Interlocking Impact Protection System For Contact Sports

Abstract

Interlocking protective devices may comprise components that are joined by interlocking edge connections formed by mating interlocking edges of individual components. Components may be made of impact resistant materials that are semi-rigid. Interlocking edge connections may provide a degree of flexibility for the protective device while mechanically and/or frictionally retaining components together.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An interlocking protective device to protect a portion of a wearer's anatomy, the interlocking protective structure comprising:
 a first component that extends in three dimensions to conform to a first sub-portion of the portion of the wearer's anatomy, the first component having at least a first interlocking edge having a first configuration; and   a second component that extends in three dimensions to conform to a second sub-portion of the portion of the wearer's anatomy, the second component having at least a second interlocking edge having a second configuration, the second configuration interlocking with the first configuration to form an interlocking edge connection to retain the second component to the first component, such that the first component and the second component conform to the first sub-portion and the second sub-portion of the portion of the wearer's anatomy when the interlocking protective device is worn.   
     
     
         2 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the first interlocking edge comprises a first plurality of tabs and notches and the second interlocking edge comprises a second plurality of tabs and notches that mate with the first plurality of tabs and notches. 
     
     
         3 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , further comprising a third component that extends in three diminesions to conform to a third sub-portion of the wearer's anatomy, and wherein:
 the second component further comprises a third interlocking edge having a third plurality of tabs and notches, and   the third component has a fourth interlocking edge having a fourth plurality of tabs and notches that mate with the third plurality of tabs and notches of the third interlocking edge to form a second interlocking edge connection.   
     
     
         4 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 3 , wherein the first interlocking edge, second interlocking edge, third interlocking edge, and fourth interlocking edge extend in a substantially vertical direction in an as worn position. 
     
     
         5 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 3 , wherein the first interlocking edge, second interlocking edge, third interlocking edge, and fourth interlocking edge extend in a substantially horizontal direction. 
     
     
         6 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 1 , further comprising a third component with a third interlocking edge having a third configuration having a third configuration, and wherein the second component has at least a fourth interlocking edge having a fourth configuration, the third configuration interlocking with the fourth configuration to form an interlocking edge connection to retain the third component to the second component, such that the third component is retained in a position forming a gap between the third component and the first component. 
     
     
         7 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the first interlocking edge comprises a first hinge component and the second interlocking edge comprises a second hinge component adapted to mate with the first hinge component, the protective device further comprising a pin that flexibly joins the first hinge component to the second hinge component. 
     
     
         8 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the first interlocking edge comprises at least a first a ball and the second interlocking edge comprises at least a first socket that mates with the at least a first ball. 
     
     
         9 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the first component and the second component are made of a copolyester. 
     
     
         10 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the first component and the second component are made of a nylon. 
     
     
         11 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the first component and the second component are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. 
     
     
         12 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the first component and the second component are made of polypropylene. 
     
     
         13 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the first component and the second component are made of moldable carbon fibers. 
     
     
         14 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the first interlocking edge and the second interlocking edge are formed by cutting the first component and the second component from an integrally formed piece having the size, shape, and configuration of the intended assembled interlocking protective device. 
     
     
         15 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 14 , wherein the integrally formed piece is formed by molding. 
     
     
         16 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 14 , wherein the integrally formed piece is formed by an additive manufacturing process. 
     
     
         17 . The interlocking protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the first component and the second component are formed separately. 
     
     
         18 . A protective device comprising:
 at least two components, each of the components configured in three dimensions to conform to a sub-portion of a wearer's anatomy, each of the components having at least one interlocking edge;   at least one interlocking edge connection formed by mating two interlocking edges from two different components of the at least two components, such that the at least two components joined by the at least one interlocking edge form the protective device such that the protective device conforms to a portion of the wearer's anatomy when worn.   
     
     
         19 . The protective device of  claim 18 , wherein the two interlocking edges forming each of the interlocking edge connections mate in two dimensions. 
     
     
         20 . The protective device of  claim 18 , wherein the two interlocking edges forming each of the interlocking edge connections mate in three dimensions.