Athletic shoulder pad system

Abstract

A protective pad system having an exoskeletal shell assembly and an impact absorbing cushioning pad assembly releasably and mechanically attached to the inner surface of the exoskeletal shell assembly. The cushioning pad assembly includes a plurality of independent sub pad assemblies constructed of moisture and heat tolerant materials and adhesives to allow frequent laundering.

1 . A protective shoulder pad system comprising: 
 an exoskeletal shoulder pad system that includes a duality of main arches and a duality of epaulet assemblies; and    a bilaterally symmetrical soft pad system that includes a plurality of independent soft pad assemblies releasably and mechanically attached to said main arches to provide localized compressible padding.    
   
   
       2 . The bilaterally symmetrical soft pad system of  claim 1  wherein each said independent soft pad assembly is releasable and mechanically attached to its immediately adjacent independent soft pad assembly.  
   
   
       3 . The bilaterally symmetrical soft pad system of  claim 1  wherein each independent soft pad assembly is releasable and mechanically attached to the said exoskeletal shoulder pad system.  
   
   
       4 . A protective soft pad system for use in conjunction with an exoskeletal upper body pad system comprising a plurality of soft sub pad assemblies.  
   
   
       5 . The soft pad system of  claim 4  wherein said independent soft pad sub assemblies are constructed of perforated air-permeable closed cell foam thereby enabling cooling of the torso of the wearer.  
   
   
       6 . The soft pad system of  claim 4  wherein said independent soft pad assemblies are constructed of thermal-formed closed cell foam disposed between moisture wicking, air-permeable fabric on the surface of the independent soft pad assemblies that come in contact with the wearer and air-permeable fabric on the remaining surfaces.  
   
   
       7 . The soft pad system of  claim 4  wherein the air-permeable fabric and the moisture wicking air-permeable fabric of said independent soft pad assemblies is bonded to the closed cell foam of said independent soft pad assemblies using a non water-soluble and heat tolerant adhesive to enable frequent laundering of said independent soft pad assemblies.