SHOULDER PADS WITH HEAD AND NECK PROTECTION

Abstract

The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The epaulet portion extends vertically to protect the head and neck of the wearer.

Claims

1. A shoulder pad apparatus, said apparatus comprising: two body arch portions, each of said body arch portions comprising a front portion, an upper portion with an outer edge and curved inner edge, and a rear portion, wherein said front portion of each body arch portion and said rear portion of each body arch portion form a central opening defined by said curved inner edge of each body arch portion; a shoulder cap assembly on each of said body arch portions that is operably connected to said outer edge of said upper portion of each of said body portions; and an epaulet on each of said body arch portions and comprising an outer face and an inner face, wherein said epaulet extends vertically from said upper portion of said body arch portion such that said epaulet covers and abuts both a portion of said upper portion of said body arch portion and a portion said shoulder cap assembly.

2. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said body arch portions is substantially bilaterally symmetrical.

3. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said body arch portions is configured to extend continuously over the shoulders of wearer with said front portion covering the chest of said wearer, the upper portion covering the shoulders of said wearer, and the rear portion covering the upper back of said wearer.

4. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an interior pad assembly reversibly connected to and covering at least a portion of an inner surface of said body arch portions.

5. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said epaulet has an anterior portion with a sweptback front vertical edge.

6. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said epaulet is a sloped projection that increases in height from said outer edge to said curved inner edge of said upper portion of said body arch portion.

7. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said epaulet is an L-shaped projection that increases in height from said outer edge to said curved inner edge of said upper portion of said body arch portion and said outer face of said epaulet has a concave portion.

8. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said epaulet is an L-shaped projection that increases in height from said curved inner edge to said outer edge of said upper portion of said body arch portion and said inner face of said epaulet has a concave portion.

9. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said epaulet is a block-shaped projection that is substantially even in height from said outer face of said epaulet to said inner face of said epaulet.

10. A shoulder pad apparatus, said apparatus comprising: two body arch portions, each of said body arch portions comprising a front portion, an upper portion with an outer edge and curved inner edge, and a rear portion, wherein said front portion of each body arch portion and said rear portion of each body arch portion form a central opening defined by said curved inner edge of each body arch portion; a shoulder cap assembly on each of said body arch portions that is operably connected to said outer edge of said upper portion of said body portion; an epaulet on each of said body arch portions that is contoured to cover both a portion of said upper portion of said body arch portion and a portion of said shoulder cap assembly; and a protrusion on each of said body arch portions that projects vertically from said upper portion of said body arch portion.

11. The shoulder apparatus of claim 10, wherein said protrusion is formed between said epaulet and said curved inner edge of said upper portion of each of said body arch portions.

12. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 10, wherein said protrusion has an anterior portion with a sweptback front vertical edge.

13. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 10, wherein said protrusion has an anterior portion and a posterior portion that extends away from said anterior portion in a substantially perpendicular direction towards said curved inner edge of said upper portion of said body arch portion.

14. A shoulder pad apparatus, said apparatus comprising: two epaulets each comprising an outer face and an inner face and extending vertically from an upper portion of said shoulder pad apparatus, wherein there is one of said epaulets positioned on each side of said shoulder pad apparatus between a medial line of said shoulder pad apparatus and a lateral edge on each of said sides of said shoulder pad apparatus.

15. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14, wherein said epaulet has an anterior portion with a sweptback front vertical edge.

16. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14, wherein said epaulet has an anterior portion and a posterior portion that extends away from said anterior portion in a substantially perpendicular direction towards said medial line of said shoulder pad apparatus.

17. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14, wherein said epaulet is a sloped projection that increases in height from said lateral edge of said shoulder pad apparatus to said medial line of said shoulder pad apparatus.

18. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14, wherein said epaulet is an L-shaped projection that increases in height from said lateral edge of said shoulder pad apparatus to said medial line of said shoulder pad apparatus and said outer face of said epaulet has a concave portion.

19. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14, wherein said epaulet is an L-shaped projection that increases in height from said medial line of said shoulder pad apparatus to said lateral edge of said shoulder pad apparatus and said inner face of said epaulet has a concave portion.

20. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14, wherein said epaulet is a block-shaped projection that is substantially even in height from said outer face of said epaulet to said inner face of said epaulet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a left side view of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a frontal view of a second embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a left side view of a second embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a frontal view of a third embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a left side view of a third embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 11 is a frontal view of a fourth embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a left side view of a fourth embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 14 is a frontal view of a fifth embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] FIG. 15 is a left side view of a fifth embodiment of a shoulder pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sports, including, but not limited to, football, hockey and lacrosse. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad comprises a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad further comprises at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet portion extends vertically to protect the head and neck of the wearer.

[0047] While this invention may be suitably configured in a variety of embodiments, there are a number of preferred embodiments that are shown in the drawings and herein described with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the invention may be designed in a variety of configurations without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

[0048] Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, a shoulder pad assembly 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The shoulder pad 10 is configured to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 10 comprises a first or right body arch member 20, a second or left body arch member 22, a right interior pad assembly 24 flexibly connected to the right body arch member 20, and a left interior pad assembly 26 flexibly connected to the left body arch member 22. Thus, the arch member 20, 22 is a single piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region and lower back region. The right arch member 20 and right interior arch pad 24 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 22 and the left interior pad 26. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly 10 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 24 removably affixed to the right body arch member 20 and a left interior pad assembly 26 removably affixed to the left body arch member 22. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 24, 26 are permanently affixed to the respective body arch members 20, 22. A main body is defined by the left and right body arch members 20, 22 which are operably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overlies the player's A.C. area and helps to protect that area. The terms player, participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears the shoulder pad assembly 10 for use in a contact sport.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1-2, the front portions of the body arch members 20, 22 are connected by non-permanent attachment 28 over the wearer's sternum. Each body arch member 20, 22 comprises at least one means for adjustably connecting the front portion 28. In the preferred embodiment, the non-permanent attachment 28 could be laces, buttons, straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. One the other hand, the rear portions of the arch members 20, 22 are spaced a distance apart and are connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to the arch members 20, 22. The rear portion of the arch members 20, 22 are generally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to be adapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable with a variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 42, 44 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 20, 22. In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 42, 44 extends laterally from the arch member, where the pectoral pad 42, 44 is flexibly attached to the arch member 20, 22 by means of a strap. Additionally, the pectoral pad 42, 44 may be permanently attached to the arch member 20, 22. In the preferred embodiment, the right pectoral pad 42 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left pectoral pad 44. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder pad may further comprise epaulets 30, 32 that rests over the shoulder or upper portion of each arch member 20, 22. Unlike conventional shoulder pad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present invention epaulet 30, 32 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 30, 32 is ramp shaped, increasing in height from the lateral boundary to the medial line of the shoulder pad. As a result, the epaulet 30, 32 creates a deflection ramp to divert the force of an impact up and away from the user's head. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 30, 32 connects to the arch member 20, 22 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers the upper, lateral portion of the arch member 20, 22, as well as covering a portion of the shoulder cap 34, 36. The anterior portion of the epaulet 30, 32 is generally swept back so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the height of the epaulet 30, 32 is below eye-level of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the posterior portion of the epaulet 30, 32 may wrap medially around the back of the neck. The right epaulet 30 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 32. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for an epaulet, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

[0052] At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member 20, 22 is the shoulder cap 34, 36. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder cap 34, 36 is flexibly, permanently attached to the arch member 20, 22 with a strap. In another iteration of the present invention, the shoulder cap 34, 36 is flexibly, permanently attached to the epaulet 30, 32 with a strap. In some embodiments, a soft shoulder cap pad 38, 40 may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 34, 36. The right shoulder cap 34 and shoulder cap pad 38 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left shoulder cap 36 and shoulder cap pad 40. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder cap assembly 34, 36 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of the participant, wherein the epaulet 30, 32 and arch member 20, 22 overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described in a different manner, the shoulder cap 34, 36 also overlies the acromion bone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, and the epaulet 30, 32 overlies both the arch member 20, 22 and the cap 34, 36.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body arch member 20, 22 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or back portion, thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an adjustable connection is provided between the front and rear portions of the arch member 20, 22. The adjustable connection means may comprise a belt 48 and buckle arrangement 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the belt 48 is permanently attached to the rear portion of the arch member 20, 22 and non-permanently affixed to the front portion of the arch member 20, 22 with a hook and loop strap, a latch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members 20, 22, the epaulets 30, 32, and the shoulder caps 34, 36 can be made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contact sport. In a preferred embodiment, the arch members 20, 22, the epaulets 30, 32, and the shoulder caps 34, 36 are formed from a polypropylene composite material, while the interior pads 24, 26, the shoulder cap pads 38, 40, and the pectoral pads 42, 44 can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many materials that would be suitable for use in a shoulder pad apparatus, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such material.

[0056] Turning now to FIGS. 4-6, an alternate preferred embodiment of a shoulder pad assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The shoulder pad 110 is configured to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 110 comprises a first or right body arch member 120, a second or left body arch member 122, a right interior pad assembly 124 flexibly connected to the right body arch member 120, and a left interior pad assembly 126 flexibly connected to the left body arch member 122. Thus, the arch member 120, 122 is a single piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region and lower back region. The right arch member 120 and right interior arch pad 124 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 122 and the left interior pad 126. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly 110 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 124 removably affixed to the right body arch member 120 and a left interior pad assembly 126 removably affixed to the left body arch member 122. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 124, 126 are permanently affixed to the respective body arch members 120, 122. A main body is defined by the left and right body arch members 120, 122 which are operably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overlies the player's A.C. area and help to protect that area. The terms player, participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears the shoulder pad assembly 110 for use in a contact sport.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4-5, the front portions of the body arch members 120, 122 are connected by non-permanent attachment 128 over the wearer's sternum. Each body arch member 120, 122 comprises at least one means for adjustably connecting the front portion 128. In the preferred embodiment, the non-permanent attachment 128 could be laces, buttons, straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. One the other hand, the rear portions of the arch members 120, 122 are spaced a distance apart and are connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to the arch members 120, 122. The rear portion of the arch members 120, 122 are generally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to be adapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable with a variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 142, 144 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 120, 122. In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 142, 144 extends laterally from the arch member, where the pectoral pad 142, 144 is flexibly attached to the arch member 120, 122 by means of a strap. Additionally, the pectoral pad 142, 144 may be permanently attached to the arch member 120, 122. In the preferred embodiment, the right pectoral pad 142 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left pectoral pad 144. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder pad may further comprise epaulets 130, 132 that rests over the shoulder or upper portion of each arch member 120, 122. Unlike conventional shoulder pad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present invention epaulet 130, 132 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 130, 132 is generally L-shaped, increasing in height from the lateral boundary to the medial line of the shoulder pad, while curved anterior to posterior to match the curvature of the shoulder. As a result, the epaulet 130, 132 creates a deflection protrusion to divert the force of an impact up and away from the user's head. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 130, 132 connects to the arch member 120, 122 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers the upper, lateral portion of the arch member 120, 122, as well as covering a portion of the shoulder cap 134, 136. The anterior portion of the epaulet 130, 132 is generally swept back so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the height of the epaulet 130, 132 is below eye-level of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the posterior portion of the epaulet 130, 132 tends to wrap medially around the back of the neck. The right epaulet 130 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 132. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for an epaulet, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

[0060] At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member 120, 122 is the shoulder cap 134, 136. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder cap 134, 136 is flexibly, permanently attached to the arch member 120, 122 with a strap. In another iteration of the present invention, the shoulder cap 134, 136 is flexibly, permanently attached to the epaulet 130, 132 with a strap. In some embodiments, a soft shoulder cap pad 138, 140 may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 134, 136. The right shoulder cap 134 and shoulder cap pad 138 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left shoulder cap 136 and shoulder cap pad 140. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder cap assembly 134, 136 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of the participant, wherein the epaulet 130, 132 and arch member 120, 122 overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described in a different manner, the shoulder cap 134, 136 also overlies the acromion bone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, and the epaulet 130, 132 overlies both the arch member 120, 122 and the cap 134, 136.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body arch member 120, 122 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or back portion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the front and rear portions of the arch member 120, 122. The adjustable connection means may comprise a belt 148 and buckle arrangement 150. According to a preferred embodiment, the belt 148 is permanently attached to the rear portion of the arch member 120, 122 and non-permanently affixed to the front portion of the arch member 120, 122 with a hook and loop strap, a latch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members 120, 122, the epaulets 130, 132, and the shoulder caps 134, 136 can be made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contact sport. In the preferred embodiment, the arch members 120, 122, the epaulets 130, 132, and the shoulder caps 134, 136 are formed from a polypropylene composite material, while the interior pads 124, 126, the shoulder cap pads 138, 140, and the pectoral pads 142, 144 can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0064] Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, a second alternate preferred embodiment of a shoulder pad assembly 210 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The shoulder pad 210 is configured to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 210 comprises a first or right body arch member 220, a second or left body arch member 222, a right interior pad assembly 224 flexibly connected to the right body arch member 220, and a left interior pad assembly 226 flexibly connected to the left body arch member 222. Thus, the arch member 220, 222 is a single piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region and lower back region. The right arch member 220 and right interior arch pad 224 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 222 and the left interior pad 226. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly 210 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 224 removably affixed to the right body arch member 220 and a left interior pad assembly 226 removably affixed to the left body arch member 222. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 224, 226 are permanently affixed to the respective body arch members 220, 222. A main body is defined by the left and right body arch members 220, 222 which are operably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overlies the player's A.C. area and help to protect this area. The terms player, participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears the shoulder pad assembly 210 for use in a contact sport.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7-8, the front portions of the body arch members 220, 222 are connected by non-permanent attachment 228 over the wearer's sternum. Each body arch member 220, 222 comprises at least one means for adjustably connecting the front portion 228. In the preferred embodiment, the non-permanent attachment 228 could be laces, buttons, straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. The rear portions of the arch members 220, 222 are spaced a distance apart and are connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to the arch members 220, 222. The rear portion of the arch members 220, 222 are generally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to be adapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable with a variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 242, 244 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 220, 222. In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 242, 244 extends laterally from the arch member, where the pectoral pad 242, 244 is flexibly attached to the arch member 220, 222 by means of a strap. Additionally, the pectoral pad 242, 244 may be permanently attached to the arch member 220, 222. The right pectoral pad 242 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left pectoral pad 244. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder pad may further comprise epaulets 230, 232 that rests over the shoulder or upper portion of each arch member 220, 222. Unlike conventional shoulder pad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present invention epaulet 230, 232 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 230, 232 is generally L-shaped, increasing in height from the medial line to the lateral boundary of the shoulder pad, while curved anterior to posterior to match the curvature of the shoulder. As a result, the epaulet 230, 232 creates a deflection protrusion to divert the force of an impact up and away from the user's head. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 230, 232 connects to the arch member 220, 222 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers the upper, lateral portion of the arch member 220, 222, as well as covering a portion of the shoulder cap 234, 236. The anterior portion of the epaulet 230, 232 is generally swept back so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the height of the epaulet 230, 232 is below eye-level of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the posterior portion of the epaulet 230, 232 tends to wrap medially around the back of the neck. The right epaulet 230 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 232. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for an epaulet, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

[0068] At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member 220, 222 is the shoulder cap 234, 236. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder cap 234, 236 is flexibly, permanently attached to the arch member 220, 222 with a strap. In another iteration of the present invention, the shoulder cap 234, 236 is flexibly, permanently attached to the epaulet 230, 232 with a strap. A soft shoulder cap pad 238, 240 may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 234, 236. The right shoulder cap 234 and shoulder cap pad 238 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left shoulder cap 236 and shoulder cap pad 240. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder cap assembly 234, 236 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of the participant, wherein the epaulet 230, 232 and arch member 220, 222 overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described in a different manner, the shoulder cap 234, 236 also overlies the acromion bone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, and the epaulet 230, 232 overlies both the arch member 220, 222 and the cap 234, 236.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body arch member 220, 222 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or back portion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the front and rear portions of the arch member 220, 222. The adjustable connection means may comprise a belt 248 and buckle arrangement 250. According to a preferred embodiment, the belt 248 is permanently attached to the rear portion of the arch member 220, 222 and non-permanently affixed to the front portion of the arch member 220, 222 with a hook and loop strap, a latch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the body arch members 220, 222, the epaulets 230, 232, and the shoulder caps 234, 236 can be made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contact sport. In the preferred embodiment, the arch members 220, 222, the epaulets 230, 232, and the shoulder caps 234, 236 are formed from a polypropylene composite material, while the interior pads 224, 226, the shoulder cap pads 238, 240, and the pectoral pads 242, 244 can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0072] Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, a third alternate preferred embodiment of a shoulder pad assembly 310 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The shoulder pad 310 is configured to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 310 comprises a first or right body arch member 320, a second or left body arch member 322, a right interior pad assembly 324 flexibly connected to the right body arch member 320, and a left interior pad assembly 326 flexibly connected to the left body arch member 322. Thus, the arch member 320, 322 is a single piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region and lower back region. The right arch member 320 and right interior arch pad 324 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 322 and the left interior pad 326. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly 310 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 324 removably affixed to the right body arch member 320 and a left interior pad assembly 326 removably affixed to the left body arch member 322. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 324, 326 are permanently affixed to the respective body arch members 320, 322. A main body is defined by the left and right body arch members 320, 322 which are operably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overlies the player's A.C. area and help to protect this area. The terms player, participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears the shoulder pad assembly 310 for use in a contact sport.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10-11, the front portions of the body arch members 320, 322 are connected by non-permanent attachment 328 over the wearer's sternum. Each body arch member 320, 322 comprises at least one means for adjustably connecting the front portion 328. In the preferred embodiment, the non-permanent attachment 328 could be laces, buttons, straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. The rear portions of the arch members 320, 322 are spaced a distance apart and are connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to the arch members 320, 322. The rear portion of the arch members 320, 322 are generally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to be adapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable with a variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 342, 344 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 320, 322. In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 342, 344 extends laterally from the arch member, where the pectoral pad 342, 344 is flexibly attached to the arch member 320, 322 by means of a strap. Additionally, the pectoral pad 342, 344 may be permanently attached to the arch member 320, 322. The right pectoral pad 342 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left pectoral pad 344. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder pad may further comprise epaulets 330, 332 that rests over the shoulder or upper portion of each arch member 320, 322. Unlike conventional shoulder pad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present invention epaulet 330, 332 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 330, 332 is generally block-shaped, while curved anterior to posterior to match the curvature of the shoulder. As a result, the epaulet 330, 332 creates a deflection protrusion to divert the force of an impact up and away from the user's head. In the preferred embodiment, the epaulet 330, 332 connects to the arch member 320, 322 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers the upper, lateral portion of the arch member 320, 322, as well as covering a portion of the shoulder cap 334, 336. The anterior portion of the epaulet 330, 332 is generally swept back so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the height of the epaulet 330, 332 is below eye-level of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the posterior portion of the epaulet 330, 332 tends to wrap medially around the back of the neck. The right epaulet 330 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 332. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for an epaulet, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

[0076] At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member 320, 322 is the shoulder cap 334, 336. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder cap 334, 336 is flexibly, permanently attached to the arch member 320, 322 with a strap. In another iteration of the present invention, the shoulder cap 334, 336 is flexibly, permanently attached to the epaulet 330, 332 with a strap. A soft shoulder cap pad 338, 340 may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 334, 336. The right shoulder cap 334 and shoulder cap pad 338 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left shoulder cap 336 and shoulder cap pad 340. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder cap assembly 334, 336 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of the participant, wherein the epaulet 330, 332 and arch member 320, 322 overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described in a different manner, the shoulder cap 334, 336 also overlies the acromion bone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, and the epaulet 330, 332 overlies both the arch member 320, 322 and the cap 334, 336.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body arch member 320, 322 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or back portion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the front and rear portions of the arch member 320, 322. The adjustable connection means may comprise a belt 348 and buckle arrangement 350. According to a preferred embodiment, the belt 348 is permanently attached to the rear portion of the arch member 320, 322 and non-permanently affixed to the front portion of the arch member 320, 322 with a hook and loop strap, a latch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members 320, 322, the epaulets 330, 332, and the shoulder caps 334, 336 can be made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contact sport. In the preferred embodiment, the arch members 320, 322, the epaulets 330, 332, and the shoulder caps 334, 336 are formed from a polypropylene composite material, while the interior pads 324, 326, the shoulder cap pads 338, 340, and the pectoral pads 342, 344 can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding. Conversely, the epaulets 330, 332 can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding as well. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0080] Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, a fourth alternate preferred embodiment of a shoulder pad assembly 410 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The shoulder pad 410 is configured to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 410 comprises a first or right body arch member 420, a second or left body arch member 422, a right interior pad assembly 424 flexibly connected to the right body arch member 420, and a left interior pad assembly 426 flexibly connected to the left body arch member 422. Thus, the arch member 420, 422 is a single piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region and lower back region. The right arch member 420 and right interior arch pad 424 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 422 and the left interior pad 426. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly 410 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 424 removably affixed to the right body arch member 420 and a left interior pad assembly 426 removably affixed to the left body arch member 422. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 424, 426 are permanently affixed to the respective body arch members 420, 422. A main body is defined by the left and right body arch members 420, 422 which are operably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overlies the player's A.C. area and help to protect this area. The terms player, participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears the shoulder pad assembly 410 for use in a contact sport.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 13-14, the front portions of the body arch members 420, 422 are connected by non-permanent attachment 428 over the wearer's sternum. Each body arch member 420, 422 comprises at least one means for adjustably connecting the front portion 428. In the preferred embodiment, the non-permanent attachment 428 could be laces, buttons, straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. The rear portions of the arch members 420, 422 are spaced a distance apart and are connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to the arch members 420, 422. The rear portion of the arch members 420, 422 are generally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to be adapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable with a variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 442, 444 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 420, 422. In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 442, 444 extends laterally from the arch member, where the pectoral pad 442, 444 is flexibly attached to the arch member 420, 422 by means of a strap. Additionally, the pectoral pad 442, 444 may be permanently attached to the arch member 420, 422. The right pectoral pad 442 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left pectoral pad 444. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder pad may further comprise shoulder epaulets 430, 432 that rests over the shoulder or upper portion of each arch member 420, 422. In embodiment shown in FIG. 13-15, the epaulets 420, 422 are generally thin and flat. In that embodiment, the epaulet 430, 432 connects to the arch member 420, 422 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers the upper, lateral portion of the arch member 320, 322, as well as covering a portion of the shoulder cap 434, 436. The right epaulet 430 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 432. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for an epaulet, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder pad may further comprise rigid protrusions extending vertically from the upper portion of the arch member 420, 422. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical protrusion 454, 456 is located between the epaulet 420, 422 and the neck opening of the shoulder pad 410. As a result of this configuration, the vertical protrusion 454, 456 creates a deflection protrusion to divert the force of an impact up and away from the user's head. The anterior portion of the protrusion 454, 456 is generally swept back so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the height of the protrusion 454, 456 is below eye-level of the wearer. The posterior portion of the protrusion 454, 456 tends to wrap medially around the back of the neck. The right vertical protrusion 454 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left vertical protrusion 456. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for vertical protrusion, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

[0085] At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member 420, 422 is the shoulder cap 434, 436. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder cap 434, 436 is flexibly, permanently attached to the arch member 420, 422 with a strap. In another iteration of the present invention, the shoulder cap 434, 436 is flexibly, permanently attached to the epaulet 430, 432 with a strap. A soft shoulder cap pad 438, 440 may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 434, 436. The right shoulder cap 434 and shoulder cap pad 438 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left shoulder cap 436 and shoulder cap pad 440. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder cap assembly 434, 436 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of the participant, wherein the epaulet 430, 432 and arch member 420, 422 overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described in a different manner, the shoulder cap 434, 436 also overlies the acromion bone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, and the epaulet 430, 432 overlies both the arch member 420, 422 and the cap 434, 436.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body arch member 420, 422 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or back portion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the front and rear portions of the arch member 420, 422. The adjustable connection means may comprise a belt 448 and buckle arrangement 450. According to a preferred embodiment, the belt 448 is permanently attached to the rear portion of the arch member 420, 422 and non-permanently affixed to the front portion of the arch member 420, 422 with a hook and loop strap, a latch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members 420, 422, the epaulets 430, 432, the shoulder caps 434, 436, as well as the vertical protrusion 454, 456 can be made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contact sport. In the preferred embodiment, the arch members 420, 422, the epaulets 430, 432, and the shoulder caps 434, 436 are formed from a polypropylene composite material and the interior pads 424, 426, the shoulder cap pads 438, 440, and the pectoral pads 442, 444 can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such connector mechanisms.

[0089] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. There may be aspects of this invention that may be practiced without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.