US20060277647A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20060277647A1
Application number: US11/402,781
Authority: US
Inventors: David Dobkin
Original assignee: AEGIX PERFORMANCE APPAREL
Current assignee: AEGIX PERFORMANCE APPAREL
Priority date: 2005-06-13
Filing date: 2006-04-12
Publication date: 2006-12-14

Abstract

A jacket comprises an exterior layer. The jacket further comprises an inner liner layer that is substantially coextensive with the exterior layer. The inner liner layer has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner liner layer exterior surface is secured to the exterior layer along a seam. The jacket further comprises a plurality of flexible covers secured to the inner liner layer. The plurality of flexible covers forming a corresponding plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets includes a corresponding padding member positioned therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application 60/690,105 (filed 13 Jun. 2005), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to equipment and apparel used during sporting activities, and more particularly to sporting equipment and apparel having beneficial protection and support characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Participants in many sporting activities are often subject to jarring impacts resulting form falls, collisions with objects, or even collisions with other participants. Sporting activities that involve participants moving at high speeds, such as skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, have the potential to be particularly dangerous in this respect. To mitigate the adverse effects of such impacts, a wide variety of protective equipment has been developed. Such protective equipment includes both rigid structural devices such as helmets and shin guards, as well as soft form-fitting padded garments, such as padded pants and jackets. Often, protective equipment is specifically designed for use in a particular sporting activity, such as a baseball catcher's chest protector or a hockey goalie's protective padding.

Furthermore, sports injuries are often sustained not only from jarring impacts, but also from overextending the natural capabilities of a participant's joints, muscles, or other anatomy. For example, significant injury often results when joints such as the knee joint are overextended or over-flexed. To reduce the likelihood of such injuries, braces and other orthopaedic devices have been developed that are intended to restrict the motion of a joint.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Conventional protective equipment designed to insulate an athlete from impact injuries often comprises bulky padding elements that are attached either directly to the athlete's body, or to a garment worn by the athlete. While such equipment is usable to protect against impact injuries, significant disadvantages exist. For example, many athletes find that such equipment is uncomfortable to wear, is bulky and unsightly, and is unduly restrictive of the athlete's movement. This is especially so for many orthopaedic devices designed to protect against joint injuries, such as knee injuries, since conventional devices often include hardware that is heavy, unsightly, expensive and uncomfortable to wear. Thus, in accordance with the foregoing, improved protective equipment and apparel has been developed to help mitigate and/or prevent injuries sustained by participants in sporting activities.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a jacket comprises an exterior layer. The jacket further comprises an inner liner layer that is substantially coextensive with the exterior layer. The inner liner layer has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner liner layer exterior surface is secured to the exterior layer along a seam. The jacket further comprises a plurality of flexible covers secured to the inner liner layer. The plurality of flexible covers forming a corresponding plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets includes a corresponding padding member positioned therein.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a trousers comprises an exterior layer having a trunk portion that is connected to an elongate leg portion. The trousers further comprises an interior layer that is attached to the exterior layer along a seam that is at least disposed around a waist opening of the trunk portion. The trousers further comprises a pocket mounted on the interior layer. The pocket does not contact the exterior layer. The trousers further comprises a padding member positioned within-the pocket.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a garment comprises an outer layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The garment further comprises an inner layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner layer exterior surface is attached to the outer layer interior surface along a seam. The garment further comprises a pocket formed on the inner layer interior surface. The garment further comprises a padding member positioned within the pocket. The pocket includes an opening through which the padding member is removable.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a knee support device comprises an expandable sleeve configured to be positioned over a knee. The expandable sleeve has an exterior surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions. The knee support device further comprises a central padding element that is attached to the expandable sleeve exterior surface, and that has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region. The central padding element narrow region is attached to the exterior surface rearward portion. The central padding element wide region is attached to one of the exterior surface side portions. The knee support device further comprises an upper peripheral padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface. The upper peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with an upper edge of the central padding element. The knee support further comprises a lower peripheral padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface. The lower peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with a lower edge of the central padding element.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a knee support device comprises a hollow sleeve configured to be positioned over a knee. The hollow sleeve includes a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions. The left and right side portions are substantially equidistant from a sleeve central axis. The knee support device comprises a left primary padding element at least partially disposed over the left side portion of the hollow sleeve. The left primary padding element has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region. The knee support device further comprises a right primary padding element at least partially disposed over the right side portion of the hollow sleeve. The right primary padding element has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region. The knee support device further comprises a plurality of secondary padding elements that contact at least one of the left or right primary padding elements. The secondary padding elements are disposed in pairs that are symmetrically positioned about the sleeve central axis.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a tubular sleeve configured to be positioned around a knee. The tubular sleeve has an exterior surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions. The apparatus further comprises a first layer of left side padding elements positioned on the left side portion of the tubular sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a first layer of right side padding elements positioned on the right side portion of the tubular sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a kneecap protection element positioned on the forward portion of the exterior surface. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of radial padding elements that are radially positioned around the kneecap protection element. A first portion of the radial padding elements are positioned over the first layer of left side padding elements. A second portion of the radial padding elements are positioned over the first layer of right side padding elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the performance equipment and apparel disclosed herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings comprise the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a portion of a garment including protective padding.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a portion of a garment including protective padding and a protective shell.

FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of an example embodiment of a jacket that includes protective padding elements.

FIG. 2B is a schematic rear view of the jacket ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a schematic front view of an example embodiment of a trousers that includes protective padding elements.

FIG. 3B is a schematic rear view of the trousers ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an example embodiment of a knee support device including a first layer of peripheral padding elements.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the knee support device ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a front view of the knee support device ofFIG. 4A, further including an array of front padding elements:

FIG. 4D is a side view of the knee support device ofFIG. 4C.

FIG. 4E is a front view of the knee support device ofFIG. 4C, further including a second layer of peripheral padding elements.

FIG. 4F is a side view of the knee support device ofFIG. 4E.

FIG. 5A is a side view of an example embodiment of a knee support device having a central padding element positioned between peripheral padding elements.

FIG. 5B is a rear view of the knee support device ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway front view of an example embodiment of a trousers that includes a knee support device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of protective equipment and apparel having features that are particularly useful in reducing the risk of injury associated with sporting activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, skating, and the like. For example, in certain embodiments a garment is provided with an inner liner layer having padding elements secured thereto. The padding elements are positioned in the garment at locations that correspond to portions of the anatomy that are particularly vulnerable to impact injuries, such as the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. In other embodiments. a knee support device is provided that provides resistance to potentially damaging movement of a knee joint. The knee support device is optionally integrated into a trousers that includes padding elements.

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of amultilayered garment10 that includes aninner liner layer12 that is configured to be worn adjacent to a wearer's body, and anexterior layer16 that provides the outer surface of themultilayered garment10. Theinner liner layer12 and theexterior layer16 are secured together at one ormore seams18 that are positioned at appropriate locations on themultilayered garment10. In one embodiment, the positioning of theseams18 depends on the portion of the body over which themultilayered garment10 is to be worn, such as the upper body (for example, for a jacket), the lower body (for example, for a trousers), the feet (for example, for socks), the hands (for example, for gloves) or the head (for example, for a beanie).

Example techniques used to secure theinner liner layer12 and theexterior layer16 together include sewing, stitching, gluing, and chemically bonding, although other techniques are used in other embodiments, such as the use of a zipper or a hook-and-loop type fastener. Optionally,multiple seams18 are configured to form anenclosed region20 between theinner liner layer12 and theexterior layer16, as illustrated inFIG. 1A. In a modified embodiment, theseams18 are releasable, such as provided by a hook-and-loop attachment system, thereby allowing theinner liner layer12 to be separated from theexterior layer16.

Theinner liner layer12 and theexterior layer16 have properties that are tailored to the application in which themultilayered garment10 is intended to be used, among other things. For example, where themultilayered garment10 is intended to be used during snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding and the like, theexterior layer16 is provided with a waterproof or water resistant surface that is lightweight and breathable, but that also provides the wearer with protection from wind chill and other inclement weather. Examples of materials that are used to form theexterior layer16 include polyurethane-coated polyester and/or nylon, although other materials and coatings are used in other embodiments. Likewise, examples of materials that are used to form theinner liner layer12 include polyester, fleece, elastic mesh and other materials that are particularly well suited to be worn against interior clothing layers, or against the skin.

Still referring toFIG. 1A, aflexible cover22 is attached to theinner liner layer12 so as to form apocket24 in which apadding element14 is positioned. In an example embodiment, theflexible cover22 comprises a lightweight material that is capable of being sewn or otherwise affixed to theinner liner layer12 at seams26. For instance, in one embodiment theflexible cover22 comprises the same material as theinner liner layer12, although different materials are used for theflexible cover22 and theinner liner layer12 in other embodiments. In one embodiment, theflexible cover22 comprises an elastic textile, such as an elastic mesh material. Theflexible cover22 optionally includes an opening, such as provided by theflap28 illustrated inFIG. 1A. In an example embodiment, pockets24 are formed in regions of the garment that are particularly susceptible to collisions, such as the elbows, the shoulders, the ribs, the clavicle, the tailbone, the knees, the hips, and other regions of the body.

In an example embodiment, thepadding element14 is a flexible high density open—or closed—cell polyurethane material, such as is available from Rogers Corporation (Rogers, Conn.) under the brand name PORON®. Polyurethane padding advantageously resists deformation over time, and decreases the peak force exerted on a body when used to cushion an impact. For example, in one embodiment thepadding element14 is capable of decreasing the peak force exerted on a body by at least about 10% as compared to an unpadded impact, more preferably by at least about 30% as compared to an unpadded impact, and most preferably by at least about 50% as compared to an unpadded impact. Polyurethane padding provides these mechanical properties without being excessively bulky or heavy, which is particularly advantageous for sporting apparel applications.

Other padding materials are used in other embodiments, such as shape memory foams or viscoelastic foams that are capable of form-fitting to the wearer's body and at least partially absorbing the mechanical shock associated when an impact occurs with another object. For example, in certain embodiments the padding material is disposed in a pouch filled with a shock absorbing material, such as a viscoelastic gel or a fluid, such as air. In modified embodiments, thepadding element14 comprises a laminated element having a plurality of layers of different materials. For example, in one such embodiment thepadding element14 is a layered element that comprises an inner viscoelastic foam layer positioned toward the wearer's body and an outer polyurethane layer positioned toward the garment exterior. In certain embodiments the padding element is formed by an injection molding process. In still other embodiments, the padding material includes one or more spring elements formed therein, such as a metallic spring element.

In certain embodiments wherein thepocket24 includes an opening, such as theflap28 illustrated inFIG. 1A, thepadding element14 is removable from thepocket24. This configuration advantageously allows thepadding element14 to be replaced if worn, if a different size padding element is desired, or if thegarment10 is to be washed without washing thepadding element14. While thepocket24 is illustrated with a flapped openingFIG. 1A, other types of openings are used in other embodiments, such as the hook-and-loop opening30 illustrated inFIG. 1B. In modified embodiments, such as embodiments wherein thepocket24 does not include an opening, thepadding element14 is secured within thepocket24, such as by being affixed to theinner liner layer12 and/or theflexible cover22. In such embodiments, the padding element is secured by using an adhesive, by sewing, or by another technique. This configuration advantageously reduces the likelihood that thepadding element14 has excessive movement within thepocket24, or becomes folded onto itself, or is otherwise disturbed in thepocket24.

Referring again toFIG. 1B, a modifiedmultilayered garment32 is illustrated that includes arigid shell34 that is positioned in thepocket24 with thepadding element14. In the illustrated embodiment, therigid shell34 is coupled to the exterior side of thepadding element14. In other embodiments the rigid shell is placed elsewhere within thepocket24, such as on the interior side of thepadding element14, or within thepadding element14. Therigid shell34 is configured to provide additional protection for regions of the body that are particularly susceptible to damaging impacts, such as the knees and the elbows. In such embodiments therigid shell34 has a shape that approximates the shape of the underlying anatomy that is to be protected. As illustrated, therigid shell34 is configured to cover a smaller area than thepadding element14 in certain embodiments, thereby preventing thegarment32 from becoming excessively heavy due to therigid shell34. In one embodiment thatrigid shell34 comprises a molded plastic element, although other materials are used in other embodiments.

As set forth herein, thepockets24 and thepadding elements14 are included in a garment in regions that are particularly susceptible to injury during sporting activities. For example,FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and rear views (respectively) of anexample jacket40 that includes padding elements in ashoulder region42, aclavicle region44, arib region46, and anelbow region48. The padding elements in theelbow region48 optionally include both alarger padding element14, and a smallerrigid shell34. In the illustrated example embodiment, the padding elements in therib region46 are optionally provided in the form of multiple parallel elongate elements, thereby allowing thejacket40 to retain substantial flexibility in therib region46, thus helping to avoid giving the jacket an unduly bulky or rigid feel to the wearer, and helping to avoid giving the jacket a padded outward appearance. In modified embodiments, additional padding elements are positioned in other regions of thejacket40, such as the lumbar region, or fewer padding elements are used. However, regardless of how many padding elements are used, positioning thepadding elements14 inpockets24 that are secured to theinner liner layer12 advantageously helps to prevent to padding elements from moving substantially from the respective body regions for which they are intended to protect.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and rear views (respectively) of anexample trousers50 that includes padding elements in ahips region52, atailbone region54, and aknee region56. The padding elements in theknee region56 optionally includelateral padding elements56a,frontal padding elements56b, and a kneecaprigid shell56c. As with thejacket40, additional padding elements are optionally positioned in other regions of thetrousers50, such as the buttocks region, or fewer padding elements are used.

In one embodiment, theinner liner layer12 is substantially coextensive with theexterior layer16, such that theseams18 joining these layers are at least positioned around openings in the garment. For example, for thejacket40 illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, theseams18 in such an embodiment are at least located around thewrist openings60, around theneck opening62, around thewaist opening64, and along thechest opening66. For thetrousers50 illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, theseams18 in such an embodiment are at least located around theankle openings68 and around thewaist opening70. In these embodiments, additional seams are optionally positioned elsewhere in the garment to provide further durability.

In certain embodiments, the trousers includes a knee support device that provides resistance to potentially damaging movement of a knee joint, as well as to impacts against a knee joint.FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate example embodiments of aknee support device100 that is compatible with the trousers disclosed herein, or that is usable independently of a trousers. Theknee support device100 comprises atubular sleeve105 configured to be positioned over the wearer's knee. In an example embodiment thetubular sleeve105 comprises an expandable and structurally supportive material, such as neoprene foam or polyurethane foam, thereby allowing thesleeve105 to fit snugly over the knee, and to resist twisting, sliding or other movement away from the wearer's knee joint. Thetubular sleeve105 optionally includes adjustable straps that allow theknee support device100 to be placed on the wearer with an adjustable tightness. In such embodiments, the straps include hook-and-loop type fasteners, snaps, buckles or other mechanisms that allow the tightness of the straps to be adjusted.

Thesleeve105 has attached thereto one or more layers of padding elements that are configured to protect the knee against damaging impacts and/or to restrict potentially damaging movements of the knee. Rapid movement of the knee into certain positions has the potential to damage the tendons, ligaments and other anatomy of the knee. In contrast, slower movement of the knee into the same position is often accomplished without causing such damage.

FIG. 4A provides a front view of aknee support device100 that includes a first layer oflateral padding elements110 that are positioned on lateral regions of thetubular sleeve105. In an example embodiment, thelateral padding elements110 comprise an open—or closed—cell polyurethane foam, although other padding materials, such as viscoelastic shock absorbing materials, are used in other embodiments. Thelateral padding elements110 are secured to thetubular sleeve105 using an adhesive, although other attachment mechanisms are used in other embodiments, such as by sewing, by using a hook-and-loop type attachment system, or by stapling. Thelateral padding elements110 are shaped and positioned to contact and compress against each other as the knee is flexed, thereby providing resistance to rapid flexing of the knee and/or to over-flexing of the knee. This reduces the likelihood that these movements cause injury to the knee anatomy, such as injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. Thelateral padding elements110 also advantageously provide the lateral portion of the knee with protection from impact injuries.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of theknee support device100 ofFIG. 4A, with the front of theknee support device100 facing to the right. A plurality oflateral padding elements110 are positioned on the side of thesleeve105. Although fourlateral padding elements110 are illustrated on each side of theknee support device100 inFIGS. 4A and 4B, more or fewer padding elements are used in other embodiments. In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4B, theknee support device100 includes aseam112 at which one or more pieces of expandable material are joined to form thetubular sleeve105.

As described herein, in certain embodiments theknee support device100 includes more than one layer of padding elements. For example,FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of theknee support device100 ofFIG. 4A, further including a second layer of frontradial padding elements130 that are positioned radially around akneecap protection element132. In an example embodiment, theradial padding elements130 and thekneecap protection element132 comprise the same material as thelateral padding elements110, although other protective materials and/or padded materials are used in other embodiments. For example, in a modified embodiment thekneecap protection element132 includes a rigid shell, such as therigid shell34 illustrated inFIG. 1B. The rigid shell is optionally configured to extend below the knee, such as to the wearer's shin, thereby providing additional impact protection to the shin as well as the kneecap. Theradial padding elements130 are affixed to thetubular sleeve105 and/or the lateral padding elements using an adhesive, although other techniques for affixing these elements are used in other embodiments.

The orientation and shape of theradial padding elements130 are configured to protect the frontal portion of the knee from impact injuries without significantly restricting knee movement. For example, in the illustrated embodiment theradial padding elements110 have a triangular shape whereby a narrow portion of the triangle is oriented toward thekneecap protection element132, and a wide portion of the triangle is oriented in the opposite direction.FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of theknee support device100 ofFIG. 4C, with the front of theknee support device100 facing to the right.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 4E, a third layer oflateral support elements120 are positioned over thetubular sleeve105 and/or thelateral padding elements110. In certain embodiments, thelateral support elements120 comprise a padding material, such as a neoprene padding or a polyurethane padding. In such embodiments thelateral support elements120 provide additional resistance to rapid flexing of the knee and/or to over-flexing of the knee, and additional protection against impact injuries. In a modified embodiment, thelateral support elements120 comprise a more rigid structure, such as a flexible plastic or metallic element. The flexible plastic or metallic elements are optionally enclosed in a sheath that is affixed to thesleeve105 and/or thelateral padding elements110. Thelateral support elements120 are configured to advantageously reduce potentially damaging lateral movement of the knee.

FIG. 4F shows a side view of the knee support device ofFIG. 4E, with the front of theknee support device100 facing to the right, and indicates that in an example embodiment thelateral support elements120 are positioned in three rows that are substantially parallel to theseam112. More rows or fewer rows oflateral support elements120 are used in other embodiments. Additionally, in other embodiments thelateral support elements120 are configured to extend substantially uninterrupted across the length of thetubular sleeve105.

The example embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4F illustrate example embodiments of aknee support device100 having one or more layers oflateral padding elements110,lateral support elements120,radial padding elements130, andkneecap protection elements132. However, other embodiments comprise other padding elements that are positioned on the sleeve using other configurations. For example,FIG. 5A is a side view of a modifiedknee support device150 with the front of theknee support device150 facing to the right, andFIG. 5B is a rear view of the modifiedknee support device150 ofFIG. 5A. The modifiedknee support device150 comprises atubular sleeve155 having a plurality of padding elements attached thereto. The padding elements include a pair ofupper padding elements160 that are separated from each other, a pair ofcentral padding elements162 that are separated from each other, and a pair oflower padding elements164 that are separated from each other. In an example embodiment, the padding elements are secured to thetubular sleeve155 using an adhesive, although other securing methods are used in other embodiments.

Still referring to the example embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the pairs of padding elements are shaped and positioned in a substantially symmetrical configuration about acenter axis157 of thetubular sleeve155. Furthermore, the pairs of padding elements are relatively narrow in a rear-facingregion170 of thetubular sleeve155, and are relatively wide in a side-facingregion172 of thetubular sleeve155. The upper, central and lower padding elements contact each other in the side-facingregion172 of thetubular sleeve155, but are separated from each other in the rear-facingregion170 of thetubular sleeve155. The pairs of padding elements extend between the rear-facingregion170 and the side-facingregion155 of the tubular sleeve in the illustrated configuration. The relative positions, sizes and shapes of the padding elements cause the element to become compressed against each other in the rear-facingregion170 of the modified knee support device when the knee is flexed. This advantageously provides a resistance to knee flexion that is relatively small when the knee is slightly bent, but that increases as the knee is bent to larger angles.

As disclosed herein, theknee support device100 is optionally configured to be used with thetrousers50 disclosed herein. For instance, as shown in the example embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, theknee support device150 includesfasteners174, such as hook-and-loop type fasteners, that are usable to secure theknee support device150 to a corresponding fastener included on theinner liner layer12 of thetrousers50. An example embodiment of this configuration is illustrated inFIG. 6, which shows a partial cutaway front view of atrousers50 having anexterior layer16 and aninner liner layer12. Aknee support device180 is secured to theinner liner layer12 usingfasteners174. In a modified embodiment, an upper portion of theknee support device180 is secured to theinner liner layer12, and a lower portion of theknee support device180 is secured to an inner portion of theexterior layer16. In certain embodiments, theexterior layer16 of thetrousers50 optionally includes a closable opening, such as a zippered opening, in the knee region of the trousers that is used to access aknee support device180 positioned therein, regardless of whether theknee support device180 is coupled to thetrousers50, or is simply placed over the wearer's knee.

The improved protective equipment and apparel disclosed herein has been developed to help mitigate and/or prevent injuries sustained by participants in sporting activities. For example, the padded garments disclosed herein help to cushion portions of the anatomy that are particularly vulnerable to impact injuries, such as the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. Placing the padding elements on an interior liner layer instead of directly on the wearer's body, or directly on the garment exterior body, reduces both interference with the wearer's motion and the bulky appearance of a padded garment. Other protective equipment disclosed herein includes a variety of knee support devices that are configured to restrict knee movements that have the potential to damage the knee anatomy. For example, in certain embodiments positioning a flexible sleeve having compressible padding elements over the knee joint provides resistance to large angle and/or rapid knee flexing.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

While the foregoing detailed description discloses several embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that this disclosure is illustrative only and is not limiting of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the specific configurations and operations disclosed can differ from those described above, and that the methods described herein can be used in contexts other than sporting equipment and apparel.

Claims

1. A jacket comprising:

an exterior layer;

an inner liner layer that is substantially coextensive with the exterior layer, the inner liner layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the inner liner layer exterior surface is secured to the exterior layer along a seam; and

a plurality of flexible covers secured to the inner liner layer, the plurality of flexible covers forming a corresponding plurality of pockets, wherein each of the plurality of pockets includes a corresponding padding member positioned therein.

2. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein the seam is not positioned between the padding member and the inner liner layer.

3. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible covers are secured to the inner liner layer interior surface.

4. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein the padding member comprises a polyurethane material.

5. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the selected pockets further includes a rigid shell positioned therein.

6. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of pockets further includes a rigid shell that is positioned between the padding member and the inner liner layer.

7. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein one of the plurality of the flexible covers is positioned in a ribs region of the jacket, one of the plurality of the flexible covers is positioned in an elbow region of the jacket, and one of the plurality of the flexible covers is positioned in a shoulder region of the jacket.

8. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein more than one of the plurality of flexible covers is positioned in a ribs region of the jacket.

9. The jacket ofclaim 1, wherein the inner liner layer comprises a polyester material.

10. A trousers comprising:

an exterior layer having a trunk portion that is connected to an elongate leg portion;

an interior layer that is attached to the exterior layer along a seam that is at least disposed around a waist opening of the trunk portion;

a pocket mounted on the interior layer, wherein the pocket does not contact the exterior layer; and

a padding member positioned within the pocket.

11. The trousers ofclaim 10, wherein the pocket includes an opening through which the padding member is removable.

12. The trousers ofclaim 10, wherein the pocket includes an opening through which the padding member is removable, wherein the opening includes a hook-and-loop closure system.

13. The trousers ofclaim 10, wherein the pocket is mounted on an inside surface of the interior layer.

14. The trousers ofclaim 10, further comprising an enclosed region between the exterior layer and the interior layer, wherein the enclosed region is adjacent to the padding member.

15. The trousers ofclaim 10, wherein the padding member comprises a polyurethane material.

16. The trousers ofclaim 10, further comprising a first pocket mounted in a knee region of the trousers, and a second pocket mounted in a hips region of the trousers, wherein the first and second pockets include a padding member positioned therein.

17. A garment comprising:

an outer layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

an inner layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the inner layer exterior surface is attached to the outer layer interior surface along a seam;

a pocket formed on the inner layer interior surface; and

a padding member positioned within the pocket, wherein the pocket includes an opening through which the padding member is removable.

18. The garment ofclaim 17, further comprising a rigid shell positioned within the pocket.

19. The garment ofclaim 17, further comprising a rigid shell positioned within the pocket, wherein the padding member is positioned between the rigid shell and the inner layer.

20. The garment ofclaim 17, further comprising a rigid shell positioned within the pocket, wherein the padding member is disposed on an exterior surface of the rigid shell.

21. The garment ofclaim 17, further comprising a rigid shell positioned within the pocket, wherein the rigid shell is positioned between the inner layer and the padding member.

22. The garment ofclaim 17, wherein the opening is closable using a hook-and-loop type fastening system.

23. The garment ofclaim 17, wherein the padding member comprises a polyurethane material.

24. The garment ofclaim 17, wherein the padding member is affixed to the inner layer interior surface.

25. The garment ofclaim 17, further comprising an enclosed region between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the enclosed region is adjacent to the padding member.

26. The garment ofclaim 17, wherein a plurality of pockets are formed on the inner layer interior surface, each of the plurality of pockets having a corresponding padding member positioned therein.