A pad, configured to be attached to an item of protective apparel, the pad having a layered construction comprising, in order: a first support layer; a first padded layer; a first low friction layer; a second low friction layer; a second padded layer; and a second support layer connected to the first support layer so as to hold the other layers of the pad together; wherein: the first and second padded layers are configured to slide relative to each other at a sliding interface located between the first and second low friction layers; and the second support layer is configured to stretch to accommodate the sliding.

A helmet, such as a football helmet, includes a shell portion, a retention assembly, and a face guard assembly. The shell portion includes: an outer shell; an inner shell spaced apart from the outer shell, the inner shell and the outer shell defining an interior space between the inner shell and the outer shell; at least one fastener assembly extending from the outer shell to the inner shell through the interior space; and at least one inflated bladder positioned in the interior space defined by the inner shell and the outer shell. The shell(s) can be formed from lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber. The retention assembly is connected to the inner shell for securing the helmet to a head of a wearer. The face guard assembly is connected to the outer shell and is positioned to protect at least a portion of a face of the wearer.

A head covering to reduce the force from an external surface on the head of an individual. The head covering is formed from thin polymeric tubes that are inflated by blowing via lung exhalation. The head covering is light weight and can be folded into a small in volume such that it is easily carried in a shirt or pant pocket.

Aspects herein relate to protective headgear for sports and to methods of using such headgear. In one aspect, the headgear has an external head-protecting shell that is soft to reduce the risk of injuring other players. In another aspect, the headgear has a rear closure arrangement that includes a bridge component for ease of putting on the headgear and for added protection at the closure area of the rear closure arrangement. In another aspect, fit pads of different sizes are removeably attachable to a cheekbone extension member of the headgear to provide a proper fit to the wearer's cheekbone. A face mask is integrated with the headgear in some embodiments.

The disclosure relates to a protective sports headgear device and method for manufacturing a protective sports headgear device. The device may include various padding materials that can reduce the risk of head injury for the wearer. One or more external covering layers can be connected to the padding or can surround and retain the padding. The protective sports headgear device may provide protection for the ears of the wearer as well. Additionally, the protective sports headgear device can be suitable for use in the sports of water polo, wrestling, or other sports.

An impact reducing headgear is disclosed which utilizes dynamically responsive materials which undergo physical changes during exposure to impact forces, such that physical changes or phase changes absorb energy. The helmet may be constructed with a dual shell structure and a bladder, where the dynamically responsive materials may be contained. An embodiment for a comfortable fit which remains tight to the wearer's head is disclosed.

Aspects herein relate to protective headgear for sports and to methods of using such headgear. In one aspect, the headgear has an external head-protecting shell that is soft to reduce the risk of injuring other players. In another aspect, the headgear has a rear closure arrangement that includes a bridge component for ease of putting on the headgear and for added protection at the closure area of the rear closure arrangement. In another aspect, fit pads of different sizes are removeably attachable to a cheekbone extension member of the headgear to provide a proper fit to the wearer's cheekbone. A face mask is integrated with the headgear in some embodiments.

A protective garment assembly can include an elongate main portion having a length that extends between first and second ends. The main portion can include an upper fabric layer and a lower fabric layer. At least one energy-absorbing layer can be arranged between the upper and lower fabric layers and can extend at least partially between the first and second ends. At least one high-strength strip can be arranged between the upper and lower fabric layers adjacent to the at least one energy-absorbing layer. A plurality of armor elements can be arranged between the upper and lower fabric layers adjacent to the at least one energy-absorbing layer and the at least one high-strength strip.

A protective headgear having a protective outer layer, an inner impact dispersing layer, an opening in the posterior of the helmet to allow hair to exit the protective helmet, and juxtaposed to the posterior opening, a flap that covers a portion of the opening and is selectively attachable to the inner impact attenuating layer.

A helmet includes a shell, a brim, ridges, and multiple flexible structures. The shell is shaped to receive a user's head. The brim covers the user's forehead and areas above the temples and ears and protrudes from the outer surface of the shell. The ridges are located along the back and top of the helmet and also protrude from the outer surface of the shell. The flexible structures, which are made of a material that is more flexible than the shell, the brim, and the ridges, are positioned in separation gaps between the shell and the brim and ridges. The shell, brim, ridges, and flexible structures are fused together as a single unibody. When the helmet is subjected to an impact on the brim or the ridges, the corresponding flexible structure deforms so that the brim or ridge moves relative to the shell. The deformation of the flexible structure attenuates the force of the impact, which improves the helmet's ability to protect the user from impacts.