Abstract: A protective pad system may comprise a vest, at least one right shoulder pad and at least one left shoulder pad. The vest may comprise a back region, a left shoulder region, a right shoulder region, and a chest region. The at least one left shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the left shoulder region of the vest, and at least one left front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one left shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest. Likewise, the at least one right shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the right shoulder region of the vest, and at least one right front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one right shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest.

Abstract: A protective pad configuration is provided that includes a corrugated energy dispersing plate disposed between an upper and a lower foam member. The corrugated energy dispersing plate provides stiffness along a first direction and flexibility in a second direction to enable pad design that maximizes both athlete protection and mobility.