Chest protector

Abstract

The chest protector is formed as a two-layered shield of conformal configuration serving as impact resistant means and which is enclosed in a fabric cover that includes edge marginal regions extending beyond the periphery of the layered shield, so as to terminate in a continuous welt. Rigid fasteners join the two layers of the shield together and a retaining strap is provided for detachably mounting the chest protector on the torso of the user. The strap includes a midsection secured across the exterior of the chest protector about the user and includes end sections that crisscross the user's back for releasably joining at the top of the protector wherein the buckles are arranged in fixed spaced apart relationship. The chest protector is for use over the street clothes of the user and is not incorporated into the garment worn by the user.

1 . A chest protector, comprising: 
 an inner impact shield, said inner shield being formed of rigid material, having a first outer perimeter and being sized and shaped to conform substantially to a shape of a user's chest;    an outer impact shield, said outer shield being formed of rigid material, being sized and shaped to conform to said shape of said inner impact shield and to fit within said first outer perimeter; and    strap means connected to said chest protector for attaching said chest protector to said user.    
   
   
       2 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said inner impact shield further comprises a first covering, said first covering being disposed upon an inner surface of said inner impact shield.  
   
   
       3 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 2 , wherein said first covering is formed of material selected from the group consisting of: 
 fabric, plastic, rubber and leather.    
   
   
       4 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 2 , wherein said outer impact shield further comprises a second covering, said second covering being disposed upon an outer surface of said outer impact shield.  
   
   
       5 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 4 , wherein said first covering and said second covering are joined at their outer edges, thereby enclosing said inner and outer impact shields.  
   
   
       6 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 5 , wherein said first covering and said second covering are joined at their outer edges by a fabric welt.  
   
   
       7 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said strap means for attaching said chest protector to said user is removably connected at at least one point to said chest protector with at least one detachable buckle.  
   
   
       8 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said strap means for attaching said chest protector to said user further comprises at least one size adjustment means.  
   
   
       9 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said strap means for attaching said chest protector to said user is attached to said second covering.  
   
   
       10 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said inner impact shield is attached to said outer impact shield.  
   
   
       11 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 10 , wherein said inner impact shield is attached to said outer impact shield using attachment means selected from the group consisting of: 
 adhesives, screws, bolts, locknuts and rivets.    
   
   
       12 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said inner impact shield is attached to said outer impact shield along a vertical centerline of said shields.  
   
   
       13 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said inner impact shield and said outer impact shield include a recess for said user's neck.  
   
   
       14 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said inner impact shield and said outer impact shield include recesses for said user's arms.  
   
   
       15 . The chest protector, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said inner impact shield and said outer impact shield are formed from material selected from the group consisting of: 
 thermoplastic, carbon fiber composites and aramid fiber composites.