Abstract: An impact protection and shock absorbing device includes a support surface, and a plurality of flexible spines, configured of one or more sizes, each having a length defined from a base portion at the support surface to a distal portion thereof, and whereby each spine extends in one or more longitudinal directions outwardly from the support surface, at one or more angles less than 90 degrees. Sufficient deflecting of one or more spines by impact force causes impinging and deflecting of one or more other spines thereby dispersing and reducing impact forces.

Abstract: An impact protection and shock absorbing device includes a support surface, and a plurality of flexible spines, configured of one or more sizes, each having a length defined from a base portion at the support surface to a distal portion thereof, and whereby each spine extends in one or more longitudinal directions outwardly from the support surface, at one or more angles less than 90 degrees. Sufficient deflecting of one or more spines by impact force causes impinging and deflecting of one or more other spines thereby dispersing and reducing impact forces.

Abstract: An impact protection device includes a support surface, a first plurality of flexible spines and a second plurality of flexible spines. Each of the first and second plurality of spines have a length defined from a base end to a distal end thereof, and each extends in a longitudinal direction upwardly from the support surface at an angle less than 90 degrees such that each an overhang over the support surface. Each of the second plurality of spines extends under the overhang created by a respective neighboring spine of the first plurality of flexible spines, whereby, upon sufficient compression of the first plurality of flexible spines in a downward direction toward the support surface, the first plurality of flexible spines contacts the second plurality of flexible spines and compressive forces and/or shear forces are absorbed thereby.

Abstract: An impact protection and shock absorbing device includes a support surface, and a plurality of flexible spines, configured of one or more sizes, each having a length defined from a base portion at the support surface to a distal portion thereof, and whereby each spine extends in one or more longitudinal directions outwardly from the support surface, at one or more angles less than 90 degrees. Sufficient deflecting of one or more spines by impact force causes impinging and deflecting of one or more other spines thereby dispersing and reducing impact forces.