STRUCTURED MATERIAL FOR IMPACT PROTECTION

A structured material for impact protection includes a plurality of tubular members formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material. The plurality of tubular members are arranged in a bundle such that the central axes of the plurality of tubular members are substantially parallel, and adjacent tubular members are secured to one another along their length. A method of forming a structured impact protection material includes arranging a plurality of tubes formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material into a selected shape. The tubes are arranged in a layer with central axes of the plurality of tubes aligned to be parallel to each other. Heat is applied to adjacent first end portions of tubes of plurality of tubes and the adjacent first end portions are secured to each other via thermal bond. Heat is applied to adjacent second end portions of the tubes and the adjacent second end portions are secured to each other via thermal bond.