HOCKEY PADS

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically goalie pads, that are very expensive, need to be replaced constantly as the user grows. If a young hockey goalie does not have a properly fitting pads, a significant safety issue is raised. Pads that are too small will leave areas dangerously exposed to injury. Pads that are too large, will interfere in proper movement. There is a need to provide pads configurable and customizable for various sizes of users.

The present invention addresses this issue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is an adjustable system/version of a goalie pad that would allow the users to have 1 base set of Goalie pads that expand/and are adjustable in height by the use of inserts or extenders.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a hockey pad system comprising;

a lower base pad having a bottom portion and a top portion; and
an upper base pad having a bottom portion and a top portion.

In one embodiment, the top portion of lower base pad and bottom portion of upper base pad attachment mechanisms attach one to another.

In one embodiment, the top portion of lower base pad and bottom portion of upper base pad attachment mechanisms attach to a sizing pad.

In one embodiment, the top portion of lower base pad and bottom portion of upper base pad attachment mechanisms attach two or more sizing pads in series, each sizing pad configured with attaching mechanism to attach to an adjacent sizing pad or adjacent base pad.

In one embodiment, the attaching mechanism of each of said base pads is a zipper.

In one embodiment, the attaching mechanism of each of said base pads is a hook and loop fastener.

In one embodiment, the attaching mechanism includes different attaching mechanisms in a single system such as zipper and hook and loop fasteners.

In one embodiment, the attaching mechanism attaching mechanism of said sizing pad is a zipper.

In one embodiment, the attaching mechanism attaching mechanism of said sizing pad is a hook and loop fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of upper and lower base pad according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of upper and lower base pads and proposed placement of sizing pads according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view with three sizing pads according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view with one sizing pad according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a sizing pad according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a sizing pad according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a sizing pad according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side partial cross-section view demonstrative of sizing pad attachment utilizing zippers according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side partial cross-section view demonstrative of sizing pad attachment utilizing hook and loop fasteners according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As generally understood, system 10 includes lower base pad 12 and upper base pad 14. As common with hockey pads, the bottom portion of lower base pad 12 extend outward from the user. The upper portion of lower base pad 12 is constructed and arranged to attach sizing pad or insert 16 thereto. In one embodiment, as demonstrated in FIG. 11 sizing insert 16 is attached to lower base pad 12 and upper base pad 14 utilizing a zipper attachment 26. It is contemplated that each sizing pad 16 is constructed arranged providing attachment either to a base pad or two additional sizing inserts. A particular advantage in the present invention is demonstrated in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. FIG. 7 shows a pads system utilizing a single sizing insert 16. FIG. 4 shows a pad system utilizing two sizing pads 16. FIG. 6 shows a patent system utilizing three sizing pads 16.

This is demonstrative of one advantage of the present invention. As players grow the pad system of the present invention is constructed and arranged for size adjustments to provide proper safety and protection for the user.

The system utilize hook and loop fasteners 30 as are commonly used on hockey pads to secure the system about the leg of a user.

Also, as demonstrated in the figures, each of lower pad 12 upper pad 14 and sizing pack 16 include our protection padding 22.

Demonstrative of an environment of use a user will be measured for pad fitting utilizing system 10 of the present invention. Based on this measurement, one or more of sizing pad 16 will be secured to the system of the present invention. Although the figures provide for examples demonstrating one, two, and three sizing pad 16 embodiments, this system is not limited to any particular number.

The following examples are demonstrative and non-limiting in describing the present invention.

Example #1

A hockey team or any group of people requires a goalie to have pads. If they rotate which person is playing goalie and they are different heights/sizes they are able to have 1 base pad set and add inserts for taller people to use pads with a greater height.

Example #2

A user buys a base set of adjustable goalie pads and as they grow, they add inserts or expand the pad to fit the user perfectly.

Traditionally goalie pads come in specific heights, an example is 24″. Our invention will allow the user or users to adjust the height to achieve their desired height by adding inserts or the use of expanders, example:

initial pad is 24″ height with ability to adjust to 26″, 28″ etc.

The present invention provides a system that is:

1. Adjustable

2. Height Extension variable; and

3. Provides Multiple Sizes in One Set.

There is no such product available to address these needs.

Thus, the present invention provides for fulfilling a significantly unmet need.

While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.