Abstract: A method of manufacturing a padded part is provided. The padded part is primarily for use in an item of wear that may be a load-bearing harness or belt. The method includes the steps of providing a first sheet of a flexible material on one side of which is located at least one fastener. A second sheet of flexible material is provided and a layered assembly is created including, in order, the first sheet of material such that said one side of the first sheet is outermost, apiece of mouldable padding, and the second sheet of flexible material. Hot melt adhesive layers are provided between the padding and the sheets of flexible material. The layered assembly is moulded in a press after or during heating of the layered assembly thereby simultaneously bonding the layers of the assembly together and moulding the layered assembly into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible, impact-resistant material (1) comprises the steps of providing a sheet of a closed-cell foam material (20) and cutting the sheet (20) into a plurality of spaced elements (2). These elements (2) are substantially separated except for connecting portions (7) that connect the elements to neighboring elements such that the elements (2) are joined to define a lattice (6). A first flexible substrate (3; 25) is bonded to one face of the lattice. The connecting portions (7) that connect the elements (2) to neighboring elements are then removed, either with or without removing those portions of the substrate (3) bonded to the connecting portions (7), for example by punching, cutting or laser ablation. A second flexible substrate (27) may be bonded to the opposite face of the lattice either before or after removal of the connecting portions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible, impact-resistant material comprises the steps of providing a sheet of a closed-cell foam material and cutting the sheet into a plurality of spaced elements. These elements are substantially separated except for connecting portions that connect the elements to neighbouring elements such that the elements are joined to define a lattice. A first flexible substrate is bonded to one face of the lattice. The connecting portions that connect the elements to neighbouring elements are then removed, either with or without removing those portions of the substrate bonded to the connecting portions, for example by punching, cutting or laser ablation. A second flexible substrate may be bonded to the opposite face of the lattice either before or after removal of the connecting portions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible, impact-resistant material includes the steps of providing a sheet of a closed-cell foam material and cutting the sheet into at least two tessellating patterns, preferably by a cutter. The tessellating patterns are then differentially moved relative to one another such that the surface of one of the tessellating patterns stands proud of the surface of the other tessellating patterns. A first, flexible layer of material is then bonded to the surface of the tessellating pattern standing proud of the rest. Preferably, a block arrangement is located in the cutter that causes the tessellating patterns to move relative to one another after the sheet of foam material has been cut.

Abstract: A flexible, impact-resistant laminate includes a first layer of a flexible material and a second, impact-resistant layer. The impact-resistant layer has an impact-resistant material interposed between regions of a closed-cell foam that is bonded to the first layer. The impact-resistance material includes an elastomeric material or, if a third layer of a flexible material is bonded to the closed-cell foam, there is a packing with tightly packed beads or particles. A method of manufacturing such a laminate includes providing a first, flexible layer; bonding regions of a closed-cell foam to an inner side of the first layer; and introducing an impact-resistant material into spaces defined between regions of the closed-cell foam to form a second, impact resistant layer. An inner side of the third layer of a flexible material may be bonded to the closed-cell foam on the other side.

Abstract: A flexible protective padding material is described and comprises an array of resilient multilayered elements or blocks which have generally planar top and bottom surfaces and each of which have at least two layers which include a first layer bonded to an outer second layer. The total compressibility of each element with the at least two layers, the spacing between the elements and the total thickness of the elements provides the elements with the ability to compress such that at least one side wall of each of adjacent elements move together and touch each other to provide a joined outer surface of elements which dissipates a blow to the protective padding.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.