Abstract:
A one-piece football uniform includes: a pants section, adapted to accommodate knee pads, thigh pads, and hip pads; a shirt section fixed to the pants section and adapted to accommodate shoulder pads; a collar in the shirt section; and a zipper adapted to open the collar wide enough for a player having knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, and shoulder pads to don the garment through the collar. Also included are thigh and hip pad support, and a flap to releasably cover the zipper.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to clothing, and more specifically, to a one-piece football uniform. 
         [0002]    Football can be a game of inches. If your team is trying to get across the goal line, or pick up a crucial first down, a defender who could grab the ball carrier by the bottom of an untucked jersey could prevent that game winning touchdown or vital first down. 
         [0003]    Current football uniforms consist of pants and a jersey. Because current football uniforms are costly, the shirttail constantly can come untucked, and equipment managers have to keep track of both pants and jerseys, they are not as affordable and functional as they could be. 
         [0004]    As can be seen, there is a need for a one-piece garment that accommodated football pads. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In one aspect of the present invention, garment includes: a combined pants and shirt; a shoulder pad support retained on the combined pants and shirt; a knee pad support retained on the combined pants and shirt; a collar aperture; and a fastener to releasably widen and close the collar aperture. 
         [0006]    In another aspect of the present invention, garment includes: a pants section, adapted to accommodate knee pads, thigh pads, and hip pads; a shirt section fixed to the pants section and adapted to accommodate shoulder pads; a collar in the shirt section; and a zipper adapted to open the collar wide enough for a player having knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, and shoulder pads to don the garment through the collar. 
         [0007]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of a zipper according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0011]    Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
         [0012]    Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally provides a one-piece football uniform. 
         [0013]    An embodiment of the present invention is a sports garment with no shirttail. Finally, equipment managers (or mothers) would only have one piece to keep track of and put in the washing machine and dryer. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, with the elimination of the need for a belt (and draw string), a one piece uniform may cost roughly $5.50 less per uniform. This could be a savings of $70 to $90 a year for a rural eight man high school team or a youth league team, up to $1,900 to $2,000 a year for major colleges and pros. An embodiment may prevent a defender from grabbing the ball carrier by the bottom of an untucked jersey. Equipment managers would not need to pile pants and jerseys separately in preparation for washing. A one piece uniform may also be faster to put on. 
         [0015]    To use an embodiment of the present invention, the collar has a zipper that goes down to the sternum. To start, the zipper may be fully unzipped, and the opening at the collar may be as wide as possible. The player steps through the opened collar. S/he then puts his or her feet and legs completely through each pant leg. Once the pants are securely on, the player will reach down and pull up the attached garment by the collar, and then place the arm through the sleeve. S/he will repeat the process with the other arm. Each arm sleeve will have to be manipulated over the shoulder pads. Once the uniform is completely on, the player will zip up the collar. There will be an attached piece of cloth that runs the length of the zipper. Once the zipper is up, this strip of cloth is folded over the zipper and held in place by Velcro® or other hooks-and-loops. 
         [0016]    An embodiment may include polyester and mesh materials blended uniquely for the game of American football, and the zipper from the front of the collar down to the sternum. The collar opening is wide enough for the player to slip it on and pull the collar and sleeves over the shoulder pads. An optional embodiment may include Velcro® or other hooks-and-loops reinforcement that cover the zipper; and inserts on the inside of the pants for hip, knee, and thigh pads. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a one-piece football uniform  10  with a combined top and bottom  12 . It includes shoulder pad supports  14 , knee pad supports  16 , and thigh pad supports  18 , each of which allows the appropriate pad to be inserted and retained by the uniform  10 . It also includes a heavy-duty zipper  20 , that allows the collar to open wide enough for the player to step through the uniform and stretch over the shoulder pads. 
         [0018]    An embodiment of a heavy-duty zipper  20  is depicted in  FIG. 2 . Also included is a Velcro® or other hooks-and-loops flap  22  to cover the zipper  20 . 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, first, the player steps into the pant legs, similar to the way a person steps into a pair of one piece coveralls, long underwear, or one piece racing suit. Second, once the pants are in place, the player would grab the collar of the uniform, keeping in mind that the top and bottoms are connected. This is the same concept and mechanics as putting on a one-piece pair of work coveralls, long underwear, or full body scuba diving suit. The one piece football uniform also accommodates football pads, and is made of a stretch material for football. Third, an arm is inserted into the sleeve. The player stretches and manipulates the collar over the shoulder pad. S/he would then repeat the process for the other arm. Fourth, once the uniform is completely on, securely fasten it. This may be done via the six inch, heavy duty plastic zipper. The zipper runs from the front of the collar down to the sternum. Once the zipper is zipped up, a three inch strip of cloth that is attached parallel to the zipper is folded over the zipper and secured down over it by Velcro® or other hooks and loops. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, the collar is totally unzipped and open. The player steps through the opening at the top. The player pulls the pants part fully up. The arms are put through the sleeves. The collar is pulled up and stretched over the shoulder pads. The zipper is zipped up. The attached cloth covering is pulled over the zipper. The cloth zipper cover is pressed down to secure it with the hooks-and-loops. 
         [0021]    To don an embodiment, the player would have the collar as wide open as possible. This is accomplished by unzipping the six inch heavy duty plastic zipper that runs from the front of the collar down to the sternum. The player would step through each pant leg and pull the pants up securely in place. Then, much like a scuba diver pulling up a wet suit, the player is preparing to put his or her arms through the sleeves. The player inserts one arm at a time, and then stretches the collar and upper part of the sleeve over the shoulder pads. Once the top is completely on, meaning the arms are in the sleeves and the collar is fully over the shoulder pads, the player zips up and folds the parallel three inch strip of cloth over the zipper, presses it down against the chest in order to secure it to the awaiting hooks-and-loops. 
         [0022]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.