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).

The present invention is directed to a chest pad that significantly reduces the occurrence of commotio cordis among athletes. 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 of the present invention 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 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).

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.

Articles of sports equipment, such as striking implements (e.g., sticks) and wearable articles (e.g., skates, helmets) for playing hockey or other activities, in which at least one of the characteristics (e.g., stiffness) of the articles of sports equipment is adaptable and can be altered during use of the sports equipment, such as by comprising an alterable component coupled to a controller, by comprising an alterable component that is autonomously alterable, and/or by an alterable component that can be altered in response to a command of a remote device.

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.

An articulated cervical spine and neck protection system for protecting the cervical spine and the soft tissues of the neck, and for reducing related injuries including concussion. The invention has been developed primarily for use in full combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat, and combat-training scenarios, including in the defence forces, for law enforcement, or in martial arts competition or training including those involving weapons. The articulated cervical spine and neck protection system comprises an articulated cervical shroud assembly that allows good movement while protecting the cervical spine and soft tissues of the throat and neck against risks commonly associated with full contact sports and real combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat.

A chest protector includes a protective vest portion and a harness portion to hold the vest portion on a user. The harness portion includes a first side strap and a second side strap, each of the first and second side straps being connected to the vest portion on opposing sides of the vest portion; a first slide connected to the first side strap; a second slide connected to the second side strap; a central strap passing through the first slide and the second slide and forming a loop connecting the first and second slides; a vertical strap connected to the central strap; and a strap adjuster connecting the vest portion and the vertical strap. The vertical strap passes through the strap adjuster and a free end of the vertical strap can be pulled to tighten the harness portion around a user. The vertical strap may be the only adjustable strap.

Articles of sports equipment, such as striking implements (e.g., sticks) and wearable articles (e.g., skates, helmets) for playing hockey or other activities, in which at least one of the characteristics (e.g., stiffness) of the articles of sports equipment is adaptable and can be altered during use of the sports equipment, such as by comprising an alterable component coupled to a controller, by comprising an alterable component that is autonomously alterable, and/or by an alterable component that can be altered in response to a command of a remote device.

A signaling system for wirelessly transmitting private signals between participants of an event is provided. The signaling system includes an indicator positioned in the apparel of a first participant, and an actuator positioned in the apparel of a second participant. The indicator including a signaler, an indicator processor, and a wireless receiver. The actuator including a button, an actuator processor, and a wireless transmitter. The actuator processor is configured to produce signal data for wireless transmission. The indicator processor is configured to electronically communicate with the signaler based on the signal data received by the wireless receiver.