Patent Publication Number: US-2006010590-A1

Title: Shoulder protection system

Description:
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION  
      This is a shoulder and upper body protection system for contact and action sports. The semi-rigid and foam protection system protects the structures of the shoulder, upper chest, and upper back while allowing for nearly complete mobility of the shoulders, upper arms and torso. The Shoulder Protection System is designed to dissipate impact forces and redirect any residual forces to the strongest load bearing part of the body; the upper back and medial shoulder.  
    
    
      This is a shoulder and upper body protection system for contact and action sports. The semi-rigid and foam protection system protects the structures of the shoulder, upper chest, spine, ribs and upper back while allowing for nearly complete mobility of the shoulders, upper arms and torso. The Shoulder Protection System is designed to dissipate impact forces and redirect any residual forces to the strongest load bearing parts of the body; the upper back and medial shoulder. The semi rigid plastic covers strategically placed and anatomically specific foam padding eliminating any unnecessary padding and reducing overall weight. The collar is relatively narrow in relation to the width of the shoulders in order to provide freedom for upward movement of the outer part of the shoulders without interference. The first epaulet is fixed to the collar and the second epaulet rests on top of the first and is hinged with supporting arms from the front and the back of the collar. The hinge mechanism is designed so the wearer can move freely upon upward movement of the outer part of the shoulders, but locks when downward force is applied creating a protective channel for the shoulder and related structures.