulder pad assembly, the protective shoulder pad assembly comprising at least front and rear protective elements for providing impact protection for the upper body of a user; the strapping system comprising a V-shaped strap for reversibly joining the front and rear protective elements, wherein one of the rear and front protective elements comprises a centre region and the other of the rear and front protective elements comprises two opposing side ends for reversibly securing the V-shaped strap.

14. The strapping system of claim 13, wherein the V-shaped strap comprises: a stretchable material; a centre portion affixed to the centre region of the front or rear protective element; andtwo end portions, wherein each of the two end portions extends away from said centre portion and releasably attaches to one of the two opposing side ends of the opposite front or rear protective element when joining the front or rear protective elements.

15. The strapping system of claim 14, wherein the V-shaped strap is connected the rear protective element and the two side ends are connected to the front protective element.

Images