A device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a post-molded expandable component, which is a part of the device that is configured to be expanded or has been expanded after being molded. This may allow the post-molded expandable component to have enhanced characteristics (e.g., be more shock-absorbent, lighter, etc.), to be cost-effectively manufactured (e.g., by using less material and/or making it in various sizes), and/or to be customized for a user (e.g., by custom-fitting it to the user).

Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and computer program products for use in manufacturing an anatomical protective item for one or more users. Embodiments of anatomical protective items may comprise a single layer of energy controlling cells. Input data associated with one or more users is obtained. The obtained input data is processed to identify one or more energy controlling criteria for the anatomical protective item. A packing process is employed to generate each energy controlling cell in the single layer. Each energy controlling cell comprises one or more walls which extend from an upper surface of the single layer to a lower surface of the single layer. The packing process is performed at least on the basis of the identified one or more energy controlling criteria. The anatomical protective item comprising the single layer of energy controlling cells is manufactured.

Protective equipment for transmitting sport scores, comprising a sensor positioned between two protective layers, characterised in that it has a foam material containing an elastomer and arranged so as to contact the sensor.

A training apparatus, system and method for teaching proper athletic technique in contact sports. A first strap portion may be attached to a football helmet, and a second strap portion attached to shoulder pads. The apparatus provides feedback on the user's technique as tension is applied to the first and second strap portions, for example when the user attempts to lower their head during tackling or blocking, and causing detachment upon exceeding a threshold detachment force.

An attachment structure for selective attachment to a chest protector that includes a neck portion and opposing side portions. The attachment structure comprising a pad element, at least one strap and at least one upper strap. Each strap selectively extends around a respective side portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a rear side of the strap. The upper strap extends over the neck portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a front side of the upper strap. The attachment element on the upper strap selectively engages with the attachment element on each strap to secure the attachment structure to the chest protector.

An impact diffusing system for protecting a user's head includes a headpiece cage coupled to a thoracic framework. In one aspect, the headpiece cage includes at least two support bars, a plurality of rigid bars surrounding at least a portion of the forehead, top, and sides of the head, and a face mask that encloses at least a portion the user's face. The thoracic framework covers at least a portion of a chest, upper back, and shoulders of the user, and the thoracic framework is attached to the support bars of the headpiece cage in a manner that prevents movement of the headpiece cage relative to the thoracic framework. In another aspect, the system includes a helmet component (formed of e.g., carbon fiber) coupled to a thoracic cage, wherein the helmet component is a solid, unitary piece that surrounds the top, back, and sides of the user's head.

Protective athletic shoulder pads for a wearer, such as a hockey or lacrosse player. The shoulder pads may comprise a base with protective padding for protecting shoulders of the wearer, a rib protector for protecting ribs of the wearer, and an attachment mechanism configured to allow the rib protector to be removably connected to the base. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment mechanism may allow attachment of the rib protector to the base in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions. A protective athletic system comprising the shoulder pads and an undergarment is also provided.

A chest protector may include a flexible panel configured to generally conform to a user's chest and abdominal regions, one or more retention elements connected to the flexible panel and positioned to hold the chest protector on the user, and one or more high-friction elements positioned on an anterior outer surface of the flexible panel, the one or more high-friction elements configured to reduce angular momentum, or change rotation, of a ball impacting at least one of the one or more high-friction elements. The high-friction elements may include elements of tacky material, such as one or more dots or other elements of tacky material.

A shoulder pad assembly has main body cushions consisting of a plurality of different types of foam material joined together to result in a hybrid pad structure constructed from slow-response foam and open-cell foam. A main body cushion is constructed from a first sheet or panel of slow-response foam disposed over the torso of the wearer, a second sheet or panel of slow-response foam disposed over the back of the wearer, joined together by a third sheet or panel of open-cell foam positioned between the first sheet and second sheet, disposed over the wearer's shoulder. Optionally, a fourth sheet or pad of slow-response foam is disposed on the third sheet, disposed over the wearer's shoulder, preferably at the location that is most likely to suffer blows during football play. Optionally, a fifth sheet or pad of open-cell foam is disposed on the first sheet, on the side of the first sheet in contact with the wearer and a sixth sheet or pad of open-cell foam is disposed on the second sheet.

A scoring system comprising at least one chest protector comprising at least one sensor and at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, and at least one exterior cover designed to enclose the chest protector.