An improved composite for absorbing and dispersing impacting forces is
disclosed. The composite includes a flexible plastic enclosure defining an
internal cavity. The flexible enclosure is generally impermeable to air
and capable of having its internal pressure changed. The composite further
includes a foam core filling the cavity and retained within the cavity and
adhered on substantially all of its external surface to the internal
surface of the cavity. The cavity can be pressurized for higher impact
absorbance. Methods for fabricating the composites are disclosed, as well.