A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a forefoot region of the plate than at a midfoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.

An archery arm guard includes a guard plate having a generally elongated shape with a wider end and a narrower end. The guard plate has a contoured profile that conforms to the forearm of a user. The arm guard further includes a slap strap fabricated of a bistable spring band and coupled at one end to the guard plate, where the slap strap is operable to quickly snap from a straight configuration to an annular configuration to encircle around the forearm of the user to protect the forearm from direct contact with a bow string.

An archery arm guard includes a guard plate having a generally elongated shape with a wider end and a narrower end. The guard plate has a contoured profile that conforms to the forearm of a user. The arm guard further includes a slap strap fabricated of a bistable spring band and coupled at one end to the guard plate, where the slap strap is operable to quickly snap from a straight configuration to an annular configuration to encircle around the forearm of the user to protect the forearm from direct contact with a bow string.

An adjustable knee wedge may include a wedge shaped first compressible block, a wedge shaped second compressible block releasably coupled to the wedge shaped first compressible block and a leg guard mounting interface coupled to at least one of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.

A system for reducing trauma in the head or neck of a living being caused by acceleration of the head relative to a torso of the living being within a range of motion. The system includes a support engaging at least one of the head, neck, and shoulder of the living being without limiting the range of motion of the head or neck relative to the torso; a sensor in electrical communication with the system; a user interface in electrical communication with the sensor; and a damper associated with the support that is configured to mitigate the position, speed or acceleration of the head relative to the torso in response to information received by the sensor or user interface.

A signaling system for wirelessly transmitting private signals between participants of an event is provided. The signaling system includes an indicator positioned in the apparel of a first participant, and an actuator positioned in the apparel of a second participant. The indicator including a signaler, an indicator processor, and a wireless receiver. The actuator including a button, an actuator processor, and a wireless transmitter. The actuator processor is configured to produce signal data for wireless transmission. The indicator processor is configured to electronically communicate with the signaler based on the signal data received by the wireless receiver.

A signaling system for wirelessly transmitting private signals between participants of an event is provided. The signaling system includes an indicator positioned in the apparel of a first participant, and an actuator positioned in the apparel of a second participant. The indicator including a signaler, an indicator processor, and a wireless receiver. The actuator including a button, an actuator processor, and a wireless transmitter. The actuator processor is configured to produce signal data for wireless transmission. The indicator processor is configured to electronically communicate with the signaler based on the signal data received by the wireless receiver.

A body limb protection system includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a force dampening and defusing structure. The outer layer includes a first material composition and has an exterior surface that includes a substantially planer area. The inner layer includes a second material composition and has a shape corresponding to a body limb portion. The force dampening and defusing structure is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer. The force dampening and defusing structure has a shape corresponding to a difference between the shapes of the inner and outer layers. The force dampening and defusing structure includes a plurality of components arranged to reduce pressure on the body limb portion when a force is applied to the substantially planer area.

An article of apparel includes a padding system that dynamically changes configuration in response to an impending impact. The padding system may change from a state that has a high flexibility and offers low protection from impact to a state that has a low flexibility and offers increase protection from impact. The system may use a filament to constrict a plurality of padding elements together in order to increase the overall stiffness of the pad. The filament may be tightened and loosened by a spool. The spool may receive a signal regarding the impending impact from a sensor that is a part of the article of apparel, or a sensor that is separate from it.

An article of apparel includes a padding system that dynamically changes configuration in response to an impending impact. The padding system may change from a state that has a high flexibility and offers low protection from impact to a state that has a low flexibility and offers increase protection from impact. The system may use a filament to constrict a plurality of padding elements together in order to increase the overall stiffness of the pad. The filament may be tightened and loosened by a spool. The spool may receive a signal regarding the impending impact from a sensor that is a part of the article of apparel, or a sensor that is separate from it.