Shoulder pad for contact sports

The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member. The interior pad assembly is an integrated unit formed from a front pad, an intermediate pad, and a rear pad joined together to form distinct air management chambers.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a shoulder pad assembly worn by a player in a contact sport, such as football, lacrosse or hockey. The shoulder pad has a novel fastening assembly for connection of a side pad assembly, an energy attenuation system for dissipating an impact force, and a unique integrated interior pad assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In most contact sports, the players are required to wear an assortment of protective gear, including shoulder pads, to reduce the occurrence of injury. For example, conventional football shoulder pads are bilaterally symmetrical and are generally comprised of right and left body arch members which extend over the shoulders and include anterior and posterior portions, or depending chest and back portions, which overlie the chest and back of the athlete. The posterior portions, or depending back portions may be permanently hinged together along a vertical axis over the athlete's back or spine, while the anterior portion, or depending chest portions, are connected together on a vertical line over the athlete's sternum as by means of straps or lacing.

A side pad assembly, comprising an epaulet and a shoulder cap, is rigidly linked by multiple connectors to the body arch member. The side pad assembly protects the player's shoulder wherein a portion of the body arch member overlies the acromioclavicular area (the “A.C.” area), which includes the clavicle and the acromion, where the latter is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula. In general, the A.C. area of the shoulder extends from the base of the neck downwardly towards the tip of the shoulder, or deltoid muscle. With conventional shoulder pad designs, the epaulet is pivotally connected to the arch member by a first strap and the shoulder cap is pivotally connected to the arch member by a second strap, wherein the epaulet overlies the shoulder cap. Due to the rigid connection provided by the straps, the range of motion of the side pad assembly is limited and the overall comfort of the shoulder pad is affected. The structural members, such as the body arch members, the shoulder caps and the epaulets, are manufactured from a material having the requisite strength characteristics to withstand the forces of impact incurred while playing contact sport. Conventional shoulder pads may also include a strap of material which has its ends fixedly secured to the body arch member, as by rivets or other suitable connectors. Typically, these straps are referred to as cantilever straps, and they support the body arch members in a spaced relationship from the pad body, as well as from the shoulder of the player.

Unlike football shoulder pads which include two distinct pads, the epaulet and the cap, which overlie the player's shoulder for protection thereof, conventional hockey and lacrosse pads feature only the shoulder cap. Hockey and lacrosse pads do not include the additional epaulet for a number of reasons, including the oversized configuration of the cap, the lower profile of the shoulder pads, and the reduced level of contact in these sports compared to football.

Existing shoulder pads also utilize a number of distinct interior pads disposed beneath the body arch members, wherein the interior pads are either fixedly secured, or releasably secured, to the body arch members. By using a number of distinct interior pads to form the interior pad elements, the construction of the shoulder pad and the fit of the shoulder pad can be affected.

Therefore, there is a definite need for a shoulder pad with a fastening assembly for the side pad assembly that does not inhibit the range of motion or comfort of the pad assembly. Further, there is a tangible need for an integrated interior pad assembly that can be quickly and easily joined to the arch members during the construction of the shoulder pad.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior shoulder pads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shoulder pad that is to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a first body arch member, a second body arch member, a left side pad assembly flexibly connected to the left body arch member, and a right side pad assembly flexibly connected to the right body arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a left interior pad assembly removably affixed to the left body arch member and a right interior pad assembly removably affixed to the right body arch member.

According to one aspect of the invention, each side pad assembly includes an epaulet and an attached interior pad, and a shoulder cap and an attached interior pad. The arch members, the epaulets, and the shoulder caps are made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred in the contact sport. Each side pad assembly is affixed to the upper portion of the body arch member by a fastening assembly that comprises a single flexible band and at least one rivet. Unlike conventional shoulder pad designs, the single band connects both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the body arch member. The band has a first end that is affixed to the upper portion of the body arch member by a securing plate and at least one rivet that is driven therethrough. The band has an intermediate portion between the first end and a second end, wherein the intermediate portion is affixed to an inner surface of the epaulet by at least one rivet. The second end of the band is affixed to an inner surface of the shoulder cap by at least one rivet. Thus, a single flexible band is utilized to connect both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the body arch member while providing a greater range of motion to the side pad assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention, the shoulder pad assembly includes an impact distribution and energy attenuation system that distributes and reduces an impact force throughout the pad assembly. As part of the system, the arch member has a raised segment that is aligned and cooperatively dimensioned with a raised segment of the shoulder cap. Furthermore, the epaulet has a raised segment that is aligned and cooperatively dimensioned with the other raised segments. The raised segments collectively define a channel that distributes and attenuates the force of impact received on the side pad assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the left and right interior pad assemblies comprise a number of distinct pads joined as an integrated padding unit. The interior pad assembly comprises a number of pads—a front pad, an intermediate pad, and a rear pad—joined to form distinct air management chambers. The pad element is formed from open-cell foam or closed-cell foam, or a combination thereof. The interior pad assembly may include a deltoid pad, wherein the deltoid pad extends from a portion of the front and intermediate pads. A front region of the interior pad assembly includes means for securing the pad assembly to the front portion of the body arch. Similarly, a rear region of the interior pad assembly includes means for securing the pad assembly to the rear portion of the body arch.

Compared to conventional shoulder pads, the present invention provides a number of advantages. The fastening assembly that secures the side pad assembly to the body arch member provides a greater amount of mobility for the side pad assembly with respect to the arch member. In addition, the fastening assembly comprises few parts, primarily the single band, and is easily installed on the shoulder pad thereby reducing both material and assembly costs. The raised segments of the arch member, the shoulder cap, and the epaulet form the distribution and energy attenuation system that distributes and generally reduces an impact force throughout the pad assembly. Regarding the integrated interior pad assembly, combining multiple pads into a single pad assembly provides for more efficient air management upon an impact to the shoulder pad. Furthermore, due to the integrated construction of the interior pad assembly, the shoulder pad is more comfortable for the participant to wear while playing the contact sport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A shoulder pad assembly10is shown in FIGS.1and4-7. The shoulder pad10is configured to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad10includes a first or left body arch member20, a second or right body arch member22, a left side pad assembly24flexibly connected to the left body arch member20, and a right side pad assembly26flexibly connected to the right body arch member22. A central body21is defined by the left and right body arch members20,22which are operably joined to form the central body21. Each of the side pad assemblies24,26are configured to overlie a shoulder region of the wearer. The shoulder pad assembly10further includes a left interior pad assembly28removably affixed by fastening means104(seeFIG. 11) to the left body arch member20and a right interior pad assembly30removably affixed by fastening means104to the right body arch member22. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies28,30are permanently affixed to the respective body arch members20,22. The shoulder pad10may include a cantilever strap (not shown) positioned between each arch member20,22and interior pad assembly28,30. In another configuration, the shoulder pad10includes a sub-arch padding element15(seeFIG. 6) positioned between each arch member20,22and interior pad assembly28,30. The cantilever strap and/or the sub-arch generally overlie the player's A.C. area and help to protect this area. The terms player, participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears the shoulder pad assembly10for use in a contact sport.

Each body arch member20,22includes an upper portion32,34, a front or chest portion36,38depending from the upper portion32,34, and a rear or back portion40,42depending from the upper portion32,34. Thus, the arch member20,22is a single piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region and lower back region. As shown inFIG. 1, the front portions36,38feature a plurality of eyelets44configured to receive a string or lace46to adjust and position the body arch members20,22over the wearer's sternum. Each body arch member20,22includes at least one means for adjustably connecting the front portion36,38and the rear portion40,42thereof. The adjustable connection means can include a belt and buckle arrangement48or a hook and loop (Velcro®) strap. The rear portions40,42of the arch members20,22are spaced a distance apart and are connected by at least one strap affixed to the arch members20,22. The body arch members20,22define a central opening50that permits the shoulder pad10to be placed over the participant's head and on the participant's shoulders. Each body arch member20,22has a liner52along an extent of the edge proximate the central opening50.

As shown in FIGS.1and4-7, the side pad assembly24,26includes an epaulet protective element60and an attached interior pad62, and a shoulder cap protective element64and an attached interior pad66. Preferably, the interior pads62,66are attached to the epaulet60and the shoulder cap64, respectively, by at least one rivet51(seeFIG. 4). Alternatively, one or both of the interior pads62,66are omitted from the side pad assembly24,26. The side pad assembly24,26overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of the participant, wherein the epaulet60and interior pad62overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region, and the cap64and interior pad66overlie the outer region of the deltoid muscle. Described in a different manner, the shoulder cap64also overlies the acromion bone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, and the epaulet60overlies both the arch member20,22and the cap64. In one embodiment, the epaulet60has a curvilinear periphery with a perimeter that is less than a perimeter defined by the attached interior pad62. Similarly, the shoulder cap64has a curvilinear periphery with a perimeter that is less than a perimeter defined by the attached interior pad66. In this manner, the periphery of the interior pads62,66extend beyond the periphery of the epaulet60and the cap64, respectively. The arch members20,22, the epaulets60, and the shoulder caps64can be made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred in the contact sport. For example, the arch members20,22, the epaulets60, and the shoulder caps64are formed from plastic, either the thermoplastic or thermoset variety. As another example, the arch members20,22, the epaulets60, and the shoulder caps64are formed from high molecular weight polyethylene.

Referring to FIGS.1and4-7, each side pad assembly24,26is affixed to the upper portion32,34of the body arch member20,22by a fastening assembly68that comprises a single flexible band70and a plurality of rivets72. The band70can be operably connected to either an upper surface or a lower surface of the body arch member20,22. The band70provides a common connection point on the arch member20,22for both the epaulet60and the shoulder cap64. The band70has a first end74that is affixed to the upper portion32,34by a securing plate76and at least one rivet72that is driven therethrough. Alternatively, the securing plate76is omitted and the rivet72extends through the first end74of the band70and the arch member20,22. The rivet72can include a protective sheath73(seeFIGS. 6 and 7). In yet another alternative, the first end74of the band70is secured under the liner52about the central opening50and both the plate76and the rivet72are omitted. Although the plate76is shown to have a generally rectangular configuration inFIG. 1, the precise configuration of the plate76can vary. For example, the plate76can have a square, elliptical, or circular configuration provided there is a sufficient surface area to interface with the first end74of the band70, the upper portion32,34and the rivet72. The band70has a first or inner surface78that is in contact with an outer surface of the upper portion32,34, and a second or outer surface80(seeFIG. 5) with portions that are in contact with the plate76and exposed (seeFIG. 4).

The side pad assembly24,26is shown in an elevated position inFIGS. 5 and 6, with a portion of the interior pad66removed inFIG. 6for illustrative purposes. The band70has an intermediate portion82between the first end74and a second end84. The intermediate portion82is affixed to an inner surface61of the epaulet60by at least one rivet72. Near the intermediate portion82, the second or outer surface80of the band70is in contact with the epaulet60, while the first or inner surface78is in contact with an inner surface67of the interior pad66. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the interior pad62defines a recessed portion63near the connection area for the band70whereby the second surface80of the band70directly engages the inner surface61of the epaulet60. In another embodiment, the interior pad62lacks a recessed portion63, whereby the second surface80of the band70engages the interior pad62and the rivet72extends through the band70, the interior pad62, and the epaulet60. When the side pad assembly24,26is elevated or raised from the arch members20,22in the manner shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the second surface80of the band70envelops or wraps an extent of the periphery of the epaulet60. The second end84of the band70is affixed to an inner surface65of the shoulder cap64by at least one rivet72. Near the second end84, the second or outer surface80of the band70is in contact with the shoulder cap64, while the first or inner surface78is in contact with an inner surface67of the interior pad66. Although not shown, a plate76may be employed to assist with the fastening of the second end84to the shoulder cap64. In an initial or use position shown inFIGS. 1,4,6and7, the intermediate portion82and the second end84of the band70are positioned between an outer layer defined by the epaulet60, the interior pad62, and the shoulder cap64, and a inner layer defined by the upper portion32,34of the body arch member20,22and the interior pad66. In this manner, a significant extent of the band70is stacked between the inner layer and the outer layer.

As explained above, the band70of the fastening assembly68extends from the upper region32,34of the arch member20,22and away from the central opening50to flexibly secure the side pad assembly24,26to the respective arch member20,22. As a result, the fastening assembly68provides a single linked attachment between the side pad assembly24,26and the arch members20,22. Described in a different manner, the fastening assembly68provides for pivotal movement of the entire side pad assembly24,26about the connection point when an upwardly directed force is applied thereto. Said upward force can result from the wearer raising an arm to throw or catch an object, such as a football. As an example, when the upwardly directed force is applied to the epaulet60, both the epaulet60and the shoulder cap64pivot about the connection point on the arch member22,24.

Unlike the shoulder pad10of the present invention, conventional football shoulder pads typically utilize multiple straps and connectors to fasten the side pad assembly to the arch members.FIGS. 2 and 3show a conventional shoulder pad200with a multi-strap fastening assembly205for the side pad assembly208, which consists of the epaulet215and the associated interior pad217, and the shoulder cap230and the associated interior pad232. The fastening assembly205includes a first strap210that connects the epaulet215to the arch member220with rivets212. The fastening assembly205further includes a second strap225connects the shoulder cap230to the arch member220with rivets227. Due to the multiple straps210,225, conventional football shoulder pads200have multiple connection points for each side pad assembly208, which decreases the range of motion of the pad assembly208.

In contrast to conventional designs and as schematically shown inFIGS. 8-10, the fastening assembly68provides a single pivot point PP for both the epaulet60and the shoulder cap64about the connection point CP on the arch member20,22. The single pivot point PP reflects the location where the side pad assembly24,26pivots about the arch member20,22. The conventional shoulder pad200is schematically shown inFIG. 8, wherein the fastening assembly205has two distinct connectors—the first strap210and the second strap225. The connection between the epaulet215and the first strap210provides a first pivot point PP1and a first connection point CP1, while the connection between the shoulder cap230and the second strap225provides a second pivot point PP2. Due to the two pivot points PP1, PP2and the two connection points CP1, CP2, the comfort and range of motion of the side pad assembly208is reduced.

Compared to conventional devices for securing side pad assemblies to arch members, the fastening assembly68of the present invention provides a number of benefits. Primarily, the fastening assembly68, through the use of the single band70, provides a greater amount of mobility for the side pad assembly24,26with respect to the arch member20,22. As a result, the restrictions placed on the range of movement by conventional devices are not found in the present invention. In addition, when an impact is absorbed by the side pad assembly24,26, the fastening assembly68helps to maintain the proper positioning of the shoulder pad10on the player. Furthermore, the fastening assembly68comprises few parts, including the single band70, and is easily installed on the shoulder pad10thereby reducing both material and assembly costs.

The shoulder pad assembly10also includes an impact distribution and energy attenuation system150that is adapted to distribute an impact force throughout the pad assembly10. Referring to FIGS.1and4-6, the system150includes an upper raised arch segment152, a front raised arch segment154, and a rear raised arch segment156. As shown inFIG. 6, the upper raised segment152extends outward from the front and rear raised arch segments154,156to the outer edge22aof the arch member22. The system150further includes a raised segment158of the shoulder cap64and a raised segment160of the epaulet60. Each of the raised segments152,154,156,158represent a corrugation in the pad component, and the raised segments152,154,156,158have a height defined by a sidewall that extends from the outer surface of the respective component of the pad assembly10. In one embodiment, the segment height is approximately 0.25 inch. As shown inFIGS. 1,4and4A, the upper raised arch segment152is cooperatively positioned and cooperatively dimensioned with the raised cap segment158to define a distribution and absorption channel162between the arch member20,22and the cap64. Therefore, the upper raised arch member152has a width that corresponds to a width of the raised cap segment158. The fastening assembly68described above maintains the channel162through the close spacing of the cap64to the arch member20,22. In one embodiment, the inner periphery of the cap64is operably positioned approximately 1.0 inch from the outer periphery of the arch member20,22.

Referring toFIGS. 4,4A and5, the raised shoulder cap segment158has a length and extends outward from an inner edge157(seeFIG. 4A) towards the outer edge159of the shoulder cap64. The length of the raised cap segment158can vary with the design parameters of the energy attenuation system150. For example, the raised cap segment158can extend between the inner and outer edges157,159of the shoulder cap64. Although shown as being uninterrupted or continuous, the raised cap segment158can be a series of projections that collectively define the segment158. The raised epaulet segment160extends outward from a raised main portion164to the peripheral edge166of the epaulet60. The raised epaulet segment160is cooperatively dimensioned and positioned with the raised cap segment158to further define the channel162. The distribution and absorption channel162may also include the front and rear raised segments154,156of the arch member20,22. Accordingly, the channel162may extend through the arch member20,22and outward through the side pad assembly24,26. Referring toFIG. 6, there is a curvilinear transition region between the upper raised segment152and the front and rear raised segments154,156. The sub-arch member15may also include a raised segment that is cooperatively dimensioned and positioned with the upper raised segment152.

When the shoulder pad assembly10is worn by a participant in a contact sport, e.g. football, hockey or lacrosse, the impact distribution and energy attenuation system150distributes and attenuates an impact force received on the side pad assembly24,26in a controlled manner. An impact force is transferred through the side pad assembly24,26and the arch member20,22. However, the system150prevents that force from being transferred to the wearer's acromioclavicular area (A.C. area) because the raised segments152,158that overlie that area resist compression. Due to the corrugation that the raised segments152-158provide and under normal impact forces experienced during contact sports, the channel162does not compress and therefore does not engage the wearer's A.C. area. The channel's162lack of compression and engagement prevents the impact force from being transferred to the wearer's A.C. area. While the channel162resists compression and engagement with the A.C. area, the un-raised portions of the arch member20,22and the shoulder cap62compress an amount to engage the wearer's non-A.C. area and transfer the impact force thereto. It is understood that the side pad assembly24,26and the arch members20,22absorb a significant amount of energy thereby reducing the impact force transferred to the wearer.

Referring now toFIGS. 11-13, the left and right interior pad assemblies28,30comprise a number of distinct pads joined as integrated padding unit. The interior pad assembly28,30comprises a front pad90, a rear pad92, and an intermediate pad94positioned between the front and rear pads90,92. Alternatively, the interior pad assembly28,30comprises a front pad90and a rear pad92, with the intermediate pad94omitted. The pad90,92,94comprises foam pad element95encapsulated in an air-tight membrane96(seeFIG. 13). The membrane96is configured to prevent air from escaping from the pad element95when an impact force is applied to the shoulder pad assembly10. In this manner, each pad90,92,94forms a distinct air management chamber93within the pad assembly28,30. Each air management chamber93restricts the release of air during an impact, while providing shock absorbing qualities through the compression of the air and the pad element95within the chamber93. When an impact is received across a large area of the arch member20,22, such as the upper and front portions32,36of the arch20, multiple chambers93restrict air release and provide shock absorbing qualities. The pad element95can be a closed cell or open cell pad, or a combination thereof. The membrane96can be formed from flexible plastic, rubber, or air-tight fabric. Once affixed to a body arch member20,22, the interior pad28,30extends from the front portion36,38through the upper portion32,34and to the rear portion40,42. In this manner, the interior pad28,30is an integrated padding assembly that spans the length of the curvilinear body arch20,22. Conventional pad assemblies have a single pad element that spans the length of the body arch, wherein there is single air management chamber that spans the length of the body arch.

The interior pad assembly28,30further includes a first removable pad98and a second removable pad100, wherein each pad98,100is removably received by the intermediate pad94with a hook and loop (Velcro®) fastener. When the pad assembly28,30is installed in the shoulder pad10, the first and second removable pads98,100are positioned proximate the upper portion32,34of the arch member20,22. The intermediate pad94has a inner comfort edge102that helps to prevent chafing with the player's torso region. The front pad90includes means for fastening104the pad90to the front portion36,38of the body arch20,22. Similarly, the rear pad92includes means for fastening104the pad92to the rear portion40,42of the body arch20, The fastening means104is affixed to an inner surface103of the pad assembly28,30. The fastening means104can be a hook and loop (Velcro®) strap, a snap fastener, or a threaded fastener. As shown inFIG. 1, the fastening means104is threaded through openings in the body arch members20,22. When the pad assembly28,30is fastened to the body arch member24,26, the arch member24,26acts as a throttle for the air released from the pad element95upon an impact to the shoulder pad assembly10.

As mentioned above, the front, rear and intermediate pads90,92,94are joined to form a single, integrated pad assembly28,30. The front pad90is joined to the intermediate pad94at a front divider or seam110, and the rear pad92is joined to the intermediate pad94at a rear divider or seam112. Referring toFIG. 13, the front seam110has a first and second component110a,110b, and the rear seam112has a first and second component112a,112b. Edging114is located at the periphery of the front, intermediate and rear pads90,92,94. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the pads90,92,94are operably connected within a liner116having an exterior liner component116aand an interior liner component116b. Preferably, the exterior liner component116ais a nylon membrane and the interior liner component116bis an air permeable membrane. The liner116has a liner edging118that defines the periphery of the pad assembly28,30. In the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 13, the external liner116is omitted wherein this omission does not affect the structure of the pads90,92,94or the chambers93. There, the pad element95is positioned within the membrane96of each of the front pad90, the rear pad92and the intermediate pad94. To form the pads90,92,94, the membrane96is heat sealed to enclose the pad element95. Alternatively, the pad element95is enclosed within the membrane96via ultrasonic welding, radio frequency welding, or solvent or chemical bonding. To form the pad assembly28,30, each pad90,92,94can be formed separately and then joined together at the seams110,112within the liner116, or all pads90,92,94are simultaneously formed within a die having a partition for the seams110,112and within the liner116.

The resulting pad assembly28,30has a length that corresponds to the length of the body arch20,22thereby providing an integrated padding element for the body arch20,22with multiple air management chambers. Combining and integrating multiple pads90,92,94as a single pad assembly28,30permits the pad assembly28,30to be easily installed to the arch member20,22compared to the piecemeal installation required by conventional multiple inner pads. As a result, the material and assembly costs of the shoulder pad10are lowered. Furthermore, due to the integrated construction of the pad assembly28,30, the shoulder pad10is more comfortable for the participant to wear while playing the contact sport.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials or embodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art; for example, the entire cantilever strap could be provided with a shock absorbing pad disposed upon its lower surface. Accordingly, the invention is therefore to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.