Abstract:
An article of clothing for a body of a person includes: a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person&#39;s body when the article of clothing is worn; a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion; and a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing and a method of protecting ones&#39; body by donning an article of clothing are also included.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/913,296, filed Apr. 22, 2007, which provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
       [0002]    All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention generally relates to an article of clothing for use while engaged in athletic activities. The athletic apparel market has exploded in recent years. Companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok manufacture a wide range and assortment of athletic apparel for use in a variety of athletic activities. The apparel needs of all athletes are not identical, however. 
         [0004]    A need continues to exist for improvements in athletic apparel for use while engaged in activities such as cheerleading, gymnastics, Pilates, Yoga, and other general athletic activities and exercises. One or more such needs are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of cheerleading, gymnastics, tumbling, and other athletic activities, the present invention is not limited to use only in athletic activities, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, the invention may be used in such activities as Pilates, Yoga and other exercises. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to an article of clothing for a body of a person. An exemplary such article of clothing includes a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person&#39;s body when the article of clothing is worn, a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion, and a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion. 
         [0007]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion defines a raised collar for at least partially encircling the area of the neck when the article is worn. 
         [0008]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing padding member is located in the raised collar. 
         [0009]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the fabric comprises a moisture-wicking material for drawing perspiration away from the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0010]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of the person&#39;s body at the gripping area for lifting, catching, and throwing of the person. 
         [0011]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises silicone rubber. 
         [0012]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces. 
         [0013]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area are located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area. 
         [0014]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of six generally oval-shaped surfaces of silicone rubber screen printed onto the fabric of the body portion. 
         [0015]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area are located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area. 
         [0016]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a shoulder when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0017]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a side of the torso below the arm when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0018]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a back of a thigh when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0019]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area proximate a knee when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0020]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a back of a knee when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0021]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of an elbow when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0022]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover one of the impact-absorbing padding members. 
         [0023]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of the article of clothing covers a majority of the lower half of the body of the person, the article comprising pants. 
         [0024]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of the article of clothing covers a majority of the upper half of the body of the person, the article comprising a shirt. 
         [0025]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of the article of clothing covers a majority of the body of the person, the article comprising a jumpsuit. 
         [0026]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is sewn to a layer of the fabric of the body portion. 
         [0027]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is retained between inner and outer layers of the fabric. 
         [0028]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the inner and outer layers of the fabric are sewn together about a periphery of the at least one impact-absorbing pad member. 
         [0029]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the knee of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0030]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the impact-absorbing pad members covering the knee is approximately 5¾ inches wide by 7¼ inches long. 
         [0031]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover a portion of a forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0032]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover an outer portion of a forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, and a second impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover an inner portion of a forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0033]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the first and second impact-absorbing pad members is approximately 1¾ inches wide by 5¾ inches long. 
         [0034]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover a portion of an elbow of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0035]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad member covering the elbow is approximately 3½ inches wide by 4½ inches long. 
         [0036]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover a portion of a bicep of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0037]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad member covering the bicep is approximately 3 inches wide by 4½ inches long. 
         [0038]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the neck of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0039]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the shoulders of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0040]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members collectively cover at least an outer portion of each forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, an inner portion of each forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, a portion of each elbow of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, and a portion of each bicep of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0041]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the neck of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0042]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the shoulders of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn. 
         [0043]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an article of clothing. An exemplary such method includes the steps of screen printing silicone rubber onto a stretchable fabric in preselected areas of the fabric, attaching pads to the fabric in preselected areas of the fabric, and fabricating an article of clothing using the fabric such that the article of clothing comprises a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of a person&#39;s body when the article of clothing is worn. Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the screen printed silicone rubber defines a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas has a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion, and the pads are covered by the exterior surface of the body portion. 
         [0044]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said screen printing step is performed before said pads are attached. 
         [0045]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the pads are attached before said screen printing step is performed. 
         [0046]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of the person&#39;s body at the gripping area for lifting, catching, and throwing of the person. 
         [0047]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces, the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area being located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area. 
         [0048]    Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of protecting a person&#39;s body during gymnastics, cheering, or physical exercise. An exemplary such method includes the step of donning an article of clothing that comprises a stretchable fabric such that the article of clothing defines a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person&#39;s body. Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the article of clothing further includes a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, and each of the gripping areas has a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion. In this aspect of the invention, the article of clothing further includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members. Still yet, in this aspect of the invention, said donning includes positioning the article of clothing such that the gripping areas collectively at least partially cover areas including the shoulders, the sides of the torso below the arm, and the elbows. Further still, in this aspect of the invention, said donning includes positioning the article of clothing such that the impact-absorbing pad members collectively at least partially cover inner and outer portions of the forearm, the elbows, the biceps, and the shoulders. 
         [0049]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively at least partially cover the neck. 
         [0050]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively at least partially cover the knee. 
         [0051]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the gripping areas further collectively at least partially cover areas proximate the knee. 
         [0052]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method further includes lifting the person who has donned the article of clothing off of the ground by gripping the person&#39;s body at one of the gripping areas with a hand. 
         [0053]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method further includes throwing the person who has donned the article of clothing by gripping with a hand the person&#39;s body at one of the gripping areas with a hand. 
         [0054]    In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method further includes catching the person who has donned the article of clothing by gripping the person&#39;s body at one of the gripping areas with a hand. 
         [0055]    In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0056]    One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein, 
           [0057]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  10  in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel  10  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  110  in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel  110  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  210  in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  310  in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel  310  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  410  in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel  410  of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel  410  in which the person has one arm extended; 
           [0067]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a front of a shirt  506  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of a rear of the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 13  is a close-up view of a gripping area  12  of the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the top of the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11  turned inside out; 
           [0071]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the back of the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11  turned inside out; 
           [0072]      FIG. 16  is a close-up view illustrating an area of elbow padding  16 B in the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11  turned inside out; 
           [0073]      FIG. 17  is a close up view of an area of inner forearm padding  16 A 1  in the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11  turned inside out; 
           [0074]      FIG. 18  is a close up view of an area of outer forearm padding  16 A 2  in the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11  turned inside out; 
           [0075]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating the spatial relationship of the padding areas  16 A 1 , 16 A 2 , 16 B, 16 C of the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11  turned inside out; 
           [0076]      FIG. 20  is a close-up view illustrating both a collar  520  and a logo  502  in the upper half of the front of the shirt  506  of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0077]      FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of a front side of a pair of pants  508  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0078]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants  508  of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of a front side of the pants  508  of  FIG. 21  turned inside out; 
           [0080]      FIG. 24  is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants  508  of  FIG. 21  turned inside out; 
           [0081]      FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of an alternative arrangement of a gripping area  612  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0082]      FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of an impact-absorbing pad member  619  bonded to a piece of a stretchable fabric  604  to be used in constructing articles of clothing in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0083]      FIG. 27  is a schematic illustration of a template  710  for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0084]      FIG. 28  is a schematic illustration of the profiles of impact-absorbing pads for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0085]      FIG. 29  is a schematic illustration of a sleeve template  910  for use in manufacturing shirts in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0086]    As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0087]    Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
         [0088]    Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
         [0089]    Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
         [0090]    Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
         [0091]    When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
         [0092]    Additionally, when used herein and in the claims, the phrase “relative coefficient of friction” of a surface refers to the coefficient of friction of that surface with respect to the skin of a human hand. 
         [0093]    Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses. 
         [0094]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  10  in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel  10  shown includes two articles of clothing: a shirt  06 ; and pants  08 . The pants are designed to have a waist line  07  located below a wearer&#39;s  80  hips. Each article of clothing  06 , 08 , or a portion thereof, comprises a stretchable fabric. The fabric includes a moisture-wicking material that is designed so that fibers attract perspiration and draw it from the body of the wearer  80 . 
         [0095]    Additionally, each article has a plurality of gripping areas  12  located on an exterior surface thereof. Each gripping area has a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric material making up the body portion of the respective article of clothing of the technical cheer apparel  10 . Furthermore, each gripping area  12  may itself be made up of several smaller areas. The gripping areas  12  are generally dimensioned and configured to facilitate the non-slip gripping by hand of the wearer&#39;s  80  body at the gripping areas  12  for lifting, catching, and throwing of the wearer  80 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel  10  of  FIG. 1 . As will be appreciated from observation of both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the technical cheer apparel  10  of  FIGS. 1-2  includes gripping areas  12  located proximate the front and rear of the wearer&#39;s  80  knees; proximate the side of the wearer&#39;s  80  thighs; proximate the front and rear of a middle portion of the wearer&#39;s  80  torso; and proximate the front and rear of the wearer&#39;s  80  shoulders. While these locations are believed to provide optimum performance of the technical cheer apparel  10 , these locations of the gripping areas  12  in this first preferred embodiment (as well as in other preferred embodiments) are exemplary only, and do not foreclose other possible locations of gripping areas in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. Likewise, a location illustrated as having a gripping area  12  in one or more preferred embodiments may not have a gripping area  12  at that location in other embodiments. 
         [0097]    The technical cheer apparel  10  of  FIGS. 1-2  further includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members. The pad members include shoulder and neck padding  14  retained proximate the wearer&#39;s  80  shoulders. The padding  14  itself preferably comprises foam pads. The shoulder and neck padding  14  is configured to reduce bruising and discomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting. 
         [0098]    The pad members also include: padding  16  retained by sewing within layers of fabric of the shirt  06  proximate the wearer&#39;s  80  forearm and proximate the wearer&#39;s  80  elbow; and contoured knee padding  18  retained proximate the wearer&#39;s  80  knee. Furthermore, the contoured knee padding  18  preferably is configured to provide extra support to the tibia and fibula. Moreover, preferably none of the padding  14 , 16 , 18  hinders the wearer&#39;s  80  movement while performing athletic activities. 
         [0099]    The technical cheer apparel  10  of  FIGS. 1-2  also includes a raised collar  20 . The raised collar  20  is designed to minimize abrasions that may be caused by friction resulting from cheerleading activities, especially friction that may occur from contact with a hand or shoe of another person. 
         [0100]    In the technical cheer apparel  10 , the pad members may be bonded to the fabric of the shirt and pants. Alternatively, or in addition to, the pad members may be sewn to the fabric or contained within pockets formed between layers of the fabric that have been sewed together. 
         [0101]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  110  in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel  110  has the same gripping areas  12 , padding  14 , 16 , 18 , and raised collar  20  as the technical cheer apparel  10 ; however, where the technical cheer apparel  10  includes two articles of clothing  06 , 08 , the technical cheer apparel  110  includes only a single article of clothing in the form of a jumpsuit.  FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel  110  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  210  in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel  210  has the same gripping areas  12 , padding  14 , 16 , 18 , and raised collar  20  as the technical cheer apparel  10 . The technical cheer apparel  210  additionally demonstrates how impact padding  16  may be located proximate a wearer&#39;s  280  inner biceps. 
         [0103]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  310  in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Like the technical cheer apparel  110 , the technical cheer apparel  310  includes two articles of clothing, namely, a shirt  306  and a pair of pants  308 , and each article includes a plurality of gripping areas  12 . Unlike the technical cheer apparel  110 , however, the technical cheer apparel  310  does not have a raised collar  20  and does not include any padding  14 , 16 , 18 .  FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel  310  of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel  410  in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel  410  of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel  410  in which the person has one arm extended. 
         [0105]    The technical cheer apparel  410  includes two articles of clothing, namely, a shirt  406  and a pair of pants  408 . Unlike the technical cheer apparel  10 , the technical cheer apparel  410  does not include a plurality of gripping areas  12 . The technical cheer apparel  410  does, however, include a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members sewn into the technical cheer apparel  410 . Shoulder and neck padding  414  is sewn in to the underside of the technical cheer apparel  10  proximate the wearer&#39;s  80  shoulders. This shoulder and neck padding  14  is configured to reduce bruising and discomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting. Impact padding  16  is sewn into the underside of the technical cheer apparel  10  proximate the wearer&#39;s  80  forearm and proximate the wearer&#39;s  80  elbow. Preferably, none of the padding  414 , 416  hinders the wearer&#39;s  480  movement while performing cheerleading activities and stunting. 
         [0106]      FIGS. 11-27  are photographs of an technical cheer apparel  510  in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel  510  includes a shirt  506  and pants  508 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a front of the shirt  506  and  FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of a rear of the shirt  506 . The shirt  506  has a plurality of gripping areas  12  on its exterior surface. As shown in  FIG. 13 , each gripping area  12  itself may comprise several smaller areas  513 . The gripping areas  12  are located on the exterior surface of the shirt  506  such that each gripping area  12  will be proximate a particular location of a body of a person that wears the shirt  506 . As can be perhaps best be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 12 , the shirt  506  includes gripping areas  12  that will be located proximate a left and right side of a front and rear of a person&#39;s torso, proximate a front and rear of both a left and right shoulder of a person, and proximate a front of both a left and right elbow of a person. 
         [0108]    The shirt  506  also includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members sewn in to an underside of the shirt  506 . As used herein and in the drawings,  506 ′ is intended to denote the shirt  506  when in an inside-out configuration. As can be seen in  FIG. 14 , shoulder and neck padding  14  is sewn in to the underside of the shirt  506 ′ so as to be located proximate a left and right shoulder of a person wearing the shirt  506 . This shoulder and neck padding  14  is configured to reduce bruising and discomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting. 
         [0109]    As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , impact padding  16 A 1 , 16 A 2 , 16 B, 16 C is sewn in to the underside of the shirt  506 ′, along each arm of the shirt  506 . Specifically, impact padding  16 C is positioned so as to be located proximate an inner bicep of each arm of a person wearing the shirt  506 . Additionally, impact padding  16 B is positioned so as to be located proximate an outer portion of an elbow of a person wearing the shirt  506 .  FIG. 16  illustrates this impact padding  16 B, positioned so as to be located proximate the elbow of the person wearing the shirt, and demonstrates how the impact padding  16 B is positioned so as to be transected by a sleeve stitch line  532 . Further, impact padding  16 A 1 , 16 A 2  is positioned so as to be located proximate an inner portion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt  506 .  FIG. 17  illustrates impact padding  16 A 1  positioned so as to be located proximate an inner portion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt  506 .  FIG. 18  illustrates impact padding  16 A 2  positioned so as to be located proximate an outer portion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt  506 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 19  provides perspective of the relative spatial relationship of the padding  16 A 1 , 16 A 2 , 16 B, 16 C and shows how  16 B is twisted around to a front of the shirt  506  for the photograph. Preferably, none of the padding  14 , 16 A 1 , 16 A 2 , 16 B, 16 C hinders movement of a person wearing the shirt  506 . 
         [0111]    As can be seen in  FIG. 20 , the shirt  506  additionally includes a raised collar  520 . The raised collar  520  is designed to minimize abrasions that may be caused by friction resulting from cheerleading and other activities, specifically friction which may occur from contact with a hand or shoe of another person. Furthermore, while the raised collar  520  is not shown having impact padding, impact padding may be provided in accordance with a variation of this preferred embodiment. The shirt  506  further includes a logo  502 . 
         [0112]      FIGS. 21-24  are views of the pair of pants  508 .  FIG. 21  is a top perspective photograph of a front side of the pants  508  and  FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants  508 . Like the shirt  506 , the pants  508  have a plurality of gripping areas  12  attached to their exterior surface. Each gripping area  12  itself is made up of several smaller areas. The gripping areas  12  are positioned on the exterior surface of the pants  508  such that each gripping area  12  will be proximate a particular location of a body of a person that wears the pants  508 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the pants  508  include gripping areas  12  that will be located proximate a front and rear of both a left and right knee of a person, and proximate a rear portion just below a waist of a person. 
         [0113]    The pants  508  also include a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members sewn in to an underside of the pants  508 . As used herein and in the drawings,  508 ′ denotes the pants  508  in an inside-out configuration.  FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of a front side of the pants  508 ′, and  FIG. 24  a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants  508 ′. As can be seen in  FIG. 23 , contoured knee padding  18  is sewn in to the underside of the pants  508 ′ so as to be located proximate a front of a left and right knee of a person wearing the pants  508 . This contoured knee padding  18  is configured to provide extra support to the tibia and fibula. Preferably, none of the padding  18  hinders movement of a person wearing the pants  508 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of an alternative arrangement of a gripping area  612  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The gripping area  612  includes a plurality of smaller areas  613  that are generally ovular. The configuration of the plurality of smaller areas  613  in  FIG. 11  is illustrative only, there are many alternative configurations that may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0115]      FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of an impact-absorbing pad member  619  bonded to a piece of a stretchable fabric  604  to be used in constructing articles of clothing in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0116]      FIGS. 27-29  relate to methods of manufacturing an article of clothing in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0117]      FIG. 27  is a schematic illustration of a template  710  for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The template  710  indicates preselected printing areas  712  where silicone rubber is to be screen printed onto a stretchable fabric. The template  710  further indicates, by solid lines, template sections that the stretchable fabric is to be sectioned into. Template sections  708  are configured to be joined together to form a pair of pants in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Template sections  706  are configured to be joined together to form a shirt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pair of pants and the shirt may further be joined together to form a jumpsuit, or may remain separate. 
         [0118]      FIG. 28  is a schematic illustration of the profiles of impact-absorbing pads for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The pad template  810  indicates the profile of impact-absorbing pad members that are to be affixed to a stretchable fabric in manufacturing an article of clothing. This affixation may be accomplished by sewing an impact-absorbing pad member to the stretchable fabric. Alternatively, there may be a first layer of stretchable fabric and second layer of fabric, and this affixation may take the form of retaining the impact-absorbing pad member between the first layer of stretchable fabric and the second layer of fabric. Still yet, this affixation may take the form of sewing a first layer of stretchable fabric and a second layer of fabric together about a periphery of the impact-absorbing pad member. 
         [0119]      FIG. 29  is schematic illustration of a sleeve template  910  for use in manufacturing shirts in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The sleeve template  910  indicates preselected printing areas  912  where silicone rubber is to be screen printed onto a stretchable fabric. The sleeve template  910  further indicates, by dotted lines, preselected padding areas  914  where impact-absorbing pad members are to be affixed to an underside of the stretchable fabric. The sleeve template  910  further indicates, by a solid line, the outline of a sleeve section that is to be sectioned from the stretchable fabric. After such sectioning, the sleeve section may be wrapped around on itself such that a portion of the sleeve section corresponding to a sleeve protrusion  962  is received in a portion of the sleeve section corresponding to a sleeve protrusion receptor  964 . 
         [0120]    Although only a sleeve template  910  is illustrated in detail herein, it will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that this process may be applied to every section of an article of clothing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0121]    Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. 
         [0122]    Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.