Padded Garment

Abstract

A padded garment. The padded garment includes a plurality of reversibly attachable portions, such that the padded garment is modular, to enable an individual to wear one or more portions according to need. The plurality of reversibly attachable portions includes a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions, which includes one or more right arm portions, one or more left arm portions, one or more right leg portions, and one or more left leg portions. The central portion may be worn alone or in combination with one or more portions of any of the peripheral portions. The padded garment includes protective pads, is low-profile, is configured to be effectively concealed underneath clothing, and is useful for a number of individuals, including stunt professionals in the entertainment industry.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/642,746 filed on Mar. 14, 2018. The above identified patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a low-profile padded garment for protection of an individual performing an activity, such as a stunt for an entertainment production.

[0003] Individuals who perform stunts, such as actors and stunt professionals, often engage in high-impact activities during their work. Increasing the safety of these activities is of great interest to the individual performing the activities, as well as to entities organizing, directing, financing, coordinating, or insuring these activities. Physical training and skill development are important factors for increasing occupational safety of actors and stunt professionals. However, regardless of training, a risk of injury persists for both beginner and advanced stunt professionals. Existing padded garments attempt to protect these individuals, but are often bulky or not modular, and due to their size or configuration, they tend to interfere with a movement of the professional, which complicates the performance of these activities and may even increase the risk of injury as a result.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a low-profile padded garment for protection of an individual performing an activity. The present invention addresses this unmet need.

[0005] Articles have been disclosed in the art that relate to padded garments. These include articles that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These articles are often bulky or not modular, and may interfere with the safe and effective performance of the activity. In view of the articles disclosed in the art, it is submitted that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing padded garments. In view of the present disclosure, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in structural and functional elements from devices in the art, and the present invention substantially fulfills an unmet need in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of padded garments in the art, the present invention provides a new and improved low-profile padded garment, wherein the same can be utilized for effectively increasing the safety of an activity, such as a stunt for an entertainment production.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a low-profile, modular padded garment for an individual to wear during an activity, such as a stunt.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides a padded garment comprising a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions. The plurality of peripheral portions includes one or more right arm portions, one or more left arm portions, one or more right leg portions, and one or more left leg portions. The central portion and each peripheral portion of the plurality of peripheral portions includes one or more pad spaces. One or more of the one or more pad spaces includes a protective pad secured therein, to protect an individual wearing the padded garment from injury while performing an activity, such as a stunt.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a padded garment that may be readily manufactured from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

[0010] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Although the characteristic features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manners in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a padded garment in a disassembled configuration.

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment in the disassembled configuration.

[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment in an assembled configuration.

[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment in the assembled configuration.

[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein a central portion of the padded garment is worn by a female individual.

[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a back perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the central portion of the padded garment is worn by the female individual.

[0018] FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn by the female individual.

[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a back perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn by the female individual.

[0020] FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn underneath an outer garment by the female individual.

[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a padded garment in a disassembled configuration.

[0022] FIG. 11 depicts a back view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment in the disassembled configuration.

[0023] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment in an assembled configuration.

[0024] FIG. 13 depicts a back view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment in the assembled configuration.

[0025] FIG. 14 depicts a front perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein a central portion of the padded garment is worn by a male individual.

[0026] FIG. 15 depicts a back perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the central portion of the padded garment is worn by the male individual.

[0027] FIG. 16 depicts a front perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn by the male individual.

[0028] FIG. 17 depicts a back perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn by the male individual.

[0029] FIG. 18 depicts a front perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn underneath an outer garment by the male individual.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the invention. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered limiting in any respect.

[0031] Reference is now made to the drawings, which depict one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, there are depicted several views of a first exemplary embodiment of a padded garment, which is configured for use by a female individual. A padded garment 1 includes a central portion 2 and a plurality of peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6). The plurality of peripheral portions includes one or more right arm portions 3, one or more left arm portions 4, one or more right leg portions 5, and one or more left leg portions 6. The central portion 2 and each individual peripheral portion of the plurality of peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6), includes one or more pad spaces. One or more of the one or more pad spaces includes a protective pad secured therein. In this manner, an individual wearing the padded garment 1 is protected from injury resulting from impacts, which may be encountered during an activity such as a stunt, performance, or other physical activity.

[0033] Generally, the padded garment 1, including the pad spaces thereof, may be designed or configured to be suitable for any particular intended use or purpose. In some embodiments, one or more of the pad spaces is configured to reversibly secure a protective pad therein. In some embodiments, one or more of the pad spaces is configured to permanently secure the protective pad therein, for example, by sewing or stitching the pad within the pad space. In this manner, customization of the functionality of the padded garment 1 may be maximized, and a particular protective pad may be included for a particular use, and may be omitted for another particular use.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more of the pad spaces is a pocket, formed between an inner layer and an outer layer of one or more portions of the padded garment 1 (i.e., the central portion 2, or one or more peripheral portions of the plurality of peripheral portions 3, 4, 5, 6). The pocket may be formed by sewing or stitching the inner layer to the outer layer in a particular configuration or pattern. For example, the stitches may be arranged in a circular pattern, a rectangular pattern, or an irregularly shaped pattern; in this manner, the pocket may be circular, rectangular, or irregularly shaped, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Generally, it may be preferable that the pocket be sized and configured to closely adhere to a shape of a protective pad to be placed therein; in this manner, the protective pad will not slide or rotate during use of the padded garment 1, and if the protective pad is removably secured within the pocket, the protective pad will not fall out of the pocket.

[0035] In some industries, such as the entertainment industry, professionals (e.g., stunt professionals) may need to customize one or more portions of the padded garment 1. For example, a stunt professional may contact a ground with their knees for an extended period of time while performing a particular stunt. In such an example, inclusion of at least a portion of either or both of the one or more right leg portions 5 and the one or more left leg portions 6 may be desired. As an additional example, the stunt professional may roll on the ground repeatedly, using their arms to brace the impact experienced. In this example, the wearer may desire to utilize at least a portion of either or both of the one or more right arm portions 3 and the one or more left arm portions 4. As such, a particular feature of the present invention is the ability to reversibly attach various portions of the padded garment 1 to assemble a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1 for a particular purpose as needed by an individual wearing the padded garment 1. In the shown embodiment, the central portion 2 is reversibly attachable to each of the four peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6) of the plurality of peripheral portions. In alternate embodiments, the central portion 2 is reversibly attachable to one peripheral portion, two peripheral portions, three peripheral portions, or more than four peripheral portions, according to a need of the individual wearing the padded garment 1, or according to a particular scenario.

[0036] In various embodiments, the reversible attachments of the present invention may be made according to any one or more suitable means according to a particular need. For example, a reversible attachment between any two portions of the padded garment may be made by one or more of: temporary sewing or stitching, applying a reversible adhesive, use of pins, needles, or clothespins, one or more hook-and-loop attachments, one or more buttons, a variation thereof, and a combination thereof In this manner, the reversible attachments of the present invention may be made according to necessity and/or availability of materials.

[0037] In the shown embodiment, the one or more right arm portions 3 includes a right shoulder portion 7 and a right elbow portion 8, the one or more left arm portions 4 includes a left shoulder portion 10 and a left elbow portion 11, the one or more right leg portions 5 includes a right thigh portion 13 and a right knee portion 14, and the one or more left leg portions 6 includes a left thigh portion 16 and a left knee portion 17. In this manner, the individual can customize the padded garment 1 to omit any forearm and/or shin components, for example, as may be desired for a particular scene, stunt, or activity. Further, in the shown embodiment, the one or more right arm portions 3 includes a right forearm portion 9, the one or more left arm portions 4 includes a left forearm portion 10, the one or more right leg portions 5 includes a right shin portion 15, and the one or more left leg portions 6 includes a left shin portion 18. In this manner, the individual can wear the padded garment 1 in a fully assembled configuration, to maximize coverage of a body of the individual for a particular scene, stunt, or activity.

[0038] In the shown embodiment, the right shoulder portion 7 is reversibly attachable to the right elbow portion 8, the left shoulder portion 10 is reversibly attachable to the left elbow portion 11, the right thigh portion 13 is reversibly attachable to the right knee portion 14, and the left thigh portion 16 is reversibly attachable to the left knee portion 17. In this manner, inclusion of the shoulder portions (7, 10) and/or the knee portions (14, 17) in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1 is optional according to a particular need, for example, a need of a wearer of the padded garment 1.

[0039] In the shown embodiment, the right forearm portion 9 is reversibly attachable to the right elbow portion 8, the left forearm portion 12 is reversibly attachable to the left elbow portion 11, the right shin portion 15 is reversibly attachable to the right knee portion 14, and the left shin portion 18 is reversibly attachable to the left knee portion 17. In this manner, inclusion of the forearm portions (9, 12) and/or the shin portions (15, 18) in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1 is optional according to a particular need.

[0040] In the shown embodiment, the forearm portions (9, 12) are reversibly attachable to the elbow portions (8, 11), and the shoulder portions (7, 10) are also reversibly attachable to the elbow portions (8, 11). In this manner, the individual can customize the padded garment 1 to include the shoulder portions (7, 10), optionally attached to the elbow portions (8, 11), which in turn are optionally attached to the forearm portions (9, 12). In this manner, inclusion of the elbow portions (8, 11) and the forearm portions (9, 12) may be included as needed in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1.

[0041] Generally, the central portion 2 may be worn alone to cover a core of the individual, such as a torso and a hip of the individual, or may be worn in combination with one or more peripheral portions of the plurality of peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6). As such, in the shown embodiment, the right shoulder portion 7 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2, the left shoulder portion 10 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2, the right thigh portion 13 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2, and the left thigh portion 16 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2. In this manner, attachment of one or more of the one or more right arm portions 3, the one or more left arm portions 4, the one or more right leg portions 5, and the one or more left leg portions 6 may be made in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1 for a particular need.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are depicted a front view (FIG. 1) and a back view (FIG. 2) of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment. Protective pads are annotated for clarity. In the shown embodiment, the right shoulder portion 7 includes a protective right shoulder pad 19, the right elbow portion 8 includes a protective right elbow pad 20, the left shoulder portion 10 includes a protective left shoulder pad 22, and the left elbow portion 11 includes a protective left elbow pad 23. In addition, in the shown embodiment, the right thigh portion 13 includes a protective right thigh portion pad 25, the right knee portion 14 includes a protective right knee pad 26, the left thigh portion 16 includes a protective left thigh portion pad 28, and the left knee portion 17 includes a protective left knee pad 29. In this manner, one or more shoulders, elbow, thighs, and knees of the individual may be protected by one or more of the protective pads placed thereon, according to a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1. In addition, in the shown embodiment, the central portion 2 includes a protective chest pad 39 thereon, as well as a protective back pad 40. In this manner, a torso and a back of a wearer of the padded garment is protected from impact during use.

[0043] In the shown embodiment, the right forearm portion 9 includes a protective right forearm pad 21, the left forearm portion 12 includes a protective left forearm pad 24, the right shin portion 15 includes a protective right shin portion pad 27, and the left shin portion 18 includes a protective left shin portion pad 30. In this manner, one or more forearms, and shins of the individual may be protected by one or more of the protective pads placed thereon, according to a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1.

[0044] In the shown embodiment, a back side of the padded garment 1 includes a protective left thigh portion pad 31, a protective left shin portion pad 32, a protective right thigh portion pad 33, and a protective right shin portion pad 34. In some embodiments, one or more of these protective pads (31, 32, 33, 34) may be included or omitted from the padded garment 1, according to a particular need.

[0045] In the shown embodiment, the central portion 2 of the padded garment 1 includes a protective lower right hip pad 35, a protective lower left hip pad 36, a protective upper right hip pad 37, a protective upper left hip pad 38, a protective chest pad 39, and a protective back pad 40. In some embodiments, one or more of these protective pads (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40) may be included or omitted from the padded garment 1, according to a particular need.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are depicted a front view (FIG. 3) and a back view (FIG. 4) of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, in an assembled configuration. In the shown embodiment, the padded garment 1 is fully assembled, with all portions thereof reversibly attached together. In this manner, the padded garment 1 may be configured to maximize coverage and/or protection of the individual wearing the padded garment 1.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there are depicted a front perspective view (FIG. 5) and a back perspective view (FIG. 6) of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the central portion is worn by a female individual. Generally, the central portion 2 of the padded garment 1 is low-profile and highly form-fitting, and even with one or more protective pads placed therein, a profile of the padded garment 1 does not deviate or extend substantially from a profile of the female individual. In this manner, the padded garment 1, including the central portion 2, may be worn and easily concealed underneath another layer of clothing. In the shown embodiment, a torso portion and a hip portion of the central portion 2 are continuous or integrated to form a single article. In alternate embodiments, the torso portion may be reversibly attachable to the hip portion to form a pair of articles, each of which may be worn individually or in combination with the other.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there are depicted a front perspective view (FIG. 7) and a back perspective view (FIG. 8) of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn by the female individual. Generally, the central portion 2 and the peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6) of the padded garment 1 are all low-profile and highly form-fitting, and even with one or more protective pads placed therein, the profile of the padded garment 1 does not deviate or extend substantially from the profile of the female individual. In this manner, the padded garment 1, including the central portion 2 and the peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6), may be worn and easily concealed underneath another layer of clothing.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is depicted a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn underneath an outer garment by the female individual. In the shown embodiment, elements of the padded garment 1 are shown in broken lines, indicating effective concealment of the entire padded garment 1 underneath the outer garment. In this manner, it is not apparent that the female individual is wearing the padded garment 1, and as shown, the female individual is prepared to perform an activity, such as a stunt.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 10-18, there are depicted several views of a second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, configured for use by a male individual. In the shown embodiment, a padded garment 1 includes all of the elements included in the first exemplary embodiment (see FIGS. 1-9), but also includes additional elements, including a shape, a size, or a configuration, that makes the padded garment 1 particularly suitable for a male individual.

[0051] The padded garment 1 includes a central portion 2, and a plurality of peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6). The plurality of peripheral portions includes one or more right arm portions 3, one or more left arm portions 4, one or more right leg portions 5, and one or more left leg portions 6. The central portion 2, and each peripheral portion of the plurality of peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6), includes one or more pad spaces. One or more of the one or more pad spaces includes a protective pad secured therein. In this manner, an individual wearing the padded garment 1 is protected from injury resulting from impacts, which may be encountered during an activity, such as a stunt or other physical activity.

[0052] As described for the first exemplary embodiment, the padded garment 1, including the pad spaces thereof, may be designed or configured to be suitable for any particular intended use or purpose. Like the first exemplary embodiment, the second exemplary embodiment includes features such as reversibly and/or permanently securing one or more protective pads within one or more of the pad spaces. In this manner, customization of the functionality of the padded garment 1 may be maximized, and a particular protective pad may be included for a particular use, and may be omitted for another particular use. The use of a pocket for one or more of the pad spaces, which may be sized and configured to closely adhere to a shape of a protective pad to be placed therein, is also a feature of the second exemplary embodiment. In like manner, a stunt professional may customize the second exemplary embodiment in the same or a similar manner as with the first exemplary embodiment. Similarly, any reversible attachment of the second exemplary embodiment may be made by any means suitable for the purpose, including but not limited to those means disclosed for the first exemplary embodiment.

[0053] As described for the first exemplary embodiment, in the shown embodiment, the one or more right arm portions 3 includes a right shoulder portion 7 and a right elbow portion 8, the one or more left arm portions 4 includes a left shoulder portion 10 and a left elbow portion 11, the one or more right leg portions 5 includes a right thigh portion 13 and a right knee portion 14, and the one or more left leg portions 6 includes a left thigh portion 16 and a left knee portion 17. In this manner, the individual can customize the padded garment 1 to omit any forearm and/or shin components, for example, as may be desired for a particular scene, stunt, or activity. Further, in the shown embodiment, the one or more right arm portions 3 includes a right forearm portion 9, the one or more left arm portions 4 includes a left forearm portion 10, the one or more right leg portions 5 includes a right shin portion 15, and the one or more left leg portions 6 includes a left shin portion 18. In this manner, the individual can wear the padded garment 1 in a fully assembled configuration, to maximize coverage of a body of the individual for a particular scene, stunt, or activity.

[0054] As described for the first exemplary embodiment, in the shown embodiment, the right shoulder portion 7 is reversibly attachable to the right elbow portion 8, the left shoulder portion 10 is reversibly attachable to the left elbow portion 11, the right thigh portion 13 is reversibly attachable to the right knee portion 14, and the left thigh portion 16 is reversibly attachable to the left knee portion 17. In this manner, inclusion of the shoulder portions (7, 10) and/or the knee portions (14, 17) in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1 is optional according to a particular need.

[0055] As described for the first exemplary embodiment, in the shown embodiment, the right forearm portion 9 is reversibly attachable to the right elbow portion 8, the left forearm portion 12 is reversibly attachable to the left elbow portion 11, the right shin portion 15 is reversibly attachable to the right knee portion 14, and the left shin portion 18 is reversibly attachable to the left knee portion 17. In this manner, inclusion of the forearm portions (9, 12) and/or the shin portions (15, 18) in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1 is optional according to a particular need.

[0056] As described for the first exemplary embodiment, in the shown embodiment, the forearm portions (9, 12) are reversibly attachable to the elbow portions (8, 11), and the shoulder portions (7, 10) are also reversibly attachable to the elbow portions (8, 11). In this manner, the individual can customize the padded garment 1 to include the shoulder portions (7, 10), optionally attached to the elbow portions (8, 11), which in turn are optionally attached to the forearm portions (9, 12). In this manner, inclusion of the elbow portions (8, 11) and the forearm portions (9, 12) may be included as needed in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1.

[0057] As described for the first exemplary embodiment, generally, the central portion 2 may be worn alone to cover a core of the individual, such as a torso and a hip of the individual, or may be worn in combination with one or more peripheral portions of the plurality of peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6). As such, in the shown embodiment, the right shoulder portion 7 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2, the left shoulder portion 10 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2, the right thigh portion 13 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2, and the left thigh portion 16 is reversibly attachable to the central portion 2. In this manner, attachment of one or more portions of one or more of the one or more right arm portions 3, the one or more left arm portions 4, the one or more right leg portions 5, and the one or more left leg portions 6 may be made in a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1 for a particular need.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there are depicted a front view (FIG. 10) and a back view (FIG. 11) of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment. Protective pads are annotated for clarity. In the shown embodiment, the right shoulder portion 7 includes a protective right shoulder pad 41, the right elbow portion 8 includes a protective right elbow pad 42, the left shoulder portion 10 includes a protective left shoulder pad 44, and the left elbow portion 11 includes a protective left elbow pad 45. In addition, in the shown embodiment, the right thigh portion 13 includes a protective right thigh portion pad 47, the right knee portion 14 includes a protective right knee pad 48, the left thigh portion 16 includes a protective left thigh portion pad 50, and the left knee portion 17 includes a protective left knee pad 51. In this manner, one or more shoulders, elbow, thighs, and knees of the individual may be protected by one or more of the protective pads placed thereon, according to a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1. In addition, in the shown embodiment, the central portion 2 includes a protective chest pad 62 thereon, as well as a protective back pad 63. In this manner, a torso and a back of a wearer of the padded garment is protected from impact during use.

[0059] In the shown embodiment, the right forearm portion 9 includes a protective right forearm pad 43, the left forearm portion 12 includes a protective left forearm pad 46, the right shin portion 15 includes a protective right shin portion pad 49, and the left shin portion 18 includes a protective left shin portion pad 52. In this manner, one or more forearms, and shins of the individual may be protected by one or more of the protective pads placed thereon, according to a particular embodiment of the padded garment 1.

[0060] In the shown embodiment, a back side of the padded garment 1 includes a protective left thigh portion pad 53, a protective left shin portion pad 54, a protective right thigh portion pad 55, and a protective right shin portion pad 56. In some embodiments, one or more of these protective pads (53, 54, 55, 56) may be included or omitted from the padded garment 1, according to a particular need.

[0061] In the shown embodiment, the central portion 2 of the padded garment 1 includes a protective lower right hip pad 57, a protective lower left hip pad 58, a protective upper right hip pad 59, a protective upper left hip pad 60, and a protective groin pad 61. In some embodiments, one or more of these protective pads (57, 58, 59, 60, 61) may be included or omitted from the padded garment 1, according to a particular need. In the shown embodiment, one or more protective chest pads 62 and/or one or more protective back pads 63 may be included in the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment 1; in this manner, the torso of the individual may be maximally protected for a particular need or scenario.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, there are depicted a front view (FIG. 12) and a back view (FIG. 13) of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, in an assembled configuration. In the shown embodiment, the padded garment 1 is fully assembled, with all portions thereof reversibly attached together. In this manner, the padded garment 1 may be configured to maximize coverage and/or protection of the individual wearing the padded garment 1.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, there are depicted a front perspective view (FIG. 14) and a back perspective view (FIG. 15) of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the central portion is worn by a male individual. Generally, the central portion 2 of the padded garment 1 is low-profile and highly form-fitting, and even with one or more protective pads placed therein, a profile of the padded garment 1 does not deviate or extend substantially from a profile of the male individual. In this manner, the padded garment 1, including the central portion 2, may be worn and easily concealed underneath another layer of clothing. In the shown embodiment, a torso portion and a hip portion of the central portion 2 are reversibly attachable to form a pair of articles, each of which may be worn individually or in combination with the other. In alternate embodiments, the torso portion may be continuous or integrated with the hip portion to form a single article.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, there are depicted a front perspective view (FIG. 16) and a back perspective view (FIG. 17) of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn by the male individual. Generally, the central portion 2 and the peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6) of the padded garment 1 are all low-profile and highly form-fitting, and even with one or more protective pads placed therein, the profile of the padded garment 1 does not deviate or extend substantially from the profile of the male individual. In this manner, the padded garment 1, including the central portion 2 and the peripheral portions (3, 4, 5, 6), may be worn and easily concealed underneath another layer of clothing.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 18, there is depicted a front perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the padded garment, wherein the padded garment is in the assembled configuration and is worn underneath an outer garment by the male individual. In the shown embodiment, elements of the padded garment 1 are shown in broken lines, indicating effective concealment of the entire padded garment 1 underneath the outer garment. In this manner, it is not apparent that the male individual is wearing the padded garment 1, and as shown, the male individual is prepared to perform an activity, such as a stunt.

[0066] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and its embodiments with modifications as suited to the use contemplated.

[0067] It is therefore submitted that the present invention has been shown and described in the most practical and exemplary embodiments. It should be recognized that departures may be made which fall within the scope of the invention. With respect to the description provided herein, it is submitted that the optimal features of the invention include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use. All structures, functions, and relationships equivalent or essentially equivalent to those disclosed are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1) A padded garment, comprising: a central portion; a plurality of peripheral portions, including one or more right arm portions, one or more left arm portions, one or more right leg portions, and one or more left leg portions; wherein the central portion and each peripheral portion of the plurality of peripheral portions includes one or more pad spaces, wherein one or more of the one or more pad spaces includes a protective pad secured therein.

2) The padded garment of claim 1, wherein the central portion is reversibly attachable to one or more peripheral portions of the plurality of peripheral portions.

3) The padded garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more right arm portions includes a right shoulder portion and a right elbow portion; wherein the one or more left arm portions includes a left shoulder portion and a left elbow portion; wherein the one or more right leg portions includes a right thigh portion and a right knee portion; wherein the one or more left leg portions includes a left thigh portion and a left knee portion.

4) The padded garment of claim 3, wherein the one or more right arm portions includes a right forearm portion; wherein the one or more left arm portions includes a left forearm portion; wherein the one or more right leg portions includes a right shin portion; wherein the one or more left leg portions includes a left shin portion.

5) The padded garment of claim 3, wherein the right shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the right elbow portion; wherein the left shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the left elbow portion; wherein the right thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the right knee portion; wherein the left thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the left knee portion.

6) The padded garment of claim 4, wherein the right forearm portion is reversibly attachable to the right elbow portion; wherein the left forearm portion is reversibly attachable to the left elbow portion; wherein the right shin portion is reversibly attachable to the right knee portion; wherein the left shin portion is reversibly attachable to the left knee portion.

7) The padded garment of claim 6, wherein the right shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the right elbow portion; wherein the left shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the left elbow portion; wherein the right thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the right knee portion; wherein the left thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the left knee portion.

8) The padded garment of claim 3, wherein the right shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the right thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion.

9) The padded garment of claim 4, wherein the right shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the right thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion.

10) The padded garment of claim 5, wherein the right shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the right thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion.

11) The padded garment of claim 6, wherein the right shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the right thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion.

12) The padded garment of claim 7, wherein the right shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left shoulder portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the right thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion; wherein the left thigh portion is reversibly attachable to the central portion.

13) The padded garment of claim 3, wherein the right shoulder portion includes a protective right shoulder pad, and the right elbow portion includes a protective right elbow pad; wherein the left shoulder portion includes a protective left shoulder pad, and the left elbow portion includes a protective left elbow pad; wherein the right thigh portion includes a protective right thigh portion pad, and the right knee portion includes a protective right knee pad; wherein the left thigh portion includes a protective left thigh portion pad, and the left knee portion includes a protective left knee pad.

14) The padded garment of claim 4, wherein the right forearm portion includes a protective right forearm pad; wherein the left forearm portion includes a protective left forearm pad; wherein the right shin portion includes a protective right shin portion pad; wherein the left shin portion includes a protective left shin portion pad.

15) The padded garment of claim 5, wherein the right shoulder portion includes a protective right shoulder pad, and the right elbow portion includes a protective right elbow pad; wherein the left shoulder portion includes a protective left shoulder pad, and the left elbow portion includes a protective left elbow pad; wherein the right thigh portion includes a protective right thigh portion pad, and the right knee portion includes a protective right knee pad; wherein the left thigh portion includes a protective left thigh portion pad, and the left knee portion includes a protective left knee pad.

16) The padded garment of claim 6, wherein the right forearm portion includes a protective right forearm pad; wherein the left forearm portion includes a protective left forearm pad; wherein the right shin portion includes a protective right shin portion pad; wherein the left shin portion includes a protective left shin portion pad.

17) The padded garment of claim 7, wherein the right shoulder portion includes a protective right shoulder pad, and the right elbow portion includes a protective right elbow pad; wherein the left shoulder portion includes a protective left shoulder pad, and the left elbow portion includes a protective left elbow pad; wherein the right thigh portion includes a protective right thigh portion pad, and the right knee portion includes a protective right knee pad; wherein the left thigh portion includes a protective left thigh portion pad, and the left knee portion includes a protective left knee pad.

18) The padded garment of claim 8, wherein the right shoulder portion includes a protective right shoulder pad, and the right elbow portion includes a protective right elbow pad; wherein the left shoulder portion includes a protective left shoulder pad, and the left elbow portion includes a protective left elbow pad; wherein the right thigh portion includes a protective right thigh portion pad, and the right knee portion includes a protective right knee pad; wherein the left thigh portion includes a protective left thigh portion pad, and the left knee portion includes a protective left knee pad.

19) The padded garment of claim 9, wherein the right forearm portion includes a protective right forearm pad; wherein the left forearm portion includes a protective left forearm pad; wherein the right shin portion includes a protective right shin portion pad; wherein the left shin portion includes a protective left shin portion pad.

20) The padded garment of claim 10, wherein the right shoulder portion includes a protective right shoulder pad, and the right elbow portion includes a protective right elbow pad; wherein the left shoulder portion includes a protective left shoulder pad, and the left elbow portion includes a protective left elbow pad; wherein the right thigh portion includes a protective right thigh portion pad, and the right knee portion includes a protective right knee pad; wherein the left thigh portion includes a protective left thigh portion pad, and the left knee portion includes a protective left knee pad.

21) The padded garment of claim 11, wherein the right forearm portion includes a protective right forearm pad; wherein the left forearm portion includes a protective left forearm pad; wherein the right shin portion includes a protective right shin portion pad; wherein the left shin portion includes a protective left shin portion pad.

22) The padded garment of claim 12, wherein the right shoulder portion includes a protective right shoulder pad, and the right elbow portion includes a protective right elbow pad; wherein the left shoulder portion includes a protective left shoulder pad, and the left elbow portion includes a protective left elbow pad; wherein the right thigh portion includes a protective right thigh portion pad, and the right knee portion includes a protective right knee pad; wherein the left thigh portion includes a protective left thigh portion pad, and the left knee portion includes a protective left knee pad.