The present invention provides a sports protection device (e.g. a shin pad) for protecting a portion of a wearer's body (e.g. their shin). The sports protection device comprises a lining layer for facing the wearer's body (shin) and an opposing composite layer superimposed on said lining layer. The composite layer comprises wood particles within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The lining and composite layers are shaped to substantially match the contour of the portion of the wearer's body (shin). A moldable blank for forming a sports protection device is also provided.

A fencer chest protector is provided which includes comprising a rigid chest plate, the rigid chest plate having a top side, a bottom side, and a pair of lateral sides, a top left opening and a top right opening formed at the top side, and a lateral opening at each of the lateral sides; and a removable harness includes a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a distal end which is adjustably connectable to, and removable from, a corresponding one of the top left and top right openings via a top connector, the removable harness further including a back strap having a first distal end which is adjustably connectable to, and selectively removable from, one of the lateral openings via a lateral connector, and having second distal end which is adjustably connectable to, and selectively removable from, the other one of the lateral openings via a lateral connector. One, some, or all of the central connector, lateral connectors, and top connectors may be comprised of fabric hook and loop fasteners.

A fencer chest protector is provided which includes comprising a rigid chest plate, the rigid chest plate having a top side, a bottom side, and a pair of lateral sides, a top left opening and a top right opening formed at the top side, and a lateral opening at each of the lateral sides; and a removable harness includes a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a distal end which is adjustably connectable to, and removable from, a corresponding one of the top left and top right openings via a top connector, the removable harness further including a back strap having a first distal end which is adjustably connectable to, and selectively removable from, one of the lateral openings via a lateral connector, and having second distal end which is adjustably connectable to, and selectively removable from, the other one of the lateral openings via a lateral connector. One, some, or all of the central connector, lateral connectors, and top connectors may be comprised of fabric hook and loop fasteners.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

A system for reducing traumatic brain injuries in players on a sports field includes a number of transmitters worn by at least some of the players; a plurality of sensors configured for placement on or near the sports field for receiving signals transmitted from the transmitters as the players move about on the field; a head-stabilizing component worn by at least one of the players that inhibits relative motion of the player's head when activated; and a processing element coupled with the sensors and in communication with the head-stabilizing component. The processing element determines locations of the players based on the signals transmitted from the transmitters worn by the players, determines if the players are likely to impact one another or an object on the field based on the locations of the players, and transmits an activating signal to the head-stabilizing component to inhibit relative motion of the player's head if the processing element determines the player is likely to impact another player or an object on the sports field.

A system for reducing traumatic brain injuries in players on a sports field includes a number of transmitters worn by at least some of the players; a plurality of sensors configured for placement on or near the sports field for receiving signals transmitted from the transmitters as the players move about on the field; a head-stabilizing component worn by at least one of the players that inhibits relative motion of the player's head when activated; and a processing element coupled with the sensors and in communication with the head-stabilizing component. The processing element determines locations of the players based on the signals transmitted from the transmitters worn by the players, determines if the players are likely to impact one another or an object on the field based on the locations of the players, and transmits an activating signal to the head-stabilizing component to inhibit relative motion of the player's head if the processing element determines the player is likely to impact another player or an object on the sports field.

Methods and systems for force and inertial sensing in a garment. The system may include one or more wearable garments. The one or more garments may include one or more layers and an outer surface. Additionally, a force sensing array including a plurality of force sensing resistors, an inertial measurement unit, and a transmitter unit may be disposed within the one or more garments. A processor may comprise one or more receivers and may connect to the force sensing array, inertial measurement unit, or transmitter unit.

Methods and systems for force and inertial sensing in a garment. The system may include one or more wearable garments. The one or more garments may include one or more layers and an outer surface. Additionally, a force sensing array including a plurality of force sensing resistors, an inertial measurement unit, and a transmitter unit may be disposed within the one or more garments. A processor may comprise one or more receivers and may connect to the force sensing array, inertial measurement unit, or transmitter unit.

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

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.