Patent Publication Number: US-2022232909-A1

Title: Fitness clothing with protective padding

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based upon and claims priority from the following prior application entitled “Sports Bra With Collarbone Protective Padding”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/242,533 with inventor Nicole Biscuiti and Scott Biscuiti, filed on Jan. 8, 2019, which is based upon and claim priority to prior application entitled “Protective Shirt”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/577,354 with inventor Nicole Biscuiti, filed on Dec. 19, 2014, which is based upon and claim priority to provisional application entitled “Protective Shirt”, U.S. Patent Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/918,831 with inventor Nicole Biscuiti, filed on Dec. 20, 2013, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     This invention generally relates to apparel and more particularly to garments with a device for protection from the application of force against a part of the body of a wearer. 
     Related Art 
     Some users, especially athletes, when working out using barbells in a front rack position, neck presses, back squats, back of neck jerks, shoulder presses and other exercises sustain bruising and irritation of the shoulder area including the clavicle area and/or the collarbone area. This can lead to severe discomfort including redness, bruising, bleeding in the affected areas, and calcification of the affected areas. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a protective shirt, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of one example of cushioning. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the one embodiment of the cushioning. 
         FIG. 4  front view of the protective shirt of  FIG. 1  showing cut line A at a center longitudinal axis illustrating the symmetry about the center longitudinal axis of the clavicle/collarbone guard. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view, through cut line A, of the protective shirt of  FIG. 1 , illustrating one example the guard disposed on an inner surface of the front portion of the shirt at the clavicle/collarbone area, and showing a circle AA. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlargement of the area encompassed by the circle AA. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the area encompassed by the circle AA. 
         FIG. 8  is front view of the protective shirt of  FIG. 1 , showing cut line B. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view, through cut line B, of the protective shirt of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the one example of the guard disposed on an inner surface of the front portion of the shirt at the clavicle/collarbone area and showing a circle BB. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlargement of the area encompassed by the circle BB. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the protective shirt, including the shirt and another example of the guard. 
         FIG. 12  is a long sleeve version of the protective shirt with the other example of the guard shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of a cap-sleeve protective shirt, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear view of the cap-sleeve protective shirt of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of the inside of a chest portion of the cap-sleeve protective shirt of  FIG. 13 , showing padding. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of the inside of a sleeve portion of the cap-sleeve protective shirt of  FIG. 13 , showing padding. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of a short-sleeve protective shirt, in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a rear view of the short-sleeve protective shirt of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a plan view of the inside of a chest portion of the short-sleeve protective shirt of  FIG. 17 , showing padding. 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of the inside of a sleeve portion of the short-sleeve protective shirt of  FIG. 17 , showing padding. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of a tank-top protective shirt, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a rear view of the tank-top protective shirt of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is a plan view of the inside of a chest portion of the tank-top protective shirt of  FIG. 21 , showing padding. 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of a truncated z-shape embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 25  is a back view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is a front perspective view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 28  is a front view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of  FIG. 24 , illustrating various placements within a garment to protect areas of a user. 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of a multiple-piece embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 30  is a tapered side view of the multiple-piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a stepped side view of the multiple-piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of the multiple-piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 33  is a front view showing the placement of the multiple piece embodiment of  FIG. 29  inside a clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment. 
         FIG. 34  is a front view showing the placement of the multiple piece embodiment of  FIG. 29  inside a clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment after being sewn in place. 
         FIG. 35  is a front view showing the placement of the multiple piece embodiment of  FIG. 29  inside a clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment after being sewn in place to protect areas of a user. 
         FIG. 36  is a front view of a trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 37  is a side view of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a front view showing the placement of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 36  inside a pocket within the clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment. 
         FIG. 39  is a front view showing the placement of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 36  inside a pocket within the clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment. 
         FIG. 40  is a front view showing the placement of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 36  inside a pocket within the clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment. 
         FIG. 41  is a front view showing the placement of a two separate piece removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 36  inside two separate pockets within clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment. 
         FIG. 42  is a front view of a shoulder pad embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 43  is a side perspective view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 42  inside a shirt. 
         FIG. 44  is a front view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 42  inside a shirt. 
         FIG. 45  is a top perspective view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 42  inside a shirt. 
         FIG. 46  is a front perspective view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 42  inside a shirt to provide cushioning to backpack straps of a backpack. 
         FIG. 47  is a front view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 42  inside a shirt. 
         FIG. 48  is a front view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 42  inside a shirt with acrylic, silicone or synthetic grip patterns disposed on the outside of the garment. 
         FIG. 49  is a front view of a neck embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 50  is a front view showing a back portion of a sports top or a sports bra prior to the placement of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 51  and  FIG. 52  is a front view showing a back portion of a sports top or sports bra with the cushioning pad of  FIG. 49  sewn in the neck area. 
         FIG. 53  is a front view showing a back portion of sports top or a sports bra with the cushioning pad of  FIG. 49  shown in two separate pieces. 
         FIG. 54  is a front view showing a back portion of a sports top or a sports bra with the cushioning pad of  FIG. 49  shown in three separate pieces. 
         FIG. 55  is a front view showing a back portion of a sports top or sports bra with the cushioning pad of  FIG. 49  within a garment to protect a neck area of a user. 
         FIG. 56  is a front view of a single-piece thigh embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 57  is a front view of a multiple-piece thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 58  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 56  and  FIG. 57  inside pants or leggings. 
         FIG. 59  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 56  and  FIG. 57  with a pocket inside pants or leggings. 
         FIG. 60  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 56  and  FIG. 57  with a pocket inside pants or leggings. 
         FIG. 61  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 56  and  FIG. 57  with a pocket inside pants or leggings to protect a thigh area of a user. 
         FIG. 62  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 56  and  FIG. 57  with a pocket inside pants or leggings to protect a thigh area of a user. 
         FIG. 63  is a front view showing a single-piece shin embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 64  is a front view of a multiple-piece shin embodiment of a cushioning pad. 
         FIG. 65  is a front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 64  shown inside pants or leggings. 
         FIG. 66  is a front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 64  shown with a pocket inside pants or leggings. 
         FIG. 67  is an inside-out front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 64  shown with a pocket inside pants or leggings. 
         FIG. 68  is a front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 64  to protect the shins of a user. 
         FIG. 69  is s front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 64  shown inside pants or leggings to protect the shins of a user. 
         FIG. 70  is a front view showing a placement removable cushioning pad to protect the clavicle area with a unique inverted trapezoidal shape with a top portion that follows the collar line of the protective shirt. 
         FIG. 71  is a back view of  FIG. 70  of the protective shirt. 
         FIG. 72  is a front view of  FIG. 70  with additional triangular shape cushioning to protect the arms. 
         FIG. 73  is a front view showing a placement removable cushioning pad to protect the clavicle area with a unique inverted trapezoidal shape with a top portion that follows the collar line of the protective shirt. 
         FIG. 74  is a back view of  FIG. 73  of the protective shirt show a placement removable cushioning pad to protect the shoulder area with a unique inverted trapezoidal shape with a top portion that follows the collar line of the protective shirt. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
     The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly. 
     First Example of Clavicle Protection 
     Disclosed herein is a protective shirt  100  known as the “Chestee”. The protective shirt  100  is designed for a female athlete; however, it is foreseeable that a male athlete can wear the protective shirt. The protective shirt  100  may be used for working out and weight lifting. The protective shirt  100  can protect a user, i.e., a person who wears the shirt, from abrasions at a shoulder area, including a clavicle/collarbone area, during exercises such as “squat cleans”, “power cleans”, “front squat”, “push press”, “push jerk”, “split jerk”, “thrusters” and “a front rack position”. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the protective shirt  100 , including a shirt and a guard, including cushioning, disposed on an outer surface of a front portion of the shirt at a clavicle/collarbone area  106 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The protective shirt  100  comprises one example of a built-in clavicle/collarbone guard  102  located on a front portion  104  of the protective shirt at the clavicle/collarbone area  106 . By the term “built-in”, is meant that the clavicle/collarbone guard is part of the protective shirt. The protective shirt  100  includes a shirt  108  whose garment material can be made from any one or more of a variety of fibers, including a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber, and a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Examples of such a synthetic fiber are nylon and spandex, which is also known as elastane. In one embodiment, the fiber of the garment material is weaved as micro-mesh. In one example, the shirt  108  is a conventional shirt or a conventional shirt with a higher neckline. In one example, the guard  102  comprises flexible, built-in padding, or cushioning,  200  (see  FIG. 2 ) made from synthetic rubber such as neoprene which is also known as polychloroprene, or other washable cushioning materials. At least one layer of neoprene extends from a left side of the chest portion to a right side of a chest portion of the protective shirt  100 , and is located at an area of the chest portion nearest to a clavicle  101  of a wearer of the protective shirt. The guard  102  includes at least one instance of the cushioning  200  disposed on a surface of the shirt  108 . 
     In another example, one or more pads are fastened, attached and/or sewn to both the inside and outside of the shirt  108  to form layers of cushioning. Fasteners, such as a VELCRO® fastener of Velcro Industries, N.V., of Willemstad, the Netherlands, can make one or more layers of the material removable. Other non-removable fastening methods include adhesive and stitching or a combination of both. In one example, neoprene stitching is used. The example of the protective shirt  100  shown in  FIG. 1  has short sleeves  110 . 
     In still another example, padding is sewn into the shirt  108 . In yet another example, the padding is located between the two layers of the fabric of the shirt  108 . 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the one example of the cushioning  200 . The cushioning  200  has a first surface  202  that is approximately flat, and a second surface  204  that is tapered. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the one example of the cushioning  200 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cushioning  200  is, for example, soft plastic, neoprene, or tapered molded foam. The tapering is such that the molded foam is thicker near the center of the shirt and thinner towards each sleeve. In another example, the tapering is from the top towards the bottom of the molded foam. This produces a thicker foam towards the neck and thinner foam away from the neck. A combination of tapering may be used. In still another, example, each section of padding is individually tapered to reflect a graduated edge. In yet other embodiments, a step-down tapering may be used. 
       FIG. 4  front view of the protective shirt  100  showing cut line A. 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view, through cut line A, of the protective shirt  100 , illustrating one example of the guard  102  disposed on the front portion  104  of the protective shirt  100  at the clavicle/collarbone area  106 , and showing a circle AA. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlargement of the area encompassed by the circle AA shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  shows that one example of the guard  102  comprises outer cushioning  602  disposed on an outer surface  1002  (see  FIG. 10 ) of garment material  606  of the shirt  108 , and inner cushioning  604  disposed on an inner surface  1004  (see  FIG. 10 ) of the garment material of the shirt. The outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  are resilient, springy, flexible and/or pliable materials. In one example, the inner cushioning  604  is softer than the outer cushioning  602 . 
     In one example, the outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  are made of the same material. In another example, the outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  are made of different materials. 
     In one example, the outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  have the same size. In another example, the outer cushioning  602  is larger than the inner cushioning  604 . In still another example, the outer cushioning  602  is smaller than the inner cushioning  604 . 
     In one example, the outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  have the same shape. In another example, the outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  have different shapes. 
     In one example, the outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  are first sewn to each other, and then they are sewn to the outer surface  1002  of the garment material  606  of the shirt  108 . In another example, the outer cushioning  602  and the inner cushioning  604  are first sewn to each other, and then they are sewn to the inner surface  1004  of the garment material  606  of the shirt  108 . 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the area encompassed by the circle AA shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 7  shows, from left to right: first fabric  702  is sewn at its edges to the garment material  606  to secure the outer cushioning to the shirt  108 ; the outer cushioning  602 ; the garment material  606 ; the inner cushioning  604 ; and second fabric  704  is sewn at its edges to the garment material  606  to secure the inner cushioning to the shirt. In one example, the protective shirt  100  includes at least one of an outer pocket (not shown) for holding the outer cushioning  602  and an inner pocket (not shown) for holding the inner cushioning  604 . In one example, the cushioning  200  slides into the outside pocket and/or the inside pocket. In such an example, when the cushioning  200  is within the outside pocket and/or the inside pocket, the protective shirt  100  is implemented, and when the cushioning is not within the outside pocket and not within the inside pocket, the protective shirt  100  becomes a nearly conventional shirt. 
       FIG. 8  is the front view of the protective shirt  100  showing the front portion  104  of the protective shirt and showing cut line B. 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view, through cut line B, of the protective shirt  100  showing a back portion  902  of the protective shirt  100 .  FIG. 9  illustrates one example of the guard  102  disposed on the front portion  104  of the protective shirt  100  at the clavicle/collarbone area  106 , and showing a circle BB. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlargement of the area encompassed by the circle BB shown in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 10  shows, from top to bottom: the outer cushioning  602  disposed on the outer surface  1002  of the garment material; the garment material  606 ; the inner cushioning  604  disposed on the inner surface  1004  of the garment material; and the second fabric  704 . Also shown is stitching  1008  at the edges of the second fabric  704 . 
     Second Example of Clavicle Protection 
       FIG. 11  is front view of the protective shirt  100  including the shirt  108  with short sleeves  110 , and another example of the outer cushioning  1101  and another example of a clavicle/collarbone guard  1102 . 
       FIG. 12  is a front view of the protective shirt  100 , including the shirt  108  with long sleeves  1210 , with the other example of the outer cushioning  1101  and the other example of the guard  1102 . 
     In one example, the protective shirt  100  includes a shirt  108  made of garment material  606 . The shirt  108  has an inner surface  1004  and an outer surface  1002 . A front portion  104  of the shirt  108  includes a clavicle/collarbone area  106 . Inner cushioning  604  is fastened to the inner surface  1004  at the clavicle/collarbone area  106 , and outer cushioning  602  is fastened to the outer surface  1002  at the clavicle/collarbone area. The inner cushioning  604 , the garment material  606  at the clavicle/collarbone area  106 , and the outer cushioning  602  forms a clavicle/collarbone guard  102 . The protective shirt  100  protects the shoulder area of a wearer from injury. In one example, the guard  102  includes a plastic guard (not shown) on the outer surface of the outer cushioning  602 . 
     In another example, the protective shirt  100  includes a torso portion having a front  104  with a clavicle/collarbone area  106 , a back and a neck opening, a set of left and right arm sleeves which extend from and are directly joined to or integral with the torso portion such that the torso portion and the sleeves form a unitary shirt; and an inner cushioning portion  604  fastened on an inside clavicle/collarbone area  106  of the shirt  108 ; and an outer cushioning portion  602  fastened on an outside clavicle/collarbone area of the shirt, so as to form at least a three-layer system of the inner cushioning portion, the torso portion, and the outer cushioning portion. The three-layer system of the inner cushioning portion, the torso portion, and the outer cushioning portion protect the collarbone area of a user from injury. 
     Third Example of Clavicle Protection 
       FIG. 13  is front view of a cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 , in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  comprises a chest portion  1301  and cap-sleeve portions  1302  and  1303 . Cap-sleeve portion  1302  is a left sleeve. Cap-sleeve portion  1303  is a right sleeve. The chest portion  1301  comprises a garment material on the outside of the chest portion and a lining on the inside of the chest portion. By “inside” it is meant the side of the chest portion  1301  that is closest to a wearer when the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  is worn. The cap-sleeve portions  1302  and  1303  comprise a garment material on the outside of each cap-sleeve portion and a lining on the inside of each cap-sleeve portion. In  FIG. 13 , a bottom-front edge  1309  of the cap-sleeve portion  1302  is indicated. 
       FIG. 14  is a rear view of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 . The cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  comprises a back portion  1404 . The back portion  1404  comprises a garment material on the outside of the back portion and a lining on the inside of the back portion. The cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  includes a cut-out portion  1402  in the garment material of the back portion  1404 . In one embodiment, the cut-out portion  1402  is shaped like a diamond. 
     In one embodiment, the chest portion  1301 , the cap-sleeve portions  1302  and  1303 , and the back portion  1404  of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  comprise the same garment material. The chest portion  1301 , the cap-sleeve portions  1302  and  1303 , and the back portion  1404  are sewn together to form a shirt, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  is fully lined. In one embodiment, the cap-sleeve portions  1302  and  1303  and the back portion  1404  are fully lined with self-fabric, i.e., the same fabric as the fabric of the garment material, and the chest portion  1301  is fully lined with a different fabric. In another embodiment, the entire cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  is fully lined with self-fabric. The garment material can be made from any one or more of a variety of fibers, including a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber, and a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Examples of such a synthetic fiber are nylon and spandex. In one embodiment, the garment material consists of 87% nylon and 13% spandex. In one embodiment, the fiber of the garment material is weaved as micro-mesh. 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view of inside of the chest portion  1301  of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  showing a neck pad  1501  and a clavicle/collarbone guard  1510 . The neck pad  1501  is located near the top of the cap-sleeve protective shirt, and the neck pad comprises a single segment and one layer of padding. The chest portion  1301  comprises a neck pocket  1505  formed by and between the garment material. The neck pad  1501  has the same shape as the neck pocket  1505  but is slightly smaller than the neck pocket. The neck pad  1501  is disposed within the neck pocket  1505 . The neck pad  1501  is held in place by being tightly fitted within the neck pocket  1505 . 
     The clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  is located below, and on both sides of the neck pad  1501 . The clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  is located on the side of the chest portion  1301  that is closest to a wearer of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 . The clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  extends from approximately the left side of the chest portion  1301  to approximately the right side of the chest portion. In one embodiment, the clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  extends from approximately 0.25 inch from the left edge of the chest portion  1301  to approximately 0.25 inch from the right edge of the chest portion. The clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  extends from approximately the top of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  to an imaginary line on the shirt that would typically be just below the collarbone area of a wearer when worn. In one embodiment, the clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  extends from approximately 0.25 inch from the top of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  to the imaginary line on the shirt that would typically be just below the collarbone area of a wearer when worn. 
     The clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  is disposed of inside the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 . The clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  comprises a plurality of segments. In one embodiment, the clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  comprises four (4) segments  1511 ,  1512 ,  1513 , and  1514 . Each segment of the plurality of segments comprises at least one layer of padding. In one embodiment, each segment comprises a first layer  1521  of padding and a second layer  1522  of padding. The first layer  1521  of each segment is disposed on the inner side of the chest portion  1301 . Each segment of the first layer  1521  is securely fastened to the chest portion  1301 . In one embodiment, each segment of the first layer  1521  is stitched to the lining of the chest portion  1301 . By stitching each segment of the first layer  1521  to the lining of the chest portion  1301  rather than to the outer fabric of the chest portion, no stitching related to the padding is visible from outside the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 . In another embodiment, each segment of the first layer  1521  is securely fastened to the chest portion  1301  by means of adhesive. Each segment of the first layer  1521  is spaced apart from an adjacent segment of the first layer and from the edges of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  by approximately 0.25 inch. Each segment of the second layer  1522  is adjacent to an inside surface of a corresponding segment of the first layer  1521 . Each corresponding segment of the second layer  1522  is geometrically similar (same shape, but different size) to the segment of the first layer  1521  to which it corresponds. Each corresponding segment of the second layer  1522  is centered upon and secured to the segment of the first layer  1521  to which it corresponds. In one embodiment, each corresponding segment of the second layer  1522  is stitched to the segment of the first layer  1521  to which it corresponds. In another embodiment, each corresponding segment of the second layer  1522  is stitched to the lining of the chest portion  1301  through the first layer  1521 . In still another embodiment, each corresponding segment of the second layer  1522  is secured to the segment of the first layer  1521  to which it corresponds by means of adhesive. Each segment of the first layer  1521  has a length and a width. Each corresponding segment of the second layer  1522  has a length and a width that is smaller than the length and the width of the segment of the first layer  1521  to which it corresponds. In one embodiment, each corresponding segment of the second layer  1522  has a length and a width that is 0.5 inch smaller than the length and the width of the segment of the first layer  1521  to which it corresponds. In one embodiment, each layer  1521  and  1522  of the padding has a thickness of 3 mm. In one embodiment, the padding is neoprene. 
     The chest portion  1301  includes a plurality of pockets—one pocket for each segment—on the side of the chest portion  1301  that is closest to a wearer of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 . The lining of the chest portion  1301  forms one side of each pocket, and an additional fabric forms the other side of each pocket. In one embodiment, the additional fabric is of the same type as the garment material. One segment of the clavicle/collarbone guard  1510  is disposed within each of the inner pockets. 
       FIG. 16  is a plan view of the inside of a cap-sleeve portion  1302  of the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 , showing a cap-sleeve pad  1606 . A centerline  1303  of the cap-sleeve portion  1302  corresponds to a middle of a shoulder of a wearer when the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  is worn in a typical manner. The cap-sleeve pad  1606  is fastened to a side of the cap-sleeve portion  1302  that is closest to a wearer when the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  is worn in a typical manner. The cap-sleeve pad  1606  is positioned such that at least some of it is on each side of the centerline shown in  FIG. 16 . The left side of  FIG. 16  corresponds to the backside (when worn) of the cap-sleeve portion  1302  and the right side of  FIG. 16  corresponds to the front side (when worn) of the cap-sleeve protective shirt. Therefore,  FIG. 16  illustrates that most of the cap-sleeve pad  1606  is under the front side of the cap-sleeve portion  1302 . The cap-sleeve portion  1302  is lined, and the cap-sleeve pad is sewn to the lining. In one embodiment, each layer of the cap-sleeve pad  1606  has a thickness of 3 mm. In one embodiment, the cap-sleeve pad  1606  is neoprene. The cap-sleeve pad  1606  has a length that is approximately the length of the cap-sleeve portion  1302 . In  FIG. 16 , a bottom-front edge  1309  of the cap-sleeve portion  1302  is indicated. Although not shown, the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  also comprises another instance of the cap-sleeve pad  1606  at the cap-sleeve portion  1303 . 
     Fourth Example of Clavicle Protection 
       FIG. 17  is a front view of a short-sleeve protective shirt  1700 , in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. The short-sleeve protective shirt  1700  comprises a chest portion  1701  and short-sleeve portions  1702  and  1703 . In  FIG. 17 , a bottom-front edge  1709  of the short-sleeve portion  1702  is indicated. 
       FIG. 18  is a rear view of the short-sleeve protective shirt  1700 . The short-sleeve protective shirt  1700  comprises a back portion  1804 . In one embodiment, the back portion  1804  lacks any cut-out portion. The chest portion  1701 , the short-sleeve portions  1702  and  1703 , and the back portion  1804  are sewn together to form a shirt, as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
       FIG. 19  is a plan view of the inside of the chest portion  1701  of the short-sleeve protective shirt  1700 , showing a neck pad  1901  and a clavicle/collarbone guard  1904 . The neck pad  1901  comprises a single layer of padding. The chest portion  1701  comprises a neck pocket  1905  formed by and between the garment material. The clavicle/collarbone guard  1904  comprises a plurality of segments  1911 - 1914 . Each segment comprises two layers of padding. 
       FIG. 20  is a plan view of the inside of the short-sleeve portion  1702  of the short-sleeve protective shirt  1700 , showing a short-sleeve pad  2008 . The short-sleeve portion  1702  has a length that is longer than the length of the cap-sleeve portion  1302 ; therefore, the short-sleeve portion  1702  extends substantially beyond the short-sleeve pad  2008 . The left side of  FIG. 20  corresponds to the back of the short-sleeve protective shirt  1700  and the right side of  FIG. 20  corresponds to the front of the short-sleeve protective shirt. The short-sleeve pad  2008  is securely fastened to an inside surface of the short-sleeve portion  1702 . In  FIG. 20 , a bottom-front edge  1709  of the short-sleeve portion  1702  is indicated. Although not shown, the short-sleeve protective shirt  1700  also comprises another instance of the short-sleeve pad  2008  at the short-sleeve portion  1703 . 
     Except for length of sleeves, the short-sleeve protective shirt  1700  is similar to the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  described hereinabove; therefore, the short-sleeve protective shirt will not be described in further detail. 
     Fifth Example of Clavicle Protection 
       FIG. 21  is the front view of a tank-top protective shirt  2100 , in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. The tank-top protective shirt  2100  comprises a chest portion  2101 . In one embodiment, the chest portion  2101  comprises cut-out portion  2105 . At the cut-out portion  2105 , the garment material is replaced with power mesh fabric. 
       FIG. 22  is a rear view of the tank-top protective shirt  2100 . The tank-top protective shirt  2100  comprises a back portion  2204 . In one embodiment, the back portion  2204  comprises a teardrop portion  2207  that lacks any garment material. The chest portion  2101  and the back portion  2204  are sewn together to form a shirt, or tank top, as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . 
       FIG. 23  is a plan view of inside of the chest portion  2101  of the tank-top protective shirt  2100 , showing a neck pad  2301  and a clavicle/collarbone guard  2304 . The neck pad  2301  comprises a single layer of padding. The chest portion  2101  comprises a neck pocket  2105  formed by and between the garment material. The clavicle/collarbone guard  2304  comprises a plurality of segments  2311 - 2314 . Each segment comprises at least one layer of padding. In one embodiment, each segment comprises two layers of padding. 
     Except for the fact that the tank-top protective shirt  2100  lacks the cap-sleeve pad  1606  and the cap-sleeve portions  1302  and  1303 , in many respects, the tank-top protective shirt  2100  is similar to the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300  described hereinabove; therefore, the tank-top protective shirt will not be described in further detail. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a sleeveless protective shirt (not shown). The sleeveless protective shirt is similar in most respects to the cap-sleeve protective shirt  1300 , except that the sleeveless protective shirt lacks the cap-sleeve pad  1606 , and, of course, lacks the cap-sleeve portions  1302  and  1303 . 
     Example of Truncated Z-Shape 
       FIG. 24  is a front view of a truncated z-shape or lightning bolt embodiment of a cushioning pad  2402  with a frontside  2406 . The cushioning pad  2402  can be made of neoprene, foam, or plastic.  FIG. 25  is a back view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of the cushioning pad  2402 . The z-shape allows the cushioning pad  2402  to flex along transversal line  2420 . An adhesive, hypoallergenic, flexible acrylic is disposed on the backside  2408  of the cushioning pad  2402 . These truncated z-shapes or sticky shapes use the adhesive backing  2408  that sticks onto the skin of the user.  FIG. 26  is a side view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of the cushioning pad  2402  showing a depth or thickness  2410 . It is important to note that the pad  2402  can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction, or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad can vary. The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 9 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The pad  2402  can be made of neoprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials.  FIG. 27  is a front perspective view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of the cushioning pad  2402 . 
       FIG. 28  is the front view of the truncated z-shape embodiment of  FIG. 24 , illustrating various placements of cushioning pad  2402  within a garment to protect areas of a user. The protect areas shown starting from the top is the clavicle area or collar bone, for example, weight lifting, elbow area, for example, basketball, thigh or femur area for example, weight lifting or lacrosse, and shin area for example, soccer. Other areas on the user are also possible such as knees. It is important to note that more than one cushioning pad  2402  can be placed on an area such as the clavicle or even layers on top of one another. The outer layer  2406  of the cushioning pad protects the wearer from an impact of any kind, with uses for soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, fencing, and items such as barbells, and weights—anything that has the impact on the wearer. This can be placed on any body part to be used for protection from impact. 
     Example of Multiple Piece 
       FIG. 29  is a front view of a multiple-piece embodiment of a cushioning pad  2902  with a frontside  2906  and a backside  2908 .  FIG. 30  is a tapered side view of the multiple piece embodiment of the cushioning pad  2902  with a depth  2910 . It is important to note that the pad  2902  can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad can vary. The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 7 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The pad  2902  can be made of neoprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials. 
       FIG. 31  is a stepped side view  2912  of the multiple piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  2902 .  FIG. 32  is a side view  2914  of the multiple-piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 33  is a front view showing the placement of the multiple piece embodiment of cushioning pad  2902  inside a clavicle area  3306  of sports top or sports bra 3302 type garment. The sports top can have material  3304  which is a different type and thickness along the torso as compared with the clavicle area  3306 , including a sheen area  3310  to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance, comfort, and breathability to the wearer or user. 
       FIG. 34  is a front view showing the placement of the multiple-piece embodiment of cushioning pad  2902  inside a clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment after being sewn in place. 
       FIG. 35  is a front view showing the placement of the multiple piece embodiment of cushioning pad  2902  inside a clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment after being sewn in place to protect areas of a user. 
     Two or more pieces of padding are sewn into a garment to provide collarbone protection from impact for the wearer. Each piece of padding is tapered, with the thickest portion in the center, and the thinnest portions at the outside edges (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The pieces of padding overlay the clavicles of a user when the user is wearing the garment. The removable pads may be disposed of in pockets within the garment or fastened with hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® brand fasteners or adhesive. 
     Example of Removable Piece 
       FIG. 36  is a front view of a trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of a cushioning pad  3602 . A semicircular cut-out  3622  to accommodate the wearer&#39;s neck is shown. It is important to note that the pad  3602  can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad  3602  can vary.  FIG. 37  is a side view of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad  3602  with depth  3610 . The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 9 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The pad  3602  can be made of neoprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials. 
       FIG. 38  is a front view showing the placement of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 36  inside a pocket opening  3804  within clavicle area  3806  of a sports top or sports bra type garment  3802 .  FIG. 39  is a front view showing the placement of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 36  inside a pocket opening  3804  within clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment  3802 . The sports top can have material  3802  which is a different type and thickness along the torso as compared with the clavicle area  3806 , including a sheen area  3810  to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance, comfort, and breathability to the wearer or user. 
       FIG. 40  is a front view showing the placement of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad  3602  inside a pocket opening  3804  within clavicle area  3806  of a sports top or sports bra type garment  3802 . As shown,  3612  is a wearer&#39;s first rib,  3614  is the wearer&#39;s third rib,  3616  is a location above the wearer&#39;s breast area, and  3618  is the upper portion of the cushioning pad near the wearer&#39;s shoulder. Also shown is a dimension D 1  for the left/right side dimensions of the cushioning pad and dimension D 2  for the lower side dimension of the cushioning pad. As illustrated in  FIG. 40 , D 2  is approximate twice the distance of D 1 . 
     One or more pieces of padding sewn into a garment to provide collarbone protection from impact for the wearer. Each piece of padding is tapered, with the thickest portion in the center, and the thinnest portions at the outside edges (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The pieces of padding overlay the clavicles of a user when the user is wearing the garment. The removable pads may be disposed of in pockets within the garment or fastened with hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® brand fasteners or adhesive. 
       FIG. 41  is a front view showing the placement of a two separate piece removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad  4102 ,  4103  inside two separate pockets  4104  and  4105  within the clavicle area of a sports top or sports bra type garment  4102 . The pockets  4104  and  4105  are shown as side pockets, but the pockets can be on the top side, i.e., along a side closest to the wearer&#39;s neck. 
     One or more pieces of padding or cushioning material provide collarbone protection to the wearer from impact. These pieces of padding are secured in between the outer and inner layer of the garment by means of a pocket, Velcro®, or any other type of non-permanent application, and can be inserted from the top, bottom, any side, or inside. The pieces of padding overlay the clavicles of a user when the user is wearing the garment. 
     Example of Shoulder Pad 
       FIG. 42  is a front view of a shoulder pad embodiment of a cushioning pad  4202 . 
       FIG. 43  is a side perspective view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad  4202  inside a shirt. Notice that two pads are positioned on either side of a garment seam  4308  at the top of the shoulder  4306 . This is also shown in  FIG. 45  a top perspective view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad  4202  on either side of a garment  4402  seam  4508 . 
       FIG. 44  is a front view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad  4202  inside a shirt  4402 . 
       FIG. 46  is a front perspective view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad  4202  inside a garment  4602  to provide cushioning to backpack straps  4632  of a backpack  4630 . 
       FIG. 47  is a front view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad  4202  inside a shirt  4702 . 
       FIG. 48  is a front view showing the placement of the shoulder pad embodiment of the cushioning pad  4202  (not shown) inside a garment shirt  4702  of  FIG. 47  with acrylic, silicone, or synthetic grip features  4802 ,  4804 , and  4806  disposed on the outside of the garment  4702 . The purpose of the grip features  4802 ,  4804 , and  4806  is to prevent straps, such as backpack strap  4630  of  FIG. 46  from slipping on the shirt  4702 . The grip features  4802 ,  4804 , and  4806  can be disposed in any color, any pattern on top of the garment. 
     This front view of a shoulder pad embodiment of a cushioning pad  4202  helps to provide shoulder protection from irritation or discomfort, bruising, or impact from a load-bearing device (such as a backpack, parachute, satchel, bullet-proof vest, load-bearing vest, weight vest, or plate carrier) for the wearer. The piece or pieces of padding are permanently affixed to or within the garment. It is important to note that the pad  4202  can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad  4202  can vary. The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 7 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The pad  4202  can be made of neoprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials. Permanent pieces of padding are affixed to the garment either on the inside or outside layer. The piece or pieces of padding overlay the top portion of the shoulders (specifically: the Acromion, a portion of the clavicle, the top portion of the Deltoid muscle in the front, and top portion of Deltoid muscle in the back) of a user when the user is wearing the garment. 
     Example of Neck Pad 
       FIG. 49  is a front view of a neck embodiment of a back of neck trapezoidal shape cushioning pad  4902 . Like the example of the removable piece described above for the clavicle area, this cushioning pad  4902  includes a semicircular cut-out  4922  to accommodate the wearer&#39;s neck is shown. It is important to note that the pad  4902  can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad  4902  can vary.  FIG. 37  is a side view of the trapezoidal shape removable piece embodiment of the cushioning pad  3602  with depth  3610 . The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 9 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The pad  4902  can be made of neoprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials. 
       FIG. 50  is a front view showing a back portion of a sports top or a sports bra prior to the placement of the cushioning pad  4902 .  FIG. 51  and  FIG. 52  is a front view showing a back portion of the sports top or the sports bra with the cushioning pad  4902  sewn in the neck area. The sports top can have material  4902  that is a different type and thickness along the torso as compared with the neck area  4906 , including a sheen area  5002  to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance, comfort and breathability to the wearer or user. 
       FIG. 53  is a front view showing a back portion of a sports top or sports bra with the cushioning pad of  FIG. 49  shown in two separate pieces  5302 ,  5303 . 
       FIG. 54  is a front view showing a back portion of sports top or sports bra with the cushioning pad  4902  shown in three separate pieces  5404 . 
       FIG. 55  is a front view showing a back portion of a sports top or sports bra with the cushioning pad  4902  within a garment  5002  to protect a neck area  5101  of a user. The piece or pieces of padding  4902  are either permanent or non-permanent. Permanent pieces of padding are sewn into the garment either on the inside or outside layer. Non-permanent pieces of padding are removable and secured in the garment by means of a pocket (inner or outer), Velcro®, or any other type of non-permanent application, and can be inserted from the top, bottom, any side, outside or inside. The piece or pieces of padding overlay the upper portion of the back of the neck (generally where a necklace closes, or more specifically: where the bottom of the cervical meets the top of the thoracic column) of a user when the user is wearing the garment. 
     Example of Thigh Pad 
       FIG. 56  is a front view of a single-piece thigh embodiment of a cushioning pad  5602  and  5603 .  FIG. 57  is a front view of a multiple-piece thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad  5602 ,  5603  with a depth  5710 . It is important to note that the pad  5602  can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction, or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad can vary. The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 9 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The pad  5602  can be made of neoprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials. 
       FIG. 58  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad  5602 ,  5603  inside pants or leggings garment  5802 .  FIG. 59  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad  5602 ,  5603  with a pocket opening  5904  inside pants or leggings garment  5802 . 
       FIG. 60  is a front view of an inside out showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 56  and  FIG. 57  with a pocket inside pants or leggings garment  6002 . 
       FIG. 61  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad  5602 ,  5603  with a pocket inside pants or leggings to protect a thigh area of a user.  FIG. 62  is a front view showing the thigh embodiment of the cushioning pad  5602 ,  5603  with a pocket inside pants or leggings to protect a thigh area of a user. 
     One or more pieces of padding or cushioning material provide upper, front leg protection to the wearer from impact. The pieces of padding are removable and secured in the garment by means of a pocket (inner or outer), Velcro®, or any other type of non-permanent application, and can be inserted from the top, bottom, any side, outside or inside. The pieces of padding overlay the upper front portion of the legs (in the space between above the knee and below the hip) of a user when the user is wearing the garment. The garment can be leggings of any length or shorts. Specifically for weightlifting movements such as hang cleans: when a barbell lifted by the user is repeatedly rested on the thigh region of the user and also “brushed” against the quadriceps. 
     Example of Shin Pad 
       FIG. 63  is a front view showing a single-piece shin embodiment of a cushioning pad  6302 .  FIG. 64  is a front view of a multiple-piece shin embodiment of a cushioning pad  6304 . 
     It is important to note that the pads  6302  and  6304  can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad can vary. The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 9 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The pads  6302 ,  6304  can be made of neoprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials. 
       FIG. 65  is a front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad  6302 ,  6304  shown inside pants or leggings garment  6502 .  FIG. 66  is a front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 64  shown with a pocket opening  6604  inside pants or leggings garment  6502 . 
       FIG. 67  is an inside-out front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad  6302 ,  6304  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 64  shown with a pocket inside pants or leggings garment  6702 . 
       FIG. 68  is a front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad  6302 ,  6304  to protect the shins of a user. 
       FIG. 69  is s front view of the single-piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad of  FIG. 63  and the multiple piece shin embodiment of the cushioning pad  6302 ,  6304  shown inside pants or leggings  6302  to protect the shins of a user. 
     Sixth Example of Clavicle Protection 
       FIG. 70  is a front view showing a placement of a cushioning pad  7002  to protect the clavicle area with a unique inverted trapezoidal shape with a top portion that follows the collar line of the protective shirt. In one example, like  FIG. 38 , there is an inside pocket opening  3804  within clavicle area  3806  of a fitness clothing to make the cushioning pad  7002  removable. In another example, the cushioning pad  7002  is sewn to the shirt. 
     As shown, is a neck portion  7004  and is a sleeve portion  7006 . The cushioning pad  7002  is somewhat trapezoidal in shape. The cushioning pad  7002  is made to follow the portion and made to follow the contour of the sleeve portion. The bottom  7008  of the cushioning pad  7002  is a location above the wearer&#39;s breast area  7012 . Also shown is a dimension D 4  for the left/right side dimensions of the cushioning pad  7002  and dimension D 3  for the lower side dimension of the cushioning pad  7002 . In one example, the ratio of the lengths of D 4  over D 3  is between 0.2 and 0.5. A preferred range is between 0.3 and 0.4. 
     One or more pieces of padding are sewn into a protective shirt to provide collarbone protection from impact for the wearer. Each piece of padding is tapered, with the thickest portion in the center, and the thinnest portions at the outside edges (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The pieces of padding overlay the clavicles of a user when the user wears the protective shirt. The removable pads may be disposed of in pockets within the protective shirt or fastened with hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® brand fasteners or adhesive. 
       FIG. 71  is a back view of  FIG. 70  of the protective shirt. Show is a second cushioning pad  7102  to protect the upper back area with a unique inverted trapezoidal shape with a top portion that follows the collar line of the protective shirt. In one example, like  FIG. 38 , there is an inside pocket opening  3804  within upper back area  3806  of fitness clothing to make the cushioning pad  7102  removable. In another example, the cushioning pad  7102  is sewn to the shirt. 
     As shown, is a neck portion  7104  and is a sleeve portion  7106 . The second cushioning pad  7102  is somewhat trapezoidal in shape. The cushioning pad  7102  is made to follow the portion and made to follow the contour of the sleeve portion. The bottom  7108  of the cushioning pad  7102  is a location above the wearer&#39;s breast area  7112 . When a user is wearing the shirt the at least one trapezoidal-shaped cushioning pad is formed to substantially minor the shape and size of the first trapezoidal shape cushioning material on the front portion. 
     Also shown is a dimension D 6  for the left/right side dimensions of the cushioning pad  7002  and dimension D 5  for the lower side dimension of the cushioning pad  7102 . In one example, the ratio of the lengths of D 6  over D 5  is between 0.2 and 0.5. A preferred range is between 0.3 and 0.4. 
       FIG. 72  is a front view of  FIG. 70  with an additional triangular shape or diamond-shaped cushioning arm pads  7220 ,  7222  to protect the arms. More specifically, the first diamond-shaped arm pad  7220  is disposed on a left front portion of a left sleeve  7230  and the second diamond-shaped arm pad  7222  disposed on a right front portion of a right sleeve  7232  as shown. The position of the first diamond shape arm pad  7220  and the second diamond shape arm pad  7222  are collinear  7250  with the clavicle/collarbone area of the user. 
     Example of Shrug 
       FIG. 73  is a front view showing a placement removable cushioning pad  7302  to protect the clavicle area with a unique inverted trapezoidal shape with a top portion that follows the collar line of the protective shirt. In one example, like  FIG. 38 , there is an inside pocket opening  3804  within clavicle area  3806  of a fitness clothing to make the cushioning pad  7302  removable. In another example, the cushioning pad  7302  is sewn to the shirt. 
     As shown, is a neck portion  7304  and is a sleeve portion  7306 . The cushioning pad  7002  is somewhat trapezoidal in shape. The cushioning pad  7302  is made to follow the portion and made to follow the contour of the sleeve portion. The bottom  7308  of the cushioning pad  7302  is a location above the wearer&#39;s breast area  7312 . Also shown is a dimension D 8  for the left/right side dimensions of the cushioning pad  7302  and dimension D 7  for the lower side dimension of the cushioning pad  7302 . In one example, the ratio of the lengths of D 8  over D 7  is between 0.2 and 0.5. A preferred range is between 0.3 and 0.4. 
     One or more pieces of padding are sewn into a protective shirt to provide collarbone protection from impact for the wearer. Each piece of padding is tapered, with the thickest portion in the center and the thinnest portions at the outside edges (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The pieces of padding overlay the clavicles of a user when the user wears the protective shirt. The removable pads may be disposed of in pockets within the protective shirt or fastened with hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® brand fasteners or adhesive. 
     In one example, the protective shirt of  FIG. 73 t    is a sleeveless crop top. The lower portion of the front portion of the shirt is substantially an inverted U-shaped  7310 . 
       FIG. 74  is a back view of  FIG. 73  of the sports garment show a placement removable cushioning pad  7302  to protect the shoulder area with a unique inverted trapezoidal shape with a top portion that follows the collar line of the protective shirt. In one example, like  FIG. 38 , there is an inside pocket opening  3804  within upper back area  3806  of fitness clothing to make the cushioning pad  7302  removable. In another example, the cushioning pad  7302  is sewn to the shirt. 
     As shown, is a neck portion  7404  and is a sleeve portion  7406 . The second cushioning pad  7402  is somewhat trapezoidal in shape. The cushioning pad  7402  is made to follow the portion and made to follow the contour of the sleeve portion. The bottom  7408  of the cushioning pad  7402  is a location above the wearer&#39;s breast area  7412 . When a user is wearing the shirt the at least one trapezoidal-shaped cushioning pad is formed to substantially minor the shape and size of the first trapezoidal shape cushioning material on the front portion. 
     Also shown is a dimension D 8  for the left/right side dimensions of the cushioning pad  7402  and dimension D 7  for the lower side dimension of the cushioning pad  7402 . In one example, the ratio of the lengths of D 8  over D 7  is between 0.2 and 0.5. A preferred range is between 0.3 and 0.4. 
     In one example, the protective shirt of  FIG. 74  includes a lower back portion  7410  of the protective shirt that is substantially straight. 
     Non-Limiting Examples 
     The various embodiments above can be combined. The pads may be layered one on top of another to provide even more cushioning relief. The garments may be shirts, tank tops, long sleeve shirt, sleeveless shirts, and sports bras as used by women, men, and children. 
     It is important to note that the pads can be tapered in a longitudinal direction or latitudinal direction, or both (as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ). The shape and dimension of the pad can vary. The inventors have discovered that 2 mm to 9 mm thickness of the pads works advantageously. The garment can be made of synthetic or natural fiber materials and a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Examples of such a synthetic fiber are nylon and spandex, which is also known as elastane. In one embodiment, the fiber of the garment material is weaved as micro-mesh. The pads can be made of neoprene which is also known as polychloroprene, foam, or other synthetic or natural washable materials. 
     The pads may be permanently sewn in or removable. The removable pads may be disposed in pockets from any opening in pocket within the garment or fasten with hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® brand fasteners or adhesive. Further, the pads may be disposed of inside the garment closer to the user&#39;s skin or on the outside of the garment with at least one layer of garment material between the user and the pad. Example of adhesives includes hypoallergenic, flexible acrylic. 
     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.