CHEST PROTECTOR

Abstract

Chest protectors (e.g., for use during motocross, or other high-speed motor sports) for protecting a rider from injury are provided. A chest protector is made with removable protective attachments that provide flexibility and has a low neckline, or removable neck attachment, to facilitate use of the chest protector with removable neck braces. In some implementations, the neck brace is be attached to the chest protector, e.g., using hook and loop fasteners.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of provisional application No. 61/242,510, attorney docket number 73893-378923, filed Sep. 15, 2009, and entitled “CHEST PROTECTOR,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to personal protective gear. In particular, various embodiments of the present invention relate to chest protectors.

BACKGROUND

Chest protectors are generally worn by motocross participants, “BMX” participants, participants in other active sports, as well as contact sport participants such as football, hockey and lacrosse. Traditional chest protectors used for motocross are generally designed to protect the participant's chest, back, shoulders, and clavicle from flying debris, from injury during a fall or crash, contact with other participants, and the like.

Recently, new safety gear has been introduced to motocross and other active sports to better protect participants. One of the more significant safety devices that have been introduced in recent years are neck braces that protect the participant's head from high velocity forward movement (i.e. toward the chest) and rearward movement (i.e. toward the back), which are a leading cause of spinal and head injuries. These neck braces include structure that extends downwardly from the neck along the upper chest and upper back to support the neck and limit movement. Commercially available neck braces are sold, for example, by Alpinestars and Troy Lee Designs (under the brand name “LEATT”).

Unfortunately, conventional chest protectors are not necessarily compatible with these neck braces. In particular, the use of conventional chest protectors in combination with these neck braces may cause the neck brace to not fit properly due to the positioning of the extending structure relative to the chest and back shields included on many chest protectors, and/or due to the presence of clavicle or shoulder caps that interfere with structure on the neck brace intended to rest on the clavicle of the participant. This, in turn, may cause the neck brace to rest too high on the participant and/or cause the chest protector to fit improperly or uncomfortably to accommodate the neck brace extensions.

The result is that participants have either opted not to wear either the chest protector or the neck brace, or have worn both in an ill-fitting manner. In either case, the safety and/or comfort of the user may be impacted.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to chest protectors particularly for use in high-speed motor sports (e.g., motocross) or other activities to protect the participant from impact with other participants and/or objects.

Some embodiments provide for an impact protection device with a protective harness and a base chest plate. The protective harness is optionally configured to fit around an upper body of a user. In some embodiments, the protective harness includes a shoulder yoke. The protective harness optionally includes one or more releasable latches and straps, or other fastening means, used to secure the protective harness to the upper body of the user.

The base chest plate is optionally attached to a front portion of the protective harness. In some embodiments, the base chest plate has a neckline configured to facilitate attachment of a removable neck brace (e.g., a LEATT® brace) to the protective harness. For example, various embodiments include base chest plates that have a low-neck line to allow for integration of removable neck braces. Examples of the types of low-neck lines include, but are not limited to V-shape necklines and U-shape necklines, although other configurations are contemplated, such as square necklines or polygonal necklines, for example.

The removable neck brace is optionally attached to the protective harness to provide additional protection to the user. For example, in some embodiments, the removable neck brace limits tilting movements of a helmeted head of the user in some directions (e.g., anterior-posterior and/or medial-lateral directions) or in all directions.

One embodiment provides an impact protection device including a harness configured to be worn over clavicles or shoulders of a user; a protective chest portion attached to a front portion of the protective harness; and a protective back portion attached to a rear portion of the harness, the chest and back portion defining a neck opening. The protective chest and back portions each include a channel sized and shape to removably receive respective front and back portions of a neck brace that extend downwardly over an upper portion of the chest and back when worn by the user such that the neck brace forms a nesting fit with the front and back portions of the chest protector.

Another embodiment provides an impact protection device comprising a harness configured to be worn over clavicles or shoulders of a user; a protective chest portion attached to a front portion of the protective harness; and a protective back portion attached to a rear portion of the harness, the chest and back portion defining a neck opening. At least one of protective chest and back portions include a cut-out region along the neck opening, the cut-out regions being sized and shaped to removably receive a respective front or back portion of a neck brace that extends downwardly over an upper portion of the chest or back when worn by the user such that the neck brace forms a nesting fit with the front or back portion of the chest protector.

A further embodiment provides a protective chest portion adapted to be attached over a chest of a user; a protective back portion adapted to be attached over a back of the user, the chest and back portions defining a neck opening; and a neck brace including front and rear portions that extend downwardly over an upper portion of the chest and back of the user. The protective chest and back portions each include a channel sized and shaped to removably receive respective front and back portions of a neck brace that extend downwardly over an upper portion of the chest and back when worn by the user such that the neck brace forms a nesting fit with the front and back portions of the chest protector.

Still another embodiment of the present invention includes a harness configured to be worn over clavicles or shoulders of a user; a protective chest portion attached to a front portion of the protective harness; a protective back portion attached to a rear portion of the harness; and protective rib portions attached the chest or back portions at a flexible joint. All previously described features may also be included in this embodiment.

Methods of making and using each of the foregoing embodiments is also provided by the invention.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes some illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the scope of invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are described and explained through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a front view and back view, respectively, of an exemplary chest protector in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the chest protector shown in FIG. 1a-1b.

FIG. 3 illustrates a neck brace suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate front and rear views of the chest protector of FIGS. 1-2 in combination with a neck brace.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the chest protector and neck brace shown in FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a front view and back view, respectively, of an exemplary chest protector in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the chest protector shown in FIGS. 6a-6b.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate front and rear views of the chest protector of FIGS. 6-7 in combination with a neck brace.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the chest protector and neck brace shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

The drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, while the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to personal protective gear, such as chest protectors. As used herein, the term “chest protector” includes a device that when worn covers a portion of a torso of a user (not shown), including a front (anterior) and/or back (posterior) portion of the user. The torso of the user generally includes the upper body (e.g., neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, upper back, and lower back. Though chest protectors generally are worn on the torso, chest protectors according to some embodiments also include extensions and/or other features for protecting the groin, buttocks, thighs, and/or other portions of users. In some uses, chest protectors are worn underneath clothing (e.g., a jersey or enduro jacket) or on top of clothing during motocross, or other high-speed motor sports to protect a rider from injury.

In some embodiments, a chest protector is made with dense foam that provides flexibility that facilitates movement of the user through a desired range of motion. The chest protector optionally includes hardened areas (e.g., portions formed of durable polycarbonate, plastics, nylon, or other materials formed by injection molding or other appropriate methodology) to protect the rider from impacts with the ground, flying debris, other riders, stationary objects (e.g., tree branches, barricades, rocks, etc). Additionally or alternatively, various portions of the chest protector are formed of dense foam. As subsequently described, in some embodiment, the chest protector is adapted to have auxiliary protection components added or removed from a base unit, the chest protector defining an assembly formed of multiple pieces that facilitate specialization for particular uses and/or according to user preferences.

In some embodiments, the chest protector includes multiple connection points that allow the user to add one or more removable protective attachments, also described as auxiliary protection components, to a base chest plate and/or protective harness, also described as a base unit. Examples of removable protective attachments include, but are not limited to, heart guard, neck brace, shoulder pads, shoulder caps, front clavicle caps, back clavicle caps, lower back pads, extended back sections, extended rib sections, floating bicep protectors, lower back sections, and others. In some cases, one or more of these protective attachments may be more permanently affixed (i.e., not intended to be removed by the user) to the base chest plate while others are intended to be removable by the user. The chest guard may also include an integrated back protection system and upper arm guards.

In some embodiments, the base chest plate is designed to allow for integration with various styles of neck braces to limit movement of the user's head. For example, some base chest plates have a low-neck line that facilitates integration of the neck brace into the base chest plate as a protective unit. In some embodiments, the neckline of the base chest plate has a complementary shape to the neck brace so that the base chest plate and the neck brace fit together in a complementary fit. Examples of low-neck lines include, but are not limited to V-shape necklines and U-shape necklines, although other shapes are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the chest protector includes an upper chest portion that is removed from or not included with the base chest plate to create a low-neck line for receiving a removable neck brace. When the neck brace is not being used, the user may reattach the upper chest portion to the base chest plate for additional protection. Examples of acceptable neck braces include those available from Leatt Corporation, Inc., 26320 Diamond Place, Suite 130, Santa Clarita, Calif., 91350, as well as those described in United States Patent Publication 2007/0010771 to Leatt, entitled “Neck Brace,” (hereinafter referred to as “LEATT® neck braces”), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In some embodiments, the neck brace is attached to the protective device using hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®. In some embodiments, a loop strap with both sides made of the loop material of the fastener is attached to the neck brace or the protective device (e.g., on the harness or on a protective attachment). The loop strap is positioned between two fastener straps for a stronger connection than a single loop and single fastener.

FIGS. 1a-1b illustrate a front view and back view, respectively, of an exemplary chest protector 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1a-1b, chest protector 100 includes a protective chest plate 110 and a protective back plate 120 that are attached via a harness 130, a portion (also referred to as a yolk) of which is adapted to extend over the shoulders/clavicle of a user. A strap 135 extends around the ribs of a user and attaches to the front 110 and back 120 plates. The harness 130 may include two separate portions extending along either side of a user's clavicles/shoulders, or it may be a loop extending around the front and back as well as the clavicles/shoulders. The strap and harness may be connected with one or more vertical straps.

The chest plate 110 in one embodiment includes an upper chest portion 140 and a lower chest portion 142. The back plate 120 includes an upper back portion 144, a middle back portion 145, a lower back portion 146 and a lower back extension 147. In one embodiment, one or more of these chest and/or back portions are removable. More particularly, the upper chest portion 142, upper back portion 144 and/or the middle back portion 146 is removable. As explained in further detail herein, removing these portions provides the chest protector with a modified neckline that forms channels for receiving portions of a neck brace optionally worn in conjunction with the chest protector.

In addition to chest plate 110, back plate 120, the chest protector 100 according to the illustrated embodiment includes clavicle caps 150 160, shoulder caps 170, rib guards 180 and rib extenders 190. As a matter of clarification, the clavicle caps 150, 160 and shoulder caps 170 shown in both the front and rear views of FIGS. 1a-1b (and other Figures) illustrate the same components. Overlap was shown to provide continuity between the views.

Some or all of the chest protector components referenced herein may include an inner layer 195 (See FIG. 3) formed from a flexible compressible material such as a dense foam, and an outer layer formed from polycarbonate, nylon, and/or other plastics, although a variety of materials are contemplated. The inner layer may be continuous throughout the chest protector or segmented corresponding to the various parts.

In accordance with various embodiments, one or more of the harness 130 strap 135, upper chest portion 140, lower chest portion 142, upper back portion 144, middle back portion 145, lower back portion 146, lower back extension 147, clavicle caps 150, 160, shoulder caps 170, rib guards 180 and rib extenders 190 may either be permanently attached (not meant for removal by the user) or removably attached (meant for removal by the user) to the chest protector 100. In one embodiment, each of the foregoing parts is independently attachable and removable to provide a fully convertible chest protector 100. In other embodiments, some but not all of the components are removable.

The various components may be attached by a variety of attachment means. The illustrated embodiments show a plurality of attachment points 192 by which many parts are attached. Suitable attachment points include screws, nuts and rivets, snaps, buttons, press fit devices, press studs, poppers, buckles, zippers, clips, latches, hooks, D-ring system, nuts and bolts, hook and loop fasteners, straps, interference fit, and lock and key configurations for example.

The decision of which fastener configuration to utilize for a particular component depends on the manner in which the component attaches to the chest protector. For example, rib guards 180 include a flexible joint connection 194 to the chest plate 110 to allow the protector to wrap around the rib cage of a user. The flexible joint connection may be achieved by having discrete outer plates and an inner layer that is continuous across the chest and rib portions. Alternatively, the flexible joint may be formed by connecting the parts with a resilient flexible strap that is secured, for example at one or more connection points 192 so that the flexible joint 194 is removable. Rubber materials such as various thermoplastic rubbers may be particularly suitable for form joint connection 194. Nylon, polypropylene, polyester, leather, elastics, and others may also be suitable. Similar joint connections 194 may be formed between the shoulder caps 170 and the clavicle caps 150, 160, rib guards 180 and rib extenders 190, and/or between lower back portion 146 and back extension 147.

In one embodiment, the harness 130 and strap 135 may be attached by one or more additional vertical straps, which may extend along the front or back of the chest protector. This allows for the chest protector to fit snugly to a user even if the lower back portion 146 is removed, for example.

FIG. 3 shows a neck brace 300 that may be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the chest protector 100 described above. Commercially available versions of such neck braces are available from Troy Lee Designs (the “LEATT”) and AlpineStars, amongst others.

Although different versions of such neck braces 300 are available, each have similar features including a front section 305, a rear section 310 and clavicle sections 315, 320 that connect the front and rear sections 305, 310. In various versions, the front section 305 further includes an upper flange 325 and a lower flange 330. The rear portion includes an upper flange 335 and lower extension 340. The clavicle sections 315, 320 each include a support 338 in the illustrated embodiment.

An issue with conventional chest protectors is that the neckline (i.e., the opening defined by the front, rear and clavicle portions of the chest protector) is not designed to accommodate such neck braces 300. For example, certain chest protectors push the neck brace 300 upwardly via contact between neck brace and chest protector, potentially reducing the comfort and/or effectiveness of the brace. Even if the neck brace is properly positioned, the chest protector then does not fit properly.

As further shown in FIGS. 4A-B and 5, the chest protector 100 of the present invention accommodates the neck brace 300. In one embodiment, the neckline and surrounding regions of the chest protector allows portions of the neck brace 300 to nest with portions of the chest protector 100. In the illustrated examples, the chest portion 110 and/or back portion 120 include a channel 410, 420 adapted to receive the front section 305 or rear section 310 of the neck brace.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower flange 330 on the front section 305 of the neck brace nests in a channel 410 underneath upper front portion 140 while the upper flange 325 nests adjacent to or over upper front portion 140. In another example, the lower extension 340 of the rear section 310 of the neck brace 300 nests underneath the upper back portion 144 of chest protector 100, while the upper flange 335 rests over or adjacent the upper back portion 144. The channels have a complimentary shape to the lower flange 330 or lower extension 340 to allow nesting.

In the above embodiment, the channels 410, 420 include a cavity corresponding generally to size and shape of the neck brace portions shown in phantom into which the portions of the neck brace nest. In another example, the channels 410, 420 may be provided on an exterior surface of the chest and back portions. In a further example, the channels 410, 420 may include sleeves into which the neck brace portions reside. These sleeves may be formed between the rigid portion of the chest and back portions and the corresponding inner liner 195. Alternatively, a separate sleeve may be provided. These embodiments may be particularly suitable for placement over a racing jersey.

For the sake of consistency, FIGS. 4A and 4B have been illustrated in the same form as FIGS. 1A-1B so that the shoulder portions 170 and clavicle portions 150, 160 are visible. It will be appreciated from FIG. 5 that the neck brace 300 actually rests on the clavicle portions, when worn by a user.

In particular, the supports 338 of clavicle sections 315, 320 of the neck brace 300 are designed to rest on the clavicles/shoulder of a user. Depending on the configuration of the chest protection, the supports 338 may rest on top of the clavicle caps 150, 160, and/or one or more of the clavicle caps 150, 160 can be independently removed such that the supports 338 rest directly on the harness 130 (or padding sections dispose on the harness 130). Removal only of clavicle caps 160 may be particularly suitable depending on the neck brace configuration.

FIGS. 6A-6B and 7 show various views of a chest protector 600, in which the rigid plate sections of upper front portion 140 and upper back portion 144 have been removed or are otherwise absent from the configuration. The inner liner 195 is still present as illustrated, but could be removed if desired. The result is a neckline having channels in the form of additional cut-out regions 610 and 612, into which the lower flange 330 and lower extension 340, respectively, of the neck brace may nest. The cut-out regions 610 may form the shapes of a “V,” “U,” half-circle, half-square, or half-oval and a variety of other polygonal shapes, for example.

FIGS. 8A-8B and 9 show various views of the chest protector 600 in combination with the neck brace 300. In this embodiment, the lower flange 330 nests substantially or entirely within the space defined by cut-out region 610 such that there is no overlap or reduced overlap with the lower chest portion 142. The lower extension 340 nests substantially or entirely within the space defined by cut-out region 612 such that there is no overlap or reduced overlap with the middle back portion 145 or lower back portion 146.

Due to the cut-out regions, the chest protector 600 may have a lower thickness profile than other chest protectors and may be comfortable worn under a jersey even when used in combination with a neck brace.

Depending on the size and shape of the lower extension 140, and the preference of the user, the middle back portion 145 may also be removed to further alter the neckline.

Some embodiments include attachment points with fastening means 810 (shown schematically in phantom in FIG. 4B) for securing the neck brace 300 to the chest protector 100. Some suitable fastening means include, but are not limited to, loop and fastener straps, snaps, straps, buttons, screws, press fit devices, press studs, poppers, buckles, zippers, clips, latches, hooks, D-ring system, nuts and bolts, hook and loop fasteners, fasteners, straps, and other mechanisms. Embodiments that include connections to the neck brace may be particularly suitable if a harness 130 is not desired. In this configuration, the strap 135 and the neck brace 300 support the chest protector 100.

In some embodiments, neck brace 300 is connected to the chest protector 100 using hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO®. In some embodiments, a loop strap with both sides made of the loop material of the fastener is attached to the neck brace 300 and/or the chest protector 100 (e.g., on the harness 130 or on a protective attachment). The loop strap is optionally positioned between two hook fastener straps making a stronger connection than a single loop and single fastener would allow. Of course, other hook and loop configurations are also encompassed by the present invention.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An impact protection device comprising:

a harness configured to be worn over the clavicles or shoulders of a user;

a protective chest portion attached to a front portion of the protective harness; and

a protective back portion attached to a rear portion of the harness, the chest and back portion defining a neck opening;

wherein the protective chest and back portions each include a channel sized and shape to removably receive respective front and back portions of a neck brace that extend downwardly over an upper portion of the chest and back when worn by the user such that the neck brace forms a nesting fit with the chest and back portions of the chest protector.

2. The impact protection device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the front and rear channels comprises a cut-out region sized and shaped such that the front portion, back portion or both portions of the neck brace, when worn by the user, are nested in the cut-out region.

3. The impact protection device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the front and rear channels comprises a sleeve sized and shaped such that the front portion, back portion or both portions of the neck brace, when worn by the user, are nested in the sleeve.

4. The impact protection device of claim 3 wherein at least one of the chest and back portions of the chest protector includes a flexible inner liner, and wherein the flexible inner liner defines the sleeve.

5. The impact protection device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the front and rear channels comprises a cavity sized and shaped such that the front portion, rear portion or both portions of the neck brace, when worn by the user, are nested in the cavity.

6. The impact protection device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the chest and back portions of the chest protector includes a flexible inner liner and a rigid outer plate, and wherein the channel is defined between the liner and the rigid outer plate.

7. The impact protection device of claim 1 wherein the protective chest portion includes an upper chest portion and a lower chest portion, and wherein at least the upper chest portion is removably attached to the chest protector.

8. The impact protection device of claim 7 wherein when the upper chest portion is removed, the channel comprises a cut-out region sized and shaped such that when worn by the user, the front portion of the neck brace is nested in the cut-out region.

9. The impact protection device of claim 1 wherein the protective back portion includes an upper back portion and a lower back portion, and wherein at least the upper back portion is removably attached to the chest protector.

10. The impact protection device of claim 9 wherein when the upper back portion is removed, the channel comprises a cut-out region sized and shaped such that, when worn by the user, the back portion of the neck brace is nested in the cut-out region.

11. The impact protection device of claim 1 wherein the protective back portion includes an upper back portion, a middle back portion and a lower back portion, and wherein at least the middle back portion is removably attached to the chest protector.

12. The impact protection device of claim 11 wherein when the middle back portion is removed, the channel comprises a cut-out region sized and shaped such that, when worn by the user, the back portion of the neck brace is nested in the cut-out region.

13. The impact protection device of claim 1 further comprising protective clavicle portions attached to the shoulder harness.

14. The impact protection device of claim 13 wherein the protective clavicle portions are removably attached to the shoulder harness.

15. The impact protection device of claim 13 wherein each clavicle portion includes discrete front and rear clavicle portions removably attached to the shoulder harness.

16. The impact protection device of claim 13 wherein at least the rear clavicle portion is removable.

17. The impact protection device of claim 13 wherein each clavicle portion comprises a rigid outer plate

18. The impact protection device of claim 1 further comprising protective shoulder portions attached to the shoulder harness.

19. The impact protection device of claim 18 wherein the protective shoulder portions are removable.

20. The impact protection device of claim 18 wherein the protective shoulder portions are attached to the shoulder harness at a flexible joint.

21. The impact protection device of claim 20 wherein the flexible joint comprises a flexible material attached on one side to the shoulder portions and on the other side to the shoulder harness.

22. The impact protection device of claim 18 wherein the protective shoulder portions comprise rigid outer plates.

23. The impact protection device of claim 1 further comprising protective rib portions attached to the protective chest portion or the protective back portion.

24. The impact protection device of claim 23 wherein the protective rib portions are attached to opposing sides of the protective chest portion or the protective back portion.

25. The impact protection device of claim 23 wherein the protective rib portions are removably attached to opposing sides of the protective chest portion or the protective back portion.

26. The impact protection device of claim 23 wherein the protective rib portions are attached to opposing sides of the protective chest portion at flexible joints.

27. The impact protection device of claim 23 wherein the flexible joints comprise a flexible material attached on one side to the protective chest portion or the protective back portion and on the other side to the protective rib portions.

28. The impact protection device of claim 23 wherein the protective rib portions comprise rigid outer plates.

29. The impact protection device of claim 28 wherein the protective rib portions further comprise protective rib extensions flexibly secured to the protective rib portions.

30. The impact protection device of claim 29 wherein the rib extensions are removable.

31. The impact protection device of claim 1 further comprising a lower back extension attached to the protective back portion.

32. The impact protection device of claim 31 wherein the back extension is removable.

33. The impact protection device of claim 1 further comprising means for connecting the neck brace to the shoulder harness when the neck brace is worn by the user.

34. The impact protection device of claim 33 wherein the connection means are disposed on the protective chest or back portions.

35. The impact protection device of claim 33 wherein the connection means are disposed in the channel of the protective chest or back portions.

36. The impact protection device of claim 33 wherein the connection means comprise hook and loop fasteners.

37. The impact device of claim 1 further comprising at least one horizontal strap for securing the chest protector around the chest and back of the user.

38. The impact device of claim 37 wherein the harness and strap are secured together by at least one vertical strap.

39. An impact protection device comprising:

a harness configured to be worn over the clavicles or shoulders of a user;

a protective chest portion attached to a front portion of the protective harness; and

a protective back portion attached to a rear portion of the harness, the chest and back portion defining a neck opening;

wherein at least one of protective chest and back portions include a cut-out region along the neck opening, the cut-out region being sized and shaped to removably receive a respective front or back portion of a neck brace that extends downwardly over an upper portion of the chest or back when worn by the user such that the neck brace forms a nesting fit with the chest or back portion of the chest protector.

40. The impact protection device of claim 39 wherein the both the front and back portions of the chest protector include cut-out regions.

41. The impact protection device of claim 39 wherein the cut-out region is in the shape of a V, and U, a half-square, a half-circle or a half-oval or a polygonal portion relative to the neck opening.

42. The impact protection device of claim 39 further comprising one or more of clavicle portions, shoulder portions, rib portions, rib extensions or back extension.

43. The impact protection device of claim 39 wherein one or more of the clavicle portions, shoulder portions, rib portions, rib extensions or back extension are removable.

44. An impact protection device comprising:

a protective chest portion adapted to be attached over a chest of a user;

a protective back portion adapted to be attached over a back of the user, the chest and back portions defining a neck opening;

at least one strap connecting the chest and back portions; and

a removable neck brace including front and rear portions that extend downwardly over an upper portion of the chest and back of the user;

wherein the protective chest and back portions each include a channel sized and shaped that receives the respective front and back portions of the neck brace such that the neck brace forms a nesting fit with the chest and back portions of the chest protector.

45. The impact protection device of claim 44 wherein the channels comprise one of a sleeve, a cut-out region and a cavity.

46. The impact protection device of claim 44, wherein the back portion of the neck brace includes a downwardly extending column, the channel receiving the downwardly extending column of the neck brace.

47. The impact protection device of claim 44, wherein the neck brace is releasably attached to the chest protector by fastening means.

48. The impact protection device of claim 44 further comprising a shoulder harness connecting the front and back chest plates.

49. The impact protection device of claim 44, further comprising one or more removable protective attachments selected from a group consisting of a shoulder cap, a front clavicle cap, a back clavicle cap, an extended back protector, and an extended rib protector.

50. The impact protection device of claim 44, wherein the front portion of the removable neck brace includes an upper flange, a lower flange or both.

51. The impact protection device of claim 50 wherein the lower flange nests in the channel.

52. The impact protection device of claim 50 wherein the lower and upper flanges nest in the channel.

53. The impact protection device of claim 44 wherein the back portion of the neck brace includes a lower extension, and wherein the lower extension nests in the channel.

54. The impact protection device of claim 44 wherein the neck brace further includes lower supports adapted to contact a user's clavicles or shoulders, and wherein the chest protector does not include a protective portion clavicle or shoulder portion that prevents contact between the lower supports and the user's clavicles or shoulders.