Abstract: A flexible energy absorbing system comprising a material coated, impregnated and/or combined with a strain rate sensitive substance is disclosed. It is formed so as to define repeating adjacent cells, each cell having a re-entrant geometry such that, upon impact, the material locally densifies at the impact site.

Abstract: A flexible energy absorbing system including a material coated, impregnated and/or combined with a strain rate sensitive substance is disclosed. The flexible energy absorbing system is formed so as to define repeating adjacent cells, each cell having a re-entrant geometry such that, upon impact, the material locally densifies at the impact site.

Abstract: A flexible energy absorbing system including a material coated, impregnated and/or combined with a strain rate sensitive substance is disclosed. The flexible energy absorbing system is formed so as to define repeating adjacent cells, each cell having a re-entrant geometry such that, upon impact, the material locally densifies at the impact site.

Abstract: A flexible energy absorbing material in which a dilatant material (6) is impregnated into or supported by a resilient carrier (1). The dilatant material remains soft until it is subjected to an impact when its characteristics change rendering it temporarily rigid, the material returning to its normal flexible state after the impact. The carrier can be a spacer fabric, a foam layer or modules or threads of dilatant material contained between a pair of spaced layers. Methods of manufacturing the energy absorbing sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible energy absorbing sheet material in which a dilatant material (6) is impregnated into or supported by a resilient carrier (1). The dilatant material remains soft until it is subjected to an impact when its characteristics change rendering it temporarily rigid, the material returning to its normal flexible state after the impact. The carrier can be a spacer fabric, a foam layer or modules or threads of dilatant material contained between a pair of spaced layers. Methods of manufacturing the energy absorbing sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective member primarily for use as an energy absorbing pad for incorporation into garments to protect the wearer against accidental impacts. The member comprises a putty-like energy absorbing material (2) encapsulated in a flexible envelope (3, 4). The energy absorbing material is normally soft and flexible but changes to become temporarily rigid when an impact force is applied thereto, thereby absorbing the impact energy, the material returning to its normal flexible condition after the impact. The energy absorbing member preferably comprises a series of connected corrugations to increase its energy absorbing properties.

Abstract: A flexible energy absorbing sheet material in which a dilatant material (6) is impregnated into or supported by a resilient carrier (1). The dilatant material remains soft until it is subjected to an impact when its characteristics change rendering it temporarily rigid, the material returning to its normal flexible state after the impact. The carrier can be a spacer fabric, a foam layer or modules or threads of dilatant material contained between a pair of spaced layers. Methods of manufacturing the energy absorbing sheet are also disclosed.