A protective padding section includes an upper layer, an opposing lower layer and a repeating array of cushioning regions disposed between, and continuously bonded to, the upper layer and the lower layer. Each cushioning region has a same first cushion thickness. A repeating array of apertures is disposed between the cushioning regions and each aperture extends through the padding section. The padding section has a first thickness and a first width and upon application of a force, the padding section expands in width from the first width to a second width greater than the first width and when the application of force is removed, the width of the padding section contracts to the first width.

A method of manufacturing a flexible, impact-resistant pad (1), primarily for use in an item of protective wear, comprises the following steps. First, a sheet (16) of impact-absorbing material (3, 4, 4), for example a closed-cell foam is provided. The sheet (16) is cut to provide a piece (16) with a profile required for the pad (1) and this piece (16) is then cut into a plurality of spaced, separate elements (2), which are retained within the required profile of the pad (1). A first, flexible layer (17, 4) of material (3) is provided and one side of same is bonded to the spaced, separate elements (2). The edge (5) of the pad (1) is streamlined by the following additional steps which may be carried out either before cutting of the sheet (16) into the plurality of spaced, separate elements (2) or after bonding of the first, flexible layer (17, 4) of material (3) to the spaced, separate elements (2). First, a contoured mould tool (8) is provided that defines a recess (9) having a shape complementary to the shape required on one side of the pad (1) and a streamlined edge (10) around at least part of its periphery. The impact-absorbing material (3, 4, 4) or the mould tool (8) is heated and the mould tool (8) is then pressed into it to mould it on one side to define the shape that is required. Preferably, the method comprises the further step of bonding a second flexible layer (17, 4) of material (4) to the moulded side of the pad (1). During bonding of this second flexible layer (17, 4) of material (4), the pad (1) is preferably supported on a yielding surface (23) to enable the moulded side of the pad (1) to flatten during bonding. Also provided is a flexible, impact-resistant pad (1) Comprising a first, flexible layer (17, 4) of material (3) and a plurality of spaced, separate elements (2) that are each comprised of an impact-absorbing material (3, 4, 4) and that are bonded to one side of the first flexible layer (17, 4) of material (3). At least some of the elements (2) adjacent the edge (5) of the pad (1) are streamlined around at least part of the periphery of the pad (1).

A ballistic vest carrier is formed by two overlapping outer panels and two overlapping inner panels. The ballistic vest carrier is configured to hold a soft ballistic panel and provides a pocket for an optional hard ballistic plate. The pocket for the optional ballistic plate is accessible from the outside face through an outer access opening. The outer face of the ballistic vest carrier is free of protruding edges, allowing concealed use of the ballistic vest carrier. A ballistic vest includes two ballistic vest carriers which are connected by shoulder straps and side straps.

The disclosed apparatus, system and method includes at least a protective garment that prevents concussive effects on internal organs. The garment many include a garment body; and, embedded in the garment body, at least one multi-sectional pad. At least two of the multi-sections may comprise: at least one aramid layer; at least one multi-durometer foam layer having a substantially similar surface area to that provided by the at least one aramid layer; and at least one shield layer.

An article of protective equipment for protecting a body part of a user includes a lattice structure with a plurality of struts forming three dimensional volumetric structures. The lattice structure includes a plurality of internal layers, each internal layer having at least one different physical property from the other internal layers, wherein the plurality of internal layers comprises at least one internal layer having physical properties such that the at least one internal layer is capable of compressing more than at least one other internal layer in response to an impact to the article of protective equipment.

A compressible liner for a helmet or other apparatus subject to shock loading comprises three substantially co-extensive layers mutually engaged by respective cone-like protuberances and cone-like recesses. The intermediate layer is of a different compressibility and provides for de-coupling of the layers in an oblique impact.

In one aspect, there is provided a fabric containing gas therein, the fabric comprising a weave between warps and wefts, wherein each warp includes an elongate array of a plurality of individual gas cells, wherein neighboring gas cells are physically coupled to each other via a connection, wherein the connection is monolithic with the gas cells, and each cell contains the gas therein.

An article including one or more moisture wicking layers and one or more fibrous layers. The fibrous layers may have generally vertically oriented fibers, which may be oriented generally perpendicularly to a surface having or producing moisture. The article may be adapted to remove moisture form the surface having or producing moisture. The article may be breathable. The article may be quick drying. The article may provide cushioning. The article may be a wearable item.

A protective garment that prevents concussive effects on internal organs. The garment many include a garment body; and, embedded in the garment body, multiple pads. The pads may comprise: at least one aramid layer; at least one multi-durometer foam layer having a substantially similar surface area to that provided by the at least one aramid layer; and at least one shield layer.

An impact force dampening and defusing structure includes a plurality of components arranged in a grid array. A component has a three-dimensional geometric shape that includes an impact receiving surface area and an impact defusing surface area. The impact defusing surface area is larger than, and a distance d from, the impact receiving surface area. The component includes a material composition and, when an impact force strikes the impact receiving surface area of the component and the impact force dampening and defusing structure is in position to protect a body part, the component contributes to reducing pressure on the body part based on the material composition, the distance d, the impact receiving surface area, and the impact defusing surface area.