A spring arch system for a shoulder pad, such as a football shoulder pad. The spring arch system comprises inner and outer arches of generally inverted U-shape as viewed from the side. The outer arch extends substantially over the inner arch from a forward portion of the inner arch to a rearward portion of the inner arch. The spacing between the arches is such that the arches form a generally wedge-shaped configuration at least in the area of the top of the inverted U-shape. Impact on the outer arch causes deformation thereof relative to the inner arch, and thus some of the energy of the impact is absorbed through such relative deformation.
A shoulder pad assembly for protecting the upper body and shoulders. The shoulder pad assembly includes a substantially rigid outer shell having left and right body members. Each of the body members has a generally horizontally disposed arched portion for spanning one of the shoulders. A chest plate portion and a back plate portion depend from the arched portion. The shoulder pad assembly also includes a cantilever support extending between the plate portions for supporting the outer shell above the shoulders to substantially reduce the impact of the outer shell on the shoulders. The cantilever support is configured to support the outer shell above the trapezius muscle such that, when the muscle is substantially developed, the generally horizontally disposed arched portion is evenly supported on the trapezius muscle by the cantilever support.
A cantilever strap for a shoulder pad for a football player has a central portion which overlies the acromioclavicular area of the shoulder of the football player, and has a width which is substantially greater than two inches.
A shoulder pad/chest protector combination is provided for use in lacrosse or other sports in which the individual's arm is raised above shoulder level. The shoulder pad is pivoted to the chest protector by a lacing arrangement and is adjustable down the length of the arm by adjustment of the pivot point on the chest protector, with the shoulder pad being made to pivot with the arm by strapping the distal end of the pad to the arm. In one embodiment, the pivotal motion is provided by virtue of the twisting of the laces between the chest protector portion and the overlying shoulder pad. In another embodiment the shoulder pad includes a cuff for securing the distal end thereof to the arm of the individual. In one embodiment, lateral adjustment of the pivot point is made possible by providing laterally running lacing apertures at the top of the chest protector over the shoulder, with the lace passing through two apertures in the chest protector and four apertures in the shoulder pad. In one embodiment, the tension on the strands is adjustable by clamping the free ends of the lace. In a further embodiment, the shoulder pad chest protector combination is back closing, in which the back of the chest protector is laced together. This permits the front portion of the chest protector to be provided with a sternum pad to prevent injury. Additionally, mesh and perforated foam is provided for increased ventilation; and in a further embodiment, a neck roll may be added for comfort and protection.
A shoulder pad assembly for fashionably shaping the shoulders beneath a wearer's clothing. A shoulder pad assembly is worn independently of the wearer's clothing beneath a blouse, shirt, dress or sweater. The invention includes a pair of fashionably shaped shoulder pads, completely enclosed in fabric pockets. The pockets are connected by a panel across the wearer's back behind the wearer's neck. Under-arm straps hold the assembly in place upon the wearer's shoulders independently of other garments.
