According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a connector for connecting inner and outer layers of an apparatus, the connector comprising: a first attachment part for attaching to one of the inner or outer layers; a second attachment part for attaching to the other of the inner or outer layers; wherein: the first and second attachment parts are connected in such a way as to allow the first attachment part and second attachment part to move relative to each other when the inner and outer layers move relative to each other, and the first attachment part comprises: a first flange portion adjacent a gap, said gap for accommodating a portion of said one of the inner or outer layers, said flange portion retaining said inner or outer layers within said gap, and wherein the first flange portion is substantially dome-shaped.

A helmet, comprising: an outer shell; a head mount, configured to conform to the head of a wearer; and a plurality of connectors, each provided between the outer shell and the head mount and each connected to the outer shell and head mount; wherein the connectors are configured to suspend the head mount within the outer shell such that, in use, an air gap is provided between head mount and the outer shell; wherein the connectors each have a first connection point connected to the outer shell and a second connection point connected to the head mount; and at least one connector is configured such that, under tensile loading between the first and the second connection points, the connector extends with a first modulus of elasticity up to a threshold extension and extends with a second modulus of elasticity beyond the threshold extension.

Helmet for sport activities comprising a lattice structure shaped so to accommodate a part of a user head and comprising empty and full portions arranged so that a continuous network of interconnected air channels runs through the lattice structure. The lattice structure comprises on its inner side at least one pocket permeable to air. The pocket is shaped so to accommodate said at least one permeable energy absorbing pad. Method for manufacturing the helmet comprising the steps of providing a lattice structure shaped so to receive a part of a user head and comprising at least one inner pocket, and inserting at least one energy absorbing pad which is permeable to air into said at least one pocket.

Protective clothing and/or equipment may comprise an impact mitigation layer which comprises a plurality of impact mitigation assemblies positioned between an exterior surface and an interior surface. The plurality of impact mitigation assemblies may comprise an impact absorbing array of impact mitigation structures having at least one filament and a lateral support wall or connecting element. When force is applied to the exterior surface, the structures of the impact absorbing materials deform in a desired and controlled manner, reducing the force received by the interior surface.

A safer baseball or softball helmet is constructed of a two-piece molded shell (rounder than the standard helmet today). The inner-shell is the basic helmet (rounder) as we see today. Two options are available for implementation. Option one: retrofit an exiting helmet by installing a rim or no rim and outer-shell cap, attached by a bolt/axis and assorted washers (steel or rubber/pads) to the inner-shell, for a flexing motion as a pogo stick movement to the inner-shell that serves to deflect, rotate, and disperse the force of impact. Option two: manufacture a helmet, with a molded rim or (no rim) as part of the inner-shell, into which the outer-shell will fit. With this design, the outer-shell cap could be interlocked with the helmet inner-shell locking rim with no needed for the bolt/axis. The two shell baseball or softball helmet is designed to reduce all impact forces by rotating outer-shell cap.

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 oblique-impact protection technology member (20) contains a layer (50) of closed cell foam containing a first surface (52), a second surface (54), and a plurality of wells (56) on the first surface (52). The first surface (52) contains a plurality of first surface apertures (58) and the first surface apertures (58) have a square shape. The second surface (54) is opposite the first surface (52) and optionally contains a plurality of second surface apertures (62). Each well (56) corresponds to a first surface aperture (58) and the second surface (54) is substantially parallel; or parallel, to the first surface (52). A helmet (10) and/or a piece of sporting equipment (12) may contain this technology, and a process may manufacture this technology.

A connector for connecting inner and outer layers of an apparatus, the connector comprising: an anchor point configured to be connected to one of the inner and outer layers; a resilient portion arranged to at least partially surround the anchor point about a first axis extending in a first direction and connected to the anchor point; a peripheral portion arranged to at least partially surround the resilient portion about a second axis extending in the first direction and connected to the resilient portion, and configured to be connected to the other of the inner and outer layers; and attachment means on a surface of the connector opposite to the anchor point, for attaching the connector to the inner or outer layer not to be connected to the anchor point; wherein the resilient portion is configured to protrude from the peripheral portion in the first direction, in a connected state in which the connector is connected to the inner and outer layers, and deform to allow the anchor point to move relative to the peripheral portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

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.