Protective Athletic Equipment

Abstract

A protective garment for an arm is disclosed herein. The protective garment includes a protector portion having an outer surface and an inner surface. The protective garment also includes a shield layer disposed under the outer surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to protective equipment for shielding a wearer's body from unwanted forces and potential injury. This invention relates to protective equipment allowing the athlete a normal range of body motion, while helping to protect the upper arm during athletic competition.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Prior Art

[0004] Lacrosse is believed to be the oldest team contact sport in the United States. The sport involves a small rubber ball and a long handled stick called a lacrosse stick. The lacrosse stick typically consists of a wood, metal, graphite, or plastic handle with a shaped head comprised of loose netting to catch and hold the lacrosse ball. Offensive players use the lacrosse stick to catch, carry, or throw the lacrosse ball in order to score on the opponent's goal. Defensive players attempt to prevent their opponent from scoring. Body protective equipment is commonly worn by participants of contact sports for the purpose of preventing injuries to their head, eyes, hands, shoulders, chest and legs. In contact sports, various situations may cause upper arm injuries. Examples of these situations include bumping into players or being struck by another players equipment. Upper arm protective equipment may reduce or prevent injuries resulting from various other circumstances, including those not associated with contact sports.

[0005] The popularity of lacrosse has increased in the prior ten years. There is currently estimated to be more than 625,000 lacrosse players in the United States alone, and this number is growing. According to US Lacrosse®, between 2001 and 2010 the number of lacrosse players in the United States increased by a total of 60%.

[0006] There is no existing upper arm protective equipment designed for female lacrosse players and nothing of this design for male lacrosse players.

[0007] The need exists for a piece of upper arm protective equipment that cushions against blows and allows for a normal range of body motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In summary, the invention is a protective garment for the upper arm. The protective garment includes a protector portion having an outer surface and an inner surface. The protective garment also includes a layer disposed below the outer surface.

[0009] It is therefore one advantage of the invention to provide a piece of upper arm protective equipment that allows a wearer to move her/his arms in all directions and simultaneously provides improved protection for the arm of the wearer.

[0010] It is another advantage of the invention to provide a piece of upper arm protective equipment that is durable and can withstand a substantial number of blows over a significant period of time.

[0011] In accordance with the above and the other advantages of the present invention, a piece of protective equipment is provided for cushioning blows imparted upon the upper arm of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of the of the protective equipment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top/bottom view of the protective equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring now to the FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0016] FIG. 1 provides a side view of the protective equipment 5. The tubular design of the protective equipment allows it to be placed so as the protective equipment can shield a wearer's body from unwanted forces to the upper arm. A shield layer is disposed below the outer surface of a pocket 6.

[0017] FIG. 2 provides a view of the top/bottom of the protective equipment. The tubular design of the protective equipment allows for the protective equipment to slide up an and arm and worn at the upper arm--bicep area.

[0018] Although the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that modifications, alterations, and additions can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1) A protective garment comprising: a protector portion for an arm having an outer surface and an inner surface; and a shield layer disposed below said outer surface.

2) The protective garment of claim 1 wherein said protector portion further comprises: a sleeve portion constructed of neoprene material; and a shield layer disposed below outer surface of of said sleeve.

3) The protective garment of claim 1 wherein said shield layer is formed from synthetic fiber and foam material.

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