A helmet, comprising an outer shell; a head mount, configured to be mounted on the top of the head of a wearer of the helmet; wherein the head mount is suspended within the outer shell such that, in use, an air gap is provided between head mount and the outer shell; the helmet further comprises a head engagement device that is mounted on a surface of the head mount, that is configured to face the head of a wearer of the helmet, such that the head engagement device can move relative to the head mount; and a low friction interface is provided between the head mount and the head engagement device.

An impact absorbing component for a helmet is shaped to provide protection for at least a portion of a human skull. The impact absorbing component includes a shaping layer of polymer-based material, and a plurality of impact absorbing parts. The impact absorbing parts are attached to respective portions of a surface of the shaping layer such that the plurality of impact absorbing parts are held by the shaping layer in a predetermined relative arrangement. A method for manufacturing the impact absorbing component, as well as a helmet and method for manufacturing the helmet with the impact absorbing component, are also provided.

A partial bespoke protective sports equipment to be worn by a player engaged in a sporting activity is provided. The partial bespoke sports equipment system includes methods for acquiring, storing and processing a player's unique data, namely the anatomical features of the body part against which the partial bespoke equipment is worn. The systems also includes methods of using the player's unique data to manufacture the partial bespoke protective equipment with a partially custom formed internal padding. The system and method allows for the design and manufacture of partial bespoke protective sports equipment that is purposely designed and manufactured to substantially match the anatomical specifications of the player's body part.

A connector for connecting two layers of an apparatus, the connector comprising: a first layer, formed from at least one of a textile, a cloth, a fabric and a felt; a second layer, formed from at least one of a textile, a cloth, a fabric and a felt; wherein the first and second layers are arranged adjacent each other and configured to slide against each other so as to allow the first and second layers to move relative to each other at a sliding interface.

A helmet including a shell, a plurality of panel buttons pivotally attached at their proximal face to the outer surface of the shell, and the panel buttons are made of a flexible or elastic material with a protective outer coating to protect the panel buttons from abrasion. In one embodiment, the panel buttons are pivotally attached to the outer surface of the shell with a living hinge that allows the panel buttons to swivel in multiple planes that are generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the shell.

A helmet including a shell, a plurality of panel buttons pivotally attached at their proximal face to the outer surface of the shell, and the panel buttons are made of a flexible or elastic material with a protective outer coating to protect the panel buttons from abrasion. In one embodiment, the panel buttons are pivotally attached to the outer surface of the shell with a living hinge that allows the panel buttons to swivel in multiple planes that are generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the shell.

A device for reducing impact forces upon a surface includes a base comprising a first contact portion and a transition portion, a contact member disposed between the base and the surface; and a biasing portion disposed between the first contact portion of the base and the surface. At least a first portion of an impact force upon the surface is transferred from the contact member to the base, and a second portion of the impact force is subsequently returned to the surface, the second portion being less than the first portion.

A football helmet comprises a plastic shell having a recess formed in the shell, a shock absorbing pad in the recess and removably connected to the shell, and a floating shell plate removably attached to the shock absorbing pad and further connected to the shell by a tab-slot engagement. The helmet may further comprise an inner liner comprising a shock absorbing element, an inflatable liner element, and a mobility layer disposed between the shock absorbing element and the inflatable liner element, the mobility layer having a plurality of raised elements formed therein to separate the shock absorbing element from the mobility layer thereby forming a gap between the shock absorbing element and the mobility layer, enabling relative movement of the inflatable liner with respect to shock absorbing element.

An adjustable helmet includes a main shell having a first side portion, and a second side portion. The first side portion and the second side portion are laterally flexible with respect to one another. The adjustable helmet includes a secondary shell coupled to the main shell at a location between the first side portion and the second side portion. At least a portion of the first side portion and at least a portion of the second side portion each extends over at least a portion of a top surface of the secondary shell. The adjustable helmet includes a tensioning device. A first end of the tensioning device is coupled to the first side portion and a second end of the tensioning device is coupled to the second side portion so as to provide a tension force between the first side portion and the second side portion.

An adjustable helmet includes a main shell having a first side portion, and a second side portion. The first side portion and the second side portion are laterally flexible with respect to one another. The adjustable helmet includes a secondary shell coupled to the main shell at a location between the first side portion and the second side portion. At least a portion of the first side portion and at least a portion of the second side portion each extends over at least a portion of a top surface of the secondary shell. The adjustable helmet includes a tensioning device. A first end of the tensioning device is coupled to the first side portion and a second end of the tensioning device is coupled to the second side portion so as to provide a tension force between the first side portion and the second side portion.