Protective Garments

Abstract

The invention provides protective garments tailored for ice hockey players to safeguard critical areas susceptible to blade injuries. The garments include an upper body garment with a collar, left and right sleeves with specific upper arm and forearm portions, and a torso portion, as well as a pair of pants with strategically placed protective elements. Strategically integrated portions of cut-resistant ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material are present in the collar, forearm sections, inner thighs, and above the knees on the front of the thighs. Some embodiments also incorporate other fabrics, such as aramid variants, while non-cut-resistant sections may be made from blends like polyester and spandex. The collar may take various forms to provide the wearer with configurable protection, and the pants offer additional features such as Velcro straps for hockey socks and pockets for optional groin cups.

Claims

1. A protective sports garment, comprising: a collar; a left sleeve having a left upper arm portion and a left forearm portion; a right sleeve having a right upper arm portion and a right forearm portion; a torso portion extending between said left and right sleeves and adjacent to said collar; wherein the forearm portions of the left and right sleeves and the collar are formed of a cut-resistant material, the cut-resistant material comprising ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

2. The protective sports garment of claim 1, wherein the collar is a turtleneck-style collar formed of cut-resistant material and wherein the collar has an opening with a Velcro or zipper closing mechanism.

3. The protective sports garment of claim 1, wherein one or more of the cut-resistant portions are reinforced by an aramid fabric.

4. The protective sports garment of claim 1, wherein the torso portion and the left and right upper arm portions are made from a non-cut-resistant material and wherein the non-cut-resistant material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of spandex, polyester, synthetic, microfiber, nylon, and polypropylene fabrics.

5. The protective sports garment of claim 1, further comprising a placket extending through the collar and a yoke of the torso portion, wherein the placket facilitates donning and removal of the protective garment and wherein the placket includes one or more selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, studs, buckles, snap fasteners, and eyelets for transitioning between the open and closed positions for transitioning between an open and closed position.

6. The protective sports garment of claim 1, wherein the left and right upper arm portions comprise high friction gripping elements on their outer surfaces and wherein the gripping elements comprise silicon dots.

7. The protective sports garment of claim 1, further comprising cuffs on the left and right sleeves formed of a non-cut-resistant material and wherein the cuffs on the left and right sleeves form thumbholes.

8. The protective sports garment of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable neck piece which is detachable from the collar and configured to be positioned over a portion of the collar.

9. A pair of protective sports pants, comprising: a waistband; a left leg having a left upper thigh portion, a left knee portion, and a left lower leg portion; a right leg having a right upper thigh portion, a right knee portion, and a right lower leg portion; wherein the inner thigh portions of the left and right legs comprise intewgrated elements formed of a cut-resistant material, the cut-resistant material comprising ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

10. The protective sports pants of claim 9, further comprising cut-resistant material located above the knees on the front of the thighs.

11. The protective sports pants of claim 10, wherein the cut-resistant material above the knees is reinforced by an aramid fabric.

12. The protective sports pants of claim 9, further comprising additional protective elements made of cut-resistant material located around the ankle regions.

13. The protective sports pants of claim 9, further comprising a front pocket configured to hold a groin cup, and wherein the front pocket includes a groin cup.

14. The protective sports pants of claim 9, further comprising Velcro straps to keep hockey socks in place.

15. The protective sports pants of claim 9, wherein the waistband is adjustable.

16. The protective sports pants of claim 9, wherein the waistband includes an elastic section for improved fit and comfort.

17. The protective sports pants of claim 9, wherein the non-cut-resistant portions of the pants are made from a material selected from the group consisting of spandex, polyester, synthetic, microfiber, nylon, and polypropylene fabrics.

18. The protective sports pants of claim 17, wherein the non-cut-resistant portions are a blend of about 85% polyester and about 15% spandex.

19. The protective sports pants of claim 9, further comprising compression features to accelerate post-workout recovery, reduce muscle fatigue, and improve circulation.

20. The protective sports pants of claim 9, wherein the pants are designed to improve temperature regulation and provide moisture-wicking properties.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a front view of a variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment, showcasing the collar, sleeves, and torso portion.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the same variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment, emphasizing the placket in a closed position.

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the same variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment with the placket in an open position, detailing the mechanism of the hook and loop fasteners.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a front view of another variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment, having an alternative turtleneck collar design.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a front view of another variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment, having a configurable neck protector element for additional protection of the collar area.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a front view of another variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment, having a zipper integrated into the collar for comfort and ease of wear.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a front view of an example configuration of the second embodiment of the invention, the hockey pants, showcasing the waistband, upper thigh portions, knee portions, and lower leg portions.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the same example configuration of the second embodiment of the invention, the hockey pants, detailing the protective elements and the overall design of the rear portions.

[0042] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0043] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.

[0044] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

Definitions

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0046] As used herein, the term and/or includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0050] The terms first, second, and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] The following detailed description provides specific example implementations of protective garments according to the present disclosure, as illustrated through the accompanying figures. These garments, devised with an optimal blend of safety and flexibility in mind, integrate both cut-resistant and non-cut-resistant materials to offer wearers unparalleled protection without compromising mobility. The first embodiment focuses on the upper body garment, shown in FIGS. 1-6, while the second embodiment focuses on the hockey pants, shown in FIGS. 7-8.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a front view of a variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment 102. The protective garment 102 includes a collar 104, a left sleeve 106, a right sleeve 114, and a torso portion 122. The collar 104 is adjacent to the torso portion 122 and may be joined, for example, by stitches. The left sleeve 106 and the right sleeve 114 are both connected to the torso portion 122, with the torso portion 122 extending between the left and right sleeves 106, 114. The torso portion 122 also includes a yoke 124 that extends from the collar 104 to about the bottom of where the left sleeve 106 and the right sleeve 114 connect to the torso portion 122.

[0053] The left sleeve 106 includes a left upper arm portion 108, a left forearm portion 110, and a left cuff 112. The left upper arm portion 108 is attached to and extends from the yoke 124 of the torso portion 122 to the left forearm portion 110. The left forearm portion 110 is attached to and extends from the left upper arm portion 108 to the left cuff 112. Similarly, the right sleeve 114 includes a right upper arm portion 116, a right forearm portion 118, and a right cuff 120. The right upper arm portion 116 is attached to and extends from the yoke 124 of the torso portion 122 to the right forearm portion 118. The right forearm portion 118 is attached to and extends from the right upper arm portion 116 to the right cuff 120.

[0054] The collar 104, the left forearm portion 110, and the right forearm portion 118 are each made of a cut-resistant material. For a user wearing the protective garment 102, the cut-resistant material serves to prevent or inhibit injuries to the user's wrists and forearms, as well as their neck.

[0055] The portions of cut-resistant material include at least one section formed of polyethylene, such as for example an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene is polyethylene with extremely long chains such that the molecular weight usually ranges between 3.5 and 7.5 million atomic mass units.

[0056] The polyethylene portions may be integrated with or reinforced by portions of aramid fabrics. Aramid is aromatic polyamide and contains repeating units of large phenyl rings linked together by amide groups. Examples of aramid fabrics include Nomex and Kevlar, made by DuPont, and Twaron, made by Akzo Industrial Fibers.

[0057] The torso portion 122, the left upper arm portion 108, the left cuff 112, the right upper arm portion 116, and the right cuff 120 are each made of a non-cut-resistant fabric. The non-cut-resistant fabric provides a greater range of movement for users than would be provided if the entire protective garment 102 were made of the cut-resistant material. Additional benefits of the non-cut-resistant fabric include, for example, improved temperature regulation, improved circulation, and accelerated post-workout recovery.

[0058] Suitable fabrics for the non-cut-resistant fabric include, but are not limited to, spandex, polyester, synthetic, microfiber, nylon, and/or polypropylene fabrics. In some embodiments, the non-cut-resistant fabric is a blend of multiple different materials. In some such embodiments, the non-cut-resistant fabric comprises about 85% polyester and about 15% spandex. For example, the non-cut-resistant fabric may comprise 80-90% polyester and 10-20% spandex.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the left cuff 112 and the right cuff 120 further form thumbholes 130a, 130b. The thumbholes 130a, 130b assist in keeping the cut-resistant material of the left forearm portion 110 and the right forearm portion 118 in place on the user's wrists and/or forearms. In other embodiments, a protective garment may not form thumbholes. In some embodiments, a protective garment may form a thumbhole on only one of the left and right cuffs.

[0060] The left upper arm portion 108 and the right upper arm portion 116 further include silicon dots 132a, 132b, respectively. The silicon dots 132a, 132b are useful for keeping additional protective equipment, such as elbow pads, in place. The silicon dots 132a, 132b may be uniformly or randomly distributed. In some embodiments, the silicon dots 132a, 132b are distributed circumferentially around the left upper arm portion 108 and the right upper arm portion 116. In other embodiments, left and right upper arm portions do not include silicon dots. In some embodiments, one of the left and right upper arm portions includes silicon dots.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, a rear view of the same variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment 102 with a placket 126 in a closed position is shown according to one embodiment. As can be seen in the rear view of the protective garment 102, the placket 126 extends through the collar 104 and the yoke 124. The placket 126 is a closeable opening in the protective garment 102 that facilitates putting on and removing the protective garment 102. The placket 126 is also useful for adjusting the collar 104 to fit snugly against the user's neck. In other embodiments, a placket is not located on the rear of the protective garment. For example, a placket is on a side of the protective garment or on a front of the protective garment. In some embodiments, there are multiple plackets in a protective garment. It is contemplated that there are plackets on the torso portion, the left sleeve, and/or the right sleeve.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the same variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment 102 with the placket 126 in an open position according to one embodiment. The open position of the placket 126 is useful for removing or donning the protective garment 102 because it increases the size of the opening defined by the collar 104, permitting a user's head to extend therethrough. As shown in FIG. 3, the placket 126 further includes hook and loop fasteners 128 to assist in temporarily transitioning the placket 126 to the closed position (the closed position is shown in FIG. 2).

[0063] Instead of hook and loop fasteners, other options for fastening the placket 126 into the closed position may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the placket includes buttons and holes, a zipper, studs, buckles, snap fasteners, eyelets, or any other suitable fastening system that allows the placket to transition between the closed and open positions.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, a front view of another variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment having an alternative turtleneck collar design 104a is shown. The turtleneck collar 104a is the only difference from the structural design of the variant shown in FIG. 1; all other elements remain unchanged.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 5, a front view of another variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment having a configurable neck protector element 103 for additional protection of the collar area is shown. This adjustable neck piece 103 may be configured in various shapes and sizes and may have an internal surface with a Velcro or other attachment mechanism formed thereon, allowing users to place the neck piece 103 over areas of the collar that are comfortable for them and which they believe require additional protection.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, a front view of another variant of the first embodiment of the protective garment is shown having a zipper 105 integrated into the collar for comfort and ease of wear. Other opening and closing mechanisms may provide a similar level of comfort and ease of wear, such as Velcro strips, etc.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a front view of an example configuration of the second embodiment of the protective garment, the hockey pants 202. The hockey pants 202 include a waistband 204, a left leg 206, and a right leg 214. The left leg 206 and the right leg 214 each have an upper thigh portion 208, a knee portion 210, and a lower leg portion 212. The upper thigh portions 208 of the left leg 206 and the right leg 214 include integrated elements 210 of cut-resistant material to provide protection to the femoral artery.

[0068] The knee portions also include cut-resistant material 216 located both over and above the knees on the front of the thighs for additional protection. The lower leg portions 212 extend from the knee portions 210 down to the ankles. The waistband 204 is adjustable and may include an elastic section for improved fit and comfort.

[0069] The cut-resistant material used in the inner thigh portions 208 and above the knees in the knee portions 210 is ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). This material offers superior resistance to cuts while maintaining flexibility and durability. In some embodiments, the cut-resistant material may be reinforced with aramid fabrics, such as Kevlar, to enhance protection.

[0070] The hockey pants 202 may also feature a front pocket (not illustrated) configured to hold a groin cup, providing additional protection. The front pocket may include the groin cup as part of the garment. Velcro straps may also be included to keep hockey socks in place during play. The non-cut-resistant portions of the pants, such as the lower leg portions 212, may be made from materials like spandex, polyester, synthetic, microfiber, nylon, and/or polypropylene fabrics, offering benefits such as compression, improved temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking properties.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 8, a rear view of the same example configuration of the second embodiment of the protective garment, the hockey pants 202, is shown. The rear view highlights the protective elements and overall design of the rear portions of the pants. The upper thigh portions 208 on the rear side also include integrated cut-resistant elements for comprehensive protection of the femoral artery region. The adjustable waistband 204 and the elastic section are visible, designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit. The knee portions 210 on the rear side mirror the front, offering consistent protection above the knees. Additional cut-resistant elements 218 are located around the ankle regions to safeguard against blade injuries in these critical areas.

[0072] The non-cut-resistant portions of the pants, such as the lower leg portions 212 and other areas not covered by the cut-resistant material, are made from flexible and breathable fabrics. These materials ensure that the hockey pants 202 offer both protection and comfort, allowing players to maintain agility and performance on the ice.

[0073] The protective garments described in the present invention utilize ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a primary cut-resistant material. UHMWPE is a subset of thermoplastic polyethylene, also known as high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE), characterized by its extremely long molecular chains with a molecular mass usually between 3.5 and 7.5 million atomic mass units (amu). The longer chains of UHMWPE enhance the material's toughness by transferring load more effectively to the polymer backbone through strengthened intermolecular interactions. This results in UHMWPE having the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic currently available.

[0074] UHMWPE exhibits several advantageous properties that make it particularly suitable for use in protective sports garments. It is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic, embodying all the characteristics of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with additional benefits such as resistance to concentrated acids and alkalis, as well as numerous organic solvents. The material is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals, except oxidizing acids, and exhibits extremely low moisture absorption and a very low coefficient of friction. UHMWPE is self-lubricating and highly resistant to abrasion, with some forms being 15 times more resistant to abrasion than carbon steel. Its coefficient of friction is significantly lower than that of nylon and acetal, and it offers better abrasion resistance than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon.

[0075] UHMWPE's strength is primarily derived from the length of its individual polymer chains. The van der Waals forces between these long molecules create a high overall intermolecular strength, allowing UHMWPE to carry larger shear forces from molecule to molecule. When formed into fibers, UHMWPE can attain a parallel orientation greater than 95% and a level of crystallinity ranging from 39% to 75%. This structural orientation contrasts with Kevlar, which derives its strength from strong bonding between relatively short molecules.

[0076] Despite its many benefits, Kevlar degrades quickly in the challenging environment of an average hockey kit bag, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan. In contrast, UHMWPE maintains its integrity and protective qualities over extended periods, making it a superior choice for protective garments. Additionally, UHMWPE does not readily absorb water or moisture, nor does it interact strongly with skin, providing a comfortable fit for the wearer. It is also resistant to UV radiation and microorganisms, further enhancing its durability.

[0077] However, UHMWPE does have some limitations, including a lower heat resistance compared to other high-strength fibers. It has a melting point of around 130 to 136 C. (266 to 277 F.) and is not recommended for use at temperatures exceeding 80 to 100 C. (176 to 212 F.) for extended periods. The material also becomes brittle at temperatures below 150 C. (240 F.). Despite these limitations, UHMWPE's overall performance characteristics make it an ideal choice for the protective elements in the present invention.

[0078] The annealing process for UHMWPE involves heating the material to between 135 C. (275 F.) and 138 C. (280 F.) in an oven or a liquid bath of silicone oil or glycerine, followed by cooling at a controlled rate to ensure optimal material properties. This process enhances the strength and durability of UHMWPE, ensuring that it provides reliable protection against cuts and abrasions.

[0079] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0080] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the garment have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.

[0081] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.