Pad and padding

Abstract

A pad, configured to be attached to an item of protective apparel, the pad having a layered construction comprising, in order: a first support layer; a first padded layer; a first low friction layer; a second low friction layer; a second padded layer; and a second support layer connected to the first support layer so as to hold the other layers of the pad together; wherein: the first and second padded layers are configured to slide relative to each other at a sliding interface located between the first and second low friction layers; and the second support layer is configured to stretch to accommodate the sliding.

1 . A pad, configured to be attached to an item of protective apparel, the pad having a layered construction comprising, in order:
 a first support layer;   a first padded layer;   a first low friction layer;   a second low friction layer;   a second padded layer; and   a second support layer connected to the first support layer so as to hold the other layers of the pad together; wherein:
 the first and second padded layers are configured to slide relative to each other at a sliding interface located between the first and second low friction layers; and 
 the second support layer is configured to stretch to accommodate the sliding. 
   
     
     
         2 . Padding for protective apparel, the padding comprising a plurality of distinct pads integrally formed, each pad having a layered construction comprising, in order:
 a first support layer;   a first padded layer;   a first low friction layer;   a second low friction layer;   a second padded layer; and   a second support layer connected to the first support layer so as to hold the other layers of the pad together; wherein:
 the first and second padded layers are configured to slide relative to each other at a sliding interface located between the first and second low friction layers; and 
 the second support layer is configured to stretch to accommodate the sliding. 
   
     
     
         3 . The padding of  claim 2 , wherein each pad shares a common first support layer. 
     
     
         4 . The padding of  claim 2  or  3 , wherein each pad shares a common second support layer. 
     
     
         5 . The padding of  claim 3  and  claim 4 , wherein the common first support layer is connected to the common second support layer between each pad. 
     
     
         6 . The pad or padding of  any preceding claim , wherein the first and/or second low friction layers are respectively fixedly attached to the first and second padded layers respectively. 
     
     
         7 . The pad or padding of  any preceding claim , wherein the first and/or second low friction layer is a plastic. 
     
     
         8 . The pad or padding of  claim 7 , wherein the plastic is polycarbonate. 
     
     
         9 . The pad or padding of  any preceding claim , wherein the first support layer is formed from a first fabric. 
     
     
         10 . The pad or padding of  claim 9 , wherein the first fabric forms part of a hook-and-loop fastening means. 
     
     
         11 . The pad or padding of  any preceding claim , wherein the second support layer is formed from a second fabric. 
     
     
         12 . The pad or padding of  any preceding claim , wherein the first and/or second padded layer is an energy absorbing layer configured to absorb a radial component of an impact. 
     
     
         13 . The pad or padding of  any preceding claim , wherein the first and/or second padded layer is a comfort padded layer. 
     
     
         14 . Protective apparel comprising the pad or padding of  any preceding claim . 
     
     
         15 . The protective apparel of  claim 14 , wherein the pad or padding forms an interface layer of the apparel configured to interface with a wearer. 
     
     
         16 . The protective apparel of  claim 15 , wherein the pad or padding forms an outer layer of the apparel configured to directly receive an impact. 
     
     
         17 . The protective apparel of  claim 14 , wherein the apparel is substantially formed from the padding, such that one of the first support layer and the second support layer forms an interface layer of the apparel configured to interface with a wearer and the other of the first support layer and the second support layer forms an outer layer of the apparel configured to directly receive an impact. 
     
     
         18 . The protective apparel of  any preceding claim , wherein the apparel is headgear. 
     
     
         19 . A helmet comprising:
 an outer shell;   an energy absorbing layer arranged radially inward of the outer shell; and   the pad or padding of any one of  claims 1 to 13  provided on a radially inward facing surface of the energy absorbing layer.   
     
     
         20 . A helmet comprising:
 an outer shell;   a head mount configured to mount the helmet on a wearer’s head, suspended radially inward of the outer shell with a gap there between; and   the pad or padding of any one of  claims 1 to 13  provided on radially inward facing surface of the head mount.   
     
     
         21 . Soft headgear for contact field sports, such as rugby and/or soccer, comprising:
 an inner layer configured to accommodate a wearer’s head;   an outer layer covering at least a part of the inner layer;   wherein the headgear is substantially formed from the padding of any one of  claims 2 to 13 , such that one of the first support layer and the second support layer forms the inner layer of the headgear and the other of the first support layer and the second support layer forms the outer layer of the headgear.