Athletic gear or other devices comprising pads or other cushioning components

Abstract

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.