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.

A force defusing structure includes first and second plurality of spherical shaped objects. A first spherical shaped object is proximally positioned to two or more second spherical shaped objects. When a force is applied to the first spherical shaped object, the first spherical shaped object collides with the two or more second spherical shaped objects to defuse the force based on a multi-dimensional collision between the first spherical shaped object and the two or more second spherical shaped objects.

A bespoke protective sports helmet to be worn by a player engaged in a sporting activity is provided. The bespoke helmet includes i) systems and methods for acquiring, storing and processing a player's unique data, namely the player's anatomical features, where that player is to wear a protective sports helmet, (ii) for systems and methods of using the player's unique data to manufacture a protective sports helmet with a custom formed internal padding assembly that substantially corresponds to the player's unique data, and (iii) a protective sports helmet designed using the acquired and processed unique player's data and including the custom formed internal padding assembly that provides improved fit and comfort for the player. The system and method allows for the design and manufacture of a bespoke protective sports helmet that is purposely designed and manufactured to match the player's anatomical specifications.

An article of apparel for a human being, designed or arranged to be worn around an appendage such as an arm or leg, and designed or intended to resist impact. The article contains a material in the form of a spongy, elastic polymer engineered to absorb energy, shock, vibration and impact. The article of apparel can be used to protect hard, bony areas of the human body such as elbows, knees and ankles. The article will be of use to persons engaged in sports involving bats, sticks, mallets, pucks and hard balls, as well as to cyclists, and anyone whose occupation requires the knees or elbows to come into contact with hard surfaces.

Method and apparatus for improved helmet having an outer shell with a face mask disposed thereon along with an inner shell so that the outer shell floats without the inner and outer shells separating while maintaining an air gap between the inner shell and the head of a user which prevents direct contact between the helmet and the head or neck of a user. An outer collar closely surrounds the sides and back of the outer shell and is attached to the shoulder pads preventing direct impact to the rear of the outer shell and also much of the area behind the ear of a user. Gel pads are placed between the two helmet shells and the top of the helmet collar and between the shoulder, chest and back pads and the body of the user. A head and neck restraint and third-party neck brace are also shown.

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.

A body protection system comprising multiple protective assemblies that permits adjustability of the multiple assemblies in respect to one another thereby permitting a complete body protection system that is usable across different size personnel. The multiple protective assemblies may be separately adjusted permitting a one-size-fits-most capability for the different sized personnel. The body protection system permits reuse among different sized people thereby reducing overall costs associated with protecting members of law enforcement, military or other organizations. The body protection system may include a unique adjustable neck protectors that provides enhanced protection for the neck area. The various multiple protective assemblies may suspend directly or indirectly from the shoulder pad assemblies providing a common comprehensive suspension system for a wearer.

A chest pad that significantly reduces the occurrence of commotio cordis among athletes is disclosed. The chest pad may be utilized as a stand-alone chest protector intended to provide coverage primarily for the upper chest wall and the cardiac area. The chest pad may also be implanted into or utilized in traditional chest protectors that provide full coverage of the user's torso. The chest pad provides additional protection to the heart of the wearer such that impact in the heart area with a projectile is absorbed by the chest pad.

A protective structure for protective garments and equipment is disclosed having a flat curved plate like object which includes a mesh structure having a multitude of holes. The holes in the mesh structure or parts of the holes in the mesh structure have rim structures extending towards a user of the protective structure when the protective structure is in use. Between the rim structures are channels. The channels improve air circulation beneath the protective structure and the rim structures enhances the impact spreading and elasticity of the protective structure. A continuous border frame surrounds the mesh structure. The protective structure has a first surface and a second surface, and the second surface is oriented towards the user when the protective structure is in use.

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.