Patent Publication Number: US-2019166947-A1

Title: Athletic gear or other devices comprising pads or other cushioning components

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to devices (e.g., athletic gear, personal protective equipment, etc.) comprising pads or other cushioning (e.g., shock-absorbing) components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various devices comprise pads or other cushioning (e.g., shock-absorbing) components to absorb energy when they are impacted or otherwise contacted. For example, athletic gear such as helmets, shoulder pads, sporting implements (e.g., hockey sticks, ball bats, lacrosse sticks, etc.), footwear, etc., and personal protective equipment typically comprise pads or other cushioning components, which may be provided for protection, comfort, and/or vibration or other shock absorption. 
     Pads and other cushioning components may sometimes face conflicting requirements, such as providing adequate protection, comfort, and/or vibration or other shock absorption while being lightweight. 
     For these and other reasons, there is a need to improve devices comprising pads or other cushioning components. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to various aspects of this disclosure, there is provided a device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a cushioning component for absorbing energy when the device is contacted (i.e., impacted or otherwise contacted), in which the cushioning component comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials (e.g., which may differ in one or more materials properties such as density, stiffness, resilience, etc.) and a covering disposed on the core. In some embodiments, a given one of the zones of different materials may be a zone of expanded microspheres. The cushioning component may provide enhanced protection, comfort, and/or vibration or other shock absorption while being relatively lightweight. 
     For example, according to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a cushioning component that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core. A given one of the zones of different materials is a zone of expanded microspheres. 
     According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a cushioning component that comprises a core comprising a zone of expanded microspheres and a zone materially different from the zone of expanded microspheres. The cushioning component also comprises a covering disposed on the core. 
     According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an article of athletic gear for a user. The article of athletic gear comprises a cushioning component that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core. A given one of the zones of different materials is a zone of expanded microspheres. 
     According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an article of personal protective gear wearable by a user. The article of personal protective gear comprises a pad that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core. A given one of the zones of different materials is a zone of expanded microspheres. 
     According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a helmet for protecting a head of a user. The helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner disposed within the outer shell. The inner liner comprises a pad that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core. 
     These and other aspects of this disclosure will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of a description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A detailed description of embodiments is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an example of a device comprising cushioning components for absorbing energy when the device is impacted or otherwise contacted, in accordance with an embodiment, in which the device is a helmet for protecting a user&#39;s head and respective ones of the cushioning components constitute a plurality of pads of an inner liner of the helmet; 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of the helmet; 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  show rear perspective views of the helmet; 
         FIGS. 5 to 8  show operation of an example of an adjustment mechanism of the helmet; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show the head of the user; 
         FIG. 9C  shows a cavity of the helmet; 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  show an example of shell members of an outer shell of the helmet; 
         FIGS. 12 to 16  show respective ones of the pads; 
         FIG. 17  shows a front view of an example of a given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 18  shows a cross-sectional view the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 18A  shows an example of part of a zone of expanded microspheres of the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 19  shows a schematic side view of an example of parts of molding equipment to mold the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 20  shows a cross-sectional view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 21A  shows a cross-sectional view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 21B  shows parts of the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 22  shows a cross-sectional view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 23  shows a front view of the given one of the pads shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  shows parts of the given one of the pads shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 25  shows a front view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads; 
         FIG. 26  shows an embodiment in which the device is an arm guard; 
         FIG. 27  shows an embodiment in which the device is shoulder pads; 
         FIG. 28  shows an embodiment in which the device is a leg guard; 
         FIG. 29  shows an embodiment in which the device is a chest protector; 
         FIG. 30  shows an embodiment in which the device is a glove; 
         FIGS. 31A and 31B  show an embodiment in which the device is a hockey stick; 
         FIG. 32  shows an embodiment in which the device is a lacrosse stick; 
         FIG. 33  shows an embodiment in which the device is a ball bat; and 
         FIG. 34  shows an embodiment in which the device is an article of footwear, in this example a skate. 
     
    
    
     It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be and are not limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of an embodiment of a device  10  comprising a plurality of cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  for absorbing energy when the device  10  is impacted or otherwise contacted. In this embodiment, the device  10  is an article of athletic gear for a user engaging in a sport or other athletic activity. More particularly, in this embodiment, the article of athletic gear  10  is an article of protective athletic gear wearable by the user to protect him/her. Specifically, in this example, the article of protective athletic gear  10  is a helmet for protecting a head of the user against impacts. In this case, the helmet  10  is a hockey helmet for protecting the head of the user, who is a hockey player, against impacts (e.g., from a puck or ball, a hockey stick, a board, ice or another playing surface, etc., with another player, etc.). 
     Each of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  of the helmet  10  is configured to protect the player&#39;s head by absorbing energy when the helmet  10  is impacted, and may also be provided for comfort of the helmet  10  on the player&#39;s head. As further discussed later, in this embodiment, each of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  of the helmet  10  may provide enhanced protection and/or comfort for the player&#39;s head while being relatively lightweight, notably by including different materials (e.g., which may differ in density, stiffness, resilience, etc.). 
     In this embodiment, the helmet  10  comprises an outer shell  11  and an inner liner  15  that includes the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C . The helmet  10  also comprises a chinstrap  16  for securing the helmet  10  to the player&#39;s head. The helmet  10  may also comprise a faceguard (not shown) to protect at least part of the player&#39;s face (e.g., a grid (sometimes referred to as a “cage”) or a visor (sometimes referred to as a “shield”)). 
     The helmet  10  defines a cavity  13  for receiving the player&#39;s head. In response to an impact, the helmet  10  absorbs energy from the impact to protect the player&#39;s head. The helmet  10  protects various regions of the player&#39;s head. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the player&#39;s head comprises a front region FR, a top region TR, left and right side regions LS, RS, a back region BR, and an occipital region OR. The front region FR includes a forehead and a front top part of the player&#39;s head and generally corresponds to a frontal bone region of the player&#39;s head. The left and right side regions LS, RS are approximately located above the player&#39;s ears. The back region BR is opposite the front region FR and includes a rear upper part of the player&#39;s head. The occipital region OR substantially corresponds to a region around and under the head&#39;s occipital protuberance. 
     The helmet  10  comprises an external surface  18  and an internal surface  20  that contacts the player&#39;s head when the helmet  10  is worn. The helmet  10  has a front-back axis FBA, a left-right axis LRA, and a vertical axis VA which are respectively generally parallel to a dorsoventral axis, a dextrosinistral axis, and a cephalocaudal axis of the player when the helmet  10  is worn and which respectively define a front-back direction, a lateral direction, and a vertical direction of the helmet  10 . Since they are generally oriented longitudinally and transversally of the helmet  10 , the front-back axis FBA and the left-right axis LRA can also be referred to as a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis, respectively, while the front-back direction and the lateral direction can also be referred to a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction, respectively. 
     The outer shell  11  provides strength and rigidity to the helmet  10 . To that end, the outer shell  11  comprises rigid material  27 . For example, in various embodiments, the rigid material  27  of the outer shell  11  may be a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (nylon), or polycarbonate, a thermosetting resin, or any other suitable material. The outer shell  11  includes an inner surface  17  facing the inner liner  15  and an outer surface  19  opposite the inner surface  17 . The outer surface  19  of the outer shell  11  constitutes at least part of the external surface  18  of the helmet  10 . 
     In this embodiment, the outer shell  11  comprises a plurality of shell members  22 ,  24  that are connected to one another. More particularly, in this embodiment, the shell member  22  is a front shell member and the shell member  24  is a rear shell member. The front shell member  22  comprises a front portion  23  for facing at least part of the front region FR of the player&#39;s head, a top portion  21  for facing at least part of the top region TR of the player&#39;s head, and left and right lateral side portions  25 L,  25 R extending rearwardly from the front portion  23  and downwardly from the top portion  21  for facing at least part of the left and right side regions LS, RS of the player&#39;s head, respectively. The rear shell member  24  comprises a back portion  31  for facing at least part of the back region BR of the player&#39;s head, a top portion  29  for facing at least part of the top region TR of the player&#39;s head, an occipital portion  33  for facing at least part of the occipital region OR of the player&#39;s head, and left and right lateral side portions  35 L,  35 R extending forwardly from the back portion  31  and downwardly from the top portion  29  for facing at least part of the left and right side regions LS, RS of the player&#39;s head, respectively. 
     In this embodiment, the helmet  10  is adjustable to adjust how it fits on the player&#39;s head. To that end, the helmet  10  comprises an adjustment mechanism  40  for adjusting a fit of the helmet  10  on the player&#39;s head. The adjustment mechanism  40  may allow the fit of the helmet  10  to be adjusted by adjusting one or more internal dimensions of the cavity  13  of the helmet  10 , such as a front-back internal dimension FBD of the cavity  13  in the front-back direction of the helmet  10  and/or a left-right internal dimension LRD of the cavity  13  in the left-right direction of the helmet  10 , as shown in  FIG. 9C . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism  40  is configured such that the outer shell  11  and the inner liner  15  are adjustable to adjust the fit of the helmet  10  on the player&#39;s head. To that end, in this embodiment, the shell members  22 ,  24  are movable relative to one another to adjust the fit of the helmet  10  on the player&#39;s head. In this example, relative movement of the shell members  22 ,  24  for adjustment purposes is in the front-back direction of the helmet  10  such that the front-back internal dimension FBD of the cavity  13  of the helmet  10  is adjusted. This is shown in  FIGS. 5 to 8  in which the rear shell member  24  is moved relative to the front shell member  22  from a first position, which is shown in  FIG. 5  and which corresponds to a minimum size of the helmet  10 , to a second position, which is shown in  FIG. 6  and which corresponds to an intermediate size of the helmet  10 , and to a third position, which is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  and which corresponds to a maximum size of the helmet  10 . 
     In this example of implementation, the adjustment mechanism  40  comprises an actuator  41  that can be moved (e.g., in this case pivoted) by the player between a locked position, in which the actuator  41  engages a locking part  45  (as best shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 ) of the front shell member  22  and thereby locks the shell members  22 ,  24  relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which the actuator  41  is disengaged from the locking part  45  of the front shell member  22  and thereby permits the shell members  22 ,  24  to move relative to one another so as to adjust the size of the helmet  10 . The adjustment mechanism  40  may be implemented in any other suitably way in other embodiments. 
     The inner liner  15  is disposed within the outer shell  11 , i.e., between the outer shell  11  and the player&#39;s head when the helmet  10  is worn. More particularly, the inner liner  15  comprises a shock-absorbing structure  32  that includes an outer surface  38  facing towards the outer shell  11  and an inner surface  34  facing towards the player&#39;s head. For example, in some embodiments, the shock-absorbing structure  32  of the inner liner  15  may comprise a shock-absorbing material. For instance, in some cases, the shock-absorbing material may include a polymeric cellular material, such as a polymeric foam (e.g., expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam, or any other suitable polymeric foam material), or expanded microspheres (e.g., Expancel™ microspheres commercialized by Akzo Nobel). Any other material with suitable impact energy absorption may be used in other embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the shock-absorbing structure  32  of the inner liner  15  may comprise an array of shock absorbers that are configured to deform when the helmet  10  is impacted. For instance, in some cases, the array of shock absorbers may include an array of compressible cells that can compress when the helmet  10  is impacted. Examples of this are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,538 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0258988, which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     The inner liner  15  may be mounted to the outer shell  11  in any suitable way. For example, in some embodiments, the inner liner  15  may be mounted to the outer shell  11  by one or more fasteners such as mechanical fasteners (e.g., tacks, staples, rivets, screws, stitches, etc.), an adhesive, or any other suitable fastener. 
     In this embodiment, the inner liner  15  comprises a plurality of pads  36   1 - 36   C ,  37   1 - 37   B . In this example, respective ones of the pads  36   1 - 36   C ,  37   1 - 37   B  are movable relative to one another and with the shell members  22 ,  24  to allow adjustment of the fit of the helmet  10  using the adjustment mechanism  40 . 
     The pads  36   1 - 36   C  are responsible for absorbing at least a bulk of the energy transmitted to the inner liner  15  when the helmet  10  is impacted and can therefore be referred to as “absorption” pads. In this embodiment, the pad  36   1  is for facing at least part of the front region FR and left side region LS of the player&#39;s head, the pad  36   2  is for facing at least part of the front region FR and right side region RS of the player&#39;s head, the pad  36   3  is for facing at least part of the back region BR and left side region LS of the player&#39;s head, the pad  36   4  is for facing at least part of the back region BR and right side region RS of the player&#39;s head, and the pad  36   5  is for facing at least part of the top region TR and back region BR of the player&#39;s head. The front shell member  22  overlays the pads  36   1 ,  36   2 , while the rear shell member  24  overlays the pads  36   3 ,  36   4 . 
     The pads  37   1 - 37   B  are responsible to provide comfort to the player&#39;s head and can therefore be referred to as “comfort” pads. The comfort pads  37   1 - 37   B  may comprise any suitable soft material providing comfort to the player. For example, in some embodiments, the comfort pads  37   1 - 37   B  may comprise polymeric foam such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, polyurethane foam (e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation), vinyl nitrile foam or any other suitable polymeric foam material. In some embodiments, given ones of the comfort pads  37   1 - 37   B  may be secured (e.g., adhered, fastened, etc.) to respective ones of the absorption pads  36   1 - 36   C . In other embodiments, given ones of the comfort pads  37   1 - 37   B  may be mounted such that they are movable relative to the absorption pads  36   1 - 36   C . For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the comfort pads  37   1 - 37   B  may be part of a floating liner as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2013/0025032. The comfort pads  37   1 - 37   B  may assist in absorption of energy from impacts, in particular, low-energy impacts. 
     The inner liner  15  comprises the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  of the helmet  10 . More particularly, in this embodiment, respective ones of the pads  36   1 - 36   C  comprise respective ones of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  of the helmet  10 . Specifically, in this example, each cushioning component  12   x  of the helmet  10  constitutes a pad  36   x . 
     The pad  36   x  comprises a periphery  39  that includes an outer side  42  facing towards the outer shell  11  and an inner side  43  opposite to the outer side  42  for facing towards the player&#39;s head. In this embodiment, the periphery  39  of the pad  36   x  has a three-dimensional shape to accommodate the outer shell  11  and the player&#39;s head. More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer side  42  and the inner side  43  of the pad  36   x  is uneven (i.e., nonplanar in that it comprises one or more angular parts and/or one or more curved parts) to accommodate the outer shell  11  and the player&#39;s head. Specifically, in this example, the outer side  42  of the pad  36   x  is convex to accommodate the outer shell  11  and the inner side  43  of the pad  36   x  is concave to accommodate the player&#39;s head. 
     In this embodiment, with additional reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the pad  36   x  comprises a core  44  and a covering  46  disposed on the core  44 . 
     The core  44  of the pad  36   x  comprises a periphery  67  that includes an outer side  47  facing towards the outer shell  11  and an inner side  49  opposite to the outer side  47  for facing towards the player&#39;s head. The periphery  67  of the core  44  defines the three-dimensional shape of the periphery  39  of the pad  36   x . More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer side  47  and the inner side  49  of the core  44  is uneven (i.e., nonplanar in that it comprises one or more angular parts and/or one or more curved parts) to accommodate the outer shell  11  and the player&#39;s head. Specifically, in this example, the outer side  47  of the core  44  is convex to accommodate the outer shell  11  and the inner side  49  of the core  44  is concave to accommodate the player&#39;s head. 
     The core  44  of the pad  36   x  comprises a plurality of zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z . Specifically, the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  are zones differing in at least one material property (e.g., density, modulus of elasticity, resilience, etc.). In some cases, respective ones of the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  may differ in two or more material properties. The zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  are thus parts of the core  44  that are materially different from one another. 
     In this example, the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  include two zones of different materials, namely an outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  and an inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  that is configured to be located closer to the player&#39;s head than the outer zone  48   1 . A given one of the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  can be designated as “outer” or “inner” in that it is located outwardly or inwardly relative to another one of the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44 . In this case, the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  constitutes at least part of the outer side  47  of the core  44  while the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  constitutes at least part of the inner side  49  of the core  44 . The zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  may comprise three, four, five or more zones of different materials in other examples. 
     In this embodiment, respective ones of the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  differ in density. 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, a density of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  is less than a density of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . This may help to provide shock absorption and comfort for the player&#39;s head. For instance, in some embodiments, the density of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 50%, in some cases no more than 20%, and in some cases an even lesser fraction of the density of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . 
     Each of the density of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  and the density of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may have any suitable value. For instance, in some embodiments, the density of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may be no more than 15 lb/ft 3  (0.240 g/cm 3 ), in some cases no more than 4 lb/ft 3  (0.064 g/cm 3 ), and in some cases no more than 2 lb/ft 3  (0.032 g/cm 3 ), and/or the density of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be no more than 15 lb/ft 3  (0.240 g/cm 3 ), in some cases no more than 8 lb/ft 3  (0.128 g/cm 3 ), and in some cases no more than 2 lb/ft 3  (0.032 g/cm 3 ). 
     Respective ones of the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  may differ in one or more other properties in addition to or instead of density. 
     For example, in some embodiments, a modulus of elasticity (i.e., Young&#39;s modulus) of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be less than a modulus of elasticity of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, the modulus of elasticity of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be no more than 90%, in some cases no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 70%, and in some cases an even lesser fraction of the modulus of elasticity of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . In some cases, the modulus of elasticity may be evaluated according to ASTM D-638 or ASTM D-412. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the modulus of elasticity of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be greater than the modulus of elasticity of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, a resilience of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be less than a resilience of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, the resilience of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 60%, in some cases no more than 40%, and in some cases an even less fraction of the resilience of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  according to ASTM D2632-01 which measures resilience by vertical rebound. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the resilience of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be greater than the resilience of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . Each of the resilience of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  and the resilience of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may have any suitable value. 
     As another example, in some embodiments, an elongation at break of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be greater than an elongation at break of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, the elongation at break of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be at least 110%, in some cases at least 130%, and in some cases at least 150% of the elongation at break of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  according to ASTM D-638 or ASTM D-412, and in some cases even more. 
     Each of the elongation at break of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  and the elongation at break of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may have any suitable value. For instance, in some embodiments, the elongation at break of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be at least 20%, in some cases at least 40%, in some cases at least 60%, and in some cases even more, and/or the elongation at break of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may be at least 20%, in some cases at least 40%, in some cases at least 60%, and in some cases even more. 
     As another example, in some embodiments, a hardness (e.g., Shore OO hardness) of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be less than a hardness of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, on a Shore OO hardness scale, a ratio of the hardness of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  over the hardness of the outer zone  48   1  may be no more than 0.9, in some cases no more than 0.5, in some cases no more than 0.3, and in some cases an even lesser ratio. In some cases, the hardness may be evaluated according to ASTM D2240. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the hardness of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be greater than the hardness of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, an indentation force deflection (IFD) of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be less than an IFD of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, the IFD of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be no more than 95%, in some cases no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 60%, and in some cases an even less fraction of the IFD of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  according to ASTM D3574 which measures the force required to compress a foam material 25% of its thickness. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the IFD of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be greater than the IFD of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . 
     Each of the IFD of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  and the IFD of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may have any suitable value. For instance, in some embodiments, the IFD of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be no more than 15 pound-force per square inch (psi), in some cases no more than 10 psi, and in some cases no more than 6 psi according to ASTM D3574, and/or the IFD of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may be no more than 20 psi, in some cases no more than 16 psi, and in some cases no more than 12 psi according to ASTM D3574. 
     The zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  may include any suitable materials. 
     In this embodiment, with additional reference to  FIG. 18 , each of the outer zone  48   1  and the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  is a zone of expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M . That is, each of the outer zone  48   1  and the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  is at least mainly (i.e., mainly or entirely) made of expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M . Each expanded microsphere  60   x  comprises a polymeric shell  62  expanded by a fluid encapsulated in an interior of the polymeric shell. In this example, the polymeric shell  62  of the expanded microsphere  60   x  is a thermoplastic shell. The fluid encapsulated in the polymeric shell  62  is a liquid or gas (in this case a gas) able to expand the expanded microsphere  60   x  when heated during manufacturing of the pad  36   x . In some embodiments, the expandable microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  may be Expancel™ microspheres commercialized by Akzo Nobel. In other embodiments, the expandable microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  may be Dualite microspheres commercialized by Henkel; Advancell microspheres commercialized by Sekisui; Matsumoto Microsphere microspheres commercialized by Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co; or KUREHA Microsphere microspheres commercialized by Kureha. Various other types of expanded microspheres may be used in other embodiments. 
     The expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  may be provided in any suitable form during manufacturing of the pad  36   x . For example, in some embodiments, the expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  may include dry unexpanded, dry expanded, wet unexpanded, wet expanded, and/or partially-expanded dry and/or wet microspheres. 
     As discussed above, in this embodiment, the inner zone  48   2  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  is less dense than the outer zone  48   1  of expanded microspheres of the core  44 . 
     In this embodiment, each of the outer zone  48   1  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  and the inner zone  48   2  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  constitutes at least a substantial part (i.e., a substantial part or an entirety) of the core  44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer zone  48   1  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  and the inner zone  48   2  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  constitutes at least one-quarter of the core  44  by weight, in some cases at least one-third of the core  44  by weight, and in some cases at least half of the core  44  by weight. Specifically, in this case, the outer zone  48   1  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  is larger than the inner zone  48   2  of expanded microspheres of the core  44 , with the outer zone  48   1  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  constituting about 70% of the core  44  by weight and the inner zone  48   2  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  constituting about 30% of the core  44  by weight. 
     Thus, in this embodiment, the expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  of the inner and outer zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  constitute a substantial part (i.e., a substantial part or an entirety) of the core  44  by weight. More particularly, in this embodiment, the expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  of the inner and outer zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  constitute at least one-quarter of the core  44  by weight, in some cases at least one-third of the core  44  by weight, and in some cases at least a majority of the core by weight. Specifically, in this example, the expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  of the inner and outer zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  constitute at least 80%, in this case, substantially the entirety of the core  44 . 
     The zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  may be arranged in any suitable way and have any suitable size and configuration. 
     In this embodiment, each of a thickness T 1  of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  and a thickness T 2  of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  corresponds to a significant part of a thickness T C  of the core  44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the thickness T 1  of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  and the thickness T 2  of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  corresponds to at least one-quarter, in some cases at least one-third, and in some cases at least a majority of the thickness T C  of the core  44 . Specifically, in this example, each of the thickness T 1  of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  and the thickness T 2  of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  corresponds to more than half of the thickness T C  of the core  44 . 
     Also, in this embodiment, the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  and the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be interlocked. For instance, in this embodiment, a given one of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  and an adjacent one of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  are interlocked by an interlocking part  61  of the given one of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  extending into an interlocking void  63  of the adjacent one of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44 . This may be done to facilitate manufacturing (e.g., molding) of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44 ) and/or to help secure them. 
     In this embodiment, the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  comprises projections  64   1 - 64   6  projecting from an adjacent part  65  of the inner side  49  of the core  44  and spaced from one another. The projections  64   1 - 64   6  may provide areas of increased cushioning and may facilitate air circulations thereabout. 
     The covering  46  of the pad  36   x  covers at least a substantial part (i.e., a substantial part or an entirety) of the core  44  of the of the pad  36   x . This may help to retain integrity of the core  44 . For example, in this embodiment, this may help to retain the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  together. Also, in this embodiment in which the core  44  includes expanded microspheres, the covering  46  may help to protect the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of expanded microspheres against chipping, crumbling or cracking in use, as their expanded microspheres may otherwise be friable. 
     In this embodiment, the covering  46  covers at least part of the inner side  49  of the core  44  and at least part of the outer side  47  of the core  44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the covering  46  covers at least a majority of the periphery  67  of the core  44 . In this example, the covering  46  covers at least a majority, in this case all, of the inner side  49  of the core  44  and at least a majority, in this case all, of the outer side  47  of the core  44 . Specifically, in this example, the covering  46  envelopes the core  44  (i.e., completely encloses the core  44 ). This may help to maximize an effect of the covering  46  in retaining integrity of the core  44 . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the covering  46  is molded to conform to the core  44 . That is, the covering  46  is shaped by molding equipment including one or more molds in order to conform to the core  44  during a molding process for making the pad  36   x , as further discussed later. This allows the covering  46  to closely follow and match the periphery  67  of the core  44 . Also, the covering  46  is affixed to the core  44 . In this case, the covering  46  is bonded to the core  44  during the molding process. 
     In this example of implementation, the covering  46  comprises a layer of polymeric material  70  molded to conform to the core  44 . In this embodiment, the layer of polymeric material  70  is a layer of polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane). The layer of polymeric material  70  may include any other suitable polymeric material in other embodiments (e.g. polyester, nylon fabric, etc.). 
     In this embodiment, the covering  46  comprises an outer covering member  51  that covers the outer side  47  of the core  44  and an inner covering member  53  that covers the inner side  49  of the core  44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  comprise respective parts of the layer of polymeric material  70  and meet at a junction  55 . The outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  may be formed separately during manufacturing of the pad  36   x , as discussed later. 
     The covering  46  is significantly thinner than the core  44 . For example, in some embodiments, a thickness T E  of the covering  46  corresponds to no more than 10%, in some cases no more than 5%, and in some cases no more than 2% of the thickness T C  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, the thickness T E  of the covering  46  may be no more than 2 mm, in some cases no more than 0.5 mm, in some cases no more than 0.2 mm, and in some cases even less. 
     In this embodiment, the covering  46  may be used to enhance an appearance of the pad  36   x . For example, in this embodiment, the covering  46  displays a decoration  72  that includes an arrangement of a plurality of different colors. This may be useful as the  36   1 - 36   C  occupy a significant area within the helmet  10 . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the decoration  72  is defined by the layer of polymeric material  70  and includes four different colors. In this example, the decoration  72  includes areas of contrasting colors and lines in one color which are spaced apart by gaps having another color and which cross other lines. 
     The decoration  72  of the covering  46  may take on any other suitable configuration in other embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments, the decoration  72  may include a graphical representation of: one or more alphanumeric characters that may form text (e.g., a word, a message, etc.); one or more symbols (e.g., a logo, a sign, an emblem, etc.); one or more shapes or patterns; and/or one or more real or imaginary objects (e.g., a person, an animal, a vehicle, an imaginary or fictional character, or any other real or imaginary thing). For example, in some embodiments, the arrangement of colors of the decoration  72  may represent colors and/or a logo of a sports team for which the player plays. 
     The decoration  72  may be provided in any suitable way. For example, in this embodiment, the decoration  72  may be provided by silk-screening. In other embodiments, the decoration  72  may be provided by sublimation, roller printing, pad printing, or any other suitable technique. 
     The covering  46  may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the covering  46  may comprise a fabric layer, such as a non-woven fabric layer or a woven fabric layer (e.g., of spandex, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any other suitable fabric material). As another example, in some embodiments, the covering  46  may comprise a plurality of layers of different materials. For instance, in some embodiments, the inner covering member  53  that covers the inner side  49  of the core  44  may include the layer of polymeric material  70  (e.g., polyurethane), while the outer covering member  51  that covers the outer side  47  of the core  44  may include a fabric layer. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the covering  46  may comprise a plurality of layers that are stacked. 
     In this embodiment, the pad  36   x  comprises a plurality of ventilation holes  80   1 ,  80   2 . In this example, the ventilation holes  80   1 ,  80   2  are aligned with ventilation holes  82   1 ,  80   2  of the outer shell  11 . Each ventilation hole  80   x  of the pad  36   x  extends through the core  44  and is defined by an interior surface  90  of the core  44 , and the covering  46  covers at least part, in this case all, of the internal surface  90  of the core  44 . 
     The pad  36   x  may be manufactured in various ways. In this embodiment, the pad  36   x  is made by a molding process in which its core  44  is molded into shape and its covering  46  is molded to conform to the core  44 . The molding process uses molding equipment including one or more molds to shape the core  44  and the covering  46 . 
     The zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  are provided. In this embodiment, each of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  is provided separately. More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  is molded into shape by the molding equipment. For instance, as the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  have different shapes, a mold having a cavity corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may be used to form the outer  48   1  of the core  44 , whereas another mold having a cavity corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be used to form the inner zone  48   1  of the core  44 . 
     In this embodiment, as it is a zone of expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M , each of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  is formed by placing an amount of microspheres in the cavity of the mold in which it is to be formed. In some examples, the microspheres placed into the mold may include unexpanded microspheres (e.g., dry unexpanded microspheres in a loose powder, wet unexpanded microspheres in a paste-like form). Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the microspheres placed into the mold may include pre-expanded microspheres that have been previously heated to pre-expand them (e.g., either partially or fully expand them). Also, in some examples, any other minor constituent of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  (e.g., a color pigment substance) may be placed into the mold with the microspheres. 
     Each of the outer and inner zones  48   1 ,  48   2  of the core  44  is separately molded in the mold in which is to be formed by applying heat. As part of the molding process, microspheres provided in the mold expand. The molding process may then include a cold molding phase in which the temperature is lowered. Temperature and pressure of the molding process cause bonding of adjacent ones of the expanded microspheres. 
     The covering  46  is molded to conform to the core  44 . In this embodiment, each of the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  of the covering  46  is provided separately. More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  is molded into shape by the molding equipment to respectively conform to the outer and inner sides  47 ,  49  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, a mold comprising a cavity that includes a surface corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the outer covering member  51  and that of the outer side  47  of the core  44  may be used to form the outer covering member  51 , and another mold comprising a cavity that includes a surface corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the inner covering member  53  and that of the inner side  49  of the core  44  may be used to form the inner covering member  53 . 
     In some embodiments, a precursor of each of the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  is prepared for placement into the mold in which it is to be formed in order to conform to the core  44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the precursor of each of the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  includes a sheet (e.g., which may have been previously cut from a larger sheet). In this example, the sheet comprises part of the layer of polymeric material  70 . In some cases, the sheet may include the decoration  72 . 
     Molding of the sheet of each of the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  into the mold in which it is to be formed in order to conform to the core  44  may be achieved in any suitable way. In this embodiment, at least part of the covering  46  is vacuum-formed to conform to the core  44 . For example, in this embodiment, the sheet to form the inner covering member  53  is vacuum-formed in the mold for shaping the inner covering member  53 . The inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  is then placed on the inner covering member  53 , which has been vacuum-formed. The outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  is then placed on the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44 . The sheet to form the outer covering member  51  is then placed on the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  in the mold in which it is to be formed to conform to the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . For instance, in some embodiments, the sheet to form the outer covering member  51  may be vacuum-formed in the mold, which is then closed. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the sheet to form the inner covering member  53  may be shaped to conform to the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  when the mold is closed and it is pressed against the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . 
     The covering  46  is bonded to the core  44  during the molding process. More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  are respectively bonded to the outer and inner sides  47 ,  49  of the core  44 . In some embodiments, a hot-melt adhesive film or another adhesive may be associated with one or both of the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  to enhance bonding to the core  44 . In this example, the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53  meet at their junction  55  where they are joined, thereby enveloping the core  44 . The molding process may then include a cold molding phase in which the temperature is lowered. 
     The pad  36   x , with its core  44  shaped and its covering  62  molded to conform to its core  44 , is removed from the molding equipment and may be finished by one or more post-molding operations. For example, in some embodiments, a trimming operation may be performed to remove excess material from the covering  46  that extends beyond the core  44  (e.g., at the junction  55  of the outer and inner covering members  51 ,  53 ). 
     Various other manufacturing techniques may be used to make the pad  36   x  in other embodiments. 
     The pad  36   x , including its core  44  and its covering  46 , may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. 
     For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 20 , a state of the inner zone  48   2  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  may be different from a state of the outer zone  48   1  of expanded microspheres of the core  44 . That is, the expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be in a different state from those of the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer zone  48   1  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  is consolidated, i.e., its expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  are consolidated such that the outer zone  48   1  is substantially solid, while the inner zone  48   2  of expanded microspheres of the core  44  is unconsolidated, i.e., its expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  are unconsolidated such that the inner zone  48   2  is softer and more malleable than the outer zone  48   1 . For instance, in some embodiments, the unconsolidated expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be in a paste-like form. The unconsolidated state (e.g., paste-like form) of the expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  of the inner zone  48   2  may be achieved by encapsulating the inner zone  48   2  with the inner covering member  53  while it is vacuum-formed, wherein the vacuum molding process is performed at a temperature lower than the consolidation temperature of the expanded microspheres  60   1 - 60   M  This may help to enhance a cushioning effect of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 21A , one or more of the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  may not be a zone of expanded microspheres (i.e., not be mainly or entirely made of expanded microspheres, but may rather be a zone at least mainly made of material other than expanded microspheres). For instance, in this embodiment, the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  is a zone of foam  85 , i.e., a zone at least mainly (i.e., mainly or entirely) made of foam  85 , while the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  is a zone of expanded microspheres as discussed above. The foam  85  may help to enhance comfort for the player&#39;s head. This may also be useful to provide better impact absorption or other protection against linear and rotational impacts. 
     In this embodiment, the foam  85  includes polyurethane foam (e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation, or any other suitable polyurethane foam). The foam  85  may include any other suitable foam in other embodiments (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, vinyl nitrile foam, etc.). 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 21B , before being molded, the foam  85  of the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  includes: a foam layer  86  (e.g., which may include one or more foam plies) that forms a “base” which extends over at least a majority, in this case all, of the inner side  49  of the core  44  to be molded; a foam layer of foam  87  that is smaller than and overlies the foam layer  86  in a specific region of the inner zone  48   2  (e.g., in this case a region located underneath the projection  64   1 ); and respective portions of a foam layer  89  for forming each of the projections  64   1 - 64   6  projecting from the adjacent part  65  of the inner side  49  of the core  44  and spaced from one another. 
     In this embodiment, the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  may be formed by placing an amount of microspheres in the cavity of the mold in which it is to be formed by applying heat as described earlier, and the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  may be formed by placing the foam layers  86 ,  87 ,  89  of the foam  85  into the cavity in which it is to be formed (e.g., on the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44 ) so that after molding the foam layers  86 ,  87 ,  89  of the foam  85  amalgamate into the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 22 to 24 , the zones of different materials  48   1 - 48   Z  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  may be more than two in number, such as three, four or more zones. For instance, in this embodiment, the outer zone  48   1  of the core  44  is a zone of expanded microspheres and the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  is a zone of foam as discussed above, while there is another inner zone  48   3  of foam  88  different from the foam  85  of the inner zone  48   2 . In this case, the inner zone  48   3  of the core  44  comprises the projections  64   1 - 64   6  projecting from the adjacent part  65  of the inner side  49  of the core  44  and spaced from one another. 
     In this embodiment, the foam  88  includes polyurethane foam (e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation, or any other suitable polyurethane foam). The foam  85  may include any other suitable foam in other embodiments (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, vinyl nitrile foam, etc.). 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the density of the foam  85  is different from the density of the foam  88 . In this example, the density of the foam  88  is less than the density of the foam  85 . For instance, in some embodiments, the density of the foam  88  may be no more than 90%, in some cases no more than 80% and in some cases no more than 70% of the density of the foam  85 . Alternatively, in other embodiments, the foam  88  may be denser than the foam  85 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the inner zone  48   2  of the core  44  of the pad  36   x  may be perforated such that it comprises a plurality of apertures  91   1 - 91   A . This may be useful to enhance ventilation and provide sweat management to the player. 
     As another example, in some embodiments, the covering  46  of the pad  36   x  may cover less than the entirety of the core  44  of the pad  36   x . For example, in some embodiments, certain regions of the inner side  49  and/or certain regions of the outer side  47  of the core  44  may not be covered by the covering  46  but may rather be exposed. 
     Although in this embodiment the article of protective athletic gear  10  is the helmet  10 , in other embodiments, the article of protective athletic gear  10  may be any other article of protective athletic gear comprising one or more cushioning components constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C . 
     For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 26 , the article of protective athletic gear  10  may be an arm guard (e.g., an elbow pad) for protecting an arm (e.g., an elbow) of a user, in which the arm guard  10  comprises a cushioning component  212  constructed using principles described herein in respect of cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  and constituting a pad  236  of the arm guard  10 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 27 , the article of protective athletic gear  10  may be shoulder pads for protecting an upper torso (e.g., shoulders and a chest) of a user, in which the shoulder pads  10  comprise a cushioning component  312  constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  and constituting a pad  336  of the shoulder pads  10 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the article of protective athletic gear  10  may be a leg guard for protecting a leg of a user, in which the leg guard  10  comprises a cushioning component  412  constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  and constituting a pad  436  of the leg guard  10 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the article of protective athletic gear  10  may be a chest protector for a goalie or baseball catcher for protecting his/her chest, in which the chest protector  10  comprises a cushioning component  712  constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  and constituting any portion of the chest protector  10  (e.g., a chest portion, an abdominal portion, an arm portion if present, etc.). 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the article of protective athletic gear  10  may be a glove for protecting a user&#39;s hand, in which the glove  10  comprises a cushioning component  812  constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C . For example, in this case, the glove  10  is a blocker glove for a goalie and the cushioning component  812  constitutes a board portion of the blocker glove  10  to deflect pucks or balls. 
     In some embodiments, the article of athletic gear  10  may be used for purposes other than protection. 
     For instance, in some embodiments, with additional reference to  FIGS. 31 to 33 , the article of athletic gear  10  may be a sports implement for handling by a user, in which the sports implement  10  comprises a cushioning component  612  constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C . For example, in some embodiments, a core  644  of the cushioning component  612  may be constructed using principles described herein in respect of the core  44  of each of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  in order to provide shock absorbance, while a covering  646  of the cushioning component  612  may be constructed using principles described herein in respect of the covering  46  of each of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  but comprise rigid material  670  that imparts strength and rigidity (e.g., that forms a wall of the sports implement  10 ). In some embodiments, the rigid material  670  may comprise fiber-reinforced polymeric material (e.g., carbon-fiber-reinforced polymeric material or glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric material) or any other composite material that is provided (e.g., wrapped as pre-impregnated fiber tape) about the core  644 . 
     For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the sports implement  10  may be a hockey stick. The hockey stick  10  comprises a shaft  620 , a handle  622  disposed at a proximal end portion of the shaft  620 , and a blade  624  disposed adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft  620 . In this embodiment, the blade  624  of the hockey stick  10  comprises the cushioning component  612 . In other embodiments, the handle  622  of the hockey stick  10  may comprise the cushioning component  612  or another cushioning component similar to the cushioning component  612 . In yet other embodiments, the blade  624  of the hockey stick  10  may comprise the cushioning component  612 , while the handle  622  of the hockey stick  10  may comprise another cushioning component similar to the cushioning component  612 . 
     As another example, with additional reference to  FIG. 32 , the sports implement  10  may be a lacrosse stick. The lacrosse stick  10  comprises a shaft  650 , a handle  652  disposed at a proximal end portion of the shaft  650 , and a lacrosse head  654  disposed adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft  650 . In this example, the handle  652  of the lacrosse stick  10  comprises the cushioning component  612 . 
     As another example, with additional reference to  FIG. 33 , the sports implement  10  may be a ball bat, such as a baseball bat or a softball bat. The ball bat  10  comprises a handle  752 , a barrel  754 , and a tapered transition  755  between the handle  752  and the barrel  754 . In this example, the barrel  754  comprises the cushioning component  612 . 
     As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 34 , the article of athletic gear  10  may be an article of footwear comprising a cushioning component  512  constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C . In this embodiment, the article of footwear  10  is a skate. For example, in this case, the skate  10  is a hockey skate for a hockey player. The skate  10  comprises a boot  525 , a blade holder  547  and a blade  549 . In this example, the cushioning component  512  constitutes a portion of the boot  525 . More particularly, in this example, the cushioning component  512  constitutes a sole portion of the boot  525 ). The article of footwear  10  may be any other type of footwear (e.g., shoes) in other embodiments. 
     Although in embodiments considered above the article of athletic gear  10  is hockey, lacrosse, or baseball/softball gear, in other embodiments, the article of athletic gear  10  may be any other article of athletic gear usable by a player playing another type of contact sport (e.g., a “full-contact” sport) in which there are significant impact forces on the player due to player-to-player and/or player-to-object contact or any other type of sports, including athletic activities other than contact sports. For example, in other embodiments, the article of athletic gear  10  may be an article of football gear for a football player, an article of soccer gear for a soccer player, etc. 
     In other embodiments, a device comprising one or more cushioning components constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components  12   1 - 12   C  may be anything other than an article of athletic gear and may thus be designed for any suitable purpose. For example, this may include blunt trauma personal protective equipment (PPE), automotive interior components, chair cushioning components, bed cushioning/mattresses, etc. 
     Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. 
     Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation. 
     In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used. 
     Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for purposes of description but this should not be limiting. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.