Patent ID: 7874022
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: A41D

Abstract:
1. A protective athletic garment, comprising: a pair of shoulder protection plates adapted to cover at least a portion of each shoulder of a user; a pair of epaulets adapted to cover at least a portion of each shoulder of a user, wherein the pair of epaulets are coupled to the pair of shoulder protection plates, and wherein a top surface of each epaulet extends downwardly from a horizontal when in a free state of movement; at least one rear arch plate adapted to cover at least a portion of a back of a user, wherein the at least one rear arch plate is coupled with the at least one shoulder protection plate, and wherein the at least one rear arch plate includes a lower portion that extends downwardly and is adapted to cover an upper lumbar region of a back of a user, and a pair of first side portions adapted to wrap about each side of a user; at least one front arch plate adapted to cover at least a portion of a chest of a user, coupled to the pair of shoulder protection plates, and having a body portion defining a forwardly facing first surface and a pair of relief areas extending outwardly from the first surface defining a cavity within an interior of the garment that is adapted to receive a pectoral area of a user, a lower portion that extends downwardly and is adapted to cover an upper abdominal area of a user, and a pair of second side portions adapted to wrap about each side of a user; and a padding member operably coupled to at least a select one of the at least one rear arch plate and the at least one front arch plate, wherein the padding is configured and oriented to provide a gap between an uppermost portion of the padding adapted to cover each shoulder of a user, and an upper most portion of each of the at least one rear arch plate and the at least one front arch plate when the padding is in a free state of movement.