Bust protection device

Abstract

A bust protection device 100 suitable for being worn under body armour comprises a plate 102 configured to be disposed across a front of a torso of a wearer and a pad element 104a, 104b coupled to and

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to bust protection devices and, in particular, bust protection devices suitable for being worn under body armour. Background of the Invention There are now approximately 50,000 women in the UK police force. Simultaneously, the number of women in the armed forces is growing each year. Accordingly, there is a need for body armour that adequately fits the growing number of policewomen and military servicewomen. Existing body armour solutions are not well adapted for the female body. Body armour shaped to fit men, having a substantially flat section configured to be worn on a front of a torso, does not accommodate the bust of a female wearer. The bust may be compressed by the tight and inflexible armour and weighed down by heavy equipment. Plate carriers worn by military servicewomen are secured by a cummerbund-style closure. For some women, this causes a top of the plate to protrude away from the body, potentially leaving the upper chest vulnerable and exposed and impairing a mobility of the wearer’s arms. Further, wearer’s may experience chafing of the nipple area as the plate may pivot or seesaw about the bust due to inadequate support against the body. Incorrectly positioned plate carriers endanger servicewomen by hindering their mobility and providing compromised coverage of their body. Women wearing body armour designed for men may adopt a stooping posture to reduce a pressure on the bust which may lead to neck and back pain and injury. Women wearing men’s body armour may stand, walk or even run, with their hands tucked inside the upper chest / shoulder section of their body armour to alleviate pressure on their bust. This pain-relieving position may lead to accidents such as trips and falls, as well as reduce a readiness of the woman to respond to activity in their environment. Wearing ill-fitting body armour causes discomfort, pain and even injury, leading to a distracted, ineffective and miserable wearer. On a large scale, ill-fitting body armour is responsible for poor retention of women within the police and armed forces, low staff wellbeing and morale, and time off due to sickness and injury. Further, prolonged wearing of ill-fitting body armour may cause rashes or sores to appear on the wearer’s chest, particularly under the bust, due to compression of the bust into this area. It is considered possible that ill-fitting body armour may be linked to serious medical conditions of the breast. To address these issues, some developments into body armour designed for women have been made. However, these proposed solutions do not take into account the diverse and changing bodies of female wearers. Women’s bust protection needs may vary with weight change, menstruation, pregnancy, breast feeding, perimenopause and menopause, as well as with their breast health e.g. symptoms of disease, gender affirming care and recovery from surgery. This is a female fit problem with a Unisex application, due to the increasing bodyweight of the population and larger sized males having a ‘man-bust’. Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art. Summary of the Invention At its most general, the present invention provides a bust protection device comprising cushioning that fills an over-bust region and an under-bust region up to a bust level to provide a substantially flat surface across a front of a wearer’s torso and a resilient plate arranged over the cushioning and bust on which may be worn body armour. In this way, an under-bust and over-bust region may extend a substantially equal distance towards a body armour as the bust, and so a compression or weight of a loaded body armour vest or plate carrier may be evenly distributed across a front of a torso of a wearer. In other words, the bust may not bear an outsized proportion of a compression or weight of a loaded body armour vest or plate carrier. Further, any motion of an item of body armour e.g. vertical motion during running, may not exert a disproportionate force on the bust of the wearer. In this way, the bust protection device allows the bust to occupy a natural shape within the body armour. The bust may be protected from the body armour, may be more comfortable and may be less prone to injury due to the wearing of body armour than without the bust protection device. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bust protection device suitable for being worn under body armour; the bust protection device comprising: a plate configured to be disposed across a front of a torso of a wearer; and a pad element coupled to and configured to project away from an inner surface of the plate such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the pad element projects from the inner surface of the plate towards a torso of a wearer so as to distribute any pressure exerted on the plate to the torso either above or below a bust region; wherein a position of the pad element on the plate is adjustable for comfort. The bust protection device may protect a bust or bust region of a wearer from discomfort and / or injury caused by pressure, impact, and motion. The bust protection device may be worn under body armour or any suitable torso protection device such as a body protector, air jacket, life jacket or buoyancy aid. The bust protection device may protect the bust from any discomfort or injury that may be caused by an outer layer, such as body armour. Alternatively, the bust protection device may be worn as an outer layer of comfort protection. For example, the bust protection device may be used as a sleep aid to protect a bust region following a surgical procedure such as a mastectomy. The bust protection device may be suitable for use in military, law enforcement, extra-terrestrial, extreme sports, such as cross training, motocross, horse-riding and fell running, and healthcare environments, or baby wearing - the wearing of front-loaded baby carriers / packs / devices. The bust protection device comprises a plate and a pad element. The plate is configured to be disposed across a front of a torso of the wearer. In other words, the plate may be a board shaped element comprising two substantially parallel flat surfaces separated by a relatively small thickness, and arranged such that one of the flat surfaces faces a torso of a wearer. When the bust protection device is worn under body armour, or other outerwear, a second of the flat surfaces is arranged to face an inside surface of the body armour so that the plate fits neatly inside the body armour. By providing a flat outer surface facing away from the wearer’s torso, a risk of injury due to ricochet is reduced. The plate is relatively resilient compared with the pad element. The plate is configured to maintain a substantially unchanged shaped under pressure of body armour to span the bust region without transferring force to the bust or bust region. The pad element is coupled to an inner surface of the plate. In other words, the pad element is coupled to a surface of the plate that faces a torso of a wearer. The pad element is configured to project away from the inner surface of the plate such that the pad element projects from the inner surface of the plate towards a torso of a wearer, when the bust protection device is worn. When the bust protection device is worn under body armour, or other outerwear, the pad element extends away from the body armour and towards a torso of the wearer. The pad element may extend away from the plate in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an inner surface of the plate. The pad element may be flexible to deform to adapt or conform to a torso of a wearer. The pad element may be soft relative to the plate to conform to a wearer’s body. However, the pad element is configured to support the plate away from the torso of the wearer, so the pad element is somewhat resilient. By comprising a pad element projecting away from the plate towards the torso of the wearer, the pad element of the bust protection device may press against the wearer (i.e. the skin, the undergarments or clothes of the wearer) to keep the plate spaced away from a bust or bust region of the wearer. The pad element may press against the wearer underneath a bust or bust region, e.g. on a lower rib region, above a bust or bust region, e.g. on an upper rib region, or both above and below a bust or bust region. The pad element may not press against the wearer’s bust or bust region. The pad element may be sized to occupy a similar or greater depth to a wearer’s bust so that, when worn, the plate of the bust protection device is spaced away from, i.e. does not touch or compress, a bust of the wearer. By spacing the plate away from the bust or bust region of the wearer using the pad element, a natural and / or comfortable shape of the bust may be maintained when the bust protection device is worn against the wearer’s torso. Then, when any body armour or other outerwear is donned, the bust protection device may maintain its shape on a front of the torso of the wearer so that the body armour does not compress the bust or bust region of the wearer. The bust region may comprise a front portion of an upper torso of a human. The pad element may be configured to brace the plate against an area of the torso of the wearer that is not the bust or bust region. The pad element projects from the inner surface of the plate towards a torso of a wearer so as to distribute any pressure exerted on the plate to the torso either above or below a bust region. In this way, forces exerted on the plate may be transferred to the wearer’s torso without disproportionately compressing the bust or bust region. As such, the bust or bust region of the wearer may be protected from impact, pressure and motion. A position of the pad element on the plate is adjustable. Adjusting the position of the pad element on the plate may improve a comfort and fit of the bust protection device. For example, the position of the pad element may be adjusted according to the clothes or undergarments worn under the bust protection device, and / or the body armour or outerwear worn over the bust protection device. The position may be adjusted to account for changes in the wearer’s body, e.g. due to weight gain or loss; menstrual, pregnancy, breast-feeding or menopause symptoms, as well as medical reasons such as gender affirming therapy or surgery. The position of the pad element may be adjusted relative to the plate. The pad element may be translated with respect to the plate, e.g. moved up, down, left or right on the plate to find a preferred fit, or rotated about an axis normal to an inner surface of the plate, e.g. to account for asymmetry in a bust of wearer. The pad element may be releasably coupled to the plate. In other words, the pad element may be removed from the plate and replaced on the plate by a wearer. Accordingly, the plate and pad element are not one integrally formed part. The pad element being releasably coupled to the plate may allow the pad element to be removed to be replaced, repaired, serviced or cleaned. In addition, the plate may be replaced, repaired, serviced or cleaned separately from the pad element. As the pad element is removable and replaceable, a wearer may configure their bust protection device to suit their needs and comfort. A wearer may replace a pad element that has become compressed through use, or upgrade to a superior pad element. Further, the wearer may replace the pad element with a pad element of a different size or shape as their body changes e.g. due to weight gain or loss; breast or chest surgery such as mammoplasty or mastectomy; menstrual, pregnancy, breast-feeding perimenopause, or menopause symptoms. Pad elements may be organised by breast cup size, a unisex sizing indicator, a thickness measurement, a length measurement, or any other suitable size identifier. By being releasably coupled to the plate, the pad element may be replaced while the plate is retained. In this way, the plate is not replaced when the pad element needs replacement and the bust protection device may be sustainable. The pad element may be releasably coupled to the plate by a hook and loop fastener. A first component of the hook and loop fastener (e.g. a hooks portion) may be coupled to the plate and a second component (e.g. a loops portion) of the hook and loop fastener may be coupled to the pad element, wherein the first component is configured to be fastened to the second component. In other words, a strip of hooks may be coupled to the plate and a strip of loops may be coupled to the pad element so that the plate and pad element may be coupled together. The component of the fastener on the plate may be disposed on the inner surface of the plate. The component of the fastener on the pad element may be disposed on an outer surface of the pad element, i.e. a surface configured to be coupled to the plate, not a surface configured to project towards a wearer’s torso in use. Hook and loop fasteners are easy to connect and disconnect, are efficient even after many fastenings, and require minimal maintenance. Further, hook and loop fasteners provide a large area over which the hooks and loops may connect to one another. In this way, the fastener may allow a position of the pad element on the plate to be adjusted to any position of the wearer’s choosing, without any set increments. A component of the hook and loop fastener disposed on the plate may have a smaller area, e.g. a narrower width, than the component of the hook and loop fastener disposed on the pad element. In this way, when fastened, the component of the hook and loop fastener disposed on the plate may be completely covered by the component of the hook and loop fastener disposed on the pad element. In this way, when the pad element is coupled to the plate by the hook and loop fastener, a risk of the component of the hook and loop fastener that is disposed on the plate being in contact with the wearer is very low. A hooks portion of the fastener may be coupled to the plate while a loop portion of the fastener may be coupled to the pad element. Similarly, this configuration is chosen to reduce a risk of the hooks portion of the fastener coming into contact with the wearer during normal use. The hooks portion may damage a wearer’s clothes or undergarments, irritate a wearer’s skin, or if in prolonged contact, cause the wearer an injury. Additionally or alternatively, the pad element may be releasably coupled to the plate by any suitable fastener. Suitable fasteners may include snap fasteners, buttons, drawcord or zip lockers. For example, a pair of zip lock fasteners disposed on either side of a pad element and plate respectively may be used to releasably fasten the pad element to the plate while maintaining flexibility of the pad element to allow it to conform to the wearer’s torso, without applying pressure to the wearer’s bust or bust region. A length of the pad element may taper from an outer surface, configured to be coupled to the plate and having a maximum length, to an inner, opposite, surface having a minimum length. In other words, a length of the pad element may vary between an outer surface and an inner surface of the pad element. The length of the pad element may be measured along a direction that is arranged substantially vertically when the bust protection device is worn and the wearer’s torso is upright, e.g. the wearer is standing. The outer surface of the pad element may be disposed away from the wearer’s body in use, and against an inner surface of the plate. The inner surface of the pad element may be disposed near to the wearer’s body in use, and against the wearer’s skin, clothes or undergarments. Accordingly, a length, measured vertically, of the pad element may be greater at the plate side of the pad than at the wearer side. Such tapering may account for an oppositely tapering shape of a wearer’s bust or bust region. In this way, the pad elements may be shaped to adapt or conform to a wearer’s bust or bust region. In addition, such tapering may adapt the pad element to a wearer’s waist to allow unrestricted bending and twisting at the waist when wearing the bust protection device. A width of the pad element may be substantially identical to a width of the plate. In other words, a dimension of the plate measured from a right side of the plate to a left side of the plate may be substantially identical to a dimension of the pad element measured from a right side of the plate to a left side of the pad element. The width of the plate may be measured along a direction that is arranged substantially horizontally when the bust protection device is worn and the wearer’s torso is upright, e.g. the wearer is standing. By having a width that is substantially identical to the width of the plate, the pad element may protect a bust or bust region of a wearer across an entire width of the plate. In addition, the width of the pad element may not extend beyond the width of the plate to avoid clashing with other garments e.g. items of body armour. Further, by not extending around a side of the body, the bust protection device may allow sides of the body to be exposed to ventilation for temperature control. The pad element may comprise a side portion such that a width of the pad element is greater than a width of the plate; the side portion being configured to extend at least partially around a side of a wearer’s torso to provide lateral bust protection and cushioning. While the plate may be stiff and configured to cover a front of a wearer’s torso, the pad element may be flexible and configured to deform around a side of a wearer’s torso. In this way, the bust protection device may provide cushioning protection to a side portion of a wearer’s bust or bust region. Further, by comprising a side portion the pad element of the bust protection device may distribute any force exerted on the plate to the torso over a large area. As such, the pressure, i.e. force per unit area, may be reduced and a risk of discomfort and injury may also be reduced. In this way, forces exerted on the bust protection device, e.g. a weight of any body armour, may be better supported by a bust protection device comprising a side portion. The pad element may comprise a right side portion configured to extend at least partially around a right side of a wearer’s torso; and a left side portion configured to extend at least partially around a left side of a wearer’s torso. In this way, the pad element may comprise two side portions. The side portions may be configured to extend around a portion of a waist of a wearer. Alternatively, the side portions may be configured to extend towards underarms of the wearer. By providing a right and a left side portion, the pad element may be substantially symmetrical which may improve a fit and comfort of the bust protection device. A depth of the side portion may taper from a proximal end, where the depth of the side portion is substantially identical to a depth of a central portion of the pad element, to a distal end, where the depth of the side portion is less than a depth of the central portion of the pad element. The pad element may comprise a central portion, having a first depth, and a side portion, having a tapering depth. The side portion may have a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is disposed closer to the central portion of the pad element than the distal end. A depth of the pad element at the distal end may be smaller than a depth of the pad element at the proximal end. A depth of the pad element may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the plate. In other words, in use, the depth of the pad element may extend between the plate and the wearer’s torso. The depth of the pad element may also be called a thickness. The pad element has a large thickness near a central portion and a small thickness at a distal end of the side portion. By tapering away from a centreline of the pad element, the side portion may conform to a wearer’s body and / or to any body armour or other outerwear the wearer is wearing. The pad element may comprise an upper pad disposed, when the bust protection device is worn, above the bust of the wearer. In this way, the pad element comprises an upper pad disposed above a bust of the wearer to support the plate away from the bust of the wearer. The upper pad may be shaped to conform to an upper chest region of the wearer. The upper pad may be sized to support the plate at an appropriate distance from the upper chest so that the plate may not touch or compress the bust or bust region of the wearer in use. The upper pad may provide protection to the clavicle, sternum and upper ribs, of the wearer. The upper pad may comprise an upper edge arranged near a top of the plate and configured to be disposed near clavicles of the wearer. The upper pad may comprise a lower edge arranged near a centre of the plate and configured to be disposed just above a bust of the wearer. A width of the upper pad may be configured to taper from the lower edge towards the upper edge. In this way, the upper pad may comprise side edges that are inclined to describe a tapering of the width of the upper pad towards an upper edge of the upper pad. The tapering width may provide space for a wearer to move their shoulders and arms inwards across their torso. A lower edge of the upper pad may be curved to provide an extended lower central portion such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the lower central portion occupies a portion of a cleavage of the wearer. In other words, a portion of the upper pad is configured to extend downwards into an upper portion of the cleavage of the wearer in use. By occupying a portion of the cleavage in use, the upper pad may provide moisture control, e.g. wicking, to an upper portion of the bust region. An upper edge of the upper pad may be curved to provide an upper central gap such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the upper pad protects each clavicle of the wearer, while exposing a suprasternal notch of the wearer. In other words, the upper edge of the upper pad comprises a gap, or void, in the centre of the upper edge. The gap exposed a portion of the wearer’s torso disposed between clavicles. By providing a gap in this area, a breathability of the bust protection device may be improved as a ventilation shaft or ‘chimney’ may be provided to the bust or bust region, thereby improving a comfort of the bust protection device. An upper edge of the plate may have a matching shape to the upper edge of the pad element. Accordingly, the upper edge of the plate may comprise a gap configured to expose a suprasternal notch of the wearer to improve a ventilation of the bust protection device, thereby improving a comfort of the bust protection device, particularly in hot climates. The pad element may comprise a lower pad disposed, when the bust protection device is worn, below the bust of the wearer. In this way, the pad element comprises a lower pad disposed below a bust of the wearer to support the plate away from the bust of the wearer. The lower pad may be shaped to conform to a lower chest region of the wearer. The lower pad may be sized to support the plate at an appropriate distance from the lower chest so that the plate may not touch or compress the bust or bust region of the wearer in use. The lower pad may provide protection to the lower ribs, xiphoid process and waist, of the wearer. The lower pad may comprise a lower edge arranged near a bottom of the plate and configured to be disposed near the waist of the wearer. The lower pad may comprise an upper edge arranged near a centre of the plate and configured to be disposed just below a bust of the wearer. A width of the lower pad may be configured to taper from a centre towards both the lower edge and the upper edge. In this way, the lower pad may comprise side edges that describe a chevron shape to define the width of the upper pad. The chevron shaped side edges may provide space for a wearer to move at their waist to bend of twist their torso. An upper edge of the lower pad may be curved to provide an extended upper central portion such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the upper central portion occupies a portion of a cleavage of the wearer. In other words, a portion of the lower pad is configured to extend upwards into a lower portion of the cleavage of the wearer in use. By occupying a portion of the cleavage in use, the lower pad may provide moisture control, e.g. wicking, to a lower portion of the bust region. The pad element may comprise an upper pad and a lower pad. In some cases, the upper pad and the lower pad may be separate pads configured to be adjusted separately. This may be particularly advantageous as the wearer may replace the upper and lower pads separately. In this way, one of the upper and lower pad need not be replaced when the other of the upper and lower pad needs replacement and the bust protection device may be sustainable. In other cases, the upper pad and the lower pad may be integrally formed as one pad element and may be adjusted together as one unit. This may be particularly advantageous for wearer’s who are recovering from surgery, such as a partial or full mastectomy, as the size and relative position of the upper and lower pads may be prescribed by a medical professional. By providing the upper and lower pads as one integrally formed unit, they may be fixed in relation to one another for improved convenience. In some cases, the pad element may be configured for a wearer who has undergone a breast or chest surgery. In particular, to accommodate a wearer who has had a partial or unilateral mastectomy, the pad element may be asymmetrical so that one side of the pad element is larger, e.g. longer or deeper, than another side. For example, an upper pad may comprise an asymmetrical lower edge, and / or a lower pad may comprise an asymmetrical upper edge, so that at least one of the upper and lower pads extend into a bust region on one side of the torso to account for any asymmetry of the wearer’s bust. Further, an upper pad element comprising a cavity configured to alleviate a pressure on a specific portion of the bust region, for example a portion comprising scar tissue, is envisaged. Such a cavity may be enclosed, i.e. have a complete perimeter with no side opening, or may be unenclosed, i.e. have an incomplete perimeter with a side opening such that the cavity is disposed at an edge of a pad element. To accommodate a wearer who has had a bilateral mastectomy, the upper pad element may comprise a lower surface having a substantially curved W shape. In this way, the bust region may be almost entirely occupied by the upper pad element. A gap between an upper pad element and a lower pad element may be provided for mobility and ventilation. Such an upper pad may comprise a cavity configured to alleviate a pressure on a specific portion of the bust region. The cavity may be enclosed or unenclosed as described above. Such an upper pad may comprise two such cavities, arranged on either side of the bust region. In these ways, a bust protection device may be provided for a wearer having undergone breast or chest surgery. The pad element may comprise a plurality of spacer mesh fabric layers. Spacer mesh fabric may provide enhanced breathability and comfort of the pad element. By comprising a plurality of layers, the pad element may have an improved flexibility compared to a pad element that does not comprise layers. Each layer of the plurality of layers may be connected to any preceding layer at a first point along a width of the layer and is connected to any following layer at a second point along a width of the layer; wherein the first point is offset laterally from the second point along a width of the layer to provide flexibility to the pad element. In other words, the layers are connected together by staggered stitch lines. Each layer is connected to adjacent layers by stitches that are offset in a width wise direction from one another. The layers may be stitched together in a honeycomb stitch pattern to allow the layers some freedom with respect to other layers so that the layers may conform to a shape of the wearer’s body. The plurality of layers may be held together by any suitable connection element or method. For example, staples may be used in place of stitches. Alternatively, the layers may be heated to melt a portion of the fabric of the layers together to join adjacent layers. The plurality of spacer mesh fabric layers may be disposed inside a shaped fabric case. The shaped fabric case may protect the plurality of layers from damage while keeping all the layers contained. The shaped fabric case may be large enough to allow the plurality of layer to flex within the case to conform to a wearer’s body in use. Alternatively, the pad element may comprise a 3D printed honeycomb structure. Such a 3D printed structure may be lightweight while providing some compliance for the pad element to conform to the wearer’s body. Alternatively, the pad element may comprise a foam material that is cut and shaped, or molded to the desired size and profile of the pad element. A foam material may provide a continuous surface to interface with a torso of the wearer, rather than the stepped finish provided by stacked layers of fabric. In this way, the continuous surface may conform to a torso of the wearer with greater comfort and may distribute forces exerted on the plate evenly across the pad element. Further, the pad element may comprise any combination of a plurality of layers of a spacer mesh fabric, a 3D printed honeycomb structure and a foam material to provide an optimal pad element construction. Further, the plurality of layers may comprise a material other than spacer mesh fabric. The bust protection device may comprise a fabric comprising a property selected from the group: flame retardant; anti-bacterial; anti-microbial; temperature regulating; moisture wicking. In this way, the bust protection device may be formed of a material that does not readily catch fire, inhibits growth of bacteria or microbes, and / or is configured for comfort in hot climates. For example, the bust protection device may comprise silver yarn which may provide antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, the bust protection device may comprise a thermal element. The thermal element may be a cooling pack configured to cool the wearer. The cooling pack may assist the wearer avoid over-heating. The thermal element may be a heating pack configured to warm the wearer. The heating pack may assist the wearer avoid hypothermia. The thermal element may be a temperature regulating pack configured to assist the wearer maintain a stable body and skin temperature for comfort and safety. The thermal element may be coupled to or integrally formed with the pad element and may be configured to be worn close to the wearer’s body. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal element may be coupled to or integrally formed with the plate. The thermal element may be disposed between the pad element and the plate. The thermal element may be disposed on the plate adjacent to the pad element. The plate and / or the pad element may comprise a pocket configured to receive a thermal element. The thermal element may be releasably coupled to the plate and / or the pad element. For example, a hook and loop fastener may be used to coupled the thermal element to the plate and / or the pad element. A position of the thermal element may be adjusted relative to the plate and / or the pad element. In this way, the thermal element may be removed, replaced and adjusted by the wearer as needed for comfort. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pad element configured to be coupled to the plate of the bust protection device of the first aspect of the invention such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the pad element projects from the inner surface of the plate towards a torso of a wearer either above or below a bust of the wearer so as to distribute any pressure exerted on the plate to the torso either above or below the bust. The pad element may comprise an upper pad or a lower pad. The pad element may be configured to suit any size of bust. The pad element may comprise a plurality of pads which a wearer may remove from a plate of a bust protection device and replace to adjust the bust protection device for improved fit. The pad element of the second aspect of the invention may comprise any features of the pad element described with respect to the first aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising the bust protection device of the first aspect of the invention; and an item of body armour. In this way, a third aspect of the invention comprises an item of body armour such as a tactical vest or soft upper body armour, a plate carrier or any suitable item of body armour. The bust protection device of the third aspect of the invention may comprise any features of the bust protection device described with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The bust protection device may be assembled with the item of body armour so that the plate of the bust protection device is not configured to be removed from the item of body armour, a position of the pad element on the plate being adjustable. Alternatively, the bust protection device may be removable from the item of body armour. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a bust protection device according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 depicts a plate of a bust protection device of Fig. 1; Figure 3A depicts an upper pad of a bust protection device of Fig. 1; Figure 3B depicts a lower pad of a bust protection device of Fig. 1; Figure 4 depicts a bust protection device according to a second embodiment of a first aspect of the invention; and Figure 5 depicts a kit according to a first embodiment of a third aspect of the invention, in use. Detailed Description With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated a bust protection device 100 suitable for being worn under body armour; the bust protection device 100 comprising: a plate 102 configured to be disposed across a front of a torso of a wearer; and a pad element 104a, 104b coupled to and configured to project away from an inner surface of the plate 102 such that, when the bust protection device 100 is worn, the pad element 104a, 104b projects from the inner surface of the plate 102 towards a torso of a wearer so as to distribute any pressure exerted on the plate 102 to the torso either above or below a bust region; wherein a position of the pad element 104a, 104b on the plate 102 is adjustable for comfort. The pad element 104a, 104b of the bust protection device 100 comprises a first pad 104a and a second pad 104b. The first pad 104a is an upper pad 104a and is arranged at a top of the plate 102. The second pad 104b is a lower pad 104b and is arranged at a bottom of the plate 102. The upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b are configured to be adjusted on the plate 102 to adjust an area defined between the upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b and configured to receive a bust of a wearer. The lower pad 104b has a width that is substantially larger than a width of the plate 102. The lower pad 104b comprises a pair of side portions 140a, 140b. The side portions 140a, 140b extend a width of the lower pad 104b past the extent of the width of the plate 102. The side portions 140a, 140b are configured to extend at least partially around a side of a wearer’s torso to provide lateral bust protection and cushioning. The side portions 140a, 140b comprise a left side portion 140a configured to extend at least partially around a left side of a wearer’s torso, and a right side portion 140b configured to extend at least partially around a right side of a wearer’s torso. The lower pad 104b has a central portion 142 having a first depth measured perpendicular to the plate 102. A depth of each of the side portions 140a, 140b tapers from a proximal end, where the depth of the side portion 140a, 140b is substantially identical to a depth of a central portion 142 of the lower pad 104b, to a distal end, where the depth of the side portion 140a, 140b is less than a depth of the central portion 142 of the lower pad 104b. In this way, a depth of the side portions 140a, 140b is reduced away from a central portion 142 of the lower pad 104b. In other words, the lower pad 104b get thinner towards its peripheral edges. This may reduce a bulkiness of the bust protection device 100 while providing lateral bust support. The bust protection device 100 has a wide and flat bottom edge 132, tapering side sides 134 and an M-shaped top edge 136. A shape of the bust protection device 100 is configured to suit and conform to a wearer’s torso. The M-shaped top edge 136 is substantially matched by a shape of the upper pad 104a. The M-shape of the top edge 136 and the upper pad 104a is configured to minimise an impact of the bust protection device 100 on a mobility of a wearer while providing protection to clavicles of the wearer, and an opportunity for ventilation of the bust area via the central notch 138. With reference to Figure 2, there is illustrated a plate 102 of a bust protection device 100 according to Figure 1. The plate 102 has a substantially flat, board-like shape that is configured to be disposed across a front of a torso of a wearer. The plate 102 has an inner surface 106 to which a pad element 104a, 104b is configured to be coupled. The inner surface comprises a first panel 108 formed of a spacer mesh fabric. The first panel 108 is configured to be disposed adjacent to a bust or bust region of a wearer. The inner surface comprises a pair of second panels 110a, 110b each configured to receive a pad element 104a, 104b. The second panels may comprise a first component of a hook and loop fastener configured to co-operate with a second component of a hook and loop fastener disposed on the upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b to couple the pad element 104a, 104b to the plate 102. The plate 102 may further comprise a neck portion 112. The neck portion 112 may have an upper edge comprising a pair of upwards protrusions 114a, 114b and a central gap 116. The upwards protrusions 114a, 114b may be configured to cover, and thereby provide some protection to, clavicles of the wearer. While the central gap 116 may be configured to expose the suprasternal notch to provide some ventilation to the wearer. The plate 102 has inclined upper side edges 118 configured to allow the wearer unrestricted movement of their arms. The plate 102 has some padding for comfort, although is stiff compared to the pad element 104a, 104b. With reference to Figure 3A, there is illustrated an upper pad 104a of a bust protection device 100 according to Figure 1. With reference to Figure 3B, there is illustrated a lower pad 104b of a bust protection device 100 according to Figure 1. The upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b are releasably coupled to the plate 102. Back sides of each of the upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b comprise a second component of a hook and loop fastener configured to co-operate with a first component of a hook and loop fastener disposed on second panels 110a, 110b of the plate 102 to couple the upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b to the plate 102. The length of the upper pad 104a varies across a depth of the upper pad 104a. The length of the upper pad 104a is greatest at a surface configured to be coupled to the plate 102 and smallest at a surface configured to interface with a wearer’s torso. The upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b are shaped to conform to a body of a wearer. In this way, the pads 104a, 104b have a generally tapering shape from an outer surface configured to be coupled to the plate 102 to an inner surface configured to interface with a wearer’s torso. The upper pad 104a has a curved lower edge 120 which defines an extended lower central portion 122 of the upper pad 104a. When the bust protection device 100 is worn, the lower central portion 122 occupies a portion of a cleavage of the wearer. The upper pad 104a has a curved upper edge 124 which defines an upper central gap 126 of the upper pad 104a. When the bust protection device 100 is worn, the upper pad 104a protects each clavicle of the wearer, while the upper central gap 126 exposes a suprasternal notch of the wearer. The lower pad 104b has a curved upper edge 128 which defines an extended upper central portion 103 of the lower pad 104b. When the bust protection device 100 is worn, the upper central portion 130 occupies a portion of a cleavage of the wearer. The upper pad 104a and the lower pad 104b are formed from a plurality of spacer mesh fabric layers disposed inside a shaped fabric case. The plurality of layers are connected together by a honeycomb stitch pattern so that the layers may move relative to one another to allow the upper and lower pads 104a, 104b to conform to a torso of a wearer for fit and comfort. With reference to Figure 4, there is illustrated a bust protection device 200 suitable for being worn under body armour; the bust protection device 200 comprising: a plate 102 configured to be disposed across a front of a torso of a wearer; and a pad element 104a, 204b coupled to and configured to project away from an inner surface of the plate 102 such that, when the bust protection device 200 is worn, the pad element 104a, 204b projects from the inner surface of the plate 102 towards a torso of a wearer so as to distribute any pressure exerted on the plate 102 to the torso either above or below a bust region; wherein a position of the pad element 104a, 204b on the plate 102 is adjustable for comfort. The bust protection device 200 of Fig. 4 and the bust protection device 100 of Fig. 1 share may of the same features. These features are labelled with the same reference numerals in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 and are not described in detail again. The bust protection device 200 has an upper pad 104a and a lower pad 204b. Widths of the upper pad 104a and the lower pad 204b at an outer surface configured to be coupled to the plate, are substantially identical to a width of the plate 102. The upper pad 104a is substantially identical to the upper pad 104a of Fig. 1. The lower pad 204b has a width that is substantially identical to a width of the plate 102 of Fig. 4. In this way, the lower pad 204b may fit within a footprint of the plate 102. Accordingly, a size and mass of the bust protection device 200 may be reduced to provide a lightweight device having a minimal impact on mobility of a wearer. With reference to Figure 5, there is illustrated a kit 500 comprising the bust protection device 200 according to the second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; and an item of body armour 502 in use on a wearer 504. As shown in Figure 5, the bust protection device 200 is worn under the item of body armour 502. Further, the bust protection device 200 spaces the item of body armour 502 away from a bust of the wearer 504 to protect the bust region. The bust protection device 200 allows the wearer 504 to wear body armour 502 without the bust region being under excessive pressure e.g. squashed or compressed due to a fit or weight of the body armour. Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, the bust protection device may comprise may be used under any suitable outerwear, over any suitable underwear and on any suitable wearer for any suitable purpose. Further, the bust protection device may be configured to protect a bust region of a man or a woman. The bust protection device may distribute forces exerted on the plate via the pad element to the torso in any suitable manner. The bust protection device may comprise any number of pad elements comprising any number of pads. For example, the pad element may comprise four pads arranged as an upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left pad. 5 Alternatively, only one of the upper or lower pads may be split into two pads. The pad element may be adapted to fit a wearer having undergone surgery, for example a full or partial mastectomy. The pad element may be adapted to avoid applying pressure to a wound or to scar tissue. The plate and pad element may be formed, finished and coupled together in any suitable way. The pad elements may be provided in a diverse variety of sizes to accommodate a diverse 10 range of wearer’s bodies and bust protection needs. To provide well-fitting, safe and comfortable bust protection suitable for use under body armour, an innovative bust protection device design is required. The present invention provides improved fit and comfort to promote a safety of a wearer and reduce a barrier to employment or activities 15 that require body armour or similar outerwear. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components than are illustrated in the figures could be used, for example.

Claims

1. A bust protection device suitable for being worn under body armour; the bust protection device comprising:a plate configured to be disposed across a front of a torso of a wearer; anda pad element coupled to and configured to project away from an inner surface of the plate such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the pad element projects from the inner surface of the plate towards a torso of a wearer so as to distribute any pressure exerted on the plate to the torso either above or below a bust region;wherein a position of the pad element on the plate is adjustable for comfort.

2. A bust protection device according to claim 1, wherein the pad element is releasably coupled to the plate.

3. A bust protection device according to claim 2, wherein the pad element is releasably coupled to the plate by a hook and loop fastener.

4. A bust protection device according to any preceding claim, wherein a length of the pad element tapers from an outer surface, configured to be coupled to the plate and having a maximum length, to an inner, opposite, surface having a minimum length.

5. A bust protection device according to any preceding claim, wherein a width of the pad element is substantially identical to a width of the plate.

6. A bust protection device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad element comprises a side portion such that a width of the pad element is greater than a width of the plate;the side portion being configured to extend at least partially around a side of a wearer’s torso to provide lateral bust protection and cushioning.

7. A bust protection device according to claim 6, wherein the pad element comprises a right side portion configured to extend at least partially around a right side of a wearer’s torso; and a left side portion configured to extend at least partially around a left side of a wearer’s torso.

8. A bust protection device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a depth of the side portion tapers from a proximal end, where the depth of the side portion is substantially identical to a depthof a central portion of the pad element, to a distal end, where the depth of the side portion is less than a depth of the central portion of the pad element.

9. A bust protection device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad element comprises an upper pad disposed, when the bust protection device is worn, above the bust of the wearer.

10. A bust protection device according to claim 9, wherein a lower edge of the upper pad is curved to provide an extended lower central portion such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the lower central portion occupies a portion of a cleavage of the wearer.

11. A bust protection device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein an upper edge of the upper pad is curved to provide an upper central gap such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the upper pad protects each clavicle of the wearer, while exposing a suprasternal notch of the wearer.

12. A bust protection device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad element comprises a lower pad disposed, when the bust protection device is worn, below the bust of the wearer.

13. A bust protection device according to claim 12, wherein an upper edge of the lower pad is curved to provide an extended upper central portion such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the upper central portion occupies a portion of a cleavage of the wearer.

14. A bust protection device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad element comprises a plurality of spacer mesh fabric layers.

15. A bust protection device according to claim 14, wherein each layer of the plurality of layers is connected to any preceding layer at a first point along a width of the layer and is connected to any following layer at a second point along a width of the layer;wherein the first point is offset laterally from the second point along a width of the layer to provide flexibility to the pad element.

16. A bust protection device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the plurality of spacer mesh fabric layers are disposed inside a shaped fabric case.

17. A bust protection device according to any preceding claim, comprising a fabric comprising a property selected from the group: flame retardant; anti-bacterial; anti-microbial; temperature regulating; moisture wicking.

18. A pad element configured to be coupled to the plate of the bust protection device of any preceding claim such that, when the bust protection device is worn, the pad element projects from the inner surface of the plate towards a torso of a wearer either above or below a bust of the wearer so as to distribute any pressure exerted on the plate to the torso either above or below the bust.

19. A kit comprising the bust protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 17; and an item of body armour.

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