Abstract: Impact-resistant pads, methods of manufacturing impact-resistant pads, and protective apparatuses are disclosed. An impact-resistant pad includes a spacer fabric, a fluid permeated within the spacer fabric, and a containment layer encapsulating the spacer fabric and the fluid. The fluid has a viscosity dependent on a force applied to the pad. A method for manufacturing the impact-resistant pad is includes cutting a spacer fabric to a desired shape, providing a fluid having a viscosity dependent on a force applied to the pad, permeating the spacer fabric with the fluid, and encapsulating the spacer fabric and the fluid with a containment layer.

Abstract: A glove or partial glove comprising a palmar portion and a dorsal portion comprising one or more finger/thumb extensions, the portions joined together at a sealed seam, the seam positioned such that the seam on each of the finger/thumb extensions is positioned adjacent the dorsal aspect of the user's finger/thumb with the palmar aspect extending over the fingertip in a hood-like configuration. The glove portions may comprise a shear-thickening-fluid (STF) treated textile base, including a multi-ply construction in which each ply comprises an STF-treated textile base. The glove may comprise an integral pathogen barrier, such as a coating that is impervious to blood and bloodborne pathogens, and may have one or more features that aids donning and/or provides an adjustable fit. The glove or partial glove may be a first glove in a glove system including at least a second, latex glove to be worn over the first glove.