Abstract: An impact absorbing protective garment is provided, for wearing about the torso of a body, such as a baseball umpire, that comprises three layers. There is an outer shell layer comprised of a plurality of plate elements that are generally stiff, shock-resistant lightweight material, that are fastened to a middle layer. The middle layer is in the form of a flexible pad having various components, and that provides an intermediate thickness of cushioning material inside the outer shell layer. There is an inner layer carried by the middle layer that comprises a plurality of cells of phase change material, with the various cells being separated from each other by sealing zones. Upon sufficient impact the individual cells can communicate through small pores in the sealing zones or when the sealing zones rupture under impact pressure, to assist in impact absorption.

Abstract: A constant or controlled temperature microclimate protective system capable of providing either cooling or heating. Such a system may be used alone or in combination with protective armor without degrading the force impact integrity of the protective system. When used alone, the microclimate system of the present invention may be constructed into a garment configuration for personal use or a sleeve-type configuration for use with one or more electronic devices. When used in combination, the microclimate system may be integrally incorporated into a protective armor system, releasably attached or held within the protective armor system by means including but not limited to a pocket or pouch, or worn as a separate element underneath a protective armor system. The microclimate system may comprise a plurality of cells containing phase change material providing one or more transition temperature points while further assisting in impact shock attenuation.