PROTECTIVE SHOULDER PADS FOR A CONTACT SPORT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/594,603, filed Oct. 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]This disclosure relates to a protective shoulder pad assembly worn by a player engaged in the play or practice of a contact sport, such as football, lacrosse or hockey. The shoulder pad assembly includes various connector mechanisms to allow a greater range of motion between and amongst the left and right arch members in response to an impact(s) received, which improves the comfort and energy attenuation performance of the shoulder pad assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]In most contact sports, the players are required, by the relevant rules of the sport, to wear an assortment of protective gear, including shoulder pads to reduce impact forces received by and applied to the shoulder pads and thus protect the player's torso region, including the player's chest and shoulders. For example, conventional football shoulder pads are comprised of left and right body arch members that are bilaterally symmetrical and which extend over the shoulders. The left and right body arch members include: (i) an upper or apex portion that overlies the player's acromion and the clavicle (which are commonly referred to as the acromioclavicular area or the “A.C.” area), as well as the uppermost portion of the trapezius and deltoid muscles; (ii) an anterior or front portion that frontally depends from the apex portion and that overlies the chest and frontal shoulder region of the player, and (iii) a posterior or rear portion that depends from the apex portion and that overlies the back and rear shoulder region of the player. Thus, the intermediate or apex portion is located between the anterior or front portion and the posterior or rear portion to provide the left and right body arch members with a curvilinear or U-shaped configuration when viewed from the side.

[0004]A side pad assembly comprising an epaulet and a shoulder cap may be rigidly coupled by at least one connector to each of the left and right body arch members such that the side pad assembly overlies an extent of the apex portion of the arch member. The side pad assembly also includes an internal padding assembly, whereby the side pad assembly further protects the player's shoulder region and the acromioclavicular area.

[0005]Existing shoulder pads also utilize an internal padding assembly comprising a number of interior pads disposed beneath the body arch members, wherein the interior pads are either fixedly secured, or releasably secured, to the body arch members. These interior pads interact with the left and right arch members and the side pad assembly to reduce impact forces received by the arch members and the side pad assembly, and thus further protect the player's torso region. By using a number of distinct interior pads to form the interior pad elements, the construction of the shoulder pad and the fit of the shoulder pad can be tailored to the anatomy of the player wearing the shoulder pad while engaged in the contact sport.

[0006]With conventional protective shoulder pads, the posterior portion of the left and right arch members may be permanently coupled with a flexible strap(s) transversely overlying the player's spine. The anterior portion of the left and right arch members may be permanently coupled with a flexible strap(s) transversely overlying the player's sternum, or removably coupled with a combination of lacing extending through eyelets formed in the anterior portions. These flexible straps are formed from a BioThane® material, which is essentially a polyester webbing with either a TPU or PVC coating, like those used in the Custom Power and Power shoulder pad models manufactured and sold by Riddell, Inc. (where Riddell is the assignee of the present Application). These flexible straps have opposed ends that are coupled to a respective left or right arch member with a rivet that allows for a nominal amount of pivotal movement of the strap, but not (i) extension or elongation of the straps, including at their opposed ends, or (ii) movement of the strap at its coupling point(s) relative to the particular left or right arch member. Thus, these flexible straps can restrict relative movement of the left and right arch members when an impact(s) is received by one of the arch members.

[0007]Conventional protective shoulder pads may also include a lower belt with an adjustable length that is affixed to the lowermost regions of the anterior and posterior portion of the left and right arch members. The lower adjustable belt is designed to adjust the spacing of the lowermost regions of the left and right arch members, both anterior and posterior portions, and thus secure these regions of the left and right arch members against the player's ribs to further maintain the correct protective placement of the shoulder pads on the player's torso. Because the lower adjustable belt is permanently coupled to the lowermost regions of the anterior and posterior portion of the left and right arch members (and potentially a lowermost extent of the internal padding assembly), there is no appreciable movement of the coupling point between the belt and the particular left or right arch member when the lower belt is in its secured or set-length position.

[0008]Therefore, there is an ongoing need for a protective shoulder pad with improved impact response movement and range of motion between the connector mechanism of the left and right arch members, in regards to the anterior portions and/or posterior portions of the arch members. Further, there is a tangible need for a protective shoulder pad with improved impact response movement and range of motion between the lower belt and the left and right arch members.

[0009]The present invention of a protective shoulder pad assembly solves the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior shoulder pads. Namely, the inventive protective shoulder pad provides improved impact response movement and range of motion movement while maintaining the correct protective placement, which is believed to improve fit, feel and performance of the inventive protective shoulder pad assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]Disclosed herein is a protective shoulder pad assembly worn by a player engaged in the play or practice of a contact sport (e.g. football) is disclosed herein. The shoulder pad assembly includes a pair of curvilinear, continuous arch members. Each arch member has a front arch portion depending from an upper arch portion and a rear arch portion depending from the upper arch portion. Each arch member is configured to be worn over the shoulder of the player with the front arch portion extending over an extent of a chest region of the player and the rear arch portion extending over an extent of a back region of the player. Each front arch portion includes an upper connection slot with an elongated configuration and a lower connection aperture and each rear arch portion including an upper connection slot with an elongated configuration. The shoulder pad assembly also includes a front upper arch connector mechanism including a flexible upper strap and a pair of upper couplers secured at opposite end portions of the flexible upper strap. Each upper coupler is slidingly received in said upper connection slots. The shoulder pad assembly also includes a front lower arch connector mechanism including a flexible lower strap and a pair of lower couplers secured at opposite end portions of the front lower strap, wherein each lower coupler pivots in said lower connection aperture. In various aspects, the shoulder pad assembly also includes a rear upper arch connector mechanism including a flexible upper strap and a pair of upper couplers secured at opposite end portions of the flexible upper strap. Each upper coupler is slidingly received in said upper connection slot.

[0011]In various aspects, the upper couplers of the front upper arch connector mechanism are pins that are configured to slide within the connection slots in response to an impact applied to the protective shoulder pad assembly. The arch members are in a neutral position prior to an impact being received by the shoulder pad assembly. In the neutral position, the arch members are spaced a distance apart and are substantially symmetrically aligned about a midline sagittal plane such that corresponding exterior surfaces of the arch members at the connector slots are substantially parallel to each other. The arch members are in a neutral position prior to an impact being received by the shoulder pad assembly, whereby in the neutral position the arch members are spaced a distance apart, and when an impact is received by an extent of the pad assembly, at least one of the arch members experience relative movement and is displaced from the neutral position.

[0012]In various aspects, the arch members are in a neutral position prior to an impact being received by the shoulder pad assembly. When an impact is received by an extent of the pad assembly, the left and right arch members experience relative movement, and wherein the relative movement of the left and right arch members includes: (i) fore and aft movement of the body arch members, (ii) upward and downward shearing movement of the body arch members, and (iii) lateral movement of the body arch members about one or more pivot points of the lower arch connector mechanism. In some aspects, the pair of front arch portions substantially reside in the same plane, in the neutral position, until an impact is received by the shoulder pad assembly, whereby the front upper arch connector mechanism allows a displacement of one of the front arch portion to another plane. In some aspects, the pair of front arch portions substantially reside in the same plane, in the neutral position, until an impact is received by the shoulder pad assembly whereby the front upper arch connector mechanism allows rotational displacement of one of the front arch portion to another plane. In some aspects, the pair of front arch portions substantially reside in the same plane, in the neutral position, until an impact is received by the shoulder pad assembly whereby the front upper arch connector mechanism allows shear displacement of one of the front arch portion with respect to the other front arch portion within the same plane.

[0013]In various aspects, the elongated connection slots have one of a linear, curvilinear, or arcuate configuration. The upper coupler is slidingly displaced in the upper connection slot in response to an impact force being applied to one of arch members. The sliding displacement of the upper coupler in the upper connector slot is measured in terms of angular displacement that is approximately 8 degrees.

[0014]In various embodiments, a football shoulder pad assembly worn by a player engaged in the play or practice of football is disclosed. The football shoulder pad assembly includes a left continuous arch member and a right continuous arch member configured to be worn over the shoulder of the player whereby each arch member has (i) a front arch portion extending downward from an upper arch portion and over an extent of a chest region of the player and (ii) a rear arch portion extending downward from an upper arch portion and over an extent of a back region of the player. The football shoulder pad assembly also includes a front upper arch connector mechanism including a flexible upper strap and a pair of upper couplers secured at opposite end portions of the flexible upper strap. Each upper coupler is slidingly received in an upper connection slot formed in the front arch portion. The football shoulder pad assembly also includes a front lower arch connector mechanism including a flexible lower strap and a pair of lower couplers secured at opposite end portions of the front lower strap. Each lower coupler pivots in a lower connection aperture formed in the front arch portion. A rear upper arch connector mechanism including a flexible upper strap and a pair of upper couplers secured at opposite end portions of the flexible upper strap, wherein each upper coupler is slidingly received in an upper connection slot formed in the rear arch portion; and a rear lower arch connector mechanism including a flexible lower strap and a pair of lower couplers secured at opposite end portions of the front lower strap, wherein each lower coupler pivots in a lower connection aperture formed in the rear arch portion.

[0015]In various aspects, the upper couplers of the front upper arch connector mechanism are pins that are configured to slide within the connection slots in response to an impact applied to the protective shoulder pad assembly. The arch members are in a neutral position prior to an impact being received by the shoulder pad assembly, whereby in the neutral position the arch members are spaced a distance apart and are substantially symmetrically aligned about a midline sagittal plane such that corresponding exterior surfaces of the arch members at the connector slots are substantially parallel to each other. In various aspects, when an impact is received by an extent of the pad assembly, at least one of the arch members experience relative movement and is displaced from the neutral position. In various aspects, when an impact is received by an extent of the pad assembly, the left and right arch members experience relative movement that includes: (i) fore and aft movement of the body arch members, (ii) upward and downward shearing movement of the body arch members, and/or (iii) lateral movement of the body arch members about one or more pivot points of the lower arch connector mechanism.

[0016]In various aspects, the arch members are in a neutral position prior to an impact being received by the shoulder pad assembly, where the pair of front arch portions substantially reside in the same plane, in the neutral position, until an impact is received by the shoulder pad assembly. In some aspects, the front upper arch connector mechanism allows a displacement of one of the front arch portion to another plane. In some aspects, the front upper arch connector mechanism allows rotational displacement of one of the front arch portion to another plane. In some aspects, the front upper arch connector mechanism allows shear displacement of one of the front arch portion with respect to the other front arch portion within the same plane.

[0017]In various aspects, each of the left and right arch members also include a front lower strap connector mechanism and a rear lower strap connector mechanism to adjustably connect the front arch portions and the rear arch portions of the arch members. The front lower strap connector mechanism and the rear lower strap connector mechanism include: (i) a flexible belt, (ii) a fastener extending through a pivot aperture formed in a lower extent of the front arch portion, (iii) a fastener slidingly received in a slot formed in a lower extent of the front arch portion, (iv) a fastener extending through a pivot aperture formed in a lower extent of the rear arch portion, and (v) a fastener slidingly received in a slot formed in a lower extent of the rear arch portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front view of a protective shoulder pad worn over the shoulder region of a player P, showing the left and right arch members, a front upper arch connector mechanism and a front lower arch connector mechanism both extending between a left arch member and a right arch member, and strap connector mechanisms on each of the left and right arch members at the waist off the player;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a front view of a protective shoulder pad of FIG. 1, shown in an un-worn or pre-use state;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a left perspective view of the front of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a right perspective view of the front of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a left side view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a rear view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a right perspective view of the rear of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of the rear of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2;

[0027]FIG. 9 is an underside view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in an unbuckled state;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a frontal view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in a neutral position NP, showing an upper arch connector mechanism and a lower arch connector mechanism both extending between a left arch member and a right arch member, and a strap connector mechanism on each of the left and right arch members;

[0029]FIG. 11 is another frontal view of the protective shoulder pad in the neutral position NP, showing an enlarged view of the upper and lower arch connector mechanisms of FIG. 10;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in a first displaced position DP₁, showing relative displacement of the left and right arch members and between each of the upper arch connector mechanism and the lower arch connector mechanism;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a frontal view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in a second displaced position DP₂, showing relative displacement of the left and right arch members and between each of the upper arch connector mechanism and the lower arch connector mechanism;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a frontal view of a lower extent of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 13, showing a front strap connector mechanism on the left arch member;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a rear view of an extent of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in a third displaced position DP₃, showing partial, out of plane displacement of the lower arch connector mechanism and lower portions of the left and right rear arch members, and no appreciable relative displacement of the upper arch connector mechanism and the upper portions of the left and right rear arch members;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a rear view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in a fourth displaced position DP₄, showing relative displacement of the left and right arch members and between each of the upper arch connector mechanism and the lower arch connector mechanism;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a zoomed rear view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 16, showing a rear strap connector mechanism on the right arch member;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a rear bottom interior view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 16, showing an interior portion of the rear strap connector mechanism;

[0037]FIG. 19 is a frontal view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in a fifth displaced position DP₅, showing the left arch displaced laterally and relative displacement between each of the upper arch connector mechanism and the lower arch connector mechanism; and

[0038]FIG. 20 is a frontal view of the protective shoulder pad of FIG. 2 in a sixth displaced position DP₆, showing the right arch displaced laterally and relative displacement between each of the upper arch connector mechanism and the lower arch connector mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039]While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention 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.

The Protective Shoulder Pad Assembly—Generally

[0040]The present invention relates to a protective shoulder pad assembly 10 worn by a player P engaged in the play or practice of a contact sport, such as football, lacrosse or hockey. In FIG. 1, the protective shoulder pad assembly 10 is configured as a set of football shoulder pads to be worn by an American football (i.e., not soccer) player. Referring to FIG. 2, which is a front view of the shoulder pad assembly 10 in an un-worn or pre-use state, the shoulder pad 10 includes a first or left body arch member 20, a second or right body arch member 22, a left side pad assembly 24 flexibly connected to the left body arch member 20, and a right side pad assembly 26 flexibly connected to the right body arch member 22. An upper arch connector mechanism 100 and a lower arch connector mechanism 200 operably couple each of the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. Similarly, an upper arch connector mechanism 110 and a lower arch connector mechanism 210 operably couple each of the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 (FIGS. 6-8). Additionally, the shoulder pad assembly 10 includes front and rear lower strap connector mechanisms 300, 320, 340, 360 for adjustably connecting the anterior portions 36, 38 and the posterior portions 40, 42 of respective arch members 20, 22 with a left and right adjustable belt 400, 420 (FIG. 5). In various embodiments, the shoulder pad assembly 10 can optionally include a back plate 190 coupled by back straps 192 to the posterior portions 40, 42 of respective arch members 20, 22 (FIGS. 5-9, 17, and 18).

[0041]Each of the side pad assemblies 24, 26 are configured to overlie a shoulder region of the player. The shoulder pad assembly 10 further includes a left interior pad assembly 28 removably affixed to the left body arch member 20 and a right interior pad assembly 30 removably affixed to the right body arch member 22. As shown in FIG. 9, the interior pad assemblies 28, 30 can also include removable pads 29, 31 removably attached to an intermediate section of interior pad assemblies 28, 30. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 28, 30 are permanently affixed to the respective body arch members 20, 22. The shoulder pad assembly 10 may include a cantilever strap positioned between each arch member 20, 22 and interior pad assembly 28, 30. In another configuration, the shoulder pad assembly 10 includes a sub-arch padding element positioned between each arch member 20, 22 and interior pad assembly 28, 30. The cantilever strap and/or the sub-arch generally overlie 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 10 while engaged in a contact sport, including game play or practicing or conducting drill work in connection with the contact sport.

[0042]Each body arch member 20, 22 includes an upper or apex portion 32, 34, an anterior or front portion 36, 38 depending from the upper portion 32, 34, and a rear or posterior portion 40, 42 depending from the upper portion 32, 34. The apex portion 32, 34 overlies the player's acromion, clavicle and acromioclavicular area, as well as the uppermost portion of the trapezius and deltoid muscles. The anterior portion 36, 38 frontally depends from the apex portion 32, 34 and overlies the chest and frontal shoulder region of the player P (FIG. 1). The posterior or rear portion 40, 42 depends from the apex portion 32, 34 and overlies the back and rear shoulder region of the wearer. Thus, the intermediate or apex portion 32, 34 is located between the anterior or front portion 36, 38 and the posterior or rear portion 40, 42 to provide the left and right body arch members 20, 22 with a curvilinear or U-shaped configuration when viewed from the side.

[0043]Also, the arch member 20, 22 is preferably fabricated from a single piece of plastic that extends from the wearer's lower chest region, over the wearer's acromion, clavicle and acromioclavicular area and to the wearer's lower back region. Alternatively, the arch member 20, 22 is formed from a combination of distinct components that are rigidly coupled together. The arch members 20, 22 define a central opening 50 that permits the shoulder pad assembly 10 to be placed over the wearer's head and on the wearer's shoulders. Each body arch member 20, 22 has a comfort liner 52 located along an extent of the edge proximate the central opening 50.

[0044]As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the side pad assembly 24, 26 includes an epaulet protective element 60 and an attached interior pad 62, and a shoulder cap protective element 64 and an attached interior pad 66. Alternatively, one or both of the interior pads 62, 66 are omitted from the side pad assembly 24, 26. The side pad assembly 24, 26 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of the wearer, wherein the epaulet 60 overlies the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region, and the shoulder cap 64 overlies the outer region of the deltoid muscle. Described in a different manner, the shoulder cap 64 also overlies the acromion bone of the wearer, and the epaulet 60 overlies both the arch member 20, 22 and the cap 64. The arch members 20, 22, the epaulet protective elements 60, and the shoulder cap protective elements 64 can be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, such as polypropylene, or a high molecular weight polyethylene material that provides the necessary impact strength, flexibility and durability. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, each side pad assembly 24, 26 is affixed to the apex portion 32, 34 of the body arch member 20, 22 by a fastening assembly 68 that comprises a single flexible band 70 and a plurality of rivets 72. The band 70 can be operably connected to either an upper surface or a lower surface of the body arch member 20, 22. The band 70 provides a common connection point CP on the arch member 20, 22 for both the epaulet 60 and the shoulder cap 64.

Upper and Lower Arch Connector Mechanisms

[0045]In contrast to conventional shoulder pads for use in contact sports, the inventive protective shoulder pad assembly 10 includes an upper arch connector mechanism 100, 110 and a lower arch connector mechanism 200, 210 to operably couple each of the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 and the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, 10-13, 19, and 20, the upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200 operably couple the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. Together, the upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 100, 200 provide improved impact response movement and range of motion movement while maintaining the correct placement of the protective shoulder pad assembly 10 on the player P. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, 15, and 16, the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower arch connector mechanism 210 operably couple the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22.

[0046]As shown in FIGS. 1-4, 10-13, 19, and 20, the upper arch connector mechanism 100 is spaced vertically apart from the lower arch connector mechanism 200 coupling the front or anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. The upper arch connector mechanism 100 includes a flexible upper strap 120 and a pair of upper couplers 121, such as pins 122, 124 secured at opposite end portions of the upper strap 120. The upper pins 122, 124 reside in connection slots 126, 128 formed in each of the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 and can slide within the connection slots 126, 128. The flexible upper strap 120 is positioned on the interior side of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 with the upper pins 122, 124 protruding through the connection slots 126, 128 and held within the slots by a pin head 142 and guiding element 144 on the exterior side. The upper strap 120 and/or anterior portions 36, 38 can also pivot about upper pins 122, 124, independent of the position of the pins 122, 124 in respective connection slots 126, 128, conforming to the movement of the player.

[0047]Referring to FIG. 11, the flexible upper strap 120 can have a rectangular, oblong, or other suitable shape, with the pair of upper pins 122, 124 affixed to the front upper strap 120 at specific locations and define an interval distance (d_u1). For example, the strap 120 can be substantially rectangular with rounded edges that do not snag or catch on any material (e.g. under garment, t-shirt, etc) between the shoulder pad 10 and the player. The upper strap 120 can be formed from a flexible material, such a BioThane® material, a polyester webbing with either a TPU or PVC coating, or other suitable durable material. The upper pins 122, 124 are secured through the strap 120 such that the bases 140 of the upper pins 122, 124 contact a first surface of the strap 120 and the upper pins 122, 124 extend through the strap 120 in a substantially perpendicular direction from a second surface of the strap 120. The shafts of the upper pins 122, 124 are positioned within and extending through connection slots 126, 128 with the pin heads 142 and guiding elements 144 holding the upper pins 122, 124 within the slots 126, 128 and allowing movement. For example, the upper pins 122, 124 can be a pin, rivet, or other suitable coupler that preferably has an elongated configuration. In some embodiments, the pin head 142 and/or guiding element 144 can have an extent that is substantially parallel to the base 140 of each of the upper pins 122, 124, where the shaft is not substantially perpendicular but positioned at an angle therebetween to conform with the curvature of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. The upper pins 122, 124 can have a shaft diameter less than the width of the respective connection slots 126, 128 to allow movement of the upper pins within the connection slots. The upper pins 122, 124 have a head 142 that has a larger diameter than the width of respective connection slots 126, 128 to secure the pins within the connection slots 126, 128. To facilitate sliding movement of pins 122, 124, connector mechanism 100 includes a guiding element or washer 144 that is positioned between the head 142 of the pins 122, 124 and the respective left and right anterior portions 36, 38. As shown in the various figures, the inner diameter of the guiding element 144 is less than the outer diameter of the head 142 of the pins 122, 124 and the outer diameter of the guiding element 144 is greater than the outer diameter of the head 142 of the pins 122, 124.

[0048]The lower arch connector mechanism 200 includes a flexible lower strap 220 and a pair of lower couplers 221, such as pins 222, 224 secured at opposite end portions of the lower strap 220. The lower pins 222, 224 reside in apertures 226, 228 formed in each of the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22, allowing the lower strap 220 and/or anterior portions 36, 38 to pivot about lower pins 222, 224. For example, the lower pins 222, 224 can be a pin, rivet, or other suitable coupler that preferably has an elongated configuration. The lower pins 222, 224 can have a shaft with a diameter that is less than the diameter of the aperture 226, 228 and a head 142 that has a larger diameter the aperture 226, 228. The apertures 226, 228 are substantially round, thus the lower pins 222, 224 remain in the same position relative to the left and right body arch members 20, 22, but the lower pins 222, 224 are allowed to rotate with apertures 226, 228 such that the left and right body arch members 20, 22 can move with respect to each other.

[0049]The lower strap 220 can be formed from a flexible material, such a BioThane® material, a polyester webbing with either a TPU or PVC coating, or other suitable durable material. Although the strap 220 is similar to strap 120, the dimensions can be different. The lower strap 220 can have a rectangular, oblong, or other suitable shape, with the pair of lower pins 222, 224 affixed to the front lower strap 220 at specific locations and define an interval distance (d₁₁) at opposing end portions of the lower strap 220. The lower pins 222, 224 extend in a substantially perpendicular direction from the surface of the strap 220 and are positioned within and extending through apertures 226, 228. The specified length of lower strap 220 and interval distance (d₁₁) of pins 222, 224 can be different or the same as the specified length of the upper strap 120 and interval distance (d_u1) of pins 122, 124, depending on the shape of the body arch members 20, 22.

[0050]As illustrated in FIG. 10-11, the anterior portions 36, 38 that extend over the chest region of the player can have facing curvilinear inner edges 150, 152. These inner edges 150, 152 define a separation distance (d_s) between the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22, where the separation distance (d_s) varies along the inner edges 150, 152 of the anterior portions 36, 38. The upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 100, 200 can be configured to secure the anterior portions 36, 38 at specified positions to form predetermined separation distances (d_s) of the inner edges 150, 152. In the illustrative embodiment, the length of strap 120 and interval (d_u1) of upper arch connector mechanism 100 are greater than the length of the strap 220 and interval distance (d₁₁) of lower arch connector mechanism 200. Similarly, the separation distance (d_s) at or proximate to the upper arch connector mechanism 100 is greater than the separation distance (d_s) at or proximate to the lower arch connector mechanism 200. Independently or in cooperation, the upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200 can allow for relative movement of the anterior portions 36, 38, as detailed below.

[0051]As illustrated in FIG. 11, the connection slots 126, 128 are configured to allow movement of the pins 122, 124 within the respective connection slots 126, 128 without binding as the arch 20, 22 pivots around the lower pin 222, 224. The upper pin 122, 124 can move within the connection slot 126, 128 and pivot about the respective lower pin 222, 224. The connection slots 126, 128 are elongated and can have a curvilinear, arcuate, or linear configuration. The shape and dimensions of the connection slot 126, 128 can depend on the radial distance (ref) between the connection slots 126, 128 and respective lower pin 222, 224. These structural aspects and positional relationships enable the pin 122, 124 to travel a distance that is measured in terms of angular displacement θ_f. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the radial displacement θ_f is approximately 8 degrees or more of pin travel.

[0052]In FIGS. 10-11, the pins 122, 124 are positioned at the innermost ends 160, 162 of connection slots 126, 128, providing a predetermined maximum separation distance (d_s) between inner edge segments 154, 156 of inner edges 150, 152 of the anterior portions 36, 38, wherein the inner edge segments 154, 156 of the arch members 20, 22 extend vertically between an upper edge of the upper band 120 and an upper edge of the lower band 220. As shown in these Figures, the separation distance (d_s) between the inner edge segments 154, 156 tapers and thus is reduced moving from the upper band 120 to the lower band 220. When the left anterior portion 36 is shifted toward the right anterior portion 38, such that the pin 122 is shifted toward in the outermost end 164 of connection slot 126 and pin 124 remains at the innermost end 160 of connection slot 128, the separation distance between at least an extent of the edges 150, 152 is reduced. Similarly, since the interval distance (d_u1) of the pins 122, 124 of the upper arch connector mechanism 100 is fixed, when the right anterior portion 38 is shifted toward the left anterior portion 36, such that the pin 124 is shifted toward the outermost end 166 of connection slot 126 and pin 122 remains at the innermost end 160 of connection slot 128, the separation distance between edges 150, 152 is reduced. When both the left and right anterior portion 36, 38 are shifted inward the edges 150, 152 are at a minimum upper separation distance without flexing the strap 120. Although the front portions 36, 38 are used an example, the distances and movements described can be relied on for the rear portions 40, 42 and upper arch connector mechanism 110.

[0053]As shown in FIGS. 6-8, 15, and 16, rear portions 40, 42 of arch members 20, 22 can similarly be coupled by upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 110, 210. The upper arch connector mechanism 110 is spaced vertically apart from the lower arch connector mechanism 210 coupling the rear or posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. The upper arch connector mechanism 110 includes a flexible upper strap 130 and a pair of upper couplers 131, such as pins 132, 134 secured at opposite end portions of the upper strap 130. The upper pins 132, 134 reside in connection slots 136, 138 formed in each of the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 and can slide within the connection slots 136, 138. The flexible upper strap 130 and/or posterior portions 40, 42 can also pivot about upper pins 132, 134, independent of the location of the pins 132, 134 in respective connection slots 136, 138. For example, the upper pins 132, 134 can be a pin, rivet, or other suitable coupler that preferably has an elongated configuration. Although the upper arch connector mechanism 110 is similar to upper arch connector mechanism 100, the dimensions of the strap 130, positions of the pins 132, 134, and/or shape of respective connection slots 136, 138 on the rear portions 40, 42, can be the different as similar features of upper arch connector mechanism 110.

[0054]The flexible upper strap 130 can be formed from a flexible material, such a BioThane® material, a polyester webbing with either a TPU or PVC coating, or other suitable durable material. The upper strap 130 can have a rectangular, oblong, or other suitable shape. Referring to FIG. 15, the pair of upper pins 132, 134 are affixed to the rear upper strap 130 at specific locations and define an interval distance (d_u2). The upper pins 132, 134 extend in a substantially perpendicular direction from the surface of the strap 130 and are positioned within and extending through connection slots 136, 138. Depending on the shape of the body arch members 20, 22, the size and shape of the strap 130 and location of pins 132, 134 of upper arch connector mechanism 110 coupling the posterior portions 40, 42 can be the same or different as the size and shape of the strap 120 and location of pins 122, 124 of upper arch connector mechanism 100 coupling the anterior portions 36, 38.

[0055]The upper rear pins 132, 134 can have a shaft diameter less than the width of respective connection slots 136, 138 to allow free movement of the upper pins within the connection slots. The upper pins 132, 134 have a head 142 that has a larger diameter than the width of respective connection slots 136, 138 to secure the pins within the connection slots 136, 138. To facilitate sliding movement of pins 132, 134, connector mechanism 110 includes a guiding element or washer 144 that is positioned between the head 142 and the respective left and right anterior portions 36, 38. As shown in the various figures, the inner diameter of the guiding element 144 is less than the outer diameter of the head 142 of the pins 132, 134 and the outer diameter of the guiding element 144 is greater than the outer diameter of the head 142 of the pins 132, 134.

[0056]The lower arch connector mechanism 210 includes a flexible lower strap 230 and a pair of lower couplers 231, such as pins 232, 234 secured at opposite end portions of the lower strap 230. The lower pins 232, 234 reside in apertures 236, 238 formed in each of the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22, allowing the lower strap 230 or posterior portions 40, 42 to pivot about lower pins 232, 234. For example, the lower pins 232, 234 can be a pin, rivet, or other suitable coupler that preferably has an elongated configuration. The lower pins 232, 234 can have a shaft with a diameter that is less than the diameter of the aperture 236, 238 and a head 142 that has a larger diameter the aperture 236, 238.

[0057]The lower strap 230 can be formed from a flexible material, such a BioThane® material, a polyester webbing with either a TPU or PVC coating, or other suitable durable material. The lower strap 230 can have a rectangular, oblong, or other suitable shape, with the pair of lower pins 232 affixed to the rear lower strap 230 at specific locations and define an interval distance (d₂) at opposing end portions of the lower strap 230. The lower pins 232, 234 extend in a substantially perpendicular direction from the surface of the strap 230 and are positioned within and extending through apertures 236, 238. Depending on the shape of the body arch members 20, 22, the size and shape of the strap 230 and location of pins 232, 234 (d₁₂) of lower arch connector mechanism 210 coupling the posterior portions 40, 42 can be the same or different as the size and shape of the strap 220 and location of pins 222, 224 (d₁₁) of upper arch connector mechanism 200 coupling the anterior portions 36, 38.

[0058]Referring to FIG. 15, the posterior portions 36, 38 that extend over the back region of the player can have opposed curvilinear edges 151, 153 that form a rear separation distance between the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. Because the opposed curvilinear edges 151, 153 are substantially parallel to each other between the upper connector mechanism 110 and a lower edge of the arch members 20, 22, the rear separation distance is substantially constant. The upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 110, 210 can be configured to secure the posterior portions 40, 42 at specified positions to form predetermined separation distances of the edges 151, 153. The specified length of upper strap 130 and interval distance (d_u2) of pins 132, 134 and be the same or different from the specified length of and the lower strap 230 and interval distance (d₁₂) of pins 232, 234. In some examples, the length of strap 130 and interval distance (d_u2) of pins 132, 134 of upper arch connector mechanism 110 can be substantially same length as strap 220 and interval distance (d₁₂) of pins 232, 234 of lower arch connector mechanism 210. Independently or in cooperation, the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower arch connector mechanism 210 can allow for relative movement of the posterior portions 40, 42.

[0059]As illustrated in FIG. 15, the connection slots 136, 138 are configured to allow movement of the pins 132, 134 within the respective connection slots 136, 138 without binding as the arch 20, 22 pivots around the lower pin 232, 234. The upper pin 132, 134 can move within the connection slot 136, 138 and pivot about the respective lower pin 232, 234. The connection slots 136, 138 are elongated and can be curvilinear, arcuate, or linear configuration. The shape and dimensions of the connection slot 136, 138 can depend on the radial distance (r_cr) between the connection slots 136, 138 and respective lower pin 232, 234. These structural aspects and positional relationships enable the pin 132, 134 to travel a distance that is measured in terms of angular displacement θ_r. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the radial displacement θ_f is approximately 8 degrees or more of pin travel.

[0060]The protective shoulder pad assembly 10 can conform to the motion of the player wearing the shoulder pad assembly 10 while engaged in the contact sport. The upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200 allow for the relative movement of the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22, including when the shoulder pad assembly 10 and the player receive multiple impacts during the course of playing the contact sport. The upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200 can allow the left and right body arch members 20, 22, or portions thereof, to move independently or together, in response to a force applied to a portion of shoulder pad assembly 10 or due to the motion of the player. Similarly, the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower arch connector mechanism 210 allow for the relative movement of the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22.

[0061]The relative movement of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 includes (i) fore and aft movement of the body arch members 20, 22, which occurs substantially in the X direction of the X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system included in the Figures, (ii) upward and downward shearing movement of the body arch members 20, 22, which occurs substantially in the Z direction, and (iii) limited rotational movement of the body arch members 20, 22 about one or more of the pivot points formed by the pins 222, 224 of the lower arch connector mechanism 200, which occurs angularly in the Y direction and substantially in the Y-Z plane. Although the movements are described with respect to the front or anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 as an example, the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower arch connector mechanism 210 can be relied on for similar relative movement of the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. While the relative movements are described separately, one or more movements can occur at the same time.

[0062]In some embodiments, one or both of the lower arch connector mechanisms 200, 210 can be replaced with upper arch connector mechanisms 100, 110 and sized accordingly (not shown). Including slots in one or both lower arch connector mechanisms 200, 210 can allow for additional degrees of motion for the wearer, while maintaining a secure fit of the shoulder pad assembly 10.

[0063]In some embodiments, the anterior portions 36, 38 and/or posterior portions 40, 42 can optionally feature a plurality of eyelets 44 suitable to provide a backup means for joining the body arch members 20, 22 in the event of failure of one or more of the upper or lower arch connector mechanisms 100, 110, 200, 210. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, at least a pair of eyelets 44 can be positioned on the anterior portions 36, 38 between the upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 100, 200 and/or on posterior portions 40, 42 between the upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 110, 210 to provide an arch coupling. The eyelets 44 are configured to receive a string or lace to adjust and secure the body arch members 20, 22 over the wearer's sternum, allowing the wearer to continue play. The plurality of eyelets 44 coupled with string or lace does not provide the same range of motion or functionality as the upper or lower arch connector mechanisms 100, 110, 200, 210.

Lower Strap Connector Mechanisms

[0064]Referring to FIGS. 1-20, the inventive protective shoulder pad assembly 10 can also include a front lower strap connector mechanism 300, 320 and a rear lower strap connector mechanism 340, 360 for each body arch member 20, 22 for adjustably connecting the anterior portions 36, 38 and the posterior portions 40, 42 of respective arch members 20, 22 with a left and right adjustable belt 400, 420. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the front lower strap connector mechanism 300 includes a buckle portion 402 and the rear lower strap connector mechanism 340 includes a belt portion 404 with belt apertures 406 suitable to engage with the buckle portion 402 connecting the left adjustable belt 400 for the wearer. In various embodiments, the buckle portion 402 and/or the belt portion 404 can further include a belt pad(s) positioned between the belt 400 and player when the portions 402, 404 are fastened. Similarly and shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the front lower strap connector mechanism 320 includes a buckle portion 422 and the rear lower strap connector mechanism 360 includes a belt portion 424 with belt apertures 426 suitable to engage with the buckle portion 422 connecting the right adjustable belt 420 for the wearer.

[0065]Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, the front lower strap connector mechanism 300 includes a pivot aperture 302 and a slidable movement slot 304 spaced apart from each other and formed in a lower region of the anterior portion 36 of left arch body member 20. The buckle portion 402 of the right adjustable belt 400 has a strap end segment 408 being pivotably attached to the anterior portion 36 of left arch member 20 by a fastener 305, such as pin 306 at pivot aperture 302 and also attached by travel fastener 307, such as pin 308 at movement slot 304. As shown in FIG. 14, the pin 306 and travel pin 308 are secured to the strap end segment 408 of the buckle portion 402 and spaced apart, such that the buckle portion 402 is free to pivot about the pin 306 and the travel pin 308 is free to slide within the movement slot 302, the travel pin 308 being closer to the end of the strap end segment 408 opposite the buckle end. The lower end 310 of the movement slot 304 being substantially aligned in a horizontal direction at a distance (r₁) from the pivot aperture 302 (FIG. 11). The movement slot 304 being curvilinear or arcuate in shape, such that any position of the travel pin 308 within the movement slot 304 is about the distance (r₁) from the pivot aperture 302. The rotation of the buckle portion 402 is limited by the lower end 310 and upper end 312 of the movement slot 304.

[0066]As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the front lower strap connector mechanism 320 is preferably substantially identical in construction to the front lower strap connector mechanism 300 and is similarly installed in a mirrored position on the right body arch member 22. The front lower strap connector mechanism 320 includes a pivot aperture 322 and a movement slot 324 formed in a lower region of the anterior portion 38 of right arch body member 22 and spaced apart from each other. The buckle portion 422 of the right adjustable belt 420 has a strap end segment 408 being pivotably attached to the anterior portion 38 of right arch member 20 by fastener 325, such as pin 326 at pivot aperture 322 and also attached by travel fastener 327, such as pin 328 at movement slot 324, the travel pin 328 being closer to the end of the strap end segment 428 opposite the buckle end. The pin 326 and travel pin 328 are secured to the strap end segment 428 of the belt portion 424 and spaced apart at about the distance (r₂), such that the buckle portion 422 is free to pivot about the pin 326 and the travel pin 328 is free to slide within the movement slot 324 (FIG. 11). The lower end 330 of the movement slot 324 being substantially aligned in a horizontal direction at a distance (r₂) from the pivot aperture 322. The movement slot 324 being curvilinear or arcuate in shape, such that any position of the travel pin 328 within the movement slot 324 is about the distance (r₂) from the pivot aperture 322. The motion of the buckle portion 422 is limited by the lower end 330 and upper end 332 of the movement slot 324.

[0067]Similarly, as shown in FIG. 17, the rear lower strap connector mechanism 360 can include a pivot aperture 362 and a movement slot 364 spaced apart from each other and formed in a lower region of the posterior portion 42 of right arch body member 22. The belt portion 424 having a first end segment 430 being pivotably attached to the posterior portion 42 of right arch member 20 by fastener 365, such as pin 366 at pivot aperture 362 and also attached by travel fastener 367, such as pin 368 at movement slot 364 (see also FIGS. 9 and 18). The pin 366 and travel pin 368 are secured to the first end segment 430 of the belt portion 424 and spaced apart at about the distance (r₄), such that the belt portion 424 is free to pivot about the pin 366 and the travel pin 368 is free to slide within the movement slot 364 (FIG. 15). The lower end 370 of the movement slot 364 being substantially aligned in a horizontal direction at a distance (r₄) from the pivot aperture 362. The movement slot 364 being curvilinear or arcuate in shape, such that any position of the travel pin 368 within the movement slot 364 is about the distance (r₄) from the pivot aperture 362. The motion of the belt portion 424 is limited by the lower end 370 and upper end 372 of the movement slot 364. As shown in FIG. 18, a back plate 190 can optionally be coupled to posterior portions 40, 42 of respective arch members 20, 22 without interfering with rear lower strap connector mechanisms 340, 360. The back plate 190 includes straps 192 that couple to posterior portions 40, 42 with attachment pins 194 (e.g. rivets, snaps, fasteners, etc.).

[0068]As shown in FIG. 15, the rear lower strap connector mechanism 340 is preferably substantially identical in construction to the rear lower strap connector mechanism 360 and is similarly installed on in a mirrored position the left body arch member 20. The rear lower strap connector mechanism 340 can include a pivot aperture 342 and a movement slot 344 spaced apart from each other and formed in a lower region of the posterior portion 40 of left arch body member 20. The belt portion 404 having a first end segment 410 being pivotably attached to the posterior portion 40 of left arch member 20 by fastener 345, such as pin 346 at pivot aperture 342 and also attached by travel fastener 347, such as pin 348 at movement slot 344 (see also FIG. 9). The pin 346 and travel pin 348 are secured to the first end segment 410 of the belt portion 404 and spaced apart at about the distance (r₃), such that the belt portion 404 is free to pivot about the pin 346 and the travel pin 348 is free to slide within the movement slot 344. The lower end 350 of the movement slot 344 being substantially aligned in a horizontal direction at a distance (r₃) from the pivot aperture 342 (FIG. 15). The movement slot 344 being curvilinear or arcuate in shape, such that any position of the travel pin 348 within the movement slot 344 is about the distance (r₃) from the pivot aperture 342. The motion of the belt portion 404 is limited by the lower end 350 and upper end 352 of the movement slot 344.

[0069]The front and rear lower strap connector mechanisms 300, 320, 340, 360 allow for additional movement of the left and right adjustable belt 400, 420 with respect to left or right arch member 20, 22 as the wearer moves, while maintaining a secure fit of the protective shoulder pad assembly 10 on the wearer. As shown in various figures, the travel pins 308, 328, 348, 368 are free to move independently within respective movement slots 304, 324, 344, 364 to provide improved impact response movement and range of motion movement while maintaining the correct protective placement of the protective shoulder pad assembly 10 on the wearer. Additionally, when the left and right adjustable belt 400, 420 is in an unbuckled position, the front lower strap connector mechanism 300, 320 and a rear lower strap connector mechanism 340, 360 are configured to limit the rotational movement of buckle portions 402, 422 and belt portions 404, 424 to facilitate the coupling of the adjustable belt 400, 420.

Shoulder Pad Assembly in the Neutral Position NP

[0070]As shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, the protective shoulder pad assembly 10 is in a neutral position NP prior to an impact being received by the shoulder pad assembly 10 while it is being worn by the player. Consistent with the widely-known anatomical terminology, when the shoulder pad assembly 10 is in the neutral position NP, the left and right body arch members 20, 22 are spaced a distance apart and substantially symmetrically aligned about a median or sagittal plane (P_S), that extends vertically whereby the left anterior portion 36 is substantially parallel to the right anterior portion 38. As shown in FIG. 5, coronal plane (P_C) extends vertically and perpendicular to the sagittal plane (P_S) dividing the anterior (front) and posterior (rear) portions of the shoulder pad assembly 10 through the upper or apex portion 32, 34. A transverse plane (P_T) is perpendicular to both the coronal plane (P_C) and sagittal plane (P_S), shown as extending horizontally through connection slots 126, 128 formed in each of the anterior portions 36, 38. The upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200, when in the neutral position NP, are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the sagittal plane (P_S).

[0071]As shown in the frontal view of FIGS. 1, 10 and 11 in the neutral position NP, the sagittal plane (Z) extends in a substantially vertical direction and the upper strap 120 of the upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower strap 220 of the lower arch connector mechanism 200 extend in a substantially horizontal direction, parallel to a transverse plane (P_T). Although the anterior portions 36, 38 of left and right body arch members 20, 22 have curvilinear surfaces, the left and right body arch members 20, 22 are bilaterally symmetrical, thus discrete symmetrical portions of the body arch members 20, 22 can be considered within the same plane in the neutral position NP. For example, the edge segments 154, 156 and the connection slots 126, 128 formed in each of the anterior portions 36, 38 reside substantially in the same plane relative to the coronal plane (P_C). Similarly, the edge segments 254, 256 and the apertures 236, 238 reside substantially in the same plane, which may be the same or different plane that contains edge segments 154, 156.

[0072]As shown in the rear view of FIG. 6 in the neutral position NP, the posterior portions 40, 42 of left and right body arch members 20, 22 are spaced a distance apart and also symmetrically positioned about the sagittal plane (P_S). The upper strap 130 of the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower strap 230 of the lower arch connector mechanism 210 extend in a substantially horizontal direction, parallel to a transverse plane (P_T). Although the posterior portions 40, 42 of left and right body arch members 20, 22 have curvilinear or non-planar surfaces, their respective movement can be described with respect to displacement from the neutral position NP. Although the configuration of upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 110, 210 can be different than upper and lower arch connector mechanisms 100, 200, relative movement discussed herein applies similarly to the front and rear portions of the shoulder pad assembly 10.

[0073]The protective shoulder pad assembly 10 can be displaced from the neutral position NP in response to an impact being received by the pad assembly 10 while the wearer is engaged in the contact sport. The upper arch connector mechanism 100, 110 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200, 210 allow for the relative movement of the anterior portions 36, 38 and/or posterior portions 40, 42, including when the shoulder pad assembly 10 and the player receive multiple impacts during the course of playing the contact sport, including multiple impacts received during a single play (or “snap” in football parlance). Relative movement discussed herein involves displacement of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 from the neutral position NP to the displaced positon DP and then back to the neutral position NP. The relative movement or relative displacement of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 can also be considered with relation to the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes as defined herein.

Shoulder Pad Assembly in the Displaced Position DP

[0074]FIGS. 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, and 20 show examples of the shoulder pad assembly 10 in various displaced positions DP (individually DP₁-DP₆). The shoulder pad assembly 10 is in a displaced position DP when one or more portions of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 are displaced from the neutral position NP, typically due to appreciable movement(s) by the player P wearing the shoulder pad assembly 10 and/or impact(s) received by the shoulder pad assembly 10 during the course of play of the contact sport. In some examples, the shoulder pad assembly 10 can be in a partially displaced position DP, when only a portion of the anterior portion 36, 38 or the posterior portion 40, 42 is displaced from the neutral position NP, as shown in FIG. 15. The relative movement of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 between the neutral position NP and the displaced position DP includes the following types: (i) fore and aft movement of the body arch members 20, 22, (ii) upward and downward shearing movement of the body arch members 20, 22, and/or (iii) lateral movement of the body arch members 20, 22 about one or more of the pivot points formed by the pins 222, 224, 232, 234 of the lower arch connector mechanism 200, 210. These three types of relative movement of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 between the neutral position NP and the displaced position DP are facilitated by the upper arch connector mechanisms 100, 110. In other words, the arrangement and positioning of the upper arch connector mechanisms 100, 110 provides the shoulder pad assembly 10 with three degrees of freedom (DoF) for relative movement of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 between the neutral position NP and the displaced position DP.

[0075]When there is upward and/or downward shearing movement of the arch members 20, 22, at least the upper straps 120, 130 of the upper arch connector mechanisms 100, 110 experience corresponding angular displacement. For example, the upper strap 120 and upper pins 122, 124 are angularly displaced when one of the anterior portions 36, 38 translates in a shearing movement. In other words, in-plane shearing movement of the arch members 20, 22 can cause the straps 120, 220 to be displaced angularly, where the pins 122, 124 also experience corresponding angular displacement within the connection slots 126, 128 and with respect to the arch members 20, 22. The lower arch connector mechanisms 200, 210 cooperate with the upper arch connector mechanisms 100, 110 and the lower straps 220, 230 are also angularly displaced when one of the anterior portions 36, 38 translates due to the shearing movement. As described below, for the same applied force, the angular displacement can be different for each of the front upper straps 120, rear upper straps 130, front lower straps 220, and front lower straps 230. Additionally, the flexible nature of the upper and lower straps 120, 130, 220, 230 allow for some in-plane compression and/or bending of the straps to conform with the movement of the arch members 20, 22.

[0076]In a single impact scenario, the shoulder pad assembly 10: is being worn by the player P in the neutral position NP (i.e., no impact has yet been received by or applied to the pad assembly 10), receives and responds to an impact force that causes movement from the neutral position NP to the displaced position DP, and then attenuates the impact force to move from the displaced position DP back to the neutral position NP.

[0077]While the relative movements between the neutral position NP and the displaced position DP are described separately herein in non-limiting examples, one or more movements can occur at the same time depending upon the magnitude and direction of the impacts received by the shoulder pad assembly 10 worn by the player. These relative movements of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 are facilitated by the upper arch connector mechanism 100, 110 and/or the lower arch connector mechanism 200, 210 and provide at least two significant benefits over conventional shoulder pad assemblies. First, these relative movements increase the amount of impact energy received and attenuated by the shoulder pad assembly 10, which improves the shoulder pad assembly's 10 impact attenuation performance. Second, these relative movements enable the shoulder pad assembly 10 to remain properly centered on the player while the left and right body arch members 20, 22 receive and independently respond to impacts, which improves the fit and comfort of the shoulder pad assembly 10.

A. Fore and Aft Movement of the Body Arch Members

[0078]Referring to FIG. 15, fore and aft movements of the body arch members 20, 22 are relative movements of the anterior portions 36, 38 and/or the posterior portions 40, 42 with respect to the neutral position NP and which occurs substantially in the X direction of the X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system included in the Figures. The upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200 allow the left and right body arch members 20, 22 to move, independently or together, in response to an impact force applied to a portion of shoulder pad assembly 10 or due to the motion of the player. The upper strap 120, 130 and the lower strap 220, 230 can include a flexible material to allow the left and right body arch members 20, 22, or portions thereof, to individually translate in fore and aft directions (Δx) relative to each other. For example, the right body arch member 22 can be displaced such that the right anterior portion 38 is temporarily shifted out of plane with the left anterior portion 36. This out of plane movement does not necessarily change the position of the upper pins 122, 124 in respective connection slots 126, 128 or the horizontal positions of the upper strap 120 or the lower strap 220. For example, the right body arch member 22 can be displaced such that the right anterior portion 38 is temporarily shifted to a plane substantially parallel to left anterior portion 36, or vice versa.

[0079]As shown in FIG. 15, a partial displacement can occur when at least a portion of left and right body arch members 20, 22 has a relative movement. In this example, shown as a third displaced position DP₃, the lower portion of right posterior portion 42 is displaced Δx with respect to the lower portion of left posterior portion 40, where the lower strap 230 bends to conform with the movement, while the upper strap 130 and the upper arch connector mechanism 110 remain substantially in a neutral position. In this position, the left and right posterior portions 40, 42 are no longer in the same plane.

B. Shearing Movement of the Body Arch Members

[0080]Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 16, in the first and second displaced positions DP₁ DP₂, the upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200 also pivot to accommodate upward and/or downward shearing movement of the body arch members 20, 22, which occurs substantially in the Z direction. The shearing movement occurs when the right and left anterior portions 36, 38 are displaced or shifted in opposite directions (Δz) substantially within the same plane, or one of the right or left anterior portions 36, 38 is shifted in a substantially parallel direction within the same plane of the other anterior portion 36, 38.

[0081]In the example shown in FIG. 12, the left body arch member 20 remains in the neutral position NP and the right body arch member 22 is shifted or sheared upward, remaining substantially in plane with the left body arch member 20. The upper strap 120 of the upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower strap 220 of the lower arch connector mechanism 200 pivot about pins 122, 222 residing in connection slot 126 and aperture 226, respectively, of the left anterior portion 36. The upper strap 120 is rotated at an angle an with respect to the neutral position and lower strap 220 is rotated at an angle β_f1 with respect to the neutral position. As shown, although one movement or displacement, the angles α_f1 and β_f1 can be the same or different depending on the lengths of upper strap 120 and lower strap 220. The pins 124, 224 residing in connection slot 128 and aperture 228, respectively, move with the motion of the right anterior portion 36, allowing the upper strap 120 and the lower strap 220 to pivot.

[0082]In another example, FIG. 13 shows the right body arch member 22 remaining in the neutral position NP and the left body arch member 20 shifted upward, remaining substantially in plane with the right body arch member 22. The upper strap 120 of the upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower strap 220 of the lower arch connector mechanism 200 pivot about pins 124, 224 residing in connection slot 128 and aperture 228, respectively, of the right anterior portion 38. The upper strap 120 is rotated at an angle α_f2 with respect to the neutral position and lower strap 220 is rotated at an angle R with respect to the neutral position. As shown, although one movement or displacement, the angles α_f2 and α_f2 can be the same or different depending on the lengths of upper strap 120 and lower strap 220. The pins 122, 222 residing in connection slot 126 and aperture 226, respectively, move with the motion of the left anterior portion 36, allowing the upper strap 120 and the lower strap 220 to pivot.

[0083]In FIG. 16, an example of shearing movement of the posterior portions 40, 42 is shown as an example fourth displaced position DP₄. The left body arch member 20 remains in the neutral position NP and the right body arch member 22 is shifted upward, remaining substantially in plane with the left body arch member 20. In this example, the right posterior portion 42 is shifted upward with respect to the left posterior portion 40. The upper strap 130 of the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower strap 230 of the lower arch connector mechanism 210 pivot about pins 132, 232 residing in connection slot 136 and aperture 236, respectively, of the left posterior portion 40. The upper strap 130 is rotated at an angle α_r2 with respect to the neutral position and lower strap 230 is rotated at an angle β_r2 with respect to the neutral position. As shown, although one movement or displacement, the angles α_r2 and β_r2 can be the same or different depending on the lengths of upper strap 130 and lower strap 230. The pins 134, 234 residing in connection slot 138 and aperture 238, respectively, slidingly move with the motion of the right posterior portion 42, allowing the upper strap 130 and the lower strap 230 to pivot. Similar to the movements described with respect to the front or anterior portions 36, 38, the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower arch connector mechanism 210 can be relied on for similar relative movement of the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. While the relative movements are described separately, one or more movements can occur at the same time.

C. Lateral Movement of the Arch Members

[0084]Additionally, the upper arch connector mechanism 100 can allow in-plane rotational movement of the right and left anterior portions 36, 38 about the lower pins 222, 224, respectively, which occurs substantially in the Y direction. In FIG. 11, the upper arch connector mechanism 100 is shown at a neutral position NP where pins 122, 124 are positioned at the innermost ends 160, 162 of the connection slots 126, 128 with extents of edges 150, 152 facing each other. In this position, the inner arch edges 150, 152 are at a maximum separation distance (d_s). The left anterior portion 36 can be laterally displaced (Δy) toward the right anterior portion 38, such that the pin 122 is positioned at the outermost end 164 of connection slot 126 and pin 124 remains at the innermost end 162 of connection slot 128. Similarly, the right anterior portion 38 can be laterally displaced (Δy) toward the left anterior portion 36, such that the pin 124 is positioned at the outermost end 166 of connection slot 128 and pin 122 remains at the innermost end 160 of connection slot 126. As mentioned above, the left anterior portion 36 and/or right anterior portion 38 can pivot independently and reside at any position within the connection slots 126, 128. When pin 122 is positioned at the outermost end 164 of connection slot 126 and pin 234 is positioned at the outermost end 166 of connection slot 128, the inner arch edges 150, 152 are at a minimum separation distance (d_s).

[0085]FIGS. 19-20 show exemplary fifth and sixth displaced positions DP₅, DP₆. Although upper pins 122, 124 of the upper arch connector mechanism 100 are configured to slidingly move or travel the full distance of the connection slots 126, 128, partial lateral displacement can arise when an impact force(s) is laterally applied to a portion of shoulder pad assembly 10 during play of the contact sport. For example, the player wearing the shoulder pad assembly 10 can receive a side impact force F_S from another player that is laterally directed upon the left side pad assembly 24 which causes the left arch member 20 to be laterally displaced towards the right arch member 22. In this impact scenario, the left arch member 20 is laterally displaced towards the right arch member 22 wherein, as shown in FIG. 19, the left anterior portion 36 is rotated (Δθ) about lower pin 222 such that the upper pin 122 is displaced from the innermost slot end 160 and then located in an intermediate extent of the slot 126, while the other upper pin 124 resides against the innermost slot end 162. In the opposite impact scenario with side impact force F_S, the right arch member 22 is laterally displaced towards the left arch member 20 wherein, as shown in FIG. 20, the right anterior portion 38 is rotated (Δθ) about lower pin 224 such that the upper pin 124 is displaced from the innermost slot end 162 and then located in an intermediate extent of the slot 128, while the other upper pin 122 resides against the innermost slot end 160. As explained above, the connection slots 126, 128 are elongated and configured to allow sliding movement of the pins 122, 124 within the respective connection slots 126, 128 without binding as the arch 20, 22 pivots around the lower pin 222, 224. When the impact force is fully attenuated, the shoulder pad assembly 10 returns from the displaced position DP to the neutral position NP.

[0086]Although the movements are described with respect to the front or anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22 as an example, the upper arch connector mechanism 110 and the lower arch connector mechanism 210 will provide the same or similar relative movement of the posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22. Similarly, for any movements described with respect to the rear or posterior portions 40, 42 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22, the upper arch connector mechanism 100 and the lower arch connector mechanism 200 will provide the same or similar relative movement of the anterior portions 36, 38 of the left and right body arch members 20, 22.

[0087]It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials or embodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not limiting. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term includes, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0088]Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.

[0089]Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.