SHOULDER PADS

Protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer, such as a hockey or lacrosse player. The shoulder pads may comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism configured to allow the rib protector to be removably connected to the base. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment mechanism may allow attachment of the rib protector to the base in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions. A protective athletic system comprising the shoulder pads and an undergarment is also provided.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to protective athletic equipment and, more particularly, to shoulder pads for a player playing a contact sport such as lacrosse or hockey.

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pads are worn by players of contact sports, such as hockey and lacrosse, for upper body protection. Typically, shoulder pads comprise front and back members for respectively protecting front and back regions of a player's thorax and left and right shoulder protectors for respectively protecting the player's left and right shoulders.

During play, different players require varying levels of protection depending on their position within a team as well as their personal style of play. As such, certain players may not require shoulder pads offering protection to certain regions of their thorax and may benefit from lighter and less cumbersome shoulder pads which do not restrict their freedom of movement.

Against this background, there is a need for shoulder pads capable of being adapted to provide a player with varying levels of protection.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism configured to allow the rib protector to be removably connected to the base.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the rib protector to the base and configured to allow a position of the rib protector to be adjusted.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism that allows attachment of the rib protector to the base in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer. The protective athletic shoulder pads comprise a protective base and at least one strap configured for adjusting a fit of the protective base around a rib cage of a wearer. The strap is guided by at least one retaining element that is disposed on a protective element that is detachable from the protective base.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a protective athletic system. The protective athletic system comprises: shoulder pads comprising protective padding for protecting shoulders of a wearer; and an undergarment comprising protective padding. The protective padding of the undergarment complements the protective padding of the shoulder pads. At least some of the protective padding of the shoulder pads is located on a protector that is detachable from the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 3show an example of shoulder pads10for upper body protection of a player playing a contact sport in accordance with an example non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the shoulder pads10comprise a base100and a rib protector200, which may be removably connectable to the base100. In this example, the player is a lacrosse player playing lacrosse and thus the shoulder pads10are lacrosse shoulder pads.

The shoulder pads10protect various regions of an upper body of the player. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, a thorax12of the player has a front side FS, a back side BS, a left side LS and a right side RS. The front side FS of the thorax12, which can also be referred to as a “chest” or “ventral” side, comprises left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR overlying left and right pectoral muscles of the player, a sternum region SR overlying a sternum of the player, a manubrium region MBR located at the top of the sternum region SR, and left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL overlying the sixth to tenth ribs of the player. The back side BS of the thorax12, which can also be referred to as a “dorsal” side, comprises a thoracic spinal region TSR overlying thoracic vertebrae of the player, a sternal angle region SAR overlaying a sternal angle of the spine of the player, left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR overlying left and right trapezius muscles of the player, left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR overlying left and right latissimus dorsi muscles of the player and left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL overlying the sixth to twelfth ribs of the player.

The thorax12of the player further has a lateral direction and a medial direction representing directions extending further and closer from the midline of the thorax12of the player, respectively. The left and right sides LS, RS of the thorax12respectively comprise left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR overlying the lateral sides of the ribs of the player. The thorax12additionally comprises left and right shoulders201,202of the player which join left and right arms241,242of the player to the thorax12. Each of the left and right shoulders201,202has a clavicle region CR, a scapular region BR, an acromioclavicular joint region ACR, and a deltoid region DR respectively overlying a clavicle, a scapula, an acromioclavicular joint, and a deltoid muscle of that shoulder.

The thorax12of the player has a front-back (i.e., a dorso-ventral) axis FBA (which is perpendicular to the front and back views shown inFIG. 4A), a left-right (i.e., dextro-sinistral) axis LRA, and a vertical (i.e., cephalo-caudal) axis VA. A front-back direction, a left-right direction, and a top-bottom direction of the shoulder pads10are respectively parallel to the front-back axis FBA, the left-right axis LRA, and the vertical axis VA of the thorax12of the player. Similarly, a lateral direction and a medial direction of the shoulder pads10are respectively parallel to the lateral direction and the medial direction of the thorax12of the player.

As will be discussed later, the shoulder pads10comprise an attachment mechanism50allowing configuration of the shoulder pads10as desired by the player. The attachment mechanism50may provide the player the ability to adjust various levels of protection and ease of movement (e.g., by using more or less padding).

The base100may comprise a front member which substantially overlies the player's sternum region SR when the shoulder pads10are worn by the player. The front member may have any suitable shape. For example, in certain embodiments, the front member may comprise an X-shaped member or a Y-shaped member or a rectangular member. In other embodiments, the front member may comprise a panel or a set of interconnected panels. In the non-limiting example of implementation being presently described in detail, the front member comprises a Y-shaped front yoke110.

With reference toFIGS. 5A, 5B and 14A, the front yoke110may extend upwardly from the bottom of the player's sternum region SR and may bifurcate near the player's manubrium region MBR into left and right front yoke arms1121,1122. The left and right yoke arms1121,1122may extend upwardly and at an angle relative to the vertical axis VA. As such, the left and right yoke arms1121,1122may define pectoral sections115at least partially overlaying the player's left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and clavicle region CR. The front yoke110has lateral sides119which extend up the left and right front yoke arms1121,1122as well as medial sides118on the left and right yoke arms1121,1122

Moreover, the base100may comprise a front shield120which substantially overlays the player's manubrium region MBR when the shoulder pads10are worn by the player. In this embodiment, the front shield120has a substantially triangular shape devised to fit above the front yoke110, between the left and right front yoke arms1121,1122. To that end, the front shield120may be affixed to the medial sides118of the front yoke110via stitching. In other embodiments, the front shield120may have any other suitable shape. For example, the front shield120may be substantially trapezoidal or oval.

The base100may additionally comprise one or more side chest protectors to provide protection on the lateral sides119of the front yoke110. In this example of implementation, the base100comprises left and right side chest protectors1401,1402disposed on the left and right lateral sides119of the front yoke110, respectively, at a lower end116of the front yoke110. To that end, the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402may be affixed to the lateral sides119of front yoke110via stitching. In this embodiment, the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402have a predominantly trapezoidal shape, however, the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402may have any suitable shape in other embodiments.

It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402may be affixed to the front yoke110by any other suitable method, for example, by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding.

In this embodiment and as shown inFIG. 50, the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402comprise protective padding80Fdisposed between an inner lining60Fand an outer cover70F. The protective padding80Fprovides protection to at least part of the sternum region SR, the manubrium region MBR, the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and the clavicle region CR. The protective padding80Fmay comprise any suitable impact-absorbing material. For example, in this embodiment, the protective padding80Fcomprises foam. The foam material of the protective padding80Fmay comprise any suitable foam. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the foam may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene (LOPE) foam), vinyl nitrile (VN) foam, polyurethane foam, or any other suitable foam. In this embodiment, the protective padding80Fof the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402comprises EVA foam.

The protective padding80Fmay have any thickness suitable to offer protection to the player's left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, the clavicle region CR, the sternum region SR and the manubrium region MBR. In certain embodiments, varying parts of the protective padding80Fmay comprise a different thickness to provide varying levels of protection.

The inner lining60Fcomprises fabric material. The fabric material of the inner lining60Fmay comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the inner lining60Fmay comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric. In some cases, the fabric material of the inner lining60Fmay include different types of fabric in different areas of the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402. Similarly, the outer cover70Fcomprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the outer cover70Fcomprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane).

The inner lining60Fand the outer cover70Fmay converge at the limits of the protective padding80Fto define a padding edge76Fwhich surrounds the protective padding80F. To that end, the padding edge76Fcomprises a first layer of material composed of the inner lining60Fand a second layer of material composed of the outer cover70F. The padding edge76Fmay create a surface suitable to receiving the stitching affixing the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402to the front yoke110.

The front yoke110, along with the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402, may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the front yoke110may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials. For instance, in some embodiments, the front yoke110, front shield120and/or left and right side chest protectors1401,1402may comprise an outer shell or rigid material (e.g., one or more shell pieces of polycarbonate or other rigid polymeric material). As another example, in other embodiments, the foam material of the protective padding80Fmay include different types of foam in different areas of the front yoke110. Also, in some embodiments, the protective padding80Fmay comprise-shock absorbing material other than foam. For instance, in some embodiment, the protective padding80Fmay comprise a gel.

The base100may additionally comprise a back member configured to cover at least part of the back side BS of the thorax12of the player. The back member may have any suitable shape. For example, in certain embodiments, the back member may comprise an X-shaped member or a rectangular member. In other embodiments, the back member may comprise one or more interconnected panels. In this example of implementation, the back member comprises a Y-shaped back yoke110.

With reference toFIGS. 6A, 6B and 14B, the back yoke150may extend upwardly from the bottom of the player's thoracic spinal region TSR and may bifurcate below the sternal angle region SAR of the player into left and right back yoke arms1521,1522. The left and right yoke arms1521,1522may extend upwardly and at an angle relative to the vertical axis VA. As such, the left and right yoke arms1521,1522may define trapezius sections155at least partially overlaying the player's left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR. To that end, the back yoke150has lateral sides159which extend up to the trapezius sections155as well as medial sides158on the left and right yoke arms1521,1522.

The base may further comprise a back shield160. In this embodiment and with reference continued reference toFIG. 6A, the back shield160at least partially overlays the sternal angle region SAR of the player when the shoulder pads10are worn by the player. In this case, the back shield160has a substantially triangular shape devised to fit above the back yoke150, between the left and right back yoke arms1521,1522. To that end, the back shield150may be affixed to the medial sides158of the back yoke150via stitching. It should be understood that the back shield160may be affixed to the back yoke150by any other suitable method in other embodiments, for example, by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. In other embodiments, the back shield150may have any other suitable shape. For example, the back shield160may be substantially trapezoidal or oval.

In this embodiment, the back yoke150and the back shield160comprise protective padding80B(not shown) disposed between an inner lining60Band an outer cover70B. In this case, these components of the back yoke150and back shield160may be similar in construction to the protective padding80F, the inner lining60Fand the outer cover70Fof the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402. Moreover, the inner lining60Band the outer cover70Bmay converge at the limits of the protective padding80Bto define a padding edge76Bsimilar to that of the padding edge76F. The protective padding80Bprovides protection to the thoracic spinal region TSR, left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR and the player's third and fourth vertebrae.

In this embodiment, the protective padding80Bof the back shield160comprises a plurality of pad members82with flex lines84(e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members82to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding80B. In addition, the protective padding808of the back shield160is perforated. The perforated foam may provide protection while allowing increased breathability and weight reduction. Moreover, in this example of implementation, the inner lining60Band the outer cover70Bof the back shield150comprise a mesh fabric, which may provide increased breathability, and the padding edge76Bcomprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the padding edge768comprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane) to fasten the inner lining60Band the outer cover70Bat their points of convergence.

The back yoke150, along with the back shield160, may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the back yoke150may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials. For instance, in some embodiments, the back yoke150and the back shield160may comprise an outer shell or rigid material (e.g., one or more shell pieces of polycarbonate or other rigid polymeric material). As another example, in other embodiments, the foam material of the protective padding808may include different types of foam in different areas of the back yoke150. Also, in some embodiments, the protective padding808may comprise-shock absorbing material other than foam. For instance, in some embodiment, the protective padding80Bmay comprise a gel.

In this embodiment, the front yoke110and the back yoke150are separate members which are held together by an adjustment system130and which are disconnectable from one another by unfastening the adjustment system130, as further discussed later. That is, the adjustment system130is unfastenable to disconnect the front yoke110and the back yoke150such that the front yoke110and the back yoke150are separated. More particularly, in this example, the front yoke110and the rear yoke150can be detached from one another at their top by unfastening the adjustment system130and can be detached from one another at their bottom by unfastening left and right rib straps1901,1902(discussed further below).

To that end, the adjustment system130may comprise left and right arches1701,1702configured to interconnect the front yoke110and back yoke150and arch over the left and right shoulders201,202of the player. As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, each arch170X(Xε{1, 2}) comprises a clavicle portion172and a scapular portion174for respectively overlying the clavicle region CR and the scapular region BR of the shoulder20X(Xε{1, 2}) over which it arches. Each arch170Xfurther comprises a medial side178and a lateral side179.

In this embodiment, the left and right arches1701,1702comprise protective padding80A(not shown) disposed between an inner lining60Aand an outer cover70A. In this case, these components of the left and right arches1701,1702are similar in construction to is the protective padding80F, the inner lining60Fand the outer cover70Fof the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402. Moreover, the inner lining60Aand the outer cover70Aconverge at the limits of the protective padding80Ato define a padding edge76Asimilar to that of the padding edge76F. The protective padding80Aprovides protection to the clavicle region CR and the scapular region BR.

In this example of implementation, the arch170Xis nonseparably connected to the back yoke150(i.e., it is connected to the back yoke150such that it cannot be separated from the back yoke150without damaging the shoulder pads10) and extends towards the front yoke110. As such, the arch170Xis nonseparably connected to the back yoke150by being sewn to an arch strap176. The arch strap176extends in the front-back direction and comprises a first end sewn to the back yoke150and a second sewn to the arch170X. In other cases, the arch170Xmay be nonseparably connected to the back yoke150in other ways (e.g., by being sewn directly to the back yoke150or by being integrally formed with the back yoke150). In other embodiments, the arch170Xmay be detachable from the back yoke150.

As mentioned previously, the adjustment system130allows the player to adjust the fit of the shoulder pads10, notably by adjustment of the left and right arches1701,1702. To that end, the adjustment system130comprises left and right arch fasteners1321,1322detachably fastening the left and right arches1701,1702to the front yoke110to allow the player to adjust the left and right arches1701,1702.

Each arch fastener132X(Xε{1, 2}) detachably fastens its associated arch170Xto the front yoke110in that it is designed to enable the arch170Xand the front yoke110to be fastened and unfastened at will without damaging the shoulder pads10. The arch fastener132Xcomprises a first connector134on (i.e. that is part of) the arch170Xand a second connector136on (i.e. that is part of) the front yoke110. When the arch170Xis fastened to the front yoke110by the arch fastener132X, the first connector134overlaps the front yoke110and is detachably connected to the second connector136.

The arch fastener132Xmay be any suitable type of fastener. In this embodiment, the arch fastener132Xis a hook-and-loop fastener. More particularly, in this embodiment, the arch fastener132Xis a Velcro™ hook-and-loop fastener. In this example, the first connector134comprises a hook portion of the arch fastener132Xand the second connector136comprises a loop portion of the arch fastener132X. In other examples, this may be reversed with the first connector134comprising a loop portion of the arch fastener132Xand the second connector136comprising a hook portion of the arch fastener132X.

The adjustment of the left and right arches1701,1702enabled by the left and right arch fasteners1321,1322allows for various aspects of the fit of the shoulder pads10to be adjusted. The arch fastener132Xallows the player to adjust a position in which the first connector134of the arch fastener132Xis detachably connected to the second connector136of the arch fastener132X. More particularly, in this embodiment, the arch fastener132Xallows the player to adjust the position in which the first connector134is detachably connected to the second connector136in the front-back direction of the shoulder pads10. Also, in this embodiment, the arch fastener132Xallows the player to adjust the position in which the first connector134is detachably connected to the second connector136in the left-right direction of the shoulder pads10. In fact, in this embodiment, the arch fastener132Xallows the player to omnidirectionally adjust (i.e., adjust in any direction) the position in which the first connector134is detachably connected to the second connector136. In this case, this positional adjustment allows the player to adjust an orientation of the arch170Xrelative to the front yoke110.

When the left and right arches1701,1702are fastened to the front yoke110, the front yoke110, the back yoke150, and the left and right arches1701,1702define a neck opening30for receiving a neck of the player.

The left and right arches1701,1702may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, each of the left and right arches1701,1702may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials. For example, in another embodiment, the front yoke110may be nonseparably connected to the back yoke150by being sewn to left and right elastic shoulder straps1381,1382(not shown). Each elastic shoulder strap138X(Xε{1, 2}) is further sewn to the back yoke150. The left and right elastic shoulder straps1381,1382allow the front yoke110and back yoke150to remain connected during operation of the adjustment system130. Moreover, the left and right elastic shoulder straps1381,1382allow the front yoke110and back yoke150to remain attached in the event that the adjustment system130becomes detached while the player is playing a sport.

As mentioned previously, the front yoke110and back yoke150may additionally be detached from one another at their bottoms by unfastening the left and right rib straps1901,1902. In this embodiment, the left and right rib straps1901,1902comprise left and right rib fasteners1921,1922for detachably fastening the left and right rib straps1901,1902to the front yoke110.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 6A, each rib strap190X(Xε{1, 2}) may comprise a first end197which may be affixed to one of the lateral sides159at a lower end156of the back yoke150in any suitable way (e.g., stitching, ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding). The rib strap190Xfurther comprises a second end198to which each rib fastener192X(Xε{1, 2}) may be affixed. The rib strap190Xmay comprise nylon webbing or any other suitable material.

The rib fastener192Xdetachably fastens its associated rib strap190Xto the front yoke110in that it is designed to enable the rib strap190Xand the front yoke110to be fastened and unfastened at will without damaging the shoulder pads10. The rib fastener192Xcomprises a first connector194on (i.e. that is part of) the second end198of the rib strap190Xand a second connector196on (i.e. that is part of) the front yoke110. In this embodiment, the second connector196is affixed to the lower end116of the front yoke110. More particularly, in this example, the second connector196overlays each side-chest protector140X(Xε{1, 2}) and is sewn to the front yoke110. Accordingly, the rib fastener192Xis fastened when the first connector194engages the second connector196.

The rib fastener192Xmay be any suitable type of fastener. In this embodiment, the rib fastener192Xis a clip fastener. In this example, the first connector194comprises a male clip portion of the rib fastener192Xand the second connector196comprises a female clip portion of the rib fastener192X. To that end, the first connector194engages the second connector196when the male clip portion enters and is restrained by the female clip portion. In other examples, this may be reversed with the first connector194comprising a female clip portion of the rib fastener192Xand the second connector196comprising a male clip portion of the rib fastener192X. In yet other examples, the rib fastener192Xmay be a hook-and-loop fastener or a lace fastener.

In certain embodiments, the left and right rib straps1901,1902may allow the player to adjust the fit of the shoulder pads10, notably by adjustment of functional length of the left and right rib straps1901,1902(i.e. a distance between the first end197and the second end198of each rib strap190X). The adjustment of the left and right rib straps1901,1902may allow for various aspects of the fit of the shoulder pads10to be adjusted around the ribs of the wearer.

With reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B, the shoulder pads10may comprise left and right shoulder protectors2101,2102configured to protect at least part of the left and right shoulders201,202of the player, respectively. Each shoulder protector210X(Xε{1, 2}) comprises an acromioclavicular joint portion212and a deltoid portion214for respectively overlying the acromioclavicular joint region ACR and the deltoid region DR of the shoulder20Xit protects. The shoulder protector210Xforms a shoulder “cap” of the shoulder pads10for the shoulder20X. The shoulder protector210Xcomprises a medial side218and a lateral side219.

In this embodiment, the shoulder protector210Xis mounted adjacent to the arch170Xon the lateral side179of the arch170X. Also, in this embodiment, the shoulder protector210Xis movable relative to the arch170X. More particularly, in this example, the shoulder protector210Xis pivotable relative to the arch170X.

In certain embodiments, the shoulder protector210Xmay be detachably connected to the arch170Xby any suitable means. For example, the shoulder protector210Xmay be detachably connected to the arch170Xby means of a button and slit fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a “zipper”). In this example, the shoulder protector210Xis detachably connected to the arch170Xby means of a button and slit fastener.

Similarly and with reference toFIG. 9, the shoulder pads10may further comprise left and right arm protectors2201,2202configured to protect at least part of the left and right arms241,242of the player, respectively. Each arm protector220X(Xε{1, 2}) is shaped to allow flexion of the bicep and comprises an outer arm portion222for overlaying an outer region of the arm24X(Xε{1, 2}) which it protects and a strap224for retaining itself on the arm24X.

In this embodiment, the arm protector220Xis mounted adjacent to the shoulder protector210Xon the lateral side219of the shoulder protector210X. Also, in this embodiment, the arm protector220Xis movable relative to the arch170Xand the shoulder protector210X. More particularly, in this example, the arm protector220Xis pivotable relative to the arch170Xand the shoulder protector210X.

In certain embodiments, the arm protector220Xmay be detachably connected to the arch170Xby any suitable means. For example, the arm protector220Xmay be detachably connected to the arch170Xby means of a button and slit fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a “zipper”). In this embodiment, the arm protector220Xis detachably connected to the arch170Xby means of a strap226configured to pass through a slit227of the arch170Xand forms a loop bound by a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the arm protector220Xmay be connected to the shoulder protector210X(e.g., the arm protector220Xmay be sewn to the shoulder protector210Xso as to create a hinge-like connection between them).

In this embodiment, the shoulder protector210Xand the arm protector220Xcomprise protective padding80S(not shown) disposed between an inner lining60Sand an outer cover70S. In this case, these components of the shoulder protector210Xand the arm protector220Xare similar in construction to the protective padding80F, the inner lining60Fand the outer cover70Fof the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402. Moreover, the inner lining60Sand the outer cover70Sconverge at the limits of the protective padding80Sto define a padding edge76Ssimilar to that of the padding edge76F. The protective padding80Sprovides protection to the acromioclavicular joint region ACR, the deltoid region DR and outer region of the arm24X.

In this embodiment, the protective padding80Aof the arm protector220Xcomprises a plurality of pad members82with flex lines84(e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members82to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding80A. In addition, the protective padding80Aof the arm protector220Xis perforated. The perforated foam may provide protection while allowing increased breathability and weight reduction. Moreover, in this example of implementation, the inner lining60Aand the outer cover70Aof the arm protector220Xcomprise a mesh fabric, which may provide increased breathability, and the padding edge76Acomprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the padding edge76Acomprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane) to fasten the inner lining60Aand the outer cover70Aat their points of convergence.

The shoulder protector210Xand the arm protector220Xmay be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, each of the left and right shoulder protectors2101,2102or the left and right arm protectors2201,2202may have various other shapes, comprise various other components, and/or be made of various other materials.

As mentioned previously, the shoulder pads10additionally comprise the rib protector200removably connectable to the base100. Removal of the rib protector200may allow a player improved freedom of movement. In particular, this may permit greater player comfort during running and rotation of the thorax12of the player. The rib protector200may then be reconnected to the base100when additional protection to the player's ribs is desired.

The rib protector200may comprise left and right chest protectors2301,2302(collectively the “chest protectors230”, individually denoted230X(Xε{1, 2})). The left chest protector2301is configured to protect at least part of the left pectoral region LPR and the left front lower rib region LFL of the player. Similarly, the right chest protector2302is configured to protect at least part of the right pectoral region RPR and the right front lower rib region RFL of the player. Each chest protector230Xcomprises a pectoral portion232and a lower rib portion234for respectively overlying one of the left or right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and one of the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL of the player.

In this embodiment, the left and right chest protectors2301,2302are mounted adjacent to the front yoke110on the left and right lateral sides119of the front yoke110, respectively. More particularly, each chest protector230Xmay extend vertically from the lower end116of the front yoke110to the height of the pectoral sections115of the front yoke110. Similarly, each chest protector230Xmay extend horizontally from its respective one of the lateral sides119of the front yoke110to the pectoral sections115of the front yoke110. In doing so, the chest protector230Xmay have any suitable shape.

Analogously, the rib protector200may further comprise left and right back protectors2501,2502(collectively the “back protectors250”, individually denoted250X(Xε{1, 2})). The left back protector2501is configured to protect at least part of the left latissimus dorsi region LDR and the left back lower rib region LBL of the player. Similarly, the right back protector2502is configured to protect at least part of the right latissimus dorsi region RDR and the right back lower rib region RBL of the player. Each back protector250Xcomprises a latissimus dorsi region portion252and a lower rib portion254for respectively overlying one of the left or right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL of the player.

In this embodiment, the left and right back protectors2501,2502are mounted adjacent to the back yoke150on the left and rights lateral sides159of the back yoke150, respectively. More particularly, each back protector250Xmay extend vertically from the lower end156of the back yoke150to the height of the trapezius sections155of the back yoke150. Similarly, each back protector250Xmay extend horizontally from the respective one of the lateral sides159of the back yoke150to the trapezius sections155of the back yoke150. In doing so, the back protector250Xmay have any suitable shape.

In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism50(described further below) removably connects the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502to the base100. In other cases, less than all of the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502are removably connected to the base100, the balance of such protectors being non-removably connected to the base (e.g., they may be sewn thereto).

In this embodiment, the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502comprise protective padding80C(not shown) disposed between an inner lining60Cand an outer cover70C. These components of the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502may be similar in construction to the protective padding80F, the inner lining60Fand the outer cover70Fof the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402. Moreover, the inner lining60Band the outer cover70Bmay converge at the limits of the protective padding80Cto define a padding edge76Csimilar to that of the padding edge76F. The protective padding80Cprovides protection to at least part of the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL, the left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL of the player.

In this embodiment, the protective padding80Cof the chest protectors230and the protectors250comprises a plurality of pad members82with flex lines84(e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members82to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding80C. In addition, in this embodiment, the protective padding80Cof the chest protectors230and the back protectors250is perforated. The perforated foam may provide protection while allowing increased breathability and weight reduction. Moreover, in this example of implementation, the inner lining60Cand the outer cover70Cof the chest protectors230and the back protectors250comprise a mesh fabric, which may provide increased breathability, and the padding edge76Ccomprises any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the padding edge76Ccomprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane) to fasten the inner lining60Cand the outer cover70Cat their points of convergence.

In certain embodiments, the chest protectors2301,2302may be joined to one another by one or more straps sewn directly to both the left and right chest protectors2301,2302. More particularly, in this embodiment, the left and right chest protectors2301,2302are joined to one another by two straps236. In this example, each of the straps236is sewn directly to the medial sides of both the left and right chest protectors2301,2302. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the left and right back protectors2501,2502may be joined to one another by one or more straps sewn directly to both the left and right back protectors2501,2502. More particularly, in this embodiment, the left and right back protectors2501,2502are joined to one another by two straps256. In this example, each of the straps256is sewn directly to the medial sides of both the left and right back protectors2501,2502.

The straps236,256may comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the straps236,256may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric.

The straps236,256respectively allow the chest protectors230and the back protectors250to remain connected when removed from the base100in order to prevent them being misplaced. Moreover, the straps236,256provide additional stability to allow the position of the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502to remain substantially in place relative to the base100in the event that the attachment mechanism50affixing one of the left or right chest protectors2301,2302or the left or right back protectors2501,2502becomes detached.

The chest protectors230and back protectors250may comprise belt loops206configured to receive the corresponding left and right rib straps1901,1902. To that end, when the left and right rib straps1901,1902are received by the belt loops206and are in an attached configuration, the left and right rib straps1901,1902may provide additional stability to allow the position of the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502to remain substantially in place relative to the base100in the event that the attachment mechanism50affixing one of the left or right chest protectors2301,2302or the left or right back protectors2501,2502becomes detached.

As mentioned previously, the shoulder pads10may comprise the attachment mechanism50allowing configuration of the shoulder pads10as desired by the player. To that end and as shown inFIG. 12, certain ones of the chest protectors230and the back protectors250(collectively the “detachable protectors320”, individually denoted320Y(Yε{1, 2, 3, 4})) may be disconnectable from the base100by unfastening corresponding attachment elements of the attachment mechanism50.

The attachment mechanism50may comprise plural attachment elements, one or more for each detachable protector320Y, to allow fastening of the detachable protector320Yto the base100. In this example of implementation, the attachment mechanism50comprises eight attachment elements3001-3008, two for each of the four detachable protectors320, although the number of detachable protectors and the number of attachment elements may differ from one embodiment to the next. In this embodiment, each attachment element300Z(Zε{1, . . . , 8}) comprises complementary connectors including a first connector on (i.e. that is part of) a corresponding one of the detachable protectors320and a second connector on (i.e. that is part of) the base100. As such, in this embodiment, which is non-limiting, the attachment mechanism50comprises plural first connectors3121-3128and second connectors3141-3148.

More particularly, the left chest protector2301comprises the first connectors3121and312Z, the right chest protector2302comprises the first connectors3123and3124, the left back protector2501comprises the first connectors3125and3126, and the right back protector2502comprises the first connectors3127and3128.

Also, and with reference toFIGS. 12, 14A and 14B, the front yoke110comprises the second connectors3141and3143, the left chest protector1401comprises the second connector3142, the right chest protector1402comprises the second connector3145, and the back yoke150comprises the second connectors3145-3148.

A given attachment element300Z(Zε{1, . . . , 8}) may be any suitable type of fastener. For example, in this embodiment, the given attachment element300Zcomprises a button and slit configuration. In this example and as shown inFIG. 13, each first connector312Z(Zε{1, . . . , 8}) comprises a button316affixed to a corresponding one of the detachable protectors320Y, and each second connector314Z(Zε{1, . . . , 8}) comprises a slit318located on the base100. In other examples, this may be reversed with the first connector312Zcomprising the slit318located on the detachable protector320Xand the second connector314Zcomprising the button316located on the base100.

The button316may be implemented as a disk made of plastic material (e.g., nylon, polyethylene, silicon), or a stud which may be riveted to the given detachable protector320Y, although any other suitable configuration may be used (e.g., a shank button or sew-through button). In this embodiment, the button316comprises a pill shaped plate made of plastic material. The slit318creates an opening319allowing access from a first side of the base100to a second side of the base100.

The button316may be affixed to the given detachable protector320Yby a button strap317. With reference toFIG. 13, in this embodiment, a first and a second end of the button strap317are sewn to the given detachable protector320Ywith the body of the button strap317passing through a pair of button slits315extruded in the face of the button316. The button slits315are dimensioned to receive the button strap317.

In certain embodiments, the button strap317may comprise an elastic fabric. To that end, the elasticity of the button strap317allows a freedom of movement of the given detachable protector320Yrelative to the base100when the attachment element300Zis attached. As such, this may permit greater player comfort during running and rotation of the thorax12of the player.

In order to attach the given detachable protector320Yto the base100, the button316of the given detachable protector320Ymay be pushed through the opening319of the slit318and retained therein, thus acting as a fastener. To that end, the material upon which the slit318is disposed may comprise a material sufficiently flexible to allow an insertion and removal of the button316in the slit318. More particularly, in this embodiment, the slit318of the attachment elements3001-3008are disposed on the padding edges76F,76Bof the base100. As mentioned previously, each padding edge76X(Xε{A, B, C, F, S}) comprises an inner lining layer62X(Xε{A, B, C, F, S}) and outer cover layer72X. As such, the padding edge76Xretains sufficient flexibility to allow an insertion and removal of the button316in the slit318.

The slit318of the base100may be suitably dimensioned to accept the button316of the given detachable protector320Ywhile providing some resistance to the button316being pushed out in order to prevent the button316of the given detachable protector320Yfrom being unintentionally disengaged.

In other embodiments, each attachment element300Zmay comprise a plurality of second connectors for each first connector312Z. The player may therefore fasten the first connector312Zto a variety of second connectors in order to vary the fit of each detachable protector320Zor to be able to receive detachable protectors320of different shapes and/or sizes.

For example, in one embodiment and as shown inFIG. 21, the front yoke110may comprise second connectors (e.g.,3141-314P) in pre-determined positions, thereby to potentially allow chest protectors (e.g., left and/or right chest protectors) of varying shapes or sizes to be fastened to the front yoke110. A similar arrangement may be provided on the back yoke150so as to permit the adjustment of the back protectors in a plurality of pre-determined positions.

In still other embodiments, each attachment element300Zmay comprise a plurality of first connectors for each second connector314Z. This configuration allows the detachable protectors320(be they chest protectors or back protectors) to be both removable and adjustable in their positioning. As such, certain embodiments provide a modular design that may allow the use of different sized and shaped chest protectors320, allowing the player to swap or even remove chest protectors to suit his/her comfort and/or performance requirements.

In yet other embodiments, the attachment elements3001-3008may comprise any other suitable type of fastener. For example, the fasteners3001-3008may comprise a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a “zipper”).

In other embodiments still, the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502may be interchangeable such that the left and right chest protectors2301,2302may be detachably connected to the back yoke150to provide protection to at least part of the left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL of the player. Similarly, the left and right back protectors2501,2502may be detachably connected to the front yoke110to provide protection to at least part of the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, and the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL of the player.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the detachable protectors320, which may be detachable from the base100using the attachment mechanism50, could be sold separately from the base100. This allows interchangeability of the detachable protectors320with other inner bases having a compatible attachment mechanism in the event that the inner base100becomes damaged or if the wearer desires to obtain detachable protectors with different shapes, materials, thicknesses or colours due to personal taste. This may additionally allow the same base100to be used with larger size detachable protectors320in order to obtain varying degrees of protection.

In other embodiments still (not shown), the left and right chest protectors2301,2302and the left and right back protectors2501,2502may overlap to provide additional padding on the left and right sides LS, RS of the thorax12. To that end, the left chest and back protectors2301,2501and the right chest and back protectors2302,2502may each form one piece, may be detachably connected to one another by means of the attachment mechanism50, or may overlap each other when restrained by the left and right rib straps1901,1902.

In another embodiment, the player is a hockey player playing hockey and thusFIG. 15shows an example of shoulder pads11for upper body protection of a hockey player. The shoulder pads11may comprise a rib protector540and a base400, wherein the rib protector540is adjustable vis-à-vis the base400and retained thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, the base400may comprise a front member410, a back member450, left and right arches4701,4702, left and right shoulder protectors4901,4902and left and right arm protectors4601,4602. The front member410, the back member450, and the left and right arches4701,4702define a neck opening404for receiving a neck of the player.

The front member410, the back member450, the left and right arches4701,4702, the left and right shoulder protectors4901,4902and the left and right arm protectors4601,4602of the shoulder pads11comprise a substantially similar structure and substantially similar features to those of the front yoke110, the back yoke150, the left and right arches1701,1702, the left and right shoulder protectors2101,2102and the left and right arm protectors2201,2202. In contrast however, in this embodiment, the front member410comprises left and right side chest protectors4201,4202. Each side chest protector420X(Xε{1, 2}) may extend laterally from the front member410to cover at least part of the left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR of the player.

The base400may comprise any suitable material. To that end, the base400comprises protective padding421(not shown). In certain embodiments, the protective padding421may be disposed between an inner lining422and an outer cover424. The protective padding421may comprise any suitable impact-absorbing material. For example, in this embodiment, the protective padding421comprises foam. The foam material of the protective padding421may comprise any suitable foam. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the foam may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foam), vinyl nitrile (VN) foam, polyurethane foam, or any other suitable foam.

The inner lining422may comprise fabric material. The fabric material of the inner lining422may comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the inner lining422may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric. In some cases, the fabric material of the inner lining422may include different types of fabric in different areas of the base400.

Similarly, the outer cover424comprises any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the outer cover424comprises elastic non-foam polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane). In this embodiment, the shoulder protectors4901,4902comprise an outer shell (e.g., one or more shell pieces of polycarbonate or other rigid polymeric material). For example, in various embodiments, the shoulder protectors4901,4902may be made of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (nylon), or polycarbonate, of thermosetting resin, or of any other suitable material.

In this example of implementation, the rib protector540comprises left and right side panels5421,5422. With reference toFIGS. 18A and 18B, each side panel542X(Xε{1, 2}) extends from front to back and thus comprises a front portion544for covering at least part of one of the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR and the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL, a back portion545for covering at least part of one of the left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR, one of the left and right latissimus dorsi regions LDR, RDR and the left and right back lower rib regions LBL, RBL, a side portion546for covering at least part of one of the left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR, and a shoulder portion547for covering at least part of the clavicle region CR, the scapular region BR, the acromioclavicular joint region ACR, and the deltoid region DR,

The rib protector540may additionally comprise left and right side back protectors5521,5522. Each side back protector552X(Xε{1, 2}) may be affixed to a lower end549of the back portion545of each side panel542Xby any suitable means (e.g., stitching). The back protector552Xmay extend laterally from the back portion545of the rip protector540to cover at least part of the left and right lateral rib regions LLR, RLR of the player and overlap at least part of one of the left and right side chest protectors4201,4202.

In this example of implementation, the left and right side back protectors5521,5522may comprise any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the left and right side back protectors5521,5522comprise an elastic non-foam polymeric material. For instance, in some cases, the elastic non-foam polymeric material of the left and right side back protectors5521,5522may comprise polyurethane or spandex. In addition, the left and right side back protectors5521,5522may be perforated. The perforated material may increase breathability and reduce the weight of the left and right side back protectors5521,5522.

The rib protector540may further comprise left and right arm protectors5561,5562. Each arm protector556X(Xε{1, 2}) may comprise an arm portion548for covering at least part of the left and right arms241,242of the player. The left and right arm protectors5561,5562may be permanently affixed to the left and right side panels5421,5422by any suitable means. In this embodiment, the left and right arm protectors5561,5562are permanently affixed to the rib protector540by means of stitching. In other embodiments, the left and right arm protectors5561,5562may be disconnectable from the rib protector by any suitable means. For example, the left and right arm protectors5561,5562may be disconnectable from the rib protector by means of a button and slit fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a lace fastener, a clip fastener or a zip fastener (also known as a “zipper”).

The left and right arm protectors5561,5562may comprise protective padding560A(not shown) disposed between an inner lining562Aand an outer cover564A. These components of the left and right arm protectors556,5562may be similar in construction to the protective padding80F, the inner lining60Fand the outer cover70Fof the front yoke110, the front shield120and the left and right side chest protectors1401,1402. Moreover, the inner lining562Aand the outer cover564Amay converge at the limits of the protective padding560Ato define a padding edge566Asimilar to that of the padding edge76F. In this embodiment, the protective padding560Aof the left and right arm protectors556,556comprises a plurality of pad members568with flex lines569(e.g., seams) extending between respective ones of the pad members568to facilitate a flexion of the protective padding562F.

In this embodiment, the shoulder pads11may comprise an attachment mechanism600allowing configuration of the shoulder pads10as desired by the player. To that end, a front lower end552and a back lower end554of the rib protector540may be adjustably connected vis-à-vis the base400by unfastening the attachment mechanism600and refastening it in a different position.

The attachment mechanism600may comprise one or more attachment elements to allow fastening of the rib protector540to the base400. In this example of implementation, the attachment mechanism600comprises six attachment elements6101-6106, but this is not to be considered a limitation. Each attachment element610X(Xε{1, . . . , 6}) comprises a first connector on (i.e. that is part of) the rib protector540and a respective second connector on (i.e. that is part of) the base400. As such, the attachment mechanism600comprises first connectors6201-6206and second connectors6301-6306.

More particularly, the left side panel5421comprises the first connectors6201and6203, the right side panel5422comprises the first connectors6202and6204, the left side back protector5521comprises the first connector6205, and the right side back protector5522comprises the first connector6206. Moreover, the front member comprises the second connectors6301and6302, the back member450comprises the second connectors6303and6304, the left side chest protector4201comprises the second connector6305, and the right side chest protector4202comprises the second connector6306.

The attachment elements6101-6106may be any suitable type of fastener. In this example of implementation, the attachment elements6101-6104, comprising the first connectors6201-6204and the second connectors6301-6304, have a button and slit configuration. More particularly, each of the first connectors6201-6204comprises a button622similar in shape and configuration to button316and each of the second connectors6301-6304comprises a plurality of slits similar in configuration and shape to the slit318. In this example of implementation, each of the second connectors6301-6304comprises two slits6241,6242. The player may therefore fasten each of the first connectors6201-6204to either of the slits6241,6242of each of the respective second connectors6301-6304in order to vary the fit of the rib protector540. In this case, the option to select either of the slits6241,6242allows the player to adjust a position of the rib protector540vis-à-vis the base400.

On the other hand, in this example of implementation, the attachment elements6105and6106, comprising the first connectors6205and6206and the second connectors6305and6306, have a hook-and-loop configuration. More particularly, each of the first connectors6205and6206comprises a hook portion while each of the second connectors6305and6306comprises a loop portion. To that end, the attachment elements6105and6106allow the player to omnidirectionally adjust (i.e., adjust in any direction) the position of the left and right side back protectors5521,5522relative to the left and right side chest protectors4201,4202and allows the positional adjustment allows the player to adjust an orientation of the rib protector540vis-à-vis the base400.

FIGS. 19A and 19Bshow an example of a protective athletic system14comprising shoulder pads12for upper body protection of a player playing a contact sport and an undergarment800in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the player is a hockey player playing hockey and thus the shoulder pads12comprise features analogous to those of shoulder pads11.

The shoulder pads12may comprise a protective base700and are usable in conjunction with the undergarment800. More particularly, in this embodiment, the undergarment800is a baselayer garment configured to be worn in contact with the wearer's body. In this example, the undergarment800is a baselayer shirt. With reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B, the shirt may comprise a torso portion810, including a front812, a back814, shoulders815, a neck opening816for passing a neck and head of the player, and a lower opening818for fitting around a lower torso region (e.g., a waist and hips) of the player. In this embodiment, the undergarment800also comprises left and right sleeves8201,8202for receiving arms of the player. In this example, the left and right sleeves8201,8202are long sleeves. Still, the left and right sleeves8201,8202may be short sleeves in other embodiments.

The undergarment800comprises fabric material. The fabric material of the undergarment800may comprise any suitable fabric. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric material of the inner lining60Fmay comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric.

The protective base700is configured to provide impact protection to the player when worn. To that end, the protective base700may comprise a front member710, a back member720, left and right arches7301,7302, left and right shoulder protectors7401,7402, left and right arm protectors7501,7502, and left and right rib protectors7601,7602. The front member710, the back member720, and the left and right arches7301,7302define a neck opening704for receiving a neck of the player. In certain embodiments, one or more of these components may be detachably connected to the protective base700by means of an attachment mechanism comprising features analogous to those of the attachment mechanism50specified above.

When the protective base700and the undergarment800are assembled to form the shoulder pads12, the front member710of the protective base700may overlay the front812of the undergarment800, the back member720of the protective base700may overlay the back814of the undergarment800. Similarly, the left and right arches7301,7302, and the left and right shoulder protectors7401,7402of the protective base700may overlay the shoulders815of the undergarment800. Moreover, the left and right arm protectors7501,7502of the protective base700may overlay the left and right sleeves8201,8202of the undergarment800. To that end, the neck openings704,816may align with one another to receive a neck of the player.

To afford impact protection to the wearer, the undergarment800may further comprise a plurality of (in this case eleven) padding elements8401-84011for protecting regions890(not shown) of the thorax12. The plurality of padding elements8401-8401iincludes padding elements8401and8402partially overlapping the left and right pectoral regions LPR, RPR, padding element8403partially overlapping the left and right front lower rib regions LFL, RFL, padding element84010partially overlapping the left and right trapezius regions LTR, RTR, and padding elements8404-8409partially overlapping the left and right arms241,242of the player.

The padding elements8401-84011may comprise any suitable material (e.g., polypropylene foam, high-density foam enclosed in polyethylene, etc.). As best seen inFIG. 20, each padding element840X(Xε{1, . . . , 11}) may be contained within a corresponding pocket842that is defined between first and second fabric layers844,846of the undergarment800. The first and second fabric layers844,846of the undergarment800may comprise a synthetic mesh material which may allow an increased breathability of the undergarment800. The first and second fabric layers844,846of the undergarment800may comprise any other suitable material in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the pocket842is delimited by a stitching847, however any other suitable method may be used to delimit the pocket842. Moreover, in some cases, the padding element840Xmay be inserted or removed from the pocket842(and therefore the undergarment800) via an opening848of the pocket842. The opening848is stretchable such that it may expand and retract to accommodate the insertion or removal of the padding element840Xinto the pocket842. However, it should be appreciated that not all of the padding elements8401-84011need to be removable.

Similarly, the front member710, the back member720, the left and right arches7301,7302, the left and right shoulder protectors7401,7402, the left and right arm protectors7501,7502, and the left and right rib protectors7601,7602of the protective base700may comprise protective padding defining a plurality of protective paddings7801-780P. The plurality of protective paddings7801-780Pmay be substantially similar in form and structure to the protective padding421of the front member410, the back member450, the left and right arches4701,4702, the left and right shoulder protectors4901,4902and the left and right arm protectors4601,4602of the shoulder pads11.

In certain embodiments, when the shoulder pads12are worn by the player, one or more of the padding elements8401-84011of the undergarment800may be disposed to complement the protective paddings7801-780Pof the protective base700. More particularly, the protective paddings7801-780Pof the protective base700may overlay one or more of the padding elements8401-84011of the undergarment800so as to offer additional protection to one or more of the regions890of the thorax12. For example, in one embodiment, a particular protective padding780imay at least partially overlay padding element8401in order to provide additional protection to the left pectoral region LPR.

In other embodiments, when the shoulder pads12are worn by the player, a particular padding element840iof the undergarment800may be disposed to complement a particular protective padding780iof the protective base700in regions where the protective padding780imay be too thin or soft to offer adequate protection to the player, according to the player's needs.

In other embodiments, when the shoulder pads12are worn by the player, one or more of the padding elements8401-84011of the undergarment800may be disposed to protect regions of the thorax12not protected by the protective paddings7801-780Pof the protective base700. For example, in one embodiment, the padding element8407may be disposed to overlay a region of the right arm242of the player not protected by either the left or right arm protectors7501,7502.

In other embodiments, the protective athletic system14may comprise an attachment mechanism (not shown) for allowing configuration of the protective athletic system14as desired by the player. To that end, the attachment mechanism may allow the undergarment800to be attachable to and disconnectable from (or “removably disconnectable”) from the protective base700. Such an attachment mechanism may be similar to attachment mechanism50to the extent that it may comprise plural attachment elements, some on the protective base700and corresponding ones on the undergarment700. This allows fastening of the detachable protective base800to the undergarment800.

Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation.

In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used.

To facilitate the description, any reference numeral designating an element in one figure will designate the same element if used in any other figures. In describing the embodiments, specific terminology is resorted to for the sake of clarity but the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood that each specific term comprises all equivalents.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, unless otherwise indicated, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,” “outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and are within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.