Impact-resistant materials and pads are disclosed. An impact-resistant material includes a first elastomer layer having a first density, a second elastomer layer having a second density higher than the first density, a layer of high-tensile strength fibrous material, and a polymer layer. These layers are preferably be arranged in the order in which they are recited. These layers may also be included in an impact-resistant pad configured to be worn by a user. The first elastomer layer is positioned directly adjacent the user when the pad is worn by the user.

Impact-resistant materials and pads are disclosed. An impact-resistant material includes a first elastomer layer having a first density, a second elastomer layer having a second density higher than the first density, a layer of high-tensile strength fibrous material, and a polymer layer. These layers are preferably be arranged in the order in which they are recited. These layers may also be included in an impact-resistant pad configured to be worn by a user. The first elastomer layer is positioned directly adjacent the user when the pad is worn by the user.

An articulated cervical spine and neck protection system for protecting the cervical spine and the soft tissues of the neck, and for reducing related injuries including concussion. The invention has been developed primarily for use in full combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat, and combat-training scenarios, including in the defence forces, for law enforcement, or in martial arts competition or training including those involving weapons. The articulated cervical spine and neck protection system comprises an articulated cervical shroud assembly that allows good movement while protecting the cervical spine and soft tissues of the throat and neck against risks commonly associated with full contact sports and real combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat.

This disclosure relates to a drying rack for wet equipment constructed to support wet equipment having absorbent and non-absorbent sides. The drying rack supports the equipment such that absorbent sides of the wet equipment are generally oriented in a single windward direction relative to an external airflow source.

A layered protective structure for protective garments and equipment is disclosed. The layered protective structure comprises three layers. The first layer is the outermost layer, and it is the most rigid of the layers and has first layer holes that have at their edges rim structures extending inward into the protective structure. The second layer is an elastic net-like structure that is configured to fit at least partly between the rim structures. The first layer and the second layer are on top of the third layer, which is the innermost of the layers (i.e., towards the user when the protective structure is in use). The third layer is made of a softer and more flexible material than the first layer. The second layer spreads the impact forces and conveys at least part of them to the third layer.

According to the present disclosure, a leg guard is provided with a splint connector that connects a knee guard with a thigh guard. The splint is made of a material and shaped in a way that allows the connector to hold tension like a rope, to hold compression like a support beam, to bend in one plane like a single hinge through the full range of the knee joint, to twist slightly and to create and maintain a consistent separation distance between the knee guard and the thigh guard while the leg guard including the connector is being worn.

A chest protector includes a protective vest portion and a harness portion to hold the vest portion on a user. The harness portion includes a first side strap and a second side strap, each of the first and second side straps being connected to the vest portion on opposing sides of the vest portion; a first slide connected to the first side strap; a second slide connected to the second side strap; a central strap passing through the first slide and the second slide and forming a loop connecting the first and second slides; a vertical strap connected to the central strap; and a strap adjuster connecting the vest portion and the vertical strap. The vertical strap passes through the strap adjuster and a free end of the vertical strap can be pulled to tighten the harness portion around a user. The vertical strap may be the only adjustable strap.

A chest protector includes a protective vest portion and a harness portion to hold the vest portion on a user. The harness portion includes a first side strap and a second side strap, each of the first and second side straps being connected to the vest portion on opposing sides of the vest portion; a first slide connected to the first side strap; a second slide connected to the second side strap; a central strap passing through the first slide and the second slide and forming a loop connecting the first and second slides; a vertical strap connected to the central strap; and a strap adjuster connecting the vest portion and the vertical strap. The vertical strap passes through the strap adjuster and a free end of the vertical strap can be pulled to tighten the harness portion around a user. The vertical strap may be the only adjustable strap.

Systems and methods for sensing and monitoring various athletic performance metrics, e.g., during the course of a game, a practice, a training session, training drills, and the like, are described. These systems and methods can provide useful metrics for players and coaches relating to athletic performances in various sports, including various team sports.

A pad protecting a pitcher's thigh has a tube containing a flexible pad around a front of the tube but not between the pitcher's legs and at least a portion of the back of the tube. A belt encircles the pitcher's waist and a padded top portion and connecting strip connect to the belt and extend laterally from the pitcher's navel to just past the pitcher's hip and extends downward to connect to the front of the tube. The padding covers a strike area where the pitcher's glove arm and glove hit the pitcher's hip and thigh when throwing a fast pitch softball.