WO2014099119A2

WO2014099119A2 - Articles of apparel with garment components and pad components

Info

Publication number: WO2014099119A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/065374
Authority: WO
Inventors: International Ltd. Nike; Daniela Grogro
Original assignee: Nike International Ltd; Daniela Grogro
Priority date: 2012-12-20
Filing date: 2013-10-17
Publication date: 2014-06-26
Also published as: CN104869856B; EP2956027A2; WO2014099119A3; EP2956027B1; US20140173815A1; WO2014099119A8; CN104869856A

Abstract

An article of apparel may include a garment component and a pad component. A pair of linear regions of the pad component may be secured to the garment, and a region of the pad component between the linear regions may be unsecured to the component. The pair of linear regions may be positioned at spaced and separate edge areas of the pad component. A central area of the pad component may be at least partially spaced from the garment component when the garment component is substantially un stretched.

Description

ARTICLES OF APPAREL WITH GARMENT COMPONENTS AND PAD COMPONENTS

BACKGROUND

[01 ] Materials or elements that impart padding, cushioning, or otherwise attenuate impact forces are commonly incorporated into a variety of products. Athletic apparel, for example, often incorporates pad components that protect the wearer from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground. More specifically, pads used in American football and hockey incorporate pad components that provide impact protection to various parts of a wearer. Helmets utilized during American football, hockey, bicycling, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding incorporate pad components that provide head protection during falls or crashes. Similarly, gloves utilized in soccer (e.g., by goalies) and hockey incorporate pad components that provide protection to the hands of a wearer. In addition to apparel, mats (e.g., for yoga or camping), chair cushions, and backpacks, for example, all incorporate pad components to enhance comfort.

SUMMARY

[01 ] Various features of an article of apparel are disclosed below. In some configurations, an article of apparel comprises a garment component for covering a portion of a body of a wearer, a first pad component, and a second pad component. The garment component has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, and the garment component includes a first area and a second area. The first pad component is positioned adjacent to the first area of the garment component. The first pad component is (a) secured to the first area at a first pair of linear regions and (b) unsecured to the first area between the first pair of linear regions. The first pair of linear regions are spaced from each other and positioned on opposite sides of the first area. The second pad component is positioned adjacent to the second area of the garment component. The second pad component is (a) secured to the second area at a second pair of linear regions and (b) unsecured to the second area between the second pair of linear regions. The second pair of linear regions is spaced from each other and positioned on opposite sides of the second area.

[02] In other configurations, an article of apparel comprises a garment component for covering a portion of a body of a wearer and a pad component. The garment component has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface. The pad component is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the garment component. A pair of separate and spaced edge areas of the pad component are secured to the garment component, and a central area of the pad component that is located between the edge areas is unsecured to the garment component.

[03] In some configurations, an article of apparel comprises a garment component for covering a portion of a body of a wearer and a pad component. The pad component is located adjacent to the garment component and has (a) a pair of secured regions that are joined to the garment component and (b) an unsecured region that is unjoined to the garment component. The secured regions are spaced from each other and are located adjacent to a periphery of the pad component. The unsecured region is located between the secured regions and separates the secured regions from each other, and the unsecured region extends through an entirety of a distance between opposite edges of the pad component.

[04] In other configurations, a pants-type garment comprises a garment component and a pad component. The garment component has a pelvic region, a first leg region, and a second leg region. The pelvic region defines a waist opening, the first leg region defines a first leg opening, and the second leg region defines a second leg opening. The garment component includes a first hip area, a second hip area, and a tailbone area. The pad component is positioned adjacent to one of the first hip area, the second hip area, and the tailbone area. The pad component has an inwardly-facing surface secured to the garment component in a first linear region and a second linear region. The inwardly-facing surface is unsecured to the garment component between the first linear region and the second linear region. [05] In further configurations, a shirt-type garment comprises a garment component and a pad component. The garment component has a torso region that defines a neck opening and a waist opening, a first arm region that defines a first arm opening, and a second arm region that defines a second arm opening. The garment component includes a first shoulder area and a second shoulder area. The pad component extends across one of the first shoulder area and the second shoulder area. The pad component has an inwardly-facing surface with a first region, a second region, and a third region between the first region and second region. The inwardly-facing surface is secured to the garment component in both the first region and the second region. The third region of the inwardly-facing surface is at least partially spaced from the garment component when the garment component is substantially unstretched.

[06] The advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying figures that describe and illustrate various configurations and concepts related to the invention.

FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

[07] The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[08] Figure 1 is a front elevational view of an individual wearing an article of apparel.

[09] Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the article of apparel.

[10] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the article of apparel.

[11 ] Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the article of apparel.

[12] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the article of apparel.

[13] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the article of apparel including a pad component and a portion of a textile component.

[14] Figure 7 is an elevational view of the portion of the article of apparel.

[15] Figures 8A-8C are cross-sectional views of the portion of the article of apparel.

[16] Figure 9 is a front elevational view of an individual wearing a second embodiment of the article of apparel.

[17] Figures 10A-10F are elevational views corresponding with Figure 7 and depicting further configurations of the portion of the article of apparel.

[18] Figures 1 1A-1 1 F are cross-sectional views corresponding with Figure 8C and depicting further configurations of the portion of the article of apparel.

[19] Figures 12A-12H are elevational views corresponding with Figure 7 and depicting further configurations of the pad component.

[20] Figure 13A-13B are front elevational views corresponding with Figure 1 and depicting further embodiments of the article of apparel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[21 ] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose concepts associated with pad components that may be incorporated into various articles of apparel.

[22] Apparel Configuration

[23] With reference to Figure 1 , an individual 10 is depicted as wearing an article of apparel 100 with the general configuration of a pants-type garment, more particularly a shorts-type garment. Although apparel 100 may be worn under other articles of apparel, apparel 100 may be worn alone, may be exposed, or may be worn over other articles of apparel. Apparel 100 may also be worn in combination with other pieces of equipment (e.g., athletic or protective equipment). Accordingly, the configuration of apparel 100 and the manner in which apparel 100 is worn by individual 10 may vary significantly.

[24] Apparel 100 is depicted individually in Figures 2-5 as including a garment component 1 10 and a plurality of pad components 300. Garment component 1 10 provides a base layer that covers areas of individual 10 or another wearer and provides a substrate to which pad components 300 are joined. Pad components 300 incorporate a polymer foam or other compressible material that attenuate impact forces, thereby protecting individual 10 from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground.

[25] Garment component 1 10 includes a pelvic region 1 1 1 and a pair of leg regions 1 15 that extend outward from pelvic region 1 1 1 . Pelvic region 1 1 1 corresponds with a pelvic area of individual 10 and covers at least a portion of the pelvic area when worn. An upper area of pelvic region 1 1 1 defines a waist opening 1 12 that extends around a waist of individual 10 when apparel 100 is worn. Leg regions 1 15 correspond with a right leg and a left leg of individual 10 and cover at least portions of the right leg and the left leg when worn. Lower areas of leg regions 1 15 each define a leg opening 1 16 that extends around a leg of individual 10 when apparel 100 is worn. Additionally, garment component 1 10 includes an outer surface 124 that faces away from individual 10 when apparel 100 is worn, and garment component 1 10 includes an opposite inner surface 122 that faces toward individual 10 and may contact individual 10 when apparel 100 is worn.

[26] Garment component 1 10 may include any of a variety of materials that are conventionally utilized in apparel, such as textiles, leather, synthetic leather, or polymer materials, and may also include combinations of these materials (e.g. one textile material joined with another textile material, or a textile material bonded or otherwise secured to a polymer material). Textiles used to form garment component 1 10 may include knitted, woven, non-woven, spacer, or mesh textile components, and materials used to form garment component 1 10 may include cotton, wool, silk, rayon, nylon, polyester, polyacrylic, and elastane, for example. Garment component 1 10 may advantageously incorporate a textile exhibiting some degree of one- dimensional or multi-dimensional stretch.

[27] Pad components 300 are incorporated into various areas of apparel 100 to impart padding, cushioning, or otherwise attenuate impact forces. When apparel 100 is worn during athletic activities, for example, pad components 300 may protect individual 10 from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground. With regard to apparel 100, pad components 300 are depicted as being located in both of pelvic region 1 1 1 and leg regions 1 15 and as being positioned to protect hip areas, thigh areas, and a tailbone area of individual 10.

[28] As described in greater detail below, however, pad components 300 may be incorporated into a variety of different articles of apparel, and pad components 300 may be positioned adjacent to various areas of the articles of apparel to protect specific portions (e.g., muscles, bones, joints, impact areas) of individual 10. Pad components 300 are depicted in Figures 2-5, for example, as being positioned adjacent to hip areas, thigh areas, and a tailbone area of garment component 1 10. Additionally, the shapes, sizes, and other properties of pad components 300, as well as the materials and elements utilized in pad components 300, may vary significantly to provide a particular level of protection to the specific portions of individual 10. [29] Pad Component Configuration

[30] An example configuration for pad component 300 is depicted in Figures 6-8C as including an outer cover layer 310, an inner cover layer 320, and a central cushioning layer 330. Cover layers 310 and 320 cooperatively form an exterior casing or jacket for pad component 300. More particularly, cover layers 310 and 320 extend around cushioning layer 330 and cooperatively form a pocket or void in which cushioning layer 330 is located. Although cushioning layer 330 may have various configurations, cushioning layer 330 is depicted as including a plurality of pad elements 332 that are located between and secured to each of cover layers 310 and 320. As discussed in greater detail below, cushioning layer 330 may be formed from compressible materials (e.g., polymer foam) that attenuate impact forces to impart protection to individual 10.

[31] Cover layers 310 and 320 extend over opposite sides of cushioning layer 330 and are joined to each other along a periphery of pad component 300 (e.g., through stitching, an adhesive, or thermalbonding). In this configuration, cover layers 310 and 320 cooperatively form an exterior surface of pad component 300, including an outwardly-facing surface 312 and an opposite inwardly-facing surface 322. Whereas outwardly-facing surface 312 faces outward and away from individual 10, inwardly-facing surface 322 faces inward and toward individual 10.

[32] A variety of materials may be utilized for outer cover layer 310 and inward cover layer 320, including various textiles, polymer sheets, leather, or synthetic leather, for example. Combinations of these materials (e.g., a polymer sheet bonded to a textile) may also be utilized for layers 310 and 320. Although layers 310 and 320 may be formed from the same material, each of layers 310 and 320 may also be formed from different materials. With regard to textiles, layers 310 and 320 may be formed from knitted, woven, non-woven, spacer, or mesh textile components that include rayon, nylon, polyester, polyacrylic, elastane, cotton, wool, or silk, for example. Moreover, the textiles may be non-stretch, may exhibit one-directional stretch, or may exhibit multi-directional stretch. Accordingly, a variety of materials are suitable for outer cover layer 310 and inner cover layer 320.

[33] Cushioning layer 330 is primarily formed from the plurality of pad elements 332 , which are located between and secured to each of cover layers 310 and 320. Although the shapes of pad elements 332 may vary significantly, each pad element 332 is depicted as having an elliptical or generally elongate shape with rounded end areas. Pad elements 332 are also depicted as being spaced evenly from each other and arranged in rows, particularly offset rows, but may be spaced or located in a variety of arrangements. An advantage of arranging pad elements 332 in offset rows is that the area between pad elements 332 is effectively minimized, while retaining a regular spacing between adjacent pad elements 332.

[34] A variety of materials may be utilized for pad elements 332, including various polymer foam materials that return to an original shape after being compressed. Examples of suitable polymer foam materials for pad elements 332 include polyurethane, ethylvinylacetate, polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene foams. Moreover, both thermoplastic and thermoset polymer foam materials may be utilized. In some configurations of pad component 300, pad elements 332 may be formed from a polymer foam material with a varying density, or solid polymer or rubber materials may be utilized. Fluid- filled chambers may also be utilized as pad elements 332 and in middle layer 330. Also, different pad elements 332 may be formed from different materials, or may be formed from similar materials with different densities. As discussed in greater detail below, the polymer foam materials forming pad elements 332 attenuate impact forces to provide cushioning or protection. By selecting thicknesses, materials, and densities for each of the various pad elements 332, the degree of impact force attenuation may be varied throughout pad component 300 to impart a desired degree of cushioning or protection.

[35] The compressible polymer foam materials forming pad elements 332 attenuate impact forces that compress or otherwise contact pad component 300. When incorporated into apparel 100 or another article of apparel, for example, the polymer foam materials of pad elements 332 may compress to protect a wearer from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground. Accordingly, pad component 300 may be utilized to provide cushioning or protection to areas of individual 10 or other wearers that are covered by pad component 300.

[36] In addition to attenuating impact forces, pad component 300 has an advantage of simultaneously providing one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability. When incorporated into an article of apparel, such as apparel 100, a wearer may perspire and generate excess heat. By utilizing a permeable textile for layers 310 and 320 and also forming gaps between adjacent pad elements 332, areas for air to enter apparel 100 and for moisture to exit apparel 100 are formed through pad component 300. More particularly, air and moisture may pass through layers 310 and 320 and between pad elements 332 to impart breathability to areas of apparel 100 having pad components 300. Moreover, the materials and structure discussed above for pad component 300 impart flexibility and a low overall mass to pad component 300. Furthermore, the materials and structure discussed above for pad component 300 permits pad component 300 to be laundered without significant shrinkage or warping, even when temperatures associated with commercial laundering processes are utilized. Accordingly, pad component 300 may simultaneously provide impact force attenuation, breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability to an article of apparel.

[37] Pad Component Attachment

[38] Pad component 300 is incorporated into apparel 100 such that inwardly-facing layer 320 of pad component 300 is positioned adjacent to outer surface 124 of garment component 1 10. In this configuration, pad component 300 protrudes i from apparel 100. As depicted, pad component 300 includes a pair of attachment regions 350, which are depicted as linear regions, and a separation region 352 located between attachment regions 350. A linear region may be an elongate region having a length that is significantly greater than its width. A linear region may have a length that is three times, or five times, or ten or more times greater than its width, for example. As depicted, attachment regions extend over a majority of a length of pad component 300.

[39] Pad component 300 is secured to opposite sides of an area of garment component 1 10 in attachment regions 350, while being unsecured to garment component 1 10 in region 352. An outwardly-facing surface 312 of pad component 300 is accordingly oriented away from garment component 1 10, while an inwardly-facing surface 322 of pad component 300 is oriented toward garment component 1 10, is secured to garment component 1 10 in regions 350, and is unsecured to garment component 1 10 in middle region 352.

[40] When garment component 1 10 is substantially unstretched, regions 350 are positioned further apart from each other across inwardly-facing surface 322 of pad component 300 than they are across outer surface 124 of garment component 1 10. Accordingly, as depicted in Figures 8A-8C, when garment component 1 10 is substantially unstretched, middle region 352 may be at least partially spaced from garment component 1 10.

[41] Pad component 300 may be secured to garment component 1 10 in attachment regions 350 by stitches or sewing. In some configurations, pad component 300 may be secured to garment component 1 10 in regions 350 by thermalbonding, an adhesive, a thermally-activated adhesive, or another securing structure.

[42] Attachment regions 350 are depicted in Figures 6-8C as being in edge areas of pad component 300 and as being spaced from each other. In turn, middle region 352 is in a central area of pad component 300 between regions 350. Secured regions of pad component 300, which are spaced from each other, are accordingly joined to garment component 1 10, and an unsecured region of pad component 300 separates the secured regions from each other, extends through an entirety of a distance between opposite edges of pad component 300, and is accordingly unjoined to garment component 1 10.

[43] For each pad component 300, pairs of regions 350 may straddle an area of textile component 1 10 corresponding with a portion of a body of a wearer that tends to flex, extend, or rotate in the course of various athletic activities, such as joint areas, for example. When regions 350 straddle such areas, pad component 300 may facilitate a flexion, extension, or rotation of the body of a wearer in the corresponding area. Pairs of regions 350 straddling an area of textile component 1 10 may also serve to accommodate variety in the size and shape of the corresponding portion of the body of a wearer. This may allow pad components 300 to be incorporated into articles of apparel that are suitable for a relatively wide range of wearers.

[44] For example, an advantage of securing pad component 300 to garment component 1 10 along attachment regions 350 is that a majority of pad component 300 is decoupled from garment component 1 10. A majority of pad component 1 10 may thus flex, slide, rotate, or otherwise move relative to pad component 1 10. Additionally, as garment component 1 10 stretches or contracts, attachment regions 350 may accordingly move further apart from each other or closer to each other without hindering the motion of garment component 1 10. Pad component 300 may therefore accommodate shifts in garment component 1 10 due to the movements in the body of a wearer.

[45] Further Configurations

[46] Figures 1 -8C depict a pants-type garment incorporating pad components 300.

Other types of garments may similarly incorporate pad components 300. For example, Figure 9 depicts individual 10 wearing an article of apparel 200 having the configuration of a shirt-type garment. Apparel 200 includes a garment component 210 and a plurality of pad components 300. Garment component 210 includes a torso region 21 1 and a pair of arm regions 215. Torso region 21 1 defines a waist opening 212 that extends around a waist of individual 10 as well as a neck opening 214 that extends around a neck of individual 10. Arm regions 215 correspond with a right arm and a left arm of individual 10 and cover at least portions of the right arm and the left arm when worn. Each arm region 215 defines an arm opening 216 that extends around an arm of individual 10. Garment component 210 includes an outer surface 224 facing away from individual 10 and an opposite inner surface 222 facing toward individual 10. Pad components 300 are positioned adjacent to shoulder areas and abdominal areas of garment component 210, and are secured in regions 350 (not shown in Figure 9) to apparel 200

[47] As depicted in Figures 6-8C, regions 350 securing pad component 300 to garment component 1 10 are positioned in edge areas of pad component 300, are substantially straight, and are substantially parallel with each other. Other configurations of regions 350 are possible. For example, in some configurations, as depicted in Figures 10A and 1 1A, regions 350 are positioned inward from edge areas of pad component 300. In some configurations, regions 350 may not be substantially straight, and may instead have an angled configuration, or a curved configuration as depicted in Figure 10B. Furthermore, when substantially straight, regions 350 may not be substantially parallel with each other, and may instead be oriented at some angle with respect to each other, as depicted in Figure 10C.

[48] Although depicted in Figures 6-8C as including a pair of linear attachment regions 350, pad component 300 may include other configurations of regions 350. Figure 10D, for example, depicts pad component 300 as including three substantially linear and substantially straight regions 350. Other configurations of pad component 300 may include non-linear attachment regions 350. In the example depicted in Figure 10E, pad component 300 includes regions 350 having a configurations whose shapes include a circle, a square, a triangle, a hexagon, a cross-hatched shape, and an irregular shape. Accordingly, regions 350 may be configured to have a variety of shapes, and may be positioned in a variety of areas of pad component 300.

[49] In various configurations of pad component 300, outer cover layer 310, inner cover layer 320, or both may include a mesh textile. For example, Figure 10F depicts a configuration of pad component 300 in which outer cover layer 310 includes a mesh textile.

[50] Regions 350 are depicted in Figures 6-8C, when garment component 1 10 is substantially unstretched, as being further apart from each other across inwardly-facing surface 322 of pad component 300 than they are across outer surface 124 of garment component 1 10. Middle region 352 is accordingly at least partially spaced from garment component 1 10 when garment component 1 10 is substantially unstretched. In other configurations, middle region 352 may exhibit various degrees of spacing from garment component 1 10 when garment component 1 10 is substantially unstretched. As depicted for example in Figure 1 1 B, middle region 352 is spaced further from garment component 1 10 than in the configuration depicted in Figure 8C. In contrast, Figure 1 1 C depicts middle region 352 as being in close proximity with outer surface 124 of garment component 1 10. In some configurations, some portion or portions of middle 352 may touch garment component, but may still be unsecured to garment component 100.

[51] Middle layer 330 is depicted in Figures 6-8C as including a plurality of pad elements 332, which may be formed from polymer foam materials. In other configurations, middle layer 330 may be a single element that extends throughout pad component 300, as depicted for example in Figure 1 1 D, which may similarly be formed from polymer foam materials. Some configurations of middle layer 330 may include a first foam layer 334 and a second foam layer 336, as depicted in Figure 1 1 E. Layers 334 and 336 may be formed from different types of polymer foam, or different densities of polymer foam, or different materials such as a polymer foam material and a rubber material. Layers 334 and 336 may also have different colors to impart aesthetic qualities to pad component 300.

[52] As depicted in Figure 1 1 F, some configurations of middle layer 330 may also include elongate grooves 335 extending throughout a length of pad component 300, and may similarly include elongate voids 337 forming apertures or holes in middle layer 330. Various combinations of grooves 335 and voids 337 may impart different degrees of flex, stretch, compressibility, and breathability to pad component 300. Middle layer 330 may thus include a variety of configurations of foam layers 334 and 336, and a variety of configurations of grooves 335 and voids 337. Various configurations of grooves 335, voids 337, and foam layers 334 and 336 that may be included in middle layer 330 are disclosed in copending and commonly owned U.S. Patent , currently U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/485,739, entitled "Articles Of Apparel Incorporating Cushioning Elements," and filed on May 31 , 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference.

[53] In addition to the shapes depicted in Figures 1 -8C, pad components 300 may have any of a variety of other shapes. For example, as depicted in Figures 12A-12E, pad components 300 may have hexagonal shapes, circular shapes, square shapes, triangular shapes, or H-shapes. Pad components 300 may also have a shape suitable for protecting lower areas of leg regions 1 15, as depicted in Figure 12F; or a shape suitable for protecting upper areas of leg regions 1 15, as depicted in Figure 12G; or a shape suitable for protecting a tailbone area of pelvic region 1 1 1 , as depicted in Figure 12H. In various configurations, pad components 300 may have any shape suitable for protecting any particular area of the body of individual 10 or another wearer.

[54] Figure 13A depicts individual 10 wearing article of apparel 200 configured as a substantially sleeveless shirt-type garment. As depicted, garment component 210 does not include arm regions. Instead, torso region 21 1 defines arm openings 216 extending around an arm of individual 10. In addition, waist opening 212 extends upward along the torso of individual 10 and separates the right-side and left-side abdominal areas. Article of apparel 200 is further depicted as including an two-piece adjustable strap 240, which is fixedly secured in part to the right-side abdominal area and fixedly secured in part to the left side abdominal area. The two pieces of strap 240 are then adjustably joined to each other (e.g. by a hook-and-loop fastening system) between the right-side and left-side abdominal areas of torso region 21 1 .

[55] Figure 13B depicts individual 10 as wearing additional configurations of articles of apparel 100 and 200. As depicted, leg regions 1 15 of apparel 100 extend beyond the knees of individual 10, and leg openings 1 16 are positioned between the knees and the ankles of individual 10. Similarly, arm regions 215 are extend beyond the elbows of individual 10, and arm openings 216 are positioned between the elbows and the wrists of individual 10. In apparel 100, pad components 300 are positioned adjacent to hip areas and knee areas of garment component 1 10, while pad components 300 in apparel 200 are positioned adjacent to shoulder areas and elbow areas of garment component 210.

The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying figures with reference to a variety of configurations. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the configurations described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . An article of apparel comprising:

a garment component for covering a portion of a body of a wearer, the garment component having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, and the garment component including a first area and a second area;

a first pad component positioned adjacent to the first area of the garment component, the first pad component being (a) secured to the first area at a first pair of linear regions and (b) unsecured to the first area between the first pair of linear regions, the first pair of linear regions being spaced from each other and positioned on opposite sides of the first area; and

a second pad component positioned adjacent to the second area of the garment component, the second pad component being (a) secured to the second area at a second pair of linear regions and (b) unsecured to the second area between the second pair of linear regions, the second pair of linear regions being spaced from each other and positioned on opposite sides of the second area.

2. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the first pair of linear regions are located at edge areas of the first pad component.

3. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the first pad component is stitched to the outer surface of the garment component in the first pair of linear regions.

4. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the first pad component comprises two textile layers and a polymer foam layer.

5. The article of apparel of claim 4, wherein the first pad component comprises an outer layer including a mesh textile.

6. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein each linear region of the first pair of linear regions is substantially straight.

7. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the linear regions of the first pair of linear regions are substantially parallel.

8. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the article of apparel is a pants-type garment, and wherein the first pad component is positioned adjacent to an area selected from a group consisting of (a) a hip area of the garment component, (b) a tailbone area of the garment component, and (c) a knee area of the garment component.

9. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the article of apparel is a shirt-type garment, and wherein the first pad component is positioned adjacent to an area selected from a group consisting of (a) a shoulder area of the garment component and (b) an elbow area of the garment component.

10. An article of apparel comprising:

a garment component for covering a portion of a body of a wearer, the garment component having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface; and

a pad component positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the garment component, a pair of separate and spaced edge areas of the pad component being secured to the garment component, and a central area of the pad component that is located between the edge areas being unsecured to the garment component.

1 1 . The article of apparel of claim 10, wherein the pair of edge areas is stitched to the garment component.

12. The article of apparel of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of edge areas is substantially straight.

13. The article of apparel of claim 10, wherein the pair of edge areas is substantially parallel.

14. The article of apparel of claim 10, wherein the central area of the pad component is at least partially spaced from the garment component when the garment component is substantially unstretched.

15. An article of apparel comprising:

a garment component for covering a portion of a body of a wearer; and a pad component located adjacent to the garment component and having (a) a pair of secured regions that are joined to the garment component and (b) an unsecured region that is unjoined to the garment component, the secured regions being spaced from each other and located adjacent to a periphery of the pad component, the unsecured region being located between the secured regions and separating the secured regions from each other, and the unsecured region extending through an entirety of a distance between opposite edges of the pad component.

16. The article of apparel of claim 15, wherein the pair of secured regions is stitched to the garment component.

17. The article of apparel of claim 15, wherein each of the pair of secured regions is substantially straight.

18. The article of apparel of claim 15, wherein the pair of secured regions is substantially parallel.

19. The article of apparel of claim 15, wherein the unsecured region is at least partially spaced from the garment component when the garment component is substantially unstretched.

20. An article of apparel comprising:

a garment component having a pelvic region and a pair of leg regions, and the garment component including a first hip area, a second hip area, and a tailbone area; and

a pad component positioned adjacent to one of the first hip area, the second hip area, and the tailbone area, the pad component having an inwardly- facing surface secured to the garment component in a first linear region and a second linear region, the inwardly-facing surface being unsecured to the garment component between the first linear region and the second linear region.

21 . The article of apparel of claim 20, wherein the pad component includes a pair of textile layers and a polymer foam layer positioned between the textile layers.

22. The article of apparel of claim 21 , wherein one of the textile layers is a mesh textile layer.

23. The article of apparel of claim 20, wherein the first linear region and the second linear region are substantially straight.

24. The article of apparel of claim 20, wherein the first linear region is substantially parallel to the second linear region.

25. The article of apparel of claim 20, wherein the garment component further includes a first knee area and a second knee area, and wherein the first linear region and the second linear region straddle one of the first hip area, the second hip area, the tailbone area, the first knee area, and the second knee area.

26. An article of apparel comprising:

a garment component having a torso region that defines a neck opening and a waist opening, a first arm region that defines a first arm opening, and a second arm region that defines a second arm opening, the garment component including a first shoulder area and a second shoulder area; and

a pad component extending across one of the first shoulder area and the second shoulder area, the pad component having an inwardly-facing surface with a first region, a second region, and a third region between the first region and second region, the inwardly-facing surface being secured to the garment component in both the first region and the second region, wherein the third region of the inwardly-facing surface is at least partially spaced from the garment component when the garment component is substantially un stretched.

27. The article of apparel of claim 26, wherein the pad component comprises an outer textile layer, an inner textile layer, and a polymer foam layer positioned the outer textile layer and the inner textile layer.

28. The article of apparel of claim 27, wherein one of the outer textile layer and the inner textile layer comprises a mesh textile layer.

29. The article of apparel of claim 26, wherein the first region and the second region are linear and substantially straight.

30. The article of apparel of claim 26, wherein the first region is substantially parallel to the second region.

31 . The shirt-type garment of claim 26, wherein the garment component further includes a first elbow area and a second elbow area, and wherein the first linear region and the second linear region straddle one of the first shoulder area, the second shoulder area, the first elbow area, and the second elbow area.