Customization for sports protective pads and uniform ornamentation

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for customization of protective pads and uniform ornamentation are described. In an example, a three-dimensional image element is attached to an outer surface of a protective pad such that, when the protective pad is worn under a uniform, a shape of the three-dimensional image element is visible therethrough. In another example, a method can include selecting a protective pad, wherein the protective pad comprise a three-dimensional image element on an outer face thereof, and wherein the selecting is based on the three-dimensional image element, and positioning the protective pad below at least one layer of fabric of an article of clothing worn by a user such that the three-dimensional image element causes a deformation of the at least one layer of fabric of the article of clothing in a shape corresponding to the three-dimensional image element.

1 . A method comprising:
 attaching a three-dimensional image element to a protective pad, wherein:
 the protective pad comprises an inner surface configured to face toward a body part of a user and an outer surface configured to face away from the body part, 
 the three-dimensional image element comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a fastener positioned on the inner surface, and 
 attaching the three-dimensional image element to the protective pad comprises attaching the fastener of the inner surface of the three-dimensional image element to the outer surface of the protective pad such that the three-dimensional image element is carried on the protective pad and projects outwardly from the outer surface of the protective pad; and 
   positioning the protective pad below at least one layer of fabric of an article worn by the user such that the three-dimensional image element causes a deformation of the at least one layer of fabric of the article in a shape corresponding to the three-dimensional image element.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises an adhesive, and attaching the three-dimensional image element to the protective pad comprises attaching the adhesive to the outer surface of the protective pad. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener, and attaching the three-dimensional image element to the protective pad comprises attaching the hook and loop fastener to a corresponding hook and loop fastener on the outer surface of the protective pad. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional image element comprises foam. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the foam comprises a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional image element comprises a three-dimensional shape and a background sheet, the background sheet comprising the inner surface of the three-dimensional element. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the three-dimensional shape is positioned on the background sheet such than an outer perimeter of the background sheet is not covered by the three-dimensional shape. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the protective pad is larger than the inner surface of the three-dimensional image element. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 attaching a background sheet to the outer surface of the protective pad, and   wherein attaching the three-dimensional image element to the protective pad comprises attaching the fastener of the inner surface of the three-dimensional image element to the background sheet that is attached to the outer surface of the protective pad such that the three-dimensional image element is carried on the protective pad, projects outwardly from the outer surface of the protective pad, and the background sheet is positioned between the protective pad and the three-dimensional image element.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the protective pad is configured to protect the body part of the user. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional image element is configured as a shape of a letter or number. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional image element is configured as a shape of entwined letters. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional image element is configured as a shape of a word. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising:
 first, acquiring a protective pad comprising an inner surface configured to face towards a body part of a user and an outer surface configured to face away from the body part of the user;   second, acquiring a three-dimensional image element comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a fastener positioned on the inner surface;   third, removably positioning the inner surface of the three-dimensional image element in front of a receiving area located on the outer surface of the protective pad;   fourth, attaching the fastener of the inner surface of the three-dimensional image element to the receiving area of the protective pad such that the outer surface of the three-dimensional image element faces away from the body part of the user; and   fifth, positioning the attached three-dimensional image element and protective pad below at least one layer of fabric of an article of clothing worn by the user such that the three-dimensional image element cause deformation to the at least one layer of fabric of the article of clothing in a shape corresponding to the three-dimensional image element.   
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the protective pad is configured to protect an external area of the user. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled)