ARTICLE OF CLOTHING

Abstract

An article of clothing for a body of a person includes: a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person's body when the article of clothing is worn; a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion; and a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing and a method of protecting ones' body by donning an article of clothing are also included.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/913,296, filed Apr. 22, 2007, which provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an article of clothing for use while engaged in athletic activities. The athletic apparel market has exploded in recent years. Companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok manufacture a wide range and assortment of athletic apparel for use in a variety of athletic activities. The apparel needs of all athletes are not identical, however.

A need continues to exist for improvements in athletic apparel for use while engaged in activities such as cheerleading, gymnastics, Pilates, Yoga, and other general athletic activities and exercises. One or more such needs are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of cheerleading, gymnastics, tumbling, and other athletic activities, the present invention is not limited to use only in athletic activities, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, the invention may be used in such activities as Pilates, Yoga and other exercises.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to an article of clothing for a body of a person. An exemplary such article of clothing includes a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person's body when the article of clothing is worn, a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion, and a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion defines a raised collar for at least partially encircling the area of the neck when the article is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing padding member is located in the raised collar.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the fabric comprises a moisture-wicking material for drawing perspiration away from the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of the person's body at the gripping area for lifting, catching, and throwing of the person.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises silicone rubber.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area are located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of six generally oval-shaped surfaces of silicone rubber screen printed onto the fabric of the body portion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area are located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a shoulder when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a side of the torso below the arm when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a back of a thigh when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area proximate a knee when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of a back of a knee when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area of an elbow when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover one of the impact-absorbing padding members.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of the article of clothing covers a majority of the lower half of the body of the person, the article comprising pants.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of the article of clothing covers a majority of the upper half of the body of the person, the article comprising a shirt.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of the article of clothing covers a majority of the body of the person, the article comprising a jumpsuit.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is sewn to a layer of the fabric of the body portion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is retained between inner and outer layers of the fabric.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the inner and outer layers of the fabric are sewn together about a periphery of the at least one impact-absorbing pad member.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the knee of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the impact-absorbing pad members covering the knee is approximately 5¾ inches wide by 7¼ inches long.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover a portion of a forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover an outer portion of a forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, and a second impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover an inner portion of a forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the first and second impact-absorbing pad members is approximately 1¾ inches wide by 5¾ inches long.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover a portion of an elbow of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad member covering the elbow is approximately 3½ inches wide by 4½ inches long.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at least partially cover a portion of a bicep of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad member covering the bicep is approximately 3 inches wide by 4½ inches long.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the neck of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the shoulders of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members collectively cover at least an outer portion of each forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, an inner portion of each forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, a portion of each elbow of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, and a portion of each bicep of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the neck of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively cover at least a portion of the shoulders of the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an article of clothing. An exemplary such method includes the steps of screen printing silicone rubber onto a stretchable fabric in preselected areas of the fabric, attaching pads to the fabric in preselected areas of the fabric, and fabricating an article of clothing using the fabric such that the article of clothing comprises a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of a person's body when the article of clothing is worn. Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the screen printed silicone rubber defines a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas has a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion, and the pads are covered by the exterior surface of the body portion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said screen printing step is performed before said pads are attached.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the pads are attached before said screen printing step is performed.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of the person's body at the gripping area for lifting, catching, and throwing of the person.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces, the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area being located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of protecting a person's body during gymnastics, cheering, or physical exercise. An exemplary such method includes the step of donning an article of clothing that comprises a stretchable fabric such that the article of clothing defines a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person's body. Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the article of clothing further includes a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, and each of the gripping areas has a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion. In this aspect of the invention, the article of clothing further includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members. Still yet, in this aspect of the invention, said donning includes positioning the article of clothing such that the gripping areas collectively at least partially cover areas including the shoulders, the sides of the torso below the arm, and the elbows. Further still, in this aspect of the invention, said donning includes positioning the article of clothing such that the impact-absorbing pad members collectively at least partially cover inner and outer portions of the forearm, the elbows, the biceps, and the shoulders.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively at least partially cover the neck.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively at least partially cover the knee.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the gripping areas further collectively at least partially cover areas proximate the knee.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method further includes lifting the person who has donned the article of clothing off of the ground by gripping the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method further includes throwing the person who has donned the article of clothing by gripping with a hand the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method further includes catching the person who has donned the article of clothing by gripping the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel 10 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 110 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel 110 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 210 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 310 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel 310 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 410 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel 410 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel 410 in which the person has one arm extended;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a front of a shirt 506 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a rear of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a gripping area 12 of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the top of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the back of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 16 is a close-up view illustrating an area of elbow padding 16B in the shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 17 is a close up view of an area of inner forearm padding 16A1 in the shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 18 is a close up view of an area of outer forearm padding 16A2 in the shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the spatial relationship of the padding areas 16A1,16A2,16B,16C of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 20 is a close-up view illustrating both a collar 520 and a logo 502 in the upper half of the front of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a front side of a pair of pants 508 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a front side of the pants 508 of FIG. 21 turned inside out;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508 of FIG. 21 turned inside out;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an alternative arrangement of a gripping area 612 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of an impact-absorbing pad member 619 bonded to a piece of a stretchable fabric 604 to be used in constructing articles of clothing in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a template 710 for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the profiles of impact-absorbing pads for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a sleeve template 910 for use in manufacturing shirts in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Additionally, when used herein and in the claims, the phrase “relative coefficient of friction” of a surface refers to the coefficient of friction of that surface with respect to the skin of a human hand.

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel 10 shown includes two articles of clothing: a shirt 06; and pants 08. The pants are designed to have a waist line 07 located below a wearer's 80 hips. Each article of clothing 06,08, or a portion thereof, comprises a stretchable fabric. The fabric includes a moisture-wicking material that is designed so that fibers attract perspiration and draw it from the body of the wearer 80.

Additionally, each article has a plurality of gripping areas 12 located on an exterior surface thereof. Each gripping area has a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric material making up the body portion of the respective article of clothing of the technical cheer apparel 10. Furthermore, each gripping area 12 may itself be made up of several smaller areas. The gripping areas 12 are generally dimensioned and configured to facilitate the non-slip gripping by hand of the wearer's 80 body at the gripping areas 12 for lifting, catching, and throwing of the wearer 80.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel 10 of FIG. 1. As will be appreciated from observation of both FIGS. 1 and 2, the technical cheer apparel 10 of FIGS. 1-2 includes gripping areas 12 located proximate the front and rear of the wearer's 80 knees; proximate the side of the wearer's 80 thighs; proximate the front and rear of a middle portion of the wearer's 80 torso; and proximate the front and rear of the wearer's 80 shoulders. While these locations are believed to provide optimum performance of the technical cheer apparel 10, these locations of the gripping areas 12 in this first preferred embodiment (as well as in other preferred embodiments) are exemplary only, and do not foreclose other possible locations of gripping areas in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. Likewise, a location illustrated as having a gripping area 12 in one or more preferred embodiments may not have a gripping area 12 at that location in other embodiments.

The technical cheer apparel 10 of FIGS. 1-2 further includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members. The pad members include shoulder and neck padding 14 retained proximate the wearer's 80 shoulders. The padding 14 itself preferably comprises foam pads. The shoulder and neck padding 14 is configured to reduce bruising and discomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting.

The pad members also include: padding 16 retained by sewing within layers of fabric of the shirt 06 proximate the wearer's 80 forearm and proximate the wearer's 80 elbow; and contoured knee padding 18 retained proximate the wearer's 80 knee. Furthermore, the contoured knee padding 18 preferably is configured to provide extra support to the tibia and fibula. Moreover, preferably none of the padding 14,16,18 hinders the wearer's 80 movement while performing athletic activities.

The technical cheer apparel 10 of FIGS. 1-2 also includes a raised collar 20. The raised collar 20 is designed to minimize abrasions that may be caused by friction resulting from cheerleading activities, especially friction that may occur from contact with a hand or shoe of another person.

In the technical cheer apparel 10, the pad members may be bonded to the fabric of the shirt and pants. Alternatively, or in addition to, the pad members may be sewn to the fabric or contained within pockets formed between layers of the fabric that have been sewed together.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 110 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel 110 has the same gripping areas 12, padding 14,16,18, and raised collar 20 as the technical cheer apparel 10; however, where the technical cheer apparel 10 includes two articles of clothing 06,08, the technical cheer apparel 110 includes only a single article of clothing in the form of a jumpsuit. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel 110 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 210 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel 210 has the same gripping areas 12, padding 14,16,18, and raised collar 20 as the technical cheer apparel 10. The technical cheer apparel 210 additionally demonstrates how impact padding 16 may be located proximate a wearer's 280 inner biceps.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 310 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Like the technical cheer apparel 110, the technical cheer apparel 310 includes two articles of clothing, namely, a shirt 306 and a pair of pants 308, and each article includes a plurality of gripping areas 12. Unlike the technical cheer apparel 110, however, the technical cheer apparel 310 does not have a raised collar 20 and does not include any padding 14,16,18. FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel 310 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 410 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel 410 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel 410 in which the person has one arm extended.

The technical cheer apparel 410 includes two articles of clothing, namely, a shirt 406 and a pair of pants 408. Unlike the technical cheer apparel 10, the technical cheer apparel 410 does not include a plurality of gripping areas 12. The technical cheer apparel 410 does, however, include a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members sewn into the technical cheer apparel 410. Shoulder and neck padding 414 is sewn in to the underside of the technical cheer apparel 10 proximate the wearer's 80 shoulders. This shoulder and neck padding 14 is configured to reduce bruising and discomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting. Impact padding 16 is sewn into the underside of the technical cheer apparel 10 proximate the wearer's 80 forearm and proximate the wearer's 80 elbow. Preferably, none of the padding 414,416 hinders the wearer's 480 movement while performing cheerleading activities and stunting.

FIGS. 11-27 are photographs of an technical cheer apparel 510 in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheer apparel 510 includes a shirt 506 and pants 508.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a front of the shirt 506 and FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a rear of the shirt 506. The shirt 506 has a plurality of gripping areas 12 on its exterior surface. As shown in FIG. 13, each gripping area 12 itself may comprise several smaller areas 513. The gripping areas 12 are located on the exterior surface of the shirt 506 such that each gripping area 12 will be proximate a particular location of a body of a person that wears the shirt 506. As can be perhaps best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 12, the shirt 506 includes gripping areas 12 that will be located proximate a left and right side of a front and rear of a person's torso, proximate a front and rear of both a left and right shoulder of a person, and proximate a front of both a left and right elbow of a person.

The shirt 506 also includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members sewn in to an underside of the shirt 506. As used herein and in the drawings, 506′ is intended to denote the shirt 506 when in an inside-out configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 14, shoulder and neck padding 14 is sewn in to the underside of the shirt 506′ so as to be located proximate a left and right shoulder of a person wearing the shirt 506. This shoulder and neck padding 14 is configured to reduce bruising and discomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, impact padding 16A1,16A2,16B,16C is sewn in to the underside of the shirt 506′, along each arm of the shirt 506. Specifically, impact padding 16C is positioned so as to be located proximate an inner bicep of each arm of a person wearing the shirt 506. Additionally, impact padding 16B is positioned so as to be located proximate an outer portion of an elbow of a person wearing the shirt 506. FIG. 16 illustrates this impact padding 16B, positioned so as to be located proximate the elbow of the person wearing the shirt, and demonstrates how the impact padding 16B is positioned so as to be transected by a sleeve stitch line 532. Further, impact padding 16A1,16A2 is positioned so as to be located proximate an inner portion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt 506. FIG. 17 illustrates impact padding 16A1 positioned so as to be located proximate an inner portion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt 506. FIG. 18 illustrates impact padding 16A2 positioned so as to be located proximate an outer portion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt 506.

FIG. 19 provides perspective of the relative spatial relationship of the padding 16A1,16A2,16B,16C and shows how 16B is twisted around to a front of the shirt 506 for the photograph. Preferably, none of the padding 14,16A1,16A2,16B,16C hinders movement of a person wearing the shirt 506.

As can be seen in FIG. 20, the shirt 506 additionally includes a raised collar 520. The raised collar 520 is designed to minimize abrasions that may be caused by friction resulting from cheerleading and other activities, specifically friction which may occur from contact with a hand or shoe of another person. Furthermore, while the raised collar 520 is not shown having impact padding, impact padding may be provided in accordance with a variation of this preferred embodiment. The shirt 506 further includes a logo 502.

FIGS. 21-24 are views of the pair of pants 508. FIG. 21 is a top perspective photograph of a front side of the pants 508 and FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508. Like the shirt 506, the pants 508 have a plurality of gripping areas 12 attached to their exterior surface. Each gripping area 12 itself is made up of several smaller areas. The gripping areas 12 are positioned on the exterior surface of the pants 508 such that each gripping area 12 will be proximate a particular location of a body of a person that wears the pants 508. As can be seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the pants 508 include gripping areas 12 that will be located proximate a front and rear of both a left and right knee of a person, and proximate a rear portion just below a waist of a person.

The pants 508 also include a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members sewn in to an underside of the pants 508. As used herein and in the drawings, 508′ denotes the pants 508 in an inside-out configuration. FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a front side of the pants 508′, and FIG. 24 a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508′. As can be seen in FIG. 23, contoured knee padding 18 is sewn in to the underside of the pants 508′ so as to be located proximate a front of a left and right knee of a person wearing the pants 508. This contoured knee padding 18 is configured to provide extra support to the tibia and fibula. Preferably, none of the padding 18 hinders movement of a person wearing the pants 508.

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an alternative arrangement of a gripping area 612 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The gripping area 612 includes a plurality of smaller areas 613 that are generally ovular. The configuration of the plurality of smaller areas 613 in FIG. 11 is illustrative only, there are many alternative configurations that may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of an impact-absorbing pad member 619 bonded to a piece of a stretchable fabric 604 to be used in constructing articles of clothing in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 27-29 relate to methods of manufacturing an article of clothing in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a template 710 for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The template 710 indicates preselected printing areas 712 where silicone rubber is to be screen printed onto a stretchable fabric. The template 710 further indicates, by solid lines, template sections that the stretchable fabric is to be sectioned into. Template sections 708 are configured to be joined together to form a pair of pants in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Template sections 706 are configured to be joined together to form a shirt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pair of pants and the shirt may further be joined together to form a jumpsuit, or may remain separate.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the profiles of impact-absorbing pads for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The pad template 810 indicates the profile of impact-absorbing pad members that are to be affixed to a stretchable fabric in manufacturing an article of clothing. This affixation may be accomplished by sewing an impact-absorbing pad member to the stretchable fabric. Alternatively, there may be a first layer of stretchable fabric and second layer of fabric, and this affixation may take the form of retaining the impact-absorbing pad member between the first layer of stretchable fabric and the second layer of fabric. Still yet, this affixation may take the form of sewing a first layer of stretchable fabric and a second layer of fabric together about a periphery of the impact-absorbing pad member.

FIG. 29 is schematic illustration of a sleeve template 910 for use in manufacturing shirts in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The sleeve template 910 indicates preselected printing areas 912 where silicone rubber is to be screen printed onto a stretchable fabric. The sleeve template 910 further indicates, by dotted lines, preselected padding areas 914 where impact-absorbing pad members are to be affixed to an underside of the stretchable fabric. The sleeve template 910 further indicates, by a solid line, the outline of a sleeve section that is to be sectioned from the stretchable fabric. After such sectioning, the sleeve section may be wrapped around on itself such that a portion of the sleeve section corresponding to a sleeve protrusion 962 is received in a portion of the sleeve section corresponding to a sleeve protrusion receptor 964.

Although only a sleeve template 910 is illustrated in detail herein, it will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that this process may be applied to every section of an article of clothing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An article of clothing for a body of a person, comprising:

(a) a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person's body when the article of clothing is worn;

(b) a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion; and

(c) a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion.

2. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the body portion defines a raised collar for at least partially encircling the area of the neck when the article is worn, and wherein an impact-absorbing padding member is located in the raised collar.

3. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein each of the gripping areas comprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of the person's body at the gripping area for lifting, catching, and throwing of the person.

4. The article of clothing of claim 3, wherein each of the gripping areas comprises silicone rubber.

5. The article of clothing of claim 3, wherein each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces.

6. The article of clothing of claim 5, wherein the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area are located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area.

7. The article of clothing of claim 3, wherein a first gripping area is located on the body portion so as to at least partially cover one of the impact-absorbing padding members.

8. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is sewn to a layer of the fabric of the body portion.

9. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is retained between inner and outer layers of the fabric.

10. The article of clothing of claim 9, wherein the inner and outer layers of the fabric are sewn together about a periphery of the at least one impact-absorbing pad member.

11. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing, comprising the steps of:

(a) screen printing silicone rubber onto a stretchable fabric in preselected areas of the fabric;

(b) attaching pads to the fabric in preselected areas of the fabric; and

(c) fabricating an article of clothing using the fabric such that the article of clothing comprises a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of a person's body when the article of clothing is worn;

(d) wherein the screen printed silicone rubber defines a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion; and

(e) wherein the pads are covered by the exterior surface of the body portion.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said screen printing step is performed before said pads are attached.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the pads are attached before said screen printing step is performed.

14. The article of clothing of claim 13, wherein each of the gripping areas comprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of the person's body at the gripping area for lifting, catching, and throwing of the person.

15. The article of clothing of claim 14, wherein each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces, the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area being located in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the gripping area.

16. A method of protecting a person's body during gymnastics, cheering, or physical exercise, comprising the step of donning an article of clothing that comprises a stretchable fabric such that the article of clothing defines a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person's body, the article of clothing further comprising a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion, and a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members, wherein said donning includes:

(a) positioning the article of clothing such that the gripping areas collectively at least partially cover areas including, (i) the shoulders, (ii) the sides of the torso below the arm, (iii) the elbows, and

(b) positioning the article of clothing such that the impact-absorbing pad members collectively at least partially cover, (i) inner and outer portions of the forearm, (ii) the elbows, (iii) the biceps, and (iv) the shoulders.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the impact-absorbing pad members further collectively at least partially cover areas of the neck and the knee, and wherein the gripping areas further collectively at least partially cover areas proximate the knee.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising lifting the person who has donned the article of clothing off of the ground by gripping the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising throwing the person who has donned the article of clothing by gripping with a hand the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising catching the person who has donned the article of clothing by gripping the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.