A structure to absorb, dissipate and measure a force

A structure to absorb, dissipate and measure force, comprising a plurality of distinct layers including a first impact absorbing material 12 having an outer face facing the direction of expected impact and an inner face. An impact dissipating layer 13 is adjacent to the inner face of the first impact absorbing material and has a higher flexural rigidity than the first impact absorbing material. A second impact absorbing material has an outer face adjacent to the impact dissipating layer and an opposite inner face, and has a lower hardness than the impact dissipating layer. A pressure sensor 14 is arranged across the inner face of the second impact absorbing material, wherein an impact on the outer face of the first impact absorbing material is partially absorbed by that material, dissipated by the impact dissipating layer and further absorbed by the second impact absorbing material, with the remaining transmitted force being sensed by the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be in the form of a matrix array (fig.3A). The structure may comprise an inner fabric layer 11 and an outer fabric layer 10, and may be used in a wearable garment 1 with impact absorbing pads 2 suitable for sport.