A shoulder pad assembly for contact sports such as hockey is described. Two separate shoulder assemblies, in the form of generally U-shaped shoulder bands, are each pivotally connected fore and aft to chest and back pieces. Preferably the pivotal connections are co-axial, so that there are just two pivot points, namely fore and aft pivot points centrally located on the chest and back pieces, thus generally defining a V-shape for the shoulder portions of the pad. Preferably, the flexibility is limited by the use of a pivot clip at each pivot point, the pivot clip having at least one post disposed from the pivot axis and projecting from the clip through an arcuate slot in each shoulder band, the arcuate slots being of finite length such that further pivoting is prevented once the post reaches an end of the slot.

The present invention discloses a body protector for sportsmen which allows prespiration from the sportsman's skin to be evaporated while the body protector is being worn. The protector takes the form of shoulder pads, a shin pad or a forearm pad. The protectors are molded from resiliently compressible plastic material and provided with a plurality of protrusions on their inner surface(s).

The present invention discloses a body protector for sportsmen which allows perspiration from the sportsman's skin to be evaporated while the body protector is being worn. The protector takes the form of shoulder pads, a shin pad or a forearm pad. The protectors are molded from resiliently compressible plastics material and provided with a plurality of protrusions on their inner surface(s).

The present invention provides a sports useable body protector primarily for use as a chest protector and comprising a rigid frame with forward padding and a rearward suspension strap on the frame. The rigid frame is formed with rearwardly extending wrap around rib covering portions and wrap over collar bone and shoulder covering portions all of which are shaped to pull the rigid frame rearwardly when worn by a user such that the suspension strap is snug against the user with the rigid frame in a tight body fitting position.

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.