An article of apparel includes a padding system that dynamically changes configuration in response to an impending impact. The padding system may change from a state that has a high flexibility and offers low protection from impact to a state that has a low flexibility and offers increase protection from impact. The system may use a filament to constrict a plurality of padding elements together in order to increase the overall stiffness of the pad. The filament may be tightened and loosened by a spool. The spool may receive a signal regarding the impending impact from a sensor that is a part of the article of apparel, or a sensor that is separate from it.

Impact-resistant materials and pads are disclosed. An impact-resistant material includes a first elastomer layer having a first density, a second elastomer layer having a second density higher than the first density, a layer of high-tensile strength fibrous material, and a polymer layer. These layers are preferably be arranged in the order in which they are recited. These layers may also be included in an impact-resistant pad configured to be worn by a user. The first elastomer layer is positioned directly adjacent the user when the pad is worn by the user.

A head and neck support and restraint system including protective headwear worn by a user; an article worn about the shoulders, chest and back of the user; and a dynamic connector that is disposed between and attached to the protective headwear and the worn article that dampens and distributes forces to which the head and neck are subjected during use. Such forces can include forces experienced as a result of acceleration, deceleration, or impact during a collision between the user and another person or object. The dynamic connector also supports and limits the rate and range of motion permitted between the head and neck relative to the shoulders, chest and back of a user when the head or body of the user is subjected to such forces.

A multi-layer composite structure is conformable to the contours of the body parts for which protection is required. The composition structure contains a rigid shock-deflecting outer layer, two semi-rigid shock-damping and shock-dissipating middle layers, and a pliable shock-absorbing lower layer. In one embodiment, the structure is designed for impacts associated with contact sports, such as football, hockey and lacrosse. In another embodiment, the structure is designed for military/police applications, in which impacts can be blunt forces, from weapons such as clubs, or penetrative forces, from knives, bullets or shrapnel.

A body impact protection system includes an inner layer and an impact force dampening and defusing structure. The inner layer includes a material composition and is adjacent to a body part when the body impact protection system is worn. The impact force dampening and defusing structure is juxtaposed to the inner layer and includes a plurality of components. The components function to reduce pressure on the body part from an impact force on a layer by layer basis. Each layer of the system dampens and defuses the impact force such that, by the time it reaches the body part, it has been substantially attenuated and spread over a large area.

Disclosed is a punching bag that can transform into body armor for fighter training. The apparatus is to be used as a standalone item that is representative of a heavy bag while also incorporating force sensors and software connectivity for real-time monitoring of speed, power, intensity, or other relevant desired metrics. Further, the apparatus can be adjusted to practice uppercut punches or high kicks by simply moving around a few pieces.

An article of apparel includes a padding system that dynamically changes configuration in response to an impending impact. The padding system may change from a state that has a high flexibility and offers low protection from impact to a state that has a low flexibility and offers increase protection from impact. The system may use a filament to constrict a plurality of padding elements together in order to increase the overall stiffness of the pad. The filament may be tightened and loosened by a spool. The spool may receive a signal regarding the impending impact from a sensor that is a part of the article of apparel, or a sensor that is separate from it.

Disclosed are joint protection devices, which may include a garment configured to be worn by a user; and a cushioning pad attached to the garment, the pad comprising cushioning regions, a continuous upper layer and a continuous lower layer at least partially bonded to the continuous upper layer, a cushioning material disposed between and bonded to the upper layer and the lower layer in the cushioning regions, and one or more grooves between the cushioning regions, which enable radial articulation of the cushioning regions relative to one another.

A body impact protection system includes an inner layer and an impact force dampening and defusing structure. The inner layer includes a material composition and is adjacent to a body part when the body impact protection system is worn. The impact force dampening and defusing structure is juxtaposed to the inner layer and includes a plurality of components. The components function to reduce pressure on the body part from an impact force on a layer by layer basis. Each layer of the system dampens and defuses the impact force such that, by the time it reaches the body part, it has been substantially attenuated and spread over a large area.

A body limb protection system includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a force dampening and defusing structure. The outer layer includes a first material composition and has an exterior surface that includes a substantially planer area. The inner layer includes a second material composition and has a shape corresponding to a body limb portion. The force dampening and defusing structure is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer. The force dampening and defusing structure has a shape corresponding to a difference between the shapes of the inner and outer layers. The force dampening and defusing structure includes a plurality of components arranged to reduce pressure on the body limb portion when a force is applied to the substantially planer area.