A headband is provided which has a fabric layer defining pockets, padding layers positioned circumferentially around the headband in the pockets, and an impact panel. The impact panel is positioned to be proximate to the forehead of a wearer of the headband. One of the padding layers is positioned behind the impact panel, such that the padding layer is positioned between the impact panel and the forehead of a wearer.

A headband is provided which has a fabric layer defining pockets, padding layers positioned circumferentially around the headband in the pockets, and an impact panel. The impact panel is positioned to be proximate to the forehead of a wearer of the headband. One of the padding layers is positioned behind the impact panel, such that the padding layer is positioned between the impact panel and the forehead of a wearer.

Body-protector (1,1′) comprising: a wearable article (2,2′); a shock-absorbing pad (3) anchored to the wearable article (2,2′); wherein the shock-absorbing pad (3) comprises a first member (4) configured to absorb shock energy by an irreversible plastic deformation and a second member (5) configured to absorb shock energy by a reversible elastic deformation and wherein the first member (4) is embedded in the second member (5); wherein the first member (4) comprises a plurality of cells (6) interconnected each other via their sidewalls (7) to form a pliable sheet (8) configured to absorb energy through irreversible deformation of said sidewalls (7) or said interconnections in response to a compressive load applied to said sheet (8). Said wearable article (2) being a glove (2′) wherein said shock-absorbing pad (3) is anchored to a back of the glove (2′).

The invention relates to a neck guard having an impact guarding insert. The neck guard has a body with a top with two tabs, a bottom, two ends, a front side, and a back side. A cavity is formed within the neck guard for containing the insert. The insert can be a removable insert that is selectably inserted and removed through an opening in the front side of the neck guard. The insert can also be permanently secured within the cavity. The insert can have a plurality of honeycomb shaped holes through it, and it is preferably made of a flexible and compressible material. The insert has tabs that can be aligned with and mate with tabs of the neck guard body. The body also has a bib at the bottom of the neck guard. The insert is also positioned through interfacing with the top of the bib.

A headband is provided which has a fabric layer defining pockets, padding layers positioned circumferentially around the headband in the pockets, and an impact panel. The impact panel is positioned to be proximate to the forehead of a wearer of the headband. One of the padding layers is positioned behind the impact panel, such that the padding layer is positioned between the impact panel and the forehead of a wearer.

A headband is provided which has a fabric layer defining pockets, padding layers positioned circumferentially around the headband in the pockets, and an impact panel. The impact panel is positioned to be proximate to the forehead of a wearer of the headband. One of the padding layers is positioned behind the impact panel, such that the padding layer is positioned between the impact panel and the forehead of a wearer.

Described are methods for manufacturing a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, a plastic component manufactured with such methods, for example a sole or a part of a sole for a shoe, and a shoe with such a sole. The method for the manufacture of a plastic component includes loading a mold with a first material includes particles of an expanded material and fusing the surfaces of the particles by supplying energy. The energy is supplied in the form of at least one electromagnetic field.

Described are methods for manufacturing a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, a plastic component manufactured with such methods, for example a sole or a part of a sole for a shoe, and a shoe with such a sole. The method for the manufacture of a plastic component includes loading a mold with a first material includes particles of an expanded material and fusing the surfaces of the particles by supplying energy. The energy is supplied in the form of at least one electromagnetic field.

A blocker for a hand of a goalie that is designed to be more comfortable and adjustable, including to enhance flexion and extension of fingers of the goalie's hand. The blocker may comprise: a glove configured to receive the goalie's hand and comprising finger portions configured to receive fingers of the goalie's hand; a blocking member disposed over the glove and configured to block a puck or ball; a finger-protecting member disposed between and movable relative to the blocking member and respective ones of the finger portions and configured to protect respective ones of the goalie's fingers that are received in the respective ones of the finger portions; and a connector connecting the finger-protecting member to a given one of the finger portions.

A blocker for a hand of a goalie that is designed to be more comfortable and adjustable, including to enhance flexion and extension of fingers of the goalie's hand. The blocker may comprise: a glove configured to receive the goalie's hand and comprising finger portions configured to receive fingers of the goalie's hand; a blocking member disposed over the glove and configured to block a puck or ball; a finger-protecting member disposed between and movable relative to the blocking member and respective ones of the finger portions and configured to protect respective ones of the goalie's fingers that are received in the respective ones of the finger portions; and a connector connecting the finger-protecting member to a given one of the finger portions.