Patent Publication Number: US-7900285-B2

Title: Protective cup and method of manufacturing the protective cup

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention generally relate to a protective cup and a method of manufacturing the protective cup. The protective cup may be used, for example, in athletic and/or other activities requiring protection for the lower abdominal and/or genital area of men, women, boys, and/or girls. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Protective cups have been used for many years by athletes. Traditionally, players in baseball, boxing, football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby have used such cups to protect themselves from injury resulting from sporting contact with other players (i.e., checking or tackling) and other types of external impact (i.e., getting hit by a pitch or shot). More recently, protective cups have become important in other sports such as martial arts, mountain biking, motocross, snow skiing, waterskiing, and the like. Similarly, in fields such as professional security or the military, where interaction with protesters, suspected criminals, or terrorists may involve violent physical contact, a protective cup may make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful interaction. 
     Traditional protective cups have a number of deficiencies. First, they are often bulky, restricting movement of the wearer. Second, this bulkiness often results in their being heavy and, thus, tiring to wear for an extended period. Third, they often are rigid, again restricting movement of the wearer and contributing to the wearer&#39;s discomfort. Fourth, they often have poor ventilation, exacerbating the wearer&#39;s discomfort. And fifth, some of these protective cups are fairly complex, contributing to higher manufacturing costs and sales price, as well as increased maintenance problems and shortened product life. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a protective cup that is simple, lightweight, compact, flexible, more comfortable, and has improved ventilation. 
     Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention overcome the above disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. However, the present invention is not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention may not overcome any of the problems described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a protective cup comprises a cage member and a peripheral lip. The cage member comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, and side portions. The cage member further comprises one or more substantially rigid materials. The upper portion comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each slot is oriented so that a direction defined by a largest dimension of a respective slot extends toward the lower portion. The peripheral lip is operatively connected to the upper, lower, and side portions. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a protective cup comprises a cage member, a peripheral lip, and linking portions. The cage member comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, and side portions. The peripheral lip is operatively connected to the upper and lower portions and is distanced from the cage member at openings between the peripheral lip and the side portions. The linking portions operatively connect the peripheral lip to the side portions to fill the openings or one or more parts of the openings. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a protective cup comprises a cage member, a peripheral lip, and linking portions. The cage member comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, and side portions. The upper portion comprises a plurality of slots. The peripheral lip is operatively connected to the upper and lower portions and is distanced from the cage member at openings between the peripheral lip and the side portions. The linking portions operatively connect the peripheral lip to the side portions to fill one or more parts of the openings. 
     In yet a further aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing the protective cups is disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a protective cup of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the protective cup of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left-side view of the protective cup of  FIG. 1 , the right-side view being a mirror image of the left-side view; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the protective cup of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the protective cup of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the protective cup of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a protective cup of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the protective cup of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a left-side view of the protective cup of  FIG. 7 , the right-side view being a mirror image of the left-side view; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the protective cup of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the protective cup of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the protective cup of  FIG. 7 , taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a protective cup of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the protective cup of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a left-side view of the protective cup of  FIG. 13 , the right-side view being a mirror image of the left-side view; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the protective cup of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the protective cup of  FIG. 13 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the protective cup of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , a protective cup  100  according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises cage member  102  and peripheral lip  104 . 
     For a proper fit, the size of protective cup  100  usually varies with the size of the user.  FIGS. 2 and 3  define, for example, height H 1 , breadth B 1 , and depth D 1  for protective cup  100 . Protective cup  100  may comprise, for example, a height H 1  greater than or equal to about 3 inches and less than or equal to about 12 inches, a breadth B 1  greater than or equal to about 2 inches and less than or equal to about 12 inches, and a depth D 1  greater than or equal to about 1 inch and less than or equal to about 6 inches; or a height H 1  greater than or equal to about 4 inches and less than or equal to about 8 inches, a breadth B 1  greater than or equal to about 3 inches and less than or equal to about 6 inches, and a depth D 1  greater than or equal to about 2 inches and less than or equal to about 4 inches. However, the actual values of height H 1 , breadth B 1 , and/or depth D 1  may be smaller or larger than these values if required for a specific purpose. In one embodiment, protective cup  100  comprises a height H 1  of about 7¼ inches, a breadth B 1  of about 4 inches, and a depth D 1  of about 2¾ inches. 
     As used herein, the term “about” means exactly a given value or the given value ±10%. 
     Cage member  102  comprises upper portion  110 , lower portion  112 , and side portions  114  and  116 . Although protective cup  100  may have any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a concave inner surface  122  and a convex outer surface  124  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     Given concave inner surface  122 , the center of gravity of upper portion  110  does not lie within upper portion  110 . Similarly, the center of gravity of lower portion  112  does not lie within lower portion  112 . Nor does the center of gravity of peripheral lip  104  lie within peripheral lip  104 . As a result, the centers of gravity of upper portion  110 , lower portion  112 , and peripheral lip  104  all lie on the concave-inner-surface side of protective cup  100 . When these three centers of gravity are non-colinear, they determine a unique plane. 
     Cage member  102  may further comprise an edge  118  that may extend, for example, part way or all the way around cage member  102 . The cross-sectional shape of edge  118  may facilitate operatively connecting peripheral lip  104  to upper portion  110 , lower portion  112 , and/or side portions  114  and/or  116 . Also, edge  118  may improve user safety and/or comfort by comprising, for example, one or more curved, rounded, or other cross-sections as shown, for example, in  FIG. 6 . 
     The shape of cage member  102  may be substantially symmetrical to the unique plane determined by the three centers of gravity. In addition, the shape of protective cup  100  may be substantially symmetrical to that same plane. As used herein, the term “substantially symmetrical” means symmetrical, with possible minor variations due to manufacturing tolerances and/or indicia such as manufacturing information, product identifiers, trademarks, and/or logos. 
     Upper portion  110  comprises a plurality of slots  120 . As used in the present application, the term “slot” means an aperture comprising a non-circular shape in which a first dimension of the aperture, measured in a first direction, is at least two times larger than a second dimension of the aperture, measured in a second direction, where the second direction is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, the term “slot” would include, for example, the first dimension being at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more times larger than the second dimension. Upper portion  110  may comprise, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more slots  120 . In one embodiment, upper portion  110  comprises three slots. 
     Slots  120  may be open and/or closed. That is, the associated aperture may extend into upper portion  110  from a border of upper portion  110  so that the slot is open over a portion of its periphery, or the associated aperture may lie entirely within upper portion  110  so that the slot is closed over its entire periphery. By covering the open portion of its periphery, peripheral lip  104  may effectively close otherwise open slot  120 . 
     Slots  120  can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  102 . As a result, slots  120  also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  100 . 
     Slots  120  may comprise many different shapes. Slots  120  may comprise, for example, one or more shapes that approximate one or more triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and/or other polygons. Such polygons may or may not be regular polygons. However, the shape/shapes of slots  120  does/do not need to approximate one or more polygons. So, for example, slots  120  may comprise one or more shapes that approximate one or more crescents, hearts, ellipses (with sufficient eccentricity to meet the definition of the term “slot”), and/or arc sections of a circle. 
     Slots  120  also may comprise one or more shapes that approximate one or more letters such as, for example, “I-shaped”, “L-shaped”, “S-shaped”, “T-shaped”, “V-shaped”, and/or “X-shaped”. Additionally, slots  120  may comprise, for example, one or more shapes that approximate one or more trademarks, logos, and/or slogans (or outlines of the trademarks, logos, and/or slogans). Thus, slots  120  could be used to spell, for example, the name of the manufacturer of protective cup  100 , a sponsor, a sport, a team, a player, a competition, and/or incorporate other potential advertising and/or marketing techniques. 
     At least one of slots  120  may comprise, for example, a generally rectangular shape. As used herein, the term “generally rectangular” means resembling a regular or non-regular four-sided polygon, in which: one or more of the sides may be curved; opposite sides may be parallel, substantially parallel, or generally parallel; one or more of the vertices may be rounded; and/or one or more of the vertices may form an angle greater than or equal to about 60° and less than or equal to about 120°. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” means exactly parallel or parallel within ±10 degrees. As used herein, the term “generally parallel” means exactly parallel or parallel within ±20 degrees. 
       FIG. 2  defines length L 1  and width W 1  for generally rectangular slot  120 . Such a generally rectangular slot  120  may comprise, for example, a length L 1  greater than or equal to about 1 inch and less than or equal to about 6 inches, or a length L 1  greater than or equal to about 2 inches and less than or equal to about 4 inches. Additionally, such a generally rectangular slot  120  may comprise, for example, a width W 1  greater than or equal to about ⅛ inch and less than or equal to about 1 inch, or a width W 1  greater than or equal to about ¼ inch and less than or equal to about ½ inch. However, the actual values of length L 1  and/or width W 1  may be smaller or larger than these values if required for a specific purpose. In one embodiment, slots  120  comprise a length L 1  of about 3 inches and a width W 1  of about ¼ inch. 
     If there are two slots  120 , then one slot  120  may comprise a shape that is the same as or different from the other slot  120 . If there are more than two slots  120 , then each slot  120  may comprise a shape that is the same as or different from any or all of the other slots  120 . 
     Slots  120  may be oriented so that a direction T 1  defined by a largest dimension of one of slots  120  extends toward lower portion  112  and/or side portions  114  and/or  116 . In  FIG. 2 , for example, direction T 1  defined by the largest dimension of center slot  120  extends toward lower portion  112 . Although not the case here, there are possible shapes of a given slot  120  in which there may be more than one such largest dimension. Also, more than one slot  120  may be oriented so that an associated direction defined by the largest dimension of the respective slot  120  extends toward lower portion  112  and/or side portions  114  and/or  116 . Additionally, each slot  120  may be oriented so that an associated direction defined by the largest dimension of the respective slot  120  extends toward lower portion  112  and/or side portions  114  and/or  116 . 
     Slots  120  may be oriented so that the largest dimension of a first slot  120  is substantially parallel to the largest dimension of at least one other slot  120 . Further, slots  120  may be oriented so that the largest dimension of each slot  120  is generally parallel to the unique plane determined by the three centers of gravity. Yet further, slots  120  may be oriented so that two or more of slots  120  are parallel, substantially parallel, or generally parallel to each other. 
     Also, slots  120  may have other orientations. For example, slots  120  can be oriented in a fan shape, closer together near the middle of cage member  102 , or a reverse fan shape, farther apart near the middle of cage member  102 . 
     In one embodiment, protective cup  100  comprises three generally rectangular slots  120  oriented so that all three slots  120  are substantially parallel to each other and with each slot  120  comprising a length L 1  of about 3 inches and a width W 1  of about ¼ inch. 
     Lower portion  112  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. As used herein, the term “solid” means a surface with no apertures, the term “substantially solid” means a surface with no apertures or with no more than 20% of the surface penetrated by apertures, and the term “generally solid” means a surface with no apertures or with no more than 40% of the surface penetrated by apertures. 
     Lower portion  112  may comprise, for example, one or more apertures of any desired shape. Such apertures can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  102 . As a result, the apertures also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  100 . 
     Side portions  114  and  116  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Side portions  114  and  116  may comprise, for example, one or more apertures of any desired shape. Such apertures can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  102 . As a result, the apertures also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  100 . Side portion  114  may be symmetric to side portion  116 . 
     Although cage member  102  may comprise any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a concave inner surface  122  and a convex outer surface  124  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-6 . Cage member  102  may comprise a generally triangular shape as shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . As used herein, the term “generally triangular” means resembling a regular or non-regular three-sided polygon, in which one or more of the sides may be curved, one or more of the vertices may be rounded, and/or one or more of the vertices may form an angle greater than or equal to about 40° and less than or equal to about 80°. Additionally, upper portion  110  may be wider than lower portion  112  as also shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . 
     Cage member  102  comprises one or more rigid or substantially rigid materials so that cage member  102  retains its shape, to a large extent, when impacted. As used herein, the term “rigid” means: for rubbers, plastics, and other non-metallic materials that are subjected to hardness testing according to ASTM D-2240, a Shore D hardness of at least 75 according to ASTM D-2240, and for other materials, a hardness value according to a standardized method providing protection for the user equivalent to the Shore D hardness discussed in this sentence. As used herein, the term “substantially rigid” means: for rubbers, plastics, and other non-metallic materials that are subjected to hardness testing according to ASTM D-2240, a Shore D hardness of at least 60 according to ASTM D-2240, and for other materials, a hardness value according to a standardized method providing protection for the user equivalent to the Shore D hardness discussed in this sentence. Thus, the term “substantially rigid” would include, for example, rubbers, plastics, and other non-metallic materials that are subjected to hardness testing according to ASTM D-2240, a Shore D hardness of at least 65 according to ASTM D-2240. 
     Such rigid or substantially rigid materials may comprise, for example, polymer materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polycarbonate (“PC”), and ABS/PC alloys. Desired properties of the rigid or substantially rigid materials include, for example, one or more of hardness, toughness, low density (i.e., light weight), and inertness (to minimize skin irritations, rashes, etc.). As a result, the one or more rigid or substantially rigid materials could comprise, for example, at least one of: metals; natural or synthetic rubber compounds with reinforcing fibers (such as Kevlar® pulp); or Kevlar®. The one or more rigid or substantially rigid materials may incorporate advances from the nanotechnology field. In one embodiment, cage member  102  comprises one substantially rigid material, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (“TPU”). 
     If desired, any or each of upper portion  110 , lower portion  112 , side portions  114  and/or  116 , and edge  118  (if present) may be formed of different substantially rigid materials. 
     Although peripheral lip  104  may have any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a generally tubular or cylindrical form. This form may be substantially flattened along a surface intended to directly or indirectly contact the body of the user. Additionally, the form may include a slit over at least a portion of peripheral lip  104  to facilitate operatively connecting it to upper portion  110 , lower portion  112 , and side portions  114  and  116 . Also, peripheral lip  104  may directly contact at least part of upper portion  110 , at least part of lower portion  112 , and/or at least part of side portions  114  and/or  116 . 
     Peripheral lip  104  comprises at least one resilient material that provides at least some cushioning effect when protective cup  100  is impacted. Such materials may include, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, a natural or synthetic rubber compound, polyurethane, and ethylene vinyl acetate. Desired properties of the resilient material include, for example, one or more of softness, flexibility, resilience, low density (i.e., light weight), and inertness (to minimize skin irritations, rashes, etc.). In one embodiment, the resilient material is TPU. 
     Cage member  102  and peripheral lip  104  may be manufactured using any suitable process known to one of skill in the art, such as, for example, extrusion, vacuum forming, or injection molding. The process may also comprise, for example, the use of adhesives or chemical bonding. Regarding cage member  102 , upper portion  110  may be manufactured separately from or together with one or more of lower portion  112 , side portions  114  and/or  116 , and edge  118  (if present). Also, cage member  102  may be manufactured separately from or together with peripheral lip  104 . Additionally, any or all of upper portion  110 , lower portion  112 , side portions  114  and/or  116 , and edge  118  (if present) may be manufactured separately from or together with peripheral lip  104 . 
     In one embodiment, cage member  102  (with edge  118 , if present) is manufactured as a single unit by injection molding, with peripheral lip  104  added by injection molding. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-12 , a protective cup  200  according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises cage member  202 , peripheral lip  204 , and linking portions  206  and  208 . 
     For a proper fit, the size of protective cup  200  usually varies with the size of the user, as discussed with respect to protective cup  100 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  define, for example, height H 2 , breadth B 2 , and depth D 2  for protective cup  200 . Protective cup  200  may comprise, for example, values of height H 2 , breadth B 2 , and depth D 2  similar to the values of height H 1 , breadth B 1 , and depth D 1  for protective cup  100 . 
     Cage member  202  comprises upper portion  210 , lower portion  212 , and side portions  214  and  216 . Although protective cup  200  may have any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a concave inner surface  222  and a convex outer surface  224  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 7-12 . And, as discussed with respect to protective cup  100 , given concave inner surface  222 , the centers of gravity of upper portion  210 , lower portion  212 , and peripheral lip  204  all lie on the concave-inner-surface side of protective cup  200 . When these three centers of gravity are non-colinear, they determine a unique plane. 
     Cage member  202  may further comprise an edge  218  that may extend, for example, part way or all the way around cage member  202 . The cross-sectional shape of edge  218  may facilitate operatively connecting peripheral lip  204  to upper portion  210  and/or lower portion  212 . Also, edge  218  may improve user safety and/or comfort by comprising, for example, a curved or rounded cross-section. 
     The shape of cage member  202  may be substantially symmetrical to the unique plane determined by the three centers of gravity. In addition, the shape of protective cup  200  may be substantially symmetrical to that same plane. 
     Upper portion  210  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Upper portion  210  may comprise, for example, one or more apertures of any desired shape. Such apertures can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  202 . As a result, the apertures also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  200 . 
     Lower portion  212  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Lower portion  212  may comprise, for example, one or more apertures of any desired shape. Such apertures can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  202 . As a result, the apertures also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  200 . 
     Side portions  214  and  216  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Side portions  214  and  216  may comprise, for example, one or more apertures of any desired shape. Such apertures can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  202 . As a result, the apertures also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  200 . Side portion  214  may be symmetric to side portion  216 . 
     Although cage member  202  may comprise any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a concave inner surface  222  and a convex outer surface  224  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 7-12 . Cage member  202  may comprise a generally triangular shape as shown, for example, in  FIG. 8 . Additionally, upper portion  210  may be wider than lower portion  212  as also shown, for example, in  FIG. 8 . 
     Cage member  202  comprises one or more rigid or substantially rigid materials so that cage member  202  retains its shape, to a large extent, when impacted. Details of the one or more rigid or substantially rigid materials parallel those discussed with respect to cage member  102 . If desired, any or each of upper portion  210 , lower portion  212 , side portions  214  and/or  216 , and edge  218  (if present) may be formed of different substantially rigid materials. 
     Although peripheral lip  204  may have any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a generally tubular or cylindrical form. This form may be substantially flattened along a surface intended to directly or indirectly contact the body of the user. Additionally, the form may include a slit over at least a portion of peripheral lip  204  to facilitate operatively connecting it to upper portion  210  and lower portion  212 . Also, peripheral lip  204  may directly contact at least part of upper portion  210  and/or at least part of lower portion  212 . 
     Peripheral lip  204  is distanced from cage member  202  at opening  226  between peripheral lip  204  and side portion  214  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 8 . Similarly, peripheral lip  204  is distanced from cage member  202  at opening  228  between peripheral lip  204  and side portion  216  as also shown, for example, in  FIG. 8 . As discussed in more detail below, linking portion  206  may fill opening  226  or one or more parts of opening  226 . Similarly, linking portion  208  may fill opening  228  or one or more parts of opening  228 . 
     Peripheral lip  204  comprises at least one resilient material that provides at least some cushioning effect when protective cup  200  is impacted. Details of the at least one resilient material parallel those discussed with respect to peripheral lip  104 . 
     Although linking portions  206  and  208  may have any desired shape, they may, for example, comprise a thin sheet operatively connecting peripheral lip  204  to respective side portion  214  or  216 . As used herein, the term “linking portion” includes, on a given side of protective cup  200 , one or more portions operatively connecting peripheral lip  204  to respective side portion  214  or  216 . 
     Linking portion  206  may fill opening  226  or one or more parts of opening  226 . Similarly, linking portion  208  may fill opening  228  or one or more parts of opening  228 . As shown, for example, in  FIG. 8 , linking portion  206  may fill a lower part of opening  226 , while linking portion  208  may fill a lower part of opening  228 . Linking portion  206  filling the lower part of opening  226  and linking portion  208  filling the lower part of opening  228  may or may not have a fixed geometric relationship with lower portion  212 . 
     Either or both of linking portions  206  and  208  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Apertures in linking portions  206  and/or  208  can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  200 . 
     Linking portions  206  and  208  comprise at least one resilient material that may provide at least some cushioning effect when protective cup  200  is impacted. Such materials may include, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, a natural or synthetic rubber compound, polyurethane, and ethylene vinyl acetate. Desired properties of the resilient material include, for example, one or more of softness, flexibility, resilience, low density (i.e., light weight), and inertness (to minimize skin irritations, rashes, etc.). In one embodiment, the resilient material is TPU. 
     Linking portion  206  may be formed of the same resilient material(s) as linking portion  208 , or from different resilient material(s). Similarly, either or both of linking portions  206  and  208  may be made from the same resilient material as peripheral lip  204 , or from a different resilient material or different resilient materials. 
     Cage member  202 , peripheral lip  204 , and linking portions  206  and  208  may be manufactured using any suitable process known to one of skill in the art, such as, for example, extrusion, vacuum forming, or injection molding. The process may also comprise, for example, the use of adhesives or chemical bonding. Regarding cage member  202 , upper portion  210  may be manufactured separately from or together with one or more of lower portion  212 , side portions  214  and  216 , and edge  218  (if present). Also, cage member  202  may be manufactured separately from or together with one or more of peripheral lip  204  and linking portions  206  and/or  208 . Additionally, any or all of upper portion  210 , lower portion  212 , side portions  214  and/or  216 , and edge  218  (if present) may be manufactured separately from or together with one or more of peripheral lip  204  and linking portions  206  and/or  208 . 
     In one embodiment, cage member  202  (with edge  218 , if present) is manufactured as a single unit by injection molding, with peripheral lip  204  and linking portions  206  and  208  added by injection molding. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13-18 , a protective cup  300  according to a third embodiment of the present invention comprises cage member  302 , peripheral lip  304 , and linking portions  306  and  308 . 
     For a proper fit, the size of protective cup  300  usually varies with the size of the user, as discussed with respect to protective cup  100 .  FIGS. 14 and 15  define, for example, height H 3 , breadth B 3 , and depth D 3  for protective cup  300 . Protective cup  300  may comprise, for example, values of height H 3 , breadth B 3 , and depth D 3  similar to the values of height H 1 , breadth B 1 , and depth D 1  for protective cup  100 . 
     Cage member  302  comprises upper portion  310 , lower portion  312 , and side portions  314  and  316 . Although protective cup  300  may have any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a concave inner surface  322  and a convex outer surface  324  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 13-18 . And, as discussed with respect to protective cup  100 , given concave inner surface  322 , the centers of gravity of upper portion  310 , lower portion  312 , and peripheral lip  304  all lie on the concave-inner-surface side of protective cup  300 . When these three centers of gravity are non-colinear, they determine a unique plane. 
     Cage member  302  may further comprise an edge  318  that may extend, for example, part way or all the way around cage member  302 . The cross-sectional shape of edge  318  may facilitate operatively connecting peripheral lip  304  to upper portion  310  and/or lower portion  3   12 . Also, edge  318  may improve user safety and/or comfort by comprising, for example, a curved or rounded cross-section. 
     The shape of cage member  302  may be substantially symmetrical to the unique plane determined by the three centers of gravity. In addition, the shape of protective cup  300  may be substantially symmetrical to that same plane. 
     Upper portion  310  comprises a plurality of slots  320 . Upper portion  310  may comprise, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more slots  320 . In one embodiment, upper portion  310  comprises three slots. 
     Slots  320  can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  302 . As a result, slots  320  also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  300 . 
     Slots  320  may comprise many different shapes. Slots  320  may comprise, for example, one or more shapes that approximate one or more triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and/or other polygons. Such polygons may or may not be regular polygons. However, the shape/shapes of slots  320  does/do not need to approximate one or more polygons. So, for example, slots  320  may comprise one or more shapes that approximate one or more crescents, hearts, ellipses (with sufficient eccentricity to meet the definition of the term “slot”), and/or arc sections of a circle. 
     Slots  320  also may comprise one or more shapes that approximate one or more letters such as, for example, “I-shaped”, “L-shaped”, “S-shaped”, “T-shaped”, “V-shaped”, and/or “X-shaped”. Additionally, slots  320  may comprise, for example, one or more shapes that approximate one or more trademarks, logos, and/or slogans (or outlines of the trademarks, logos, and/or slogans). Thus, slots  320  could be used to spell, for example, the name of the manufacturer of protective cup  300 , a sponsor, a sport, a team, a player, a competition, and/or incorporate other potential advertising and/or marketing techniques. 
     At least one of slots  320  may comprise, for example, a generally rectangular shape.  FIG. 14  defines length L 3  and width W 3  for generally rectangular slot  320 . Such a generally rectangular slot  320  may comprise, for example, a length L 3  greater than or equal to about 1 inch and less than or equal to about 6 inches, or a length L 3  greater than or equal to about 2 inches and less than or equal to about 4 inches. Additionally, such a generally rectangular slot  320  may comprise, for example, a width W 3  greater than or equal to about ⅛ inch and less than or equal to about 1 inch, or a width W 3  greater than or equal to about ¼ inch and less than or equal to about ½ inch. However, the actual values of length L 3  and/or width W 3  may be smaller or larger than these values if required for a specific purpose. In one embodiment, slots  320  comprise a length L 3  of about 3 inches and a width W 3  of about ¼ inch. 
     If there are two slots  320 , then one slot  320  may comprise a shape that is the same as or different from the other slot  320 . If there are more than two slots  320 , then each slot  320  may comprise a shape that is the same as or different from any or all of the other slots  320 . 
     Slots  320  may be oriented so that a direction T 3  defined by a largest dimension of one of slots  320  extends toward lower portion  312  and/or side portions  314  and/or  316 . In  FIG. 14 , for example, direction T 3  defined by the largest dimension of center slot  320  extends toward lower portion  312  and/or side portions  314  and/or  316 . As previously discussed, there are possible shapes of a given slot  320  in which there may be more than one such largest dimension. As is the case here, for example, there are two such largest dimensions (T 3A  and T 3B ) and, although not required by the present invention, both directions T 3A  and T 3B  extend toward lower portion  312  and/or side portions  314  and/or  316 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, direction T 3A  extends toward lower portion  312  and/or side portion  314 , while direction T 3B  extends toward lower portion  312  and/or side portion  316 . 
     Also, more than one slot  320  may be oriented so that an associated direction defined by the largest dimension of the respective slot  320  extends toward lower portion  312 . Additionally, each slot  320  may be oriented so that an associated direction defined by the largest dimension of the respective slot  320  extends toward lower portion  312 . 
     Slots  320  may be oriented so that the largest dimension of a first slot  320  is substantially parallel to the largest dimension of at least one other slot  320 . Further, slots  320  may be oriented so that the largest dimension of each slot  320  is generally parallel to the unique plane determined by the three centers of gravity. Yet further, slots  320  may be oriented so that two or more of slots  320  are parallel, substantially parallel, or generally parallel to each other. 
     Also, slots  320  may have other orientations. For example, slots  320  can be oriented in a fan shape, closer together near the middle of cage member  302 , or a reverse fan shape, farther apart near the middle of cage member  302 . 
     In one embodiment, protective cup  300  comprises three generally rectangular slots  320  oriented so that all three slots  320  are substantially parallel to each other and with each slot  320  comprising a length L 3  of about 3 inches and a width W 3  of about ¼ inch. 
     Lower portion  312  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Lower portion  312  may comprise, for example, one or more apertures of any desired shape. Such apertures can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  302 . As a result, the apertures also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  300 . 
     Side portions  314  and  316  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Side portions  314  and  316  may comprise, for example, one or more apertures of any desired shape. Such apertures can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, and/or improve the ventilation of cage member  302 . As a result, the apertures also can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  300 . Side portion  314  may be symmetric to side portion  316 . 
     Although cage member  302  may comprise any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a concave inner surface  322  and a convex outer surface  324  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 13-18 . Cage member  302  may comprise a generally triangular shape as shown, for example, in  FIG. 14 . Additionally, upper portion  310  may be wider than lower portion  312  as also shown, for example, in  FIG. 14 . 
     Cage member  302  comprises one or more rigid or substantially rigid materials so that cage member  302  retains its shape, to a large extent, when impacted. Details of the one or more rigid or substantially rigid materials parallel those discussed with respect to cage member  102 . If desired, any or each of upper portion  310 , lower portion  312 , side portions  314  and/or  316 , and edge  318  (if present) may be formed of different substantially rigid materials. 
     Although peripheral lip  304  may have any desired shape, it may, for example, comprise a generally tubular or cylindrical form. This form may be substantially flattened along a surface intended to directly or indirectly contact the body of the user. Additionally, the form may include a slit over at least a portion of peripheral lip  304  to facilitate operatively connecting it to upper portion  310  and lower portion  312 . Also, peripheral lip  304  may directly contact at least part of upper portion  310  and/or at least part of lower portion  312 . 
     Peripheral lip  304  is distanced from cage member  302  at opening  326  between peripheral lip  304  and side portion  314  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 14 . Similarly, peripheral lip  304  is distanced from cage member  302  at opening  328  between peripheral lip  304  and side portion  316  as also shown, for example, in  FIG. 14 . As discussed in more detail below, linking portion  306  may fill opening  326  or one or more parts of opening  326 . Similarly, linking portion  308  may fill opening  328  or one or more parts of opening  328 . 
     Peripheral lip  304  comprises at least one resilient material that provides at least some cushioning effect when protective cup  300  is impacted. Details of the at least one resilient material parallel those discussed with respect to peripheral lip  104 . 
     Although linking portions  306  and  308  may have any desired shape, they may, for example, comprise a thin sheet operatively connecting peripheral lip  304  to respective side portion  314  or  316 . 
     Linking portion  306  may fill opening  326  or one or more parts of opening  326 . Similarly, linking portion  308  may fill opening  328  or one or more parts of opening  328 . As shown, for example, in  FIG. 14 , linking portion  306  may fill a lower part of opening  326 , while linking portion  308  may fill a lower part of opening  328 . Linking portion  306  filling the lower part of opening  326  and linking portion  308  filling the lower part of opening  328  may or may not have a fixed geometric relationship with lower portion  312 . 
     Either or both of linking portions  306  and  308  may be solid, substantially solid, or generally solid. Apertures in linking portions  306  and/or  308  can reduce the weight, increase the flexibility, improve the ventilation, and/or enhance the comfort of protective cup  300 . 
     Linking portions  306  and  308  comprise at least one resilient material that may provide at least some cushioning effect when protective cup  300  is impacted. Details of the at least one resilient material parallel those discussed with respect to linking portions  206  and  208 . Linking portion  306  may be formed of the same resilient material(s) as linking portion  308 , or from different resilient material(s). Similarly, either or both of linking portions  306  and  308  may be made from the same resilient material as peripheral lip  304 , or from a different resilient material or different resilient materials. 
     Cage member  302 , peripheral lip  304 , and linking portions  306  and  308  may be manufactured using any suitable process known to one of skill in the art, such as, for example, extrusion, vacuum forming, or injection molding. The process may also comprise, for example, the use of adhesives or chemical bonding. Regarding cage member  302 , upper portion  310  may be manufactured separately from or together with one or more of lower portion  312 , side portions  314  and/or  316 , and edge  318  (if present). Also, cage member  302  may be manufactured separately from or together with one or more of peripheral lip  304  and linking portions  306  and/or  308 . Additionally, any or all of upper portion  310 , lower portion  312 , side portions  314  and/or  316 , and edge  318  (if present) may be manufactured separately from or together with one or more of peripheral lip  304  and linking portions  306  and/or  308 . 
     In one embodiment, cage member  302  (with edge  318 , if present) is manufactured as a single unit by injection molding, with peripheral lip  304  and linking portions  306  and  308  added by injection molding. 
     In the present application, when a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included. Also, all values and sub-ranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out. 
     The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. It is contemplated that numerous modifications to the exemplary embodiments should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and that the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.