Pads and padding for sports gear and accessories

Abstract

Flexible pads primarily intended for use as protective padding for athletes and other users. In one preferred embodiment, the pads include two, outer layers of substantially inelastic material spaced apart by a middle section of discrete beads of substantially elastic, resilient material. Adjacent beads of the middle section preferably abut one another and are integrally joined to each other. Similarly, the outer layers of the pad contact adjacent beads of the middle section sandwiched therebetween and are joined to them to form an integral, strong pad. The outer layers of the pads are preferably porous and breathable and made of waterproof (non-absorbent) material. The resilient beads are preferably also made of waterproof material wherein moisture and air will readily pass through the assembled pads but will not be absorbed by any of the component layers or beads. The pads help to keep the athlete cool and dry in use and can be washed and dried for re-use. In other embodiments, adjacent beads are not joined and/or are spaced from each other. The outer layers of the pads can also be made of elastic, stretchable material if desired. Further, in many applications such as jerseys and pants, the sports gear or accessory can be made entirely of the padded structure of the present invention.