Abstract: Various protective apparatus are described. One protective apparatus includes a shoulder pad assembly having an opening for a neck of a user, a supporting element affixed to the shoulder pad assembly, the supporting element being configured to extend above the shoulder pad assembly and to encircle a portion of the opening, one or more clips arranged on the surface of the supporting element, and a helmet having one or more first bars that, when engaged within the one or more clips, secure the helmet to the supporting element.

Abstract: In certain variations, head and/or neck protection apparatus and methods are provided. A head and/or neck protection apparatus may include shoulder pads, a collar and/or a helmet. The shoulder pads may include a central opening for receiving a user's neck. A collar may extend from the periphery of the central opening or the collar may be positioned at or around the periphery of the central opening. The helmet may surround but remain spaced apart from a user's head. The helmet may be removably connected or fastened to the collar or shoulder pads. The helmet may be connected or fasted to the collar or shoulder pads such that the helmet cannot move relative to the shoulder pads and a force applied to the helmet is distributed to the collar and transferred to the shoulder pads, shoulders, chest and/or back of a user.

Abstract: In certain variations, head and/or neck protection apparatus and methods are provided. A head and/or neck protection apparatus may include shoulder pads, a collar and/or a helmet. The shoulder pads may include a central opening for receiving a user's neck. A collar may extend from the periphery of the central opening or the collar may be positioned at or around the periphery of the central opening. The helmet may surround but remain spaced apart from a user's head. The helmet may be removably connected or fastened to the collar or shoulder pads. The helmet may be connected or fasted to the collar or shoulder pads such that the helmet cannot move relative to the shoulder pads and a force applied to the helmet is distributed to the collar and transferred to the shoulder pads, shoulders, chest and/or back of a user.

Abstract: In certain variations, head and/or neck protection apparatus and methods are provided. A head and/or neck protection apparatus may include shoulder pads, a collar and/or a helmet. The shoulder pads may include a central opening for receiving a user's neck. A collar may extend from the periphery of the central opening or the collar may be positioned at or around the periphery of the central opening. The helmet may surround but remain spaced apart from a user's head. The helmet may be removably connected or fastened to the collar or shoulder pads. The helmet may be connected or fasted to the collar or shoulder pads such that the helmet cannot move relative to the shoulder pads and a force applied to the helmet is distributed to the collar and transferred to the shoulder pads, shoulders, chest and/or back of a user.