A composite multi-axial impact protection liner for a helmet is provided that reduces rotational acceleration, rotational strain rate, and rotational strain that cause concussions. In a protective helmet so equipped, one or more layers of fluid polymer, including strain thinning and strain thickening polymers, are positioned between the wearer's head and a hard helmet shell. The liner offers greater injury protection, performance, and personal comfort using the rate dependent and combined effect of strain thinning and strain thickening of fluid polymer layers.

Hard armor plate pouches incorporated in a ballistic vest carrier cover that has armor panel pockets with side openings and waist panels. The pouches are attached to the carrier cover outer layer inside the armor pockets with access through the outer layer. In one configuration, the pouch is a single fabric sheet attached to the outer layer around the sheet perimeter. In another configuration, the pouch is a bag that hangs freely in the pocket. The pouch is accessed via a lateral opening or a vertical opening in the outer layer that is closed by an openable fastener, such as a zipper, hook and loop fastener, or snaps. The vertical opening can be hidden behind a placket. Optionally, the waist panels have side pouches that have openings at the side or the top.

A collar sized to be worn around the neck of a human subject has at least one member that defines an arc of less than 360° and greater than 180° having a diameter, a first compressor at a first end of the arc, a second compressor at a second end of the arc and a bend angle sensor. The collar is adapted to exert an inwardly-directed force on the first and second compressors when worn. The bend angle sensor is configured and positioned to detect a bend angle of the collar, wherein the bend angle correlates to the inwardly-directed force on the first and second compressors when worn.

A collar sized to be worn around the neck of a human subject has at least one member that defines an arc of less than 360° and greater than 180° having a diameter, a first compressor at a first end of the arc, a second compressor at a second end of the arc and a bend angle sensor. The collar is adapted to exert an inwardly-directed force on the first and second compressors when worn. The bend angle sensor is configured and positioned to detect a bend angle of the collar, wherein the bend angle correlates to the inwardly-directed force on the first and second compressors when worn.

The invention provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a glove with at least one elongate lighting device adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. Additional articles of clothing are provided herein for enhanced conspicuity, such as for emergency workers and athletes.

A backpack for transporting articles and for ballistic including at least one compartment and opposing straps vertically attached to a back-facing portion of the backpack. A first compartment includes a plurality of pouches disposed on an inner surface of the first compartment to store various accessories, a second compartment immediately behind the first compartment defines a cavity sized to receive a bullet-proof material, and a third compartment is formed between the second compartment and the back-facing portion and used to store or transport various articles. Once the user senses danger or comes under fire, the user may deploy the backpack as a ballistic protection by shifting the backpack from where the back-facing portion rests on the user's back side to where the back-facing portion rests on the user's front side. While in the ballistic protection mode, the straps remain situate on the user's shoulders so that both of the user's hands remain free to access accessories stored within the backpack and to utilize firearms if necessary.

A multi-tiered recoiling energy absorbing system has an upper impact surface that is exposed to percussive impact. At least one energy absorbing layer is positioned below or inside the upper impact surface. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules are provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper platform. Several of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper platform. A lateral reinforcement member secures the energy absorbing units to prevent them from splaying. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its un-deflected configuration.

Apparatus and methods for reducing injury or damage from an explosive device are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing and at least one inflator coupled to the housing. The apparatus also includes a shield coupled to the housing. The shield has a plurality of channels coupled to the at least one inflator. The shield also has a compact position and an expanded position. The plurality of channels are configured to receive a fluid from the at least one inflator and thereby at least partially advance the shield from the compact position to the expanded position.

Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and embedded wavy materials are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bullet proof vests, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having a plurality of spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section, and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having an embedded wavy material that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse.

Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and embedded wavy materials are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bullet proof vests, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having a plurality of spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section, and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having an embedded wavy material that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse.