Chest protector including internal heat dispersion channels

Abstract

A chest protector includes rows of padding protruding inwardly from a base section. The pads are arranged to rest against the body of a wearer. Ventilation channels are located between neighboring rows of padding to provide multiple paths for heat dispersion. The rows of padding are able to flex relative to one another such that the chest protector may conform to the body of the wearer.

1 . A chest protector, comprising:
 a base section;   a plurality of rows of pads protruding inwardly from the base section, wherein the rows of pads are spaced apart from one another by a plurality of ventilation channels; and   means for securing the base section to a wearer such that the rows of inwardly protruding pads engage the front torso of the wearer.   
     
     
         2 . The chest protector of  claim 1  further comprising a rear section attached to an upper region of the base section, wherein the means for securing comprises:
 at least one strap directly or indirectly attached to the rear section; 
 an attachment element attached to the strap; and 
 a receiving element directly or indirectly attached to a side region of the base section. 
 
     
     
         3 . The chest protector of  claim 2  wherein the rear section is directly or indirectly attached to a harness that supports the at least one strap. 
     
     
         4 . The chest protector of  claim 3  wherein the harness includes at least one opening through which the at least one strap passes. 
     
     
         5 . The chest protector of  claim 2  wherein the at least one strap includes two ends each attached to an attachment element, and wherein a corresponding receiving element is directly or indirectly attached to each of two side regions of the base section. 
     
     
         6 . The chest protector of  claim 2  wherein the at least one strap is made of an elastic, stretchable material. 
     
     
         7 . The chest protector of  claim 1  further comprising at least one upper arm pad removably connected to the base section. 
     
     
         8 . The chest protector of  claim 1  wherein the base section includes padded upper regions configured to extend over a wearer's shoulders toward the back of the wearer. 
     
     
         9 . A chest protector, comprising:
 an outwardly facing base section;   a plurality of rows of pads protruding inwardly from the base section and arranged to engage the front torso of a wearer, wherein the rows of pads are spaced apart from one another by a plurality of heat dispersion channels;   a rear section attached to an upper region of the base section;   at least one first fastening element attached directly or indirectly to a side portion of the base section;   at least one second fastening element, configured to engage the first fastening element, attached directly or indirectly to the rear section.   
     
     
         10 . The chest protector of  claim 9  further comprising at least one strap directly or indirectly attached to the rear section, wherein the second fastening element is attached to the strap. 
     
     
         11 . The chest protector of  claim 10  further comprising a harness directly or indirectly attached to the rear section, wherein the at least one strap is supported by the harness. 
     
     
         12 . The chest protector of  claim 11  wherein the at least one strap includes two ends each attached to a second fastening element, and wherein a corresponding first fastening element is directly or indirectly attached to each of two side portions of the base section. 
     
     
         13 . The chest protector of  claim 10  wherein the at least one strap is made of an elastic, stretchable material. 
     
     
         14 . The chest protector of  claim 9  further comprising at least one upper arm pad removably connected to the base section. 
     
     
         15 . The chest protector of  claim 9  wherein the upper region of the base section includes padding and extends over a wearer's shoulders toward the back of the wearer. 
     
     
         16 . A chest protector, comprising:
 a base section including upper regions configured to rest on a wearer's shoulders;   a plurality of pads protruding inwardly from the base section and arranged to engage the front torso of the wearer, wherein the pads are spaced apart from one another by a plurality of ventilation channels;   a rear section connected to the upper regions of the base section and configured to engage the rear torso of the wearer;   at least one strap directly or indirectly attached to the rear section;   at least one fastening element attached to the at least one strap;   at least one receiving element attached directly or indirectly to the base section for receiving the at least one fastening element.   
     
     
         17 . The chest protector of  claim 16  further comprising a harness directly or indirectly attached to the rear section, wherein the at least one strap is supported by the harness. 
     
     
         18 . The chest protector of  claim 17  wherein the at least one strap includes two ends each attached to a fastening element, and wherein a corresponding receiving element is directly or indirectly attached to each of two side regions of the base section. 
     
     
         19 . The chest protector of  claim 16  wherein the at least one strap is made of an elastic, stretchable material. 
     
     
         20 . The chest protector of  claim 16  further comprising at least one upper arm pad removably connected to the base section.