BR112015010154B1 - THREE-DIMENSIONAL QUILTING, METHOD OF DECORATING A SPORTS UNIFORM AND KIT FOR DECORATING A SPORTS UNIFORM - Google Patents

Abstract

three-dimensional sports padding and related methods for embellishing a sports uniform. The present invention relates to a three-dimensional padding to be worn under a sportswear to produce a desired image through the sportswear, which includes a removable padding having a body with a front face and a back face. a three-dimensional imaging element is attached to the front face of the body, whereby a desired image outline will be produced when the padding is positioned beneath an exposed fabric area of the athletic wear.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Utility Patent Application Serial No. 14/050,439, filed October 10, 2013, which claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/ 755,208, filed January 22, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/723,177, filed November 6, 2012, the entirety of all descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This document generally refers to the field of sports equipment and more specifically to padding, football padding and sports uniform including a three-dimensional image element to be designed and ornamented with the sports uniform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] U.S. Patent 4,591,521, to Freno et al, describes a three-dimensional fabric design where innovative or decorative fabrics with printed images include foam plastic pads to provide a three-dimensional effect. More particularly, foam pads are formed around the printed image and are permanently sewn into position. Reissue U.S. Patent RE37,533, to Beige et al., describes garments with semi-rigid fabric components as well as a method of making the same.

[0004] Significantly, the underlying padding in the Freno et al. are permanently attached to the back side of the fabric and are lined with a design printed on the face of the fabric. Similarly, in the Beige et al. reference, the semi-rigid components are a permanent part of the garment. While such construction is suitable for adding three-dimensional features to innovative or decorative fabrics and apparel, there is no description in these references of embellishing sports uniforms, such as football pants, football shirts, or other sports equipment with three-dimensional ornament or adornment. Furthermore, the permanent fixation of the pads on the fabric explicitly taught in these references is inadequate for this purpose.

[0005] This document refers to a three-dimensional padding to be worn under an athletic apparel to produce a desired image through the athletic apparel. The pad includes a three-dimensional imaging element that is attached to the front face of the pad whereby an image contour will be produced on the exposed fabric area when the pad is positioned below the tight exposed fabric area of the sportswear. The three-dimensional image element can be in the form of a player number or a logo. For purposes of this document, the term logo refers to letters, words, numbers, names, trademarks, mascots, images, stripes, designs and other three-dimensional shapes that may commonly identify or be used by athletic teams, athletes and individuals. For purposes of this document, "pad" includes soccer pads for thighs, shoulders, liver, tailbone, all other soccer pads, chin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, and all the other padding associated with sports in general.

SUMMARY

[0006] A three-dimensional pad to be worn under a sportswear to produce a desired image through that sportswear comprises a removable pad including a body having a front face and a rear face, and a three-dimensional imaging element that is attached to the front face of the body, whereby an image contour will be produced when the pad is positioned under an exposed fabric area of the sportswear. In one possible embodiment, the three-dimensional image element is presented in the form of a logo, such as a team logo or a player number. In yet another possible embodiment, the three-dimensional imaging element is externally tapered from a central area towards an outer edge such that the central area projects a greater distance from the front face of the pad body than the outer edge .

[0007] According to a further aspect, football pants are provided. These football pants comprise a body including a pocket for receiving a football pad and a removable football pad. The removable football pad includes a pad body having a front face, a back face, and a three-dimensional imaging element attached to the front face. When the padding is positioned in the pocket under an exposed fabric area of these football pants, an image outline will be produced on the exposed fabric area. This three-dimensional image element can be provided in the form of a logo, such as a team logo. In addition, the three-dimensional imaging element can be externally tapered from a center area toward an outside edge so that the center area projects a greater distance from the front face of the pad body than the outside edge.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the pocket is opened at one end to allow the football pad to be inserted into the pocket and removed from it as desired. In yet another possible embodiment, the exposed fabric area is a first color and the pixel is a different second color that is darker than the first color and showing through the exposed fabric area. In yet another possible embodiment, the front face of the padding is also the first color. In one possible embodiment, this first color is white.

[0009] According to a further aspect, a method of promoting a sports team is provided. This method comprises the steps of wearing a pad with a three-dimensional image element under a sportswear for the sports team, producing a three-dimensional image or adornment that projects through an exposed area of fabric of the sportswear overlying the pad, and providing that image in a form of a logo. In addition, this method includes using the exposed fabric area of the sportswear having a first color and the three-dimensional imaging element having a second color that is darker than the first color and showing through the exposed fabric area.

[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect, a method of decorating a sports team uniform is provided. This method comprises using a pad with a three-dimensional image element under the sports team uniform and producing a three-dimensional image that projects through an exposed area of fabric of the sports team uniform overlying the pad. This method additionally includes providing the image element in a form of a logo, such as a team logo. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the method includes providing the pixel in a form of a player number.

[0011] According to yet another aspect, a kit is provided to decorate a sports uniform. The kit comprises a three-dimensional imaging element and a fastener that secures the imaging element to the sports uniform or to a padding worn under the sports uniform. The kit additionally includes instructions. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional image element is presented in the form of a logo. In another embodiment, the three-dimensional imaging element is presented in the form of a player number.

[0012] In one embodiment, the kit includes an adhesive. In one embodiment, the kit includes a hook and loop fastener. Adhesive, hook and loop fastener, or any other means can be used to secure the three-dimensional imaging element to the athletic uniform or to a padding worn under an athletic uniform.

[0013] Finally, a method of decorating a sports uniform is provided. This method comprises purchasing a kit including a three-dimensional imaging element featuring a shape selected from a group consisting of a player number, logo and combinations thereof, and securing the three-dimensional element under an exposed fabric area of the sports uniform. Additionally, the method includes attaching the three-dimensional element to a front face of a sports pad. In addition, the method includes inserting the padding into a padding pocket in a team uniform so that the three-dimensional imaging element projects an image across the exposed area of fabric overlying the padding.

These and other embodiments will be explained in the description set forth below, and, in part, will be apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the description and referenced drawings set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the descriptive report illustrate various aspects of three-dimensional padding, football pants and methods described here and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles of the same. In the drawings: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the sports pad including the three-dimensional imaging element; Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the entire pad with the three-dimensional imaging element attached to the front face of the pad; 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of football pants including a pocket that retains a padding with a three-dimensional imaging element; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a kit for embellishing a sportswear or sports uniform including an element of three-dimensional image, a fastener and instructions; Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating how a three-dimensional element can be tapered from an inner area towards an outer edge to enhance the three-dimensional image outline it produces in the area of overlying exposed fabric of a sports uniform; figures 6a-6d illustrate various three-dimensional elements to produce diverse tale Figure 7 is a side elevation view illustrating an imaging element that incorporates a backsheet that covers protrusions or other surface variations on a front face of a football pad and effectively prevents them from interfering. with or distorting the desired image, which image is projected through the exposed area of tissue covering the image element; and Figure 8 is a rear elevation view of a backing sheet illustrating the edge area covered by adhesive.

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the currently preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Reference is now made to Figures 1-3 which generally illustrate a three-dimensional pad 10 for use under an athletic apparel 22 to produce a desired image contour 30 through that athletic apparel. As illustrated, the pad 10 includes a body 12 having a front face 14 and a rear face 16. In addition, the pad includes a three-dimensional imaging element 18 that is connected to the front face 14 by means of a fastener 20, such as a adhesive layer or a hook and loop fastener system, such as sold under the trademark VELCRO. Image element 18 may include a three-dimensional logo 19 alone or a combination of logo 19 and backing sheet 50, as illustrated, which mounts directly to the front face 14 of the pad 10.

[0018] Reference is now made to figure 3 which generally shows a sportswear 22 such as football pants. The football pants 22 include a pocket 24 adapted to receive a pad 10 which is inserted into the pocket through an open end 26. When the pad 10 is properly inserted into pocket 24, the three-dimensional imaging element 18 will be located directly below the a tight exposed fabric area 28 of the pants. As a result, a three-dimensional image contour 30 is produced across the exposed fabric area so as to adorn the sportswear 22 in a unique and thought-provoking way.

[0019] Reference is now made to Figure 4, which illustrates a kit for adorning a sportswear or sports uniform 22. Kit 40 includes at least a three-dimensional imaging element 18 and a clip 20 that is used to secure the imaging element three-dimensional directly on the sports uniform or on a padding 10 worn under the sports uniform to be ornamented. As illustrated, kit 40 includes a sheet of precut number logos 19 and an optional backing sheet 50 that can be cut into any desired shape and positioned between the three-dimensional logo 19 and front face 14 of the pad 10. The sheet Background 50 may be formed in a contrasting color with pixel 18 in order to enhance and arrange the pixel in bold. The backsheet 50 can also be used to cover protrusions and/or other surface features of the pad 10 to prevent them from interfering with the image contour 30 formed on the sports uniform by the logo 19 of the image element 18. , kit 40 includes a set of 42 instructions that details how to use the kit and decorate a sports uniform or other outfit.

[0020] In any of the various embodiments, the three-dimensional imaging element 18 is provided in the form of a logo, such as a team logo or perhaps a specific player number. In one possible embodiment, the pixel 18 is externally tapered from a central or inline area 44 towards an outer edge or contour 46 so that the central or inline area projects a greater distance from the face. front 14 of the pad 10 than the outer edge or contour (see figure 5).

[0021] In one embodiment, the exposed fabric area 28 of the sportswear 22 is a first color while the three-dimensional imaging element 18 is a different second color. Image element 18 may be darker than the first color to show through the exposed tissue area, enhance image outline 30, and provide a hologram-like appearance. In one possible embodiment, the front face 14 of the pad 10 is also provided in the first color, matching the color of the exposed fabric area 28. In yet another embodiment, that first color is white.

[0022] The three-dimensional imaging element 18 can be solid, hollow and outlined or a combination of these. For example, to form a "shamrock" logo, the shamrock shape can be cut out of a 3mm thick piece of foam. The scalloped trefoil could be extracted from the foam and adhered to a padding for the thighs of football pants. The outline of the resulting image 30 would appear as a solid trefoil. Also, the trefoil outline that remains in the foam can then be used to show the image of a trefoil, but instead of being integral, it is an outline of a trefoil or a hollow three-dimensional image. Of course, different foam widths and colors can be used to create varied images, shades and appearances including complex images such as the American flag.

[0023] For some images, the logo 19 of the three-dimensional imaging element 18 has the same thickness throughout. However, as previously described, the depth of the logo 19 may be manipulated to give the image contour 30 more or less detail and definition as it projects through the exposed fabric area 28 of the sportswear 22. For example, as an element 18 three-dimensional image of an "O" can be seen as an "O", if the entire "O" is 3 mm thick, the formation of the inner line L1 of the "O" slightly larger than the outer line L2 to create an angled face F will allow the inner circle of the "O" to be shown differently and this may give it different detail when viewed through the garment or covering (see figure 5). Also, there are several ways to manipulate an "O" to make it look different, while ensuring that it is an "O". For example, it can be formed as a perfect circle or an oval. It can be formed flat versus wavy. It can be formed using only the outlines of the inner and outer circles. For some images, but not all, the inner lines have to be formed slightly larger than those on the outside in order for the details to be shown. Also using rounded edges can help provide definition. For example, the American flag can be formed by rounding off the red strips on the flag, omitting the white strips, forming a blue rectangle with square edges, and adding slightly raised dots for the stars. This is an example of how different processes and shapes can be used to form a three-dimensional imaging element 18 that provides the desired image contour 30 that projects through the exposed fabric area 28 of the athletic apparel.

[0024] The three-dimensional imaging element 18 can be formed from a number of different materials including, but not limited to, foams, high density synthetic materials, foam rubbers and plastics. Particularly useful foam materials include polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam and PVC foam. Regardless of chemical formation, it is preferred that the foam be a "closed cell" foam. In many examples, the three-dimensional imaging element 18 is formed from the same material as the pad 10 to which it is attached so that it can be used at athletic events without increasing any risk of injury.

[0025] As should be appreciated, the three-dimensional imaging element 18 may be perforated or cut from a foam sheet as previously described. Alternatively, the three-dimensional imaging element 18 can be molded into a mold. The production operation used depends on the material that is formed into an image and the intended use of the image. Logos 19, such as school logos, mascots or trademarks, could be perforated or cut out of the foam. The 19 logos, such as single or interlocking letters such as "S", "OR", "NC", "ND", "UK", "3C", etc. (see figures 6a and 6b) show and produce the desired image 30, whether solid letters, outlined letters or a combination of both. Logo 19 images, such as an eagle and a cat's paw, can be easily produced (see figures 6c and 6d).

[0026] At least five "O" images can be formed from a perforated/cut "O" letter. The first image that could be cropped would be a solid "O" that is perforated. The remaining foam from which the perforated letter was produced could be used to show the outline and produce a "hollow" O image. The two "O" shapes that remain from the perforated foam (the one on the outside and the small one on the inside) could each be traced in their entirety and cut into two thin O's of different sizes that could be used together the proper spacing in the quilting to result in a three-dimensional "O" contour.

[0027] Images or logos 19 formed in molds may receive additional detail in certain areas, which is not possible with a simple punching operation. For example, molds can help when forming rounded portions, edges and crevices. This allows the three-dimensional imaging element 19 to produce an image outline 30 that is often significantly more detailed in appearance than a simple perforated image. Forming the image in a mold can help to impart varying depths within the same image to make it look more realistic and to provide a desired hologram-like effect to the image outline 30.

[0028] It should also be appreciated that the three-dimensional imaging element 18 may be formed in multiple sizes to fit items of different sizes. For example, a three-dimensional 18 image of an eagle could be 152.4 mm (6 inches) wide to fit through a 4 thigh pad, 101.6 mm (4 inches) wide to fit in. a hip pad or 76.2 mm (3 inches) wide to fit into a coccyx pad. Obviously, they can also be formed in different colors depending on the desired effect. Only a portion of the entire three-dimensional imaging element 18 can include one or more colors to enhance the image as it projects or appears through the exposed area of tissue 28 overlying the imaging element 18.

[0029] In the previously discussed embodiments, the three-dimensional imaging element 18 can be attached or directly connected to a front face of a pad 10. In one possible embodiment, the three-dimensional element 18 includes a backing sheet 50 (see figure 7). Such an embodiment may be positioned in a padding pocket 24 between pad 10 and the overlying exposed fabric area. When the exposed fabric area is stretched, friction will be provided to secure the three-dimensional element 18 and the backing sheet 50 in position on the face 14 of the pad 10. In such a situation, the provision of an additional fastener such as an adhesive layer or hook and loop fasteners may not be required.

[0030] Many team 10 pads include an irregular front face including R-protrusions, I-grooves, or other features. In these situations, the backing sheet 50 "smooths" the appearance of the front face 14, thus allowing the three-dimensional logo 19 of the imaging element 18 to produce a clearer and more accurate image contour 30 across the exposed fabric area 28 than it would be possible if the background sheet were not used. In this situation, it is often useful to have the backing sheet 50 cut to the size and shape necessary to cover the protrusions or other surface features of the pad to provide a smooth backing that will not interfere with the desired three-dimensional image 30 to be produced by the logo 19. In addition, when color is used as a feature of element 18, backing sheet 50 may, for example, be formed in the same color as the overlying exposed fabric area 28, while logo 19 includes one or more contrasting colors. In a particularly useful embodiment, the backing sheet 50 is a white color to match the football pants, while the image logo 19 is a relatively dark contrasting color that will show through the overlying exposed fabric area 28 to enhance the image produced 30. The contrasting color can be a traditional sport or school franchise color, if desired. In another possible embodiment, the logo 19 of the picture element 18 may be formed of a color (e.g. white) that matches the overlying uniform, while the backsheet 50 is formed of a darker contrasting color to outline the resulting image 30.

[0031] One possible embodiment of the bottom sheet 50 is illustrated in Figure 8. As shown, the rear face 60 of the bottom sheet 50 includes a margin area 62 covered in adhesive and a central area 64 within the margin that does not include adhesive. Advantageously, the adhesive edge 62 allows the backsheet 50 to be properly secured to the front face 14 of the underlying pad 10, while the adhesive-free central area 64 extends over any ridges R of the pad, connecting the ridges and providing a surface. smooth for displaying the image element 18.

[0032] This can be achieved in one of two ways. In the first, the adhesive is only applied to the edge area 62 and not the central area 64. In the second, the adhesive is applied all through the back face 60 of the backing sheet 50 and the adhesive-free central area 64 comprises a piece of foam in a desired shape that covers the adhesive in the central area. Such a piece of foam 64 helps to gently cover the protrusions R and to further project and enhance the imaging element 18 provided on the front or opposite side of the bottom sheet 50.

[0033] According to further aspects, a method to promote a sports team is provided. This method can be broadly described as comprising the steps of using a pad 10 with a three-dimensional imaging element 18 under the sportswear 22 of the sports team, producing a three-dimensional image 30 that projects through an exposed fabric area 28 of the sportswear. overlying the padding and providing that image in a form of a logo, such as a team logo or a player number. In another possible embodiment, the method includes using the exposed fabric area of the sportswear 22 having a first color and the three-dimensional element 18 having a second color that is darker than the first color and showing through the exposed fabric area.

[0034] In accordance with yet another aspect, a method is provided for decorating or adorning a sports team uniform. This method comprises using a pad 10 with a three-dimensional imaging element 18 under the sports team uniform 22 and producing a three-dimensional image 30 that projects through an exposed area of fabric 28 of the sports team uniform overlying the pad. The method includes providing the image element 18 in a form of a logo, such as a team logo or even a player number.

[0035] In addition, a method of decorating a team uniform is provided. This method comprises purchasing a kit 40 including a three-dimensional imaging element 18 featuring a shape selected from a group consisting of a player number, a logo and a combination thereof and then securing the three-dimensional imaging element under the exposed fabric area. 28 of the team uniform 22. This may include attaching the three-dimensional element 18 to a front face 14 of a sports pad 10 and inserting that pad into a padding pocket 24 in the team uniform so that the three-dimensional element projects an image across the exposed fabric area 28 overlying the padding. In one possible embodiment, kit 40 can include a sheet of material from which a user can cut a picture element including that of their own creation, if desired. Such a kit can also include a cutting instrument, if desired.

[0036] In summary, numerous benefits are solved by employing three-dimensional quilting and the methods described here. Specifically, a three-dimensional imaging element 18 can be affixed to any football pad, whether it's a knee pad, a thigh pad, a hip pad, a tailbone pad, a forearm pad, a foot pad. chin, a shoulder pad, a hand pad, or any other pad used in football or other sport. Since the three-dimensional imaging element 18 is affixed and covered by an exposed fabric area 28 of a tight sportswear 22, an image contour 30 shows through the exposed fabric area giving an almost hologram appearance. In this way, it is possible to decorate the sportswear creating a very interesting and thought-provoking effect that promotes the team and inspires players and fans alike. Significantly, imaging element 18 is provided behind an overlying exposed tissue area 28 of a single color. It is not provided behind an exposed area of fabric 28 including a complex design or image, as any misalignment between the image element 18 and the complex design or image on the fabric 28 can distort the viewer's final image, leading to a result unwanted and unattractive. Furthermore, the most useful embodiments include a picture element 18 that is removable from the pad 10 to allow the picture to be changed. In addition, the pad 10 including imaging element 18 is removable from a padding pocket on the uniform to better allow for uniform cleaning and image changes.

[0037] The three-dimensional image element may have substantially any suitable shape including, but not limited to, a team logo and a player number. By changing the three-dimensional image element from game to game, it is possible to provide 30 contours to celebrate different occasions. For example, for a game that honors military personnel, the three-dimensional image element might be in the shape of the American flag. For a game the following week, the three-dimensional image element can take the form of the team logo. For a game a week later, the three-dimensional image element takes the form of a player number. This number could be the current number of the player using the 18 image element. Alternatively, it could be the number of a current or former player who is being honored in some way, such as for a celebration to honor a star whose number is currently retired. In fact, by shifting the three-dimensional image element from game to game and from week to week, it is possible to decorate the sports team uniform in a number of different and virtually endless thought-provoking ways that will be anticipated and expected by fans and gamers alike.

[0038] The background has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments as precisely described. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, while this document has focused primarily on enhancing and embellishing football pads and football sports uniforms, other sports uniforms can be highlighted in the same way. Volleyball players can use the 18 three-dimensional imaging elements to decorate knee pads and elbow pads. Similarly, football players can use the three-dimensional imaging elements to embellish chin guards. The term "pads" should also be broad in scope to include sports gloves, elastic knee supports and other devices used in substantially any sport. In effect, any sports team in any sport may be able to utilize the three-dimensional image elements to enhance and embellish the team uniform. All such modifications and variations will be within the scope of the appended claims, when interpreted to the extent to which they are properly, legally and impartially designated.

Claims (9)

1. Three-dimensional pad (10) to be worn under a sportswear (22) to produce a desired image through said sportswear (22), comprising: a removable pad (10) including a body (12) having a front face ( 14) and a rear face (16); a three-dimensional image element (18) attached to said front face (14) of said body (12), whereby an image contour (30) will be produced, when said pad (10) is positioned under an exposed fabric area (28) of said sportswear (22) characterized by the fact that the three-dimensional image element (18) is presented in the form of a player number, word, logo or name. 2. Quilting according to claim 1, characterized in that said three-dimensional imaging element (18) is externally conical from a central area (44) towards the outer edge (46) so that said central area (44) projects a greater distance from said front face (14) of said body (12) than said outer edge (46). 3. Quilting, according to claim 1, characterized in that said three-dimensional imaging element (18) includes a bottom sheet (50). 4. Pad according to claim 3, characterized in that said backing sheet (50) includes a back face (60) having a central area free of adhesive (64) and a margin area covered by adhesive ( 62). 5. Method of decorating a sports team uniform, characterized in that it comprises: using a padding (10) with a three-dimensional image element (18), as defined in any of the preceding claims, under said sports team uniform (22); and produce a three-dimensional image (30) that projects through an exposed fabric area (28) of said sports team uniform (22) overlying said pad (10). 6. Kit to decorate a sports uniform, characterized in that it comprises: a three-dimensional padding (10), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4; and a fastener that secures said image element to said sports uniform or to a padding (10) worn under said sports uniform. 7. Kit according to claim 6, characterized in that it additionally includes instructions (42). 8. Kit according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it includes an adhesive fastener. 9. Kit according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it includes a hook and loop fastener.

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