Patent Publication Number: US-2020282288-A1

Title: Protective apparatus with grooves

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/287,975, filed on Oct. 7, 2016, entitled “Protective Apparatus with Grooves,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/238,319, entitled “Protective Apparatus with Grooves”, filed Oct. 7, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/238,839, entitled “Protective Apparatus with Grooves”, filed Oct. 8, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus that protects bodily parts of an athlete. More specifically, the present invention relates to wearable apparatuses that provide impact protection for bodily parts while remaining flexible to bend and conform to the bodily parts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Protective apparatuses are used by athletes in various situations. Soccer players use shin guards. Catchers use helmets, chest protectors, and leg guards. Baseball batters often wear leg guards and arm guards while they bat. Football players use helmets, chinstraps, shoulder pads, and leg pads. 
     Currently available protective apparatuses are often bulky, heavy, and are not shaped to the specific human anatomy that they are designed to protect. It is often difficult to move freely when wearing bulky and heavy protective apparatuses. Currently available protective apparatuses are also uncomfortable for athletes to wear during athletic maneuvers and movements. The bulkiness of the protective apparatuses may restrict the freedom of movement, while the heaviness may restrict the speed at which the athletes can make the necessary movements. The bulkiness further adds to the stiffness of the protective apparatuses, making them less likely to bend and flex to conform to the body part they are protecting, especially when the body parts are moving. Thus, while proper protection may be accomplished by currently known protective apparatuses, they restrict movement of the athlete and impact the athlete&#39;s performance. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a protective apparatus that can be worn by athletes where the protective apparatus provides proper protection of body parts, but does not limit the freedom of movement of the athlete while being worn. Moreover, what is needed is a protective apparatus that is configured to flex, bend, and/or conform to the athlete&#39;s anatomy as the athlete moves, making the protective apparatus comfortable to wear while still providing freedom of movement and proper protection. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A sports accessory to be worn by a user during a sport activity includes a flexure system, where the flexure system comprises a support structure including a plurality of intersecting grooves disposed along a surface of the support structure. The plurality of segments are defined along the surface of the support structure between the intersecting grooves such that the support structure is configured to flex along the grooves with segments moving in relation to other segments during use of the sports accessory. 
     The above and still further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a shin guard according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the shin guard illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the shin guard illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the plate of the embodiment of the shin guard illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the cushion of the embodiment of the shin guard illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a rear view of another embodiment of a shin guard according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a shin guard according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a chinstrap according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of the plate of the embodiment of the chinstrap illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the chinstrap illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the plate of the embodiment of the chinstrap illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a glove according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a detailed view of a padded region of the glove illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a first detailed view of a portion of a padded region of the sleeve illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a second detailed view of another portion of the padded region of the sleeve illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a view of the interior of the sleeve illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a sports accessory to be worn during sporting activity includes a flexure system for improved fit. The flexure system includes a support structure including a plurality of segments separated by intersecting grooves. Each segment possesses a geometry adapted to interact with adjacent segments. In an embodiment, the accessory includes a resilient shell incorporating the flexure system. The system is configured to permit flexure in a first direction but inhibit or prevent flexure in a second direction beyond a predetermined curvature value. In another embodiment, the accessory includes a compressible material incorporating the flexure system. The system is configured move from a spread configuration to a collapsed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, contact forces are dissipated along a wider area. 
     In an example embodiment, a shin guard  10  including a flexure system of the present invention is described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shin guard  10  defines a top  12 , a bottom  14 , a first or lateral side  16 , and a second medial side  18 . The shin guard  10  includes a generally rigid plate  100  or shell and a backing member  200  or liner formed of compressible material such as an elastomeric polymer (e.g., EVA foam). The plate  100  of the shin guard may be constructed from thermoplastic polymers, such as polypropylene. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the plate  100  of the shin guard  10  defines an outer surface  102  and an inner or user-facing surface  104  (illustrated in  FIG. 6A ). The plate  100  of the shin guard  10  has a top side  110 , a bottom side  120  opposite the top side  110 , a first side  130 , and a second side  140  opposite the first side  130 . The first and second sides  130 ,  140  span the distance between the top side  110  and the bottom side  120 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a plurality of grooves  160 ,  162  and apertures  170  extending from plate outer surface  102  to the plate inner surface  104 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the backing member  200  of the shin guard  10  has front surface  202  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) and a rear surface  204 . The backing member  200  of the shin guard  10  has a top side  210 , a bottom side  220  opposite the top side  210 , a first side  230 , and a second side  240  opposite the first side  230 . Similar to the plate  100 , the first and second sides  230 ,  240  of the backing member  200  span the distance between the top side  210  and the bottom side  220 . Furthermore, the backing member  200  contains an outer edge  250  that spans around the perimeter defined by the top, bottom, first, and second sides  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a plurality of grooves  260 ,  262  and apertures  270  disposed within the rear surface  204  of the backing member  200 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , the backing member  200  is coupled to the plate  100 . Moreover, the front side  202  of the backing member  200  is coupled to the inner surface  104  of the plate  100 . Thus, the outer surface  102  of the plate  100  and the rear surface  204  of the backing member  200  are exposed. The backing member  200  may be adhered to the plate  100  by any conventional means, such as glue, cement, co-molding, etc. As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the plate  100  and the backing member  200  possess a curvature  150 . The curvature  150  enables the shin guard  10  to wrap comfortably around the shin of a wearer of the shin guard  10 . The curvature  150  of the shin guard  10  orients the backing member  200  along the inner side of shin guard  10  so, when the shin guard  10  is placed around the shin of a wearer, the backing member  200  is placed against the surface of the shin. 
     Disposed within the outer surface  102  of the plate  100  is a flexure system comprising two sets of grooves  160 ,  162 , and a series of apertures  170 . As described herein for each of the embodiments, the grooves of the flexure system (e.g., grooves  160 ,  162  for the shin guard  10 ) define lines of flexure for portions or segments of a hard plate or structure of the apparatus. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a first set of grooves  160  extends along a first dimension of the plate (e.g., the grooves extend substantially along the length of the plate  100  between the top side  110  and the bottom side  120 ). As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first set of grooves  160  may be oriented such that it extends from the top side  110  to the bottom side  120  of the plate  100  at an angle offset from a vertical axis. A second set of grooves  162  extend along a second dimension of the plate (e.g., the grooves extend substantially along the width of the plate  100 , between the first side  130  and the second side  140 ). The second set of grooves  162  may be oriented such that the grooves extend from the first side  130  to the second side  140  of the plate  100  at an angle offset from a horizontal axis. With this configuration, the first set of grooves  160  intersect the second set of grooves  162  to form a grid or array of plate sections or plate segments  180 . The sections  180 , defined by the grooves  160 ,  162 , may have a substantially rhomboidal or parallelogram shape. Moreover, located at the intersection of each of the grooves  160 ,  162  are apertures  170 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the first and second sets of grooves  160 ,  162  are formed as depressions in the outer surface  102  of the plate  100 . The grooves  160 ,  162  may be formed on the front surface  102  of the plate  100  by any suitable process including, without limitation, etching, engraving, carving, impressing, scoring, incising, stamping, defined during formation of the component (e.g., formed in a molding process), etc. Thus, the thickness of the plate  100  at the grooves  160 ,  162  may be smaller than the thickness of the plate  100  at the plate sections  180 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the grooves  160 ,  162  vary in width along the length of the grooves  160 . Both the first and second sets of grooves  160 ,  162  may have a first, or minimum, width  164  and a second, or maximum, width  166 . The first width  164  is smaller than the second width  166 . The grooves  160 ,  162  have the second, or maximum, width  164  at points of the grooves  160 ,  162  that are proximate to the apertures  170 . In addition, the grooves  160 ,  162  have the first, or minimum, width  162  at points of the grooves  160 ,  162  that are furthest from any aperture  170 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the grooves  160 ,  162  will have a first width  164  at locations that are equidistant between two apertures  170 . Moreover,  FIG. 4  further illustrates that the width of the grooves  160 ,  162  may gradually increase and decrease between the first width  164  and the second width  166 . Additionally, both sets of grooves  160 ,  162  may repeatedly alternate between the first width  164  and the second width  166  along the length of a groove  160 ,  162 . 
     The combination of the grooves  160 ,  162  and the apertures  170  enable the plate  100  to have a degree of flexure. The grooves  160 ,  162  define the lines of flexure of the plate  100 . Moreover, the plate  100  is capable of flexing along each of the grooves  160 ,  162 , enabling each of the plate sections  180  to move a varying degree in relation to other plate sections of the plate. Thus, the grooves  160 ,  162  define lines of flexure along the plate  100  of the shin guard  10  such that the plate is configured to flex, bend, and/or conform to the shape and/or curvature of the shin of the wearer of the shin guard  10 . The grooves  160  and the apertures  170  enable the plate  100  to conform to the shin of a wearer while providing the proper and maximum amount of impact protection without sacrificing comfort to the wearer of the shin guard  10 . 
     Additionally, the varying widths  164 ,  166  of the grooves  160 ,  162 , as previously described herein, define sides having beveled edges for the plate sections  180 . In particular, the varying widths  164 ,  166  of the grooves  160 ,  162  define beveled edges along the sides of each plate section  180 , where each side of a plate section  180  has a generally convex shape that corresponds with a generally convex side of an adjacent or neighboring plate section  180  (where the corresponding sides of the adjacent or neighboring plate sections  180  are defined within the same groove  160 ,  162 ). The corresponding sides of adjacent or neighboring plate sections  180 , each having generally convex sides with beveled edges, create areas of interference between the edges of the plate sections  180  that permit flexure of the plate  100  in one direction (e.g., in a direction in which adjacent or neighboring plate sections  180  are pivoted away from each other along their corresponding groove  160 ,  162 ), but prevent flexure of the plate  100  beyond a certain degree in the opposite direction (e.g., in a direction in which adjacent or neighboring plate sections  180  are pivoted toward each other along their corresponding groove  160 ,  162 ). 
     With the grooves  160 ,  162  being disposed on the outer surface  102  of the plate  100  in the manner and configuration as described herein, the grooves  160 ,  162  permit the plate  100  to flex and/or bend inwardly so that the sides  110 ,  120 , 130 ,  140  are moved closer to one another. For example, the plate  100  may be flexed inwardly about the curvature  150  such that the sides  130 ,  140  of the plate  100  are moved closer to one another. The grooves  160 ,  162  may impart enough flexure to the plate  100  that the plate  100  may be flexed or bent inwardly until the sides  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140  contact one another. Conversely, the minimum width  164  of the grooves  160 ,  162  and resultant beveled edges of the plate sections  180  (which causes interference between facing sides of adjacent or neighboring plate sections) prevents the plate  100  from flexing or bending in the opposite, or outward, direction beyond a certain degree. As the plate  100  is flexed outwardly, such that the sides  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140  are move away from each other and the curvature  150  in the plate  100  is reduced, the beveled edges of the plate sections  180  proximate to the minimum widths  164  of the grooves  160 ,  162  come into contact with one another so as to interfere with or impinge upon further flexing of the plate sections  180  in this direction. Once the edges of the plate sections  180  contact one another, additional outward flexure of the plate  100  is reduced or completely prevented. The minimum widths  164  may be sized so that the edges of the plate sections  180  contact one another when the plate  100  no longer has a curvature  150  and is substantially flat. Reducing the size of the minimum widths  164  decreases the degree of flexure of the plate  100  in the outward direction, while increasing the minimum widths  164  increases the degree of flexure of the plate  100  in the outward direction. 
     Furthermore, as best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the distance between the first set of grooves  160  is larger proximate the top  110  of the plate  100  than the distance between the first set of grooves  160  proximate to the bottom  120  of the plate  100 . This in turn results in at least some plate sections  180  at or near the top  110  of the plate  100  that are larger in size (i.e., greater surface area of the plate section along the plate outer surface  102 ) in relation to plate sections  180  at or near the bottom  120  of the plate  100 . The distance between the first set of grooves  160  tapers from top to bottom, which aides in the shin guard  10  conforming to the shin of a wearer of the shin guard  10  because the leg narrows from the top of the leg to the bottom of the leg. The distance between the first set of grooves  160  proximate to the top  110  of the plate  100  may be approximately one inch or greater, while the distance between the first set of grooves  160  proximate to the bottom  120  of the plate  100  may be approximately half an inch or smaller. In another embodiment, the distance between second set of grooves  162  may taper from one side to another side of the plate  100 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , the rear surface  204  of the backing member  200  includes two sets of channels  260 ,  262  and a series of apertures  270 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the first set of grooves  260  are disposed to extend substantially along the length direction of the backing member  200 , between the top surface  210  and the bottom surface  220  of the backing member  200 . However, the first set of grooves  260  may be disposed in the backing member  200  such that the first set of grooves  260  extend from the top side  210  to the bottom side  220  at an angle offset from a vertical axis. Moreover, the second set of grooves  262  are disposed in the backing member  200  such that the second set of grooves  262  extend substantially along the width direction of the backing member  200 , from the first side  130  to the second side  140 . The second set of channels  262  may extend from the first side  230  to the second side  240  of the backing member  200  at an angle offset from a horizontal axis. 
     Similar to the plate grooves  160 ,  162 , the first set of channels  260  and the second set of channels  262  intersect each other to form a grid-like or lattice-like appearance on the rear surface  204  of the backing member  200 . The grid-like appearance of the channels  260 ,  262  creates individual pad sections  272  that are defined by the channels  260 ,  262 . Because of the orientation of the first and second sets of channels  260 ,  262  in the backing member  200 , the pad sections  272  may have a substantially rhomboidal or parallelogram shape. Thus, the pad sections  272  are substantially similar in shape to the plate sections  180  that are disposed on the plate  180 . Moreover, located at the intersection of the first set of channels  260  and the second set of channels  262  are apertures  270 . 
     The first set of channels  260 , second set of channels  262 , apertures  270 , and pad sections  272  are disposed along the rear surface  204  of the backing member  200  so that they align with the first set of grooves  160 , second set of grooves  262 , apertures  170 , and plate sections  180 , respectively. Thus, the first set of channels  260  that extend substantially along the length of the backing member  200  are aligned with the first set of grooves  160  that extend substantially along the length of the plate  100 . Similarly, the second set of channels  262  that extend substantially along the length of the backing member  200  is aligned with the second set of grooves  162  that extend substantially along the length of the plate  100 . Because the first and second set of channels  260 ,  262  are aligned with the first and second set of grooves  160 ,  162 , it then follows that the apertures  270  are aligned with the apertures  170 , and the pad sections  272  of the backing member  200  are of equivalent shape and size to the plate sections  180  of the plate  100 . 
     By aligning the first set of channels  260 , second set of channels  262 , apertures  270 , and pad sections  272  with the first set of grooves  160 , second set of grooves  262 , apertures  170 , and plate sections  180 , respectively, the backing member  200  provides additional features beyond cushioning. Firstly, the alignment of the channels  260 ,  262  with the grooves  160 ,  162  enables the backing member  200  to flex in the same manner and to a similar degree as the plate  100 . With the backing member  200  being constructed from a substantially compressible material and being configured to flex, bend, and/or conform to the shape of the shin of the wearer of the shin guard  10 , the shin guard  10  is able to provide protection for the shin while also being comfortable to the wearer. While the backing member  200 , because it is constructed from a compressible material, would still be able to flex and bend with the plate  100  if the backing member  200  did not contain the channels  260 ,  262 , the channels  260 ,  262  prevent the backing member  200  from bending and folding onto itself. 
     In addition, because the apertures  170  on the plate  100  are aligned with the apertures  270  of the backing member  200 , the combination of the apertures  170 ,  270  enables air to flow through the shin guard  10  to the shin covered by the shin guard  10 . Providing airflow through the shin guard  10  enables for the shin of the wearer of the shin guard  10  to maintain a cooler temperature when the shin guard  10  is in use, making the shin guard  10  more comfortable to wear. The configuration of the channels  260 ,  262  being connected with the apertures  270  enables air that flows into the apertures  170  to flow along the channels  260 ,  262  throughout the surface area covered by the shin guard  10 . Furthermore, because the channels  260 ,  262  are at angles offset from horizontal and vertical axes, the channels  260 ,  262  are capable of collecting sweat from the shin of the wearer and diverting the collected sweat out of the area that is covered by the shin guard  10 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6A , illustrated is a second embodiment of the backing member  200  of the shin guard  10 . The second embodiment of the backing member  200  includes an outer edge  250  and an inner edge  280 , where the inner edge  280  defines an opening  290 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the second embodiment of the backing member  200  is disposed around the perimeter of the plate  100 , and the opening  290  exposes the inner surface  104  of the plate  100 . Furthermore, the opening  290  also exposes the majority of the apertures  170 , which further enables airflow to the shin of the wearer of the shin guard  10 . Similar to the previous embodiment, the second embodiment of the backing member  200  may be constructed from a compressible material (e.g., EVA foam). 
     In yet another embodiment of the shin guard  10 , the plate  100  may be constructed from a sheet, or plurality of sheets, of interwoven carbon fibers that are infused with resin to give the carbon fiber sheet rigidity. While interwoven carbon fibers may be the preferred material, other interwoven fibers may be used and infused with resin, such as, but not limited to fiberglass, aramid, etc. The plate  100  may contain vertically orientated regions that are oriented adjacent to one another and span from the first side  130  to the second side  140  of the plate  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the plate  100  may contain five vertical regions  190 ( 1 )- 190 ( 5 ) that are defined by the first set of grooves  160  of the plate  100 . The first region  190 ( 1 ) of the plate  100  may be constructed with a first resin, while the adjacent second region  190 ( 2 ) of the plate  100  may be constructed with a second resin. The first resin, when combined with the carbon fiber sheet at the first region  190 ( 1 ), provides the first region  190 ( 1 ) with a first durometer value, while the second resin, when combined with the carbon fiber sheet at the second region  190 ( 2 ), provides the second region  190 ( 2 ) with a second durometer value. The first durometer value may be lower than the second durometer value. Thus, first region  190 ( 1 ) of the plate  100  is softer than the second region  190 ( 2 ) of the plate  100 , and the first region  190 ( 1 ) of the plate  100  is capable of flexing more than the second region  190 ( 2 ) of the plate  100 . The first resin may be a softer resin that enables the first region  190 ( 1 ) of the plate  100  to flex more under pressure than the second region  190 ( 2 ). The second resin may be a harder resin that provides more rigidity to the second region  190 ( 2 ) when compared with the first region  190 ( 1 ). The remaining regions  190 ( 3 )- 190 ( 5 ) of the plate  100  may be constructed with similar or different resins of that of the first and second regions  190 ( 1 ),  190 ( 2 ). For example, the fifth region  190 ( 5 ) may be constructed with the same resin as the first region  190 ( 1 ), while the third and fourth regions  190 ( 4 ) may be constructed with the same resin as the second region  190 ( 2 ), to make the first and second  130 ,  140  side of the plate  140  more flexible than the middle of the plate  100 . In another example, the third and fifth regions  190 ( 3 ),  190 ( 5 ) may be constructed with the same resin as the first region  190 ( 1 ), while the fourth region  190 ( 4 ) may be constructed with the same resin as the second region  190 ( 2 ). This enables the sides  130 ,  140  of the plate  100 , as well as a portion of the middle of the plate  100  to be flexible while retaining some regions as rigid. In addition, more than two different types of resins may be used. For example, five different resins may be used, one for each of the regions  190 ( 1 )- 190 ( 5 ), which would give each region a different durometer value and degree of flexibility. 
     By making one or several of the regions  190 ( 1 )- 190 ( 5 ) of the plate  100  flexible enables the shin guard  10  to fit more comfortably around the shin of a wearer. The more rigid regions of the plate  100  combined with the flexible regions of the plate  100  allows the plate  100  to offer the proper amount and maximum amount of impact protection without sacrificing comfort to the wearer of the shin guard  10 . By constructing the plate with regions having the softer resin, the plate  100  is capable of bending and conforming to the shape of the shin of a wearer. In addition, constructing the plate  100  with regions using the harder resin allows the plate  100  to provide better protection that the regions constructed with the softer region from the impact of objects (i.e., other shins). More than 2 different types of resin may be used to construct a plate  100  may from 
     Thus the present invention as disclosed herein provides a protective apparatus with a support structure that includes a flexure system that defines intersecting grooves and segments separated by the grooves along a surface of the support structure, where the flexure system is configured to permit flexure of the support structure in a first direction but inhibit or prevent flexure in a second direction beyond a predetermined curvature value. The apparatus may comprise a plate with a front surface and a rear surface, and a cushion or pad with a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface of the pad may be disposed on the rear surface of the plate. Moreover, the plate and the pad may both include at least one curvature that enables the protective apparatus to anatomically fit around a body part of a user of the protective apparatus. Multiple curvatures of the plate and the pad may be required for the apparatus to anatomically fit certain body parts, such as, a chin, an elbow, a knee, etc. The front surface of the plate may further include a series of grooves and apertures. The series of grooves may be both substantially lateral grooves and substantially longitudinal grooves. In other embodiments, the grooves may be offset from lateral and longitudinal axes. The grooves may be disposed on the front surface of the plate by a process of, without limitation, etching, engraving, carving, impressing, scoring, incising, stamping, defined during formation of the component (e.g., formed in a molding process), etc. Furthermore, the apertures may be disposed at the intersection of the grooves. The combination of the grooves, the apertures, and the material that the plate is constructed from enables the plate to be flexed along multiple directions to adapt to the body part of the user on which the apparatus is disposed, or to bend with the body part as that body part moves and shifts. Further, the configuration of the grooves and resultant shapes of the plate sections of the plate can be configured so as to maximize coverage of the plate sections over a substantial outer surface area of the shin guard while enabling and enhancing flexibility of the shin guard during use. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus comprising a flexure system including grooves that similar in configuration to that described for the shin guard of  FIGS. 1-6B  is implemented in a chinstrap. Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , a chinstrap  30  includes a flexure system comprising a series of grooves and apertures similar to that of the shin guard  10 . The chinstrap  30  includes a first side  32  that extends in a lengthwise direction of the chinstrap, a second side  34  that opposes the first side  32  and also extends in the lengthwise direction of the chinstrap, a third side  36  that extends in a widthwise direction of the chinstrap, and a fourth side  38  that opposes the third side  36  and also extends in the widthwise direction of the chinstrap. The chinstrap  30  includes a cup  300 , an inner cushion member  400  (illustrated in  FIG. 9 ), a first strap  500 , and a second strap  600 , where the first and second straps  500 ,  600  extend outwardly from the third and fourth sides  36 ,  38 , respectively. Similar to the plate  100  of the shin guard  10 , the cup  300  of the chinstrap  30  is formed of a rigid yet lightweight material (e.g., nylon and/or polypropylene), where the cup  300  is configured to absorb and sustain impact forces during use without significant wear and tear to the cup  300 . The inner cushion member  400  of the chinstrap  30  may be constructed from a compressible material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyurethane foam, etc. The inner cushion member  400  is configured to directly engage the user&#39;s chin, and thus is constructed of a softer and more flexible material in relation to the cup  300 . The inner cushion member  400  provides a cushioning effect as well as further absorption of any impact forces applied to the chinstrap  30  when worn by the user. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , illustrated is a detailed view of the cup  300  of the chinstrap  30 . The cup  300  of the chinstrap  30  includes a front surface  302  and a rear surface  304  (not illustrated). The cup  300  may further include a first side  310 , a second side  320 , a third side  330 , and a fourth side  340 , each of which respectively corresponds (i.e., is proximate or in alignment) with the first, second, third and fourth sides  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  of the chinstrap  30 . As illustrated, the cup  300  is curved in a convex manner along the front surface  302  of the cup from the first side  310  to the second side  320  about a lateral axis of the cup, and is also curved along the front surface  302  from the third side  330  to the fourth side  340  about a longitudinal axis of the cup. These two curvatures force the cup to form a cavity  306  along the rear surface  304  of the cup (illustrated in  FIG. 9 ). With this configuration, the cavity  306  is shaped and configured to receive the chin of a wearer of the chinstrap  30 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the cup  300  includes a first set of grooves  360  disposed in the front surface  302  of the cup  300  in a substantially longitudinal direction where the grooves  360  extend from the first side  310  of the cup  300  to the second side  320  of the cup  300 . The cup  300 , moreover, includes a second set of grooves  362  disposed in the front surface  302  of the cup  300  in a substantially lateral direction where the grooves  362  extend between the third side  330  and the fourth side  340  of the cup  300 . In another embodiment of the chinstrap  30 , the first set of grooves  360  may not fully extend from the first side  310  of the cup  300  to the second side  320  of the cup  300 , and the second set of grooves  362  may not fully extend from the third side  330  and the fourth side  340  of the cup  300 . The sets of grooves  360 ,  362  may only extend partially across the front surface  302  of the cup  300 . In yet another embodiment, the sets of grooves  360 ,  362  may be offset from the longitudinal and lateral directions. The sets of grooves  360 ,  362  are configured to intersect one another and form a grid-like or lattice appearance, similar to that described for the shin guard  10 . Disposed at the intersection of the first set of grooves  360  with the second set of grooves  362  are apertures  370 . Moreover, the grid-like appearance of the grooves  360 ,  362  define a plurality of cup sections  380  that are generally rectangular. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the grooves  360 ,  362  of the chinstrap  30  may vary in width, similar to that of the grooves  160 ,  162  of the shin guard  10 . The grooves  360 ,  362  may vary between a first width  364  and a second width  366 . The first width  364  may be the minimum, or smallest, width of the grooves  360 ,  362 , while the second width  366  may be the maximum, or largest, width of the grooves  360 ,  362 . The grooves  360 ,  362  may have the second width  366  at points of the grooves  360 ,  362  that are proximate to the apertures  370 . Furthermore, the grooves  360 ,  362  may have the first width  364  at points of the grooves  360 ,  362  that are disposed farthest from the apertures  370 . Thus, the grooves  360 ,  362  may have the first width  364  at a point between, and equidistant from, two apertures  370 . The width of grooves  360 ,  362  may gradually increase or decrease between the first width  364  and the second width  366 . 
     In addition, the grooves  360 ,  362  may be formed on the outer surface  302  of the cup  300  by any suitable process including, without limitation, etching, engraving, carving, impressing, scoring, incising, stamping, defined during formation of the component (e.g., formed in a molding process), etc. Thus, the grooves  360 ,  362  are formed as depressions in the outer surface  302  of the cup  300 . The cup  300  is thicker at the cup sections  380  than at the grooves  360 ,  362 . By having the cup  300  vary in thickness between the cup sections  380  and the grooves  360 ,  362 , and the grooves  360 ,  362  being the portions of the cup  300  having the smaller thickness, the cup  300  is configured to have a degree of flexure. The grooves  360 ,  362  and the apertures  370  define the lines of flexure of the cup  300 , where the cup  300  is capable of flexing along each of the grooves  360 ,  362 . The grooves  360 ,  362  and the apertures enable the cup  300  of the chinstrap  30  to flex, bend, and/or conform to the shape and/or topography of the chin of the wearer of the chinstrap  30  to provide impact protection to the chin and be comfortable to wear. 
     As similarly described for the shin guard  10 , the varying widths of the grooves  360 ,  362  define sides having beveled edges for the cup sections  380 , where each side of a cup section  380  has a generally convex shape that corresponds with a generally convex side of an adjacent or neighboring cup section  380  (where the corresponding sides of the adjacent or neighboring cup sections  180  are defined within the same groove  360 ,  362 ). The corresponding sides of adjacent or neighboring cup sections  380 , each having generally convex sides with beveled edges, create areas of interference between the edges of the cup sections  380  that permit flexure of the cup  300  in one direction (e.g., in a direction in which adjacent or neighboring cup sections  380  are pivoted away from each other along their corresponding groove  360 ,  362 ), but prevent flexure of the cup  300  beyond a certain degree in the opposite direction (e.g., in a direction in which adjacent or neighboring cup sections  380  are pivoted toward each other along their corresponding groove  360 ,  362 ). Put another way, the grooves  360 ,  362  permit the cup  300  to flex and/or bend inwardly, or in the direction that would enclose the cavity  306  of the cup  300 . Conversely, the minimum width  364  of the grooves  360 ,  362  prevents the cup  300  from flexing and/or bending in the opposite, or outward, direction beyond a certain degree. As the cup  300  is flexed outwardly, or in the direction that the cup  300  would no longer form a cavity  306  and would be flat, the edges of the cup sections  380  proximate to the minimum widths  164  of the grooves  360 ,  362  come into contact with one another. Once the edges of the cup sections  380  contact one another, additional outward flexure of the cup  300  is reduced or completely prevented. Furthermore, reducing the size of the minimum widths  364  decreases the degree of flexure of the cup  300  in the outward direction, while increasing the minimum widths  364  increases the degree of flexure of the cup  300  in the outward direction. 
     The configuration of the grooves and resultant shapes of the cup sections  380  of the cup  300  can also be configured so as to maximize coverage of the cup sections over a substantial outer surface area of the cup while enabling and enhancing flexibility of the chinstrap  30  during use. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9 , illustrated is the inner cushion member  400  of the chinstrap  30  disposed within the cavity  306  formed from the cup  300  and configured to follow the curvature of the cup  300 . The inner cushion member  400  includes a top  410 , a bottom  420 , a first side  430 , and a second side  440 . Similar to the cup  300 , the top  410  of the inner cushion member  400  is disposed proximate to the top side  32  of the chinstrap  30 , and the bottom  420  of the inner cushion member  400  is disposed proximate to the bottom side  34  of the chinstrap  30 . Furthermore, the first side  430  is disposed proximate to the first side  36  of the chinstrap  30 , while the second side  440  is disposed proximate to the second side  38  of the chinstrap  30 . The inner cushion member  400  further includes a front surface  402  (not illustrated) and a rear surface  404 . The front surface  402  of the inner cushion member  400  may be coupled to the rear surface  304  of the cup  300  by conventional means, such as adhesives. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the inner cushion member  400  includes a first set of channels  460  disposed in the rear surface  404  of the inner cushion member  400  in the substantially longitudinal direction, the first set of channels  460  extending from the top  410  of the inner cushion member  400  to the bottom  420  of the inner cushion member  400 . Moreover, the inner cushion member  400  also includes a second set of channels  462  disposed in the rear surface  404  of the inner cushion member  400  in the substantially lateral direction, the second set of channels  462  extending between the first side  430  and the second side  440  of the inner cushion member  400 . In another embodiment of the chinstrap  30 , the first set of channels  460  may not fully extend from the top  410  of the inner cushion member  400  to the bottom  420  of the inner cushion member  400 , and the second set of channels  462  may not fully extend from the first side  430  and the second side  440  of the inner cushion member  400 . The sets of grooves  360 ,  362  may only extend partially across the front surface  302  of the cup  300 . In yet another embodiment, the sets of grooves  360 ,  362  may be offset from the longitudinal and lateral directions. Similar to the grooves  360 ,  362  disposed in the cup  300 , the first set of channels  460  and the second set of channels  462  also intersect each other to form a grid-like or lattice-like appearance on the rear surface  404  of the inner cushion member  400 . The grid-like appearance of the channels  460 ,  462  creates individual pad sections  480  that are defined by the channels  460 ,  462 . As illustrated, the pad sections  480  may be substantially rectangular. Thus, the pad sections  480  are substantially similar to the cup sections  380  that are disposed on the cup  300 . Moreover, located at the intersection of the first set of channels  460  and the second set of channels  462  are apertures  470 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the apertures  470  of the inner cushion member  400  are in registry with the apertures  370  of the cup  300 . It then follows that if the apertures  370 ,  470  of the cup  300  and the inner cushion member  400  are aligned, then the first set of channels  460  of the inner cushion member  400  are aligned with the first set of grooves  360  in the cup  300 , and the second set of channels  462  are aligned with the second set of grooves  460  in the cup  300 . Because the apertures  370  on the cup  300  are aligned and thus in registry with the apertures  470  of the inner cushion member  400 , the combination of the apertures  370 ,  470  enables air to flow to the chin received by the chinstrap  30 . Providing airflow through the chinstrap  30  enables the chin of the wearer of the chinstrap  30  to maintain a cooler temperature when the chinstrap  30  is in use, which makes the chinstrap  30  more comfortable to wear. The channels  460 ,  462  being connected with the apertures  470  enables air that flows into the apertures  370  to flow along the channels  460 ,  462  throughout the surface area covered by the chinstrap  30 . Furthermore, the channels  460 ,  462  are capable of collecting sweat from the chin of the wearer and divert the sweat from the area of the chin that is covered by the chinstrap  30 . 
     By aligning the first set of channels  460 , second set of channels  462 , apertures  470 , and pad sections  480  with the first set of grooves  360 , second set of grooves  362 , apertures  370 , and cup sections  380 , respectively, the inner cushion member  400  is operable to flex as the cup  300  flexes. The ability of the inner cushion member  400  to flex with the cup  300  combined with the inner cushion member  400  being constructed from a substantially compressible material increases the comfort of the chinstrap  30  for the wearer. The alignment of the apertures  370  on the cup  300  with the apertures  470  of the inner cushion member  400  further increases the comfort of the chinstrap  30  by enabling air to flow to the chin of the wearer of the chinstrap  30 . The inner cushion member  400  may flex in the same manner and to a similar degree as the cup  300 . Because the inner cushion member  400  is constructed from a compressible material, the inner cushion member  400  would still be able to flex and bend with the cup  300  if the inner cushion member  400  did not contain the channels  460 ,  462 , but the channels  460 ,  462  prevent the inner cushion member  400  from bending and folding onto itself. 
     As previously explained, the chinstrap  30  includes a first strap  500  and a second strap  600 . The first and second straps  500 ,  600  are best illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 . The first strap  500  extends from the third side  36  of the chinstrap  30 , while the second strap  600  extends from the fourth side  38  of the chinstrap  30 . The first and second straps  500 ,  600  enable the chinstrap  30  to be connected to a helmet, such as a football helmet. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the first strap  500  includes a first end  510  and a second end  520  opposite the first end  510 . The ends  510 ,  520  of the first strap  500  are disposed away from the first end  36  of the chinstrap  30 . Moreover, disposed proximate to the first end  510  is a buckle  512 , while another buckle  522  is disposed proximate to the second end  520 . These buckles  512 ,  522  are configured to couple the strap  500 , and ultimately the chinstrap  30 , to a helmet. Moreover, the buckles  512 ,  522  are adjustable along the length of the strap  500 . 
     Similarly, the second strap  600  includes a first end  610  and a second end  620  opposite the first end  610 . The ends  610 ,  620  of the second strap  600  are disposed away from the second end  38  of the chinstrap  30 . The second strap  600  also includes two buckles  612 ,  622 , where one buckle  612  is disposed proximate to the first end  610  and the other buckle  622  is disposed proximate to the second end  620 . Similar to the buckles  512 ,  522  of the first strap  500 , the buckles  612 ,  622  of the second strap  600  are adjustable along the length of the strap  600  and are configured to couple the strap  600 , and ultimately the chinstrap  30 , to a helmet. The buckles  512 ,  522 ,  612 ,  622  may each contain a snap button that enables them to be coupled to a helmet. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 10 , disposed in the cup  300  proximate to the third side  330  is a first slot  332 . In addition, a second slot  342  is disposed in the cup  300  proximate to the fourth side  340 . While  FIG. 10  only illustrates the fourth side  340  of the cup  300  of the chinstrap  30 , the illustration of the fourth side  340  applies to the third side  330  because the third side  330  is identical, but mirrored, to the fourth side  340 . As further illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the first strap  500  is threaded through the first slot  332  and the second strap  600  is threaded through the second slot  342 . The first strap  500  is held in place in the first slot  332  by a fastener  530 . Similarly, and as best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the second strap  600  is held in place in the second slot  342  by a fastener  630 . In other embodiments, the first and second straps  500 ,  600  may not include fasteners  530 ,  630 , and may be configured to slide freely through the first and second slots  332 ,  342 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , disposed in the inner cushion member  400  proximate to the third side  430  is a first recess  432 , while a second recess  442  is disposed in the inner cushion member  400  proximate to the fourth side  440 . The first recess  432  and the second recess  442  are disposed against the cup  300 , such that the first and second recesses  432 ,  442  in conjunction with the cup  300  form a pair of slots. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the first strap  500  extends out of the first recess  432 , while the second strap  600  extends out of the second recess  442 . Once the first strap  500  is threaded through the first slot  332  of the cup  300 , a portion of the first strap  500  is configured to be partially disposed between the rear surface  304  of the cup  300  and the front surface  402  of the inner cushion member  400 , while another portion of the first strap  500  extends out from the first recess  432 . Similarly, once the second strap  600  is threaded through the second slot  342  of the cup  300 , a portion of the second strap  600  is partially disposed between the rear surface  304  of the cup  300  and the front surface  402  of the inner cushion member  400 , while another portion of the second strap  600  extends out from the second recess  442 . 
     Another apparatus that implements a flexure system in accordance with the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12  in the form of a glove  70 . The glove  70  includes a series of grooves and apertures, similar to that of the shin guard  10  and the chinstrap  30 . The glove  70  includes a palm side  71  (not shown) and a dorsal side  72 . The glove  70  also includes a first side  73 , a second side  74 , a third side  75 , and a fourth side  76 . The glove  70  further includes a metacarpal region  80  with a top end  84 , a bottom or wrist end  86 , a first end  88 , and a second end  90 . The wrist end  86  is disposed opposite of the top end  84 , where the wrist end  86  is disposed proximate to the second side  74  of the glove  70  and the top end  84  is disposed proximate to the first side  73  of the glove  70 . The second end  90  is disposed opposite of the first end  88 , where the first end  88  is disposed proximate to the third side  75  of the glove  70  and the second end  90  is disposed proximate to the fourth side  76  of the glove  70 . Moreover, extending from the first end  88  of the metacarpal region  80  is a thumb sheath  82 ( 1 ), and extending from the top end  84  of the metacarpal region  80  are four additional fingers sheathes  82 ( 2 )- 82 ( 5 ). The glove  70  may be constructed from a four-way stretch fabric material  77  that is configured to bend and contour to a user&#39;s hand as the user uses their hands to interact with their environment. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the glove  70  also includes four padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  disposed on the dorsal side  74  of the glove  70 . The first padded region  700  is disposed on the first finger/thumb  82 ( 1 ). The second padded region  702  is disposed partially on the metacarpal region  80  proximate to the first end  88 , and configured to extend along the second finger  82 ( 2 ). The third padded region  704  is at least partially disposed on the metacarpal region  80  between the first and second ends  88 ,  90 , and is configured to extend along both the third and fourth fingers  82 ( 3 ),  82 ( 4 ). Finally, the fourth padded region  706  is at least partially disposed on the metacarpal region  80  proximate to the second end  90 , and is configured to extend along the fifth finger  82 ( 5 ). The padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  may be constructed from a durable and resilient material that provides impact protection to the hand on which the glove  70  is disposed, such as a thermoplastic rubber. The padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  may have a higher durometer value than that of the fabric material  77 . The padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  may be directly injected into the fabric layer  77  to adhere the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  to the fabric layer  77 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a detailed view of the third padded region  704 . While only the third padded region  704  may be discussed, the discussion of  FIG. 12  applies to first, second, and fourth padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  706 , as these padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  706  contain the same features of the third padded region  704 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , disposed within the third padded region  704  are a first set of grooves  710  and a second set of grooves  712 . The first set of grooves  710  extend substantially from the first side  73  to the bottom side  74 . The second set of grooves  712  extend substantially from the third side  75  to the fourth side  76 . Similar to the shin guard  10  and the chinstrap  30 , the sets of grooves  710 ,  712  of the gloves  70  are configured to intersect one another and form a grid-like or lattice appearance. At the intersection of the first set of grooves  710  with the second set of grooves  712  are apertures  720 . Moreover, the grid-like appearance of the grooves  710 ,  712  define a plurality of outer pad sections  730  that are substantially rhomboidal. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the grooves  710 ,  712  are formed as depressions in the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706 . The grooves  710 ,  712  may be formed on the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  utilizing any suitable process including, without limitation, etching, engraving, carving, impressing, scoring, incising, stamping, defined during formation of the component (e.g., formed in a molding process), etc. Moreover, the grooves  710 ,  712  of the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  of the glove  70  may vary in width, similar to that of the grooves  160 ,  162  of the shin guard  10  and the grooves  360 ,  362  of the chinstrap  30 . The grooves  710 ,  712  may vary between a first width  714  and a second width  716 . The first width  714  may be the minimum, or smallest, width of the grooves  710 ,  712 , while the second width  716  may be the maximum, or largest, width of the grooves  710 ,  712 . The grooves  710 ,  712  may have the second width  716  at points of the grooves  710 ,  712  that are proximate to the apertures  720 . Furthermore, the grooves  710 ,  712  may have the first width  714  at points of the grooves  710 ,  712  that are disposed farthest from the apertures  720 . Thus, the grooves  710 ,  712  may have the first width  714  at a point between, and equidistant from, two apertures  720 . The width of grooves  710 ,  712  may gradually increase or decrease between the first width  714  and the second width  716 . 
     The varying widths  714 ,  716  of the grooves  710 ,  712  define beveled edges along the sides of each of the pad sections  730 , where each side of a padded section has a generally convex shape that corresponds with a generally convex side of an adjacent or neighboring pad section (where the corresponding sides of the adjacent or neighboring pad sections are defined within the same groove  710 ,  712 ). The configuration of the pad sections  730  provide as much coverage as possible over the padded region while flexure of the padded region is enhanced by the grooves  710 ,  712 . 
     The combination of the grooves  710 ,  712  and the apertures  720  enable the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  to flex and conform to the hand during palmarflexion and dorsiflexion of the hand, flexion and extension of the fingers of the hand, and abduction and adduction of the fingers of the hand. Thus, while the hand wearing the glove  70  performs various gestures (e.g., makes a fist, or catches a ball, etc.), the combination of the grooves  710 ,  712  and the apertures  720  enable the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  of the glove  70  continue to provide impact protection to the hand. The grooves  710 ,  712  define the lines of flexure of the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706 . Moreover, the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  are capable of flexing along each of the grooves  710 ,  712 , enabling each of the pad sections  730  to move a varying degree. In addition, because the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  are constructed from a thermoplastic rubber, the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  are able to stretch with the fabric  77  of the glove  70 . The grooves  710 ,  712  and the apertures  720  enable the padded regions  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706  of the glove  70  to continue to provide impact protection while still enabling mobility of the hand within the glove  70 . 
     Another embodiment of an apparatus incorporating a flexure system in accordance with the present invention is described with reference to  FIGS. 13-16 . In particular, a sleeve  800  includes a series of padded regions having grooves and apertures, similar to that of the glove  70 . The sleeve  800  may be worn by a user on their extremities, such as over the forearm, over the elbow, over the upper arm, etc. and/or for another limb (e.g., different portions of the user&#39;s leg). The sleeve  800  is substantially tubular with a first end  801  and a second end  802 . The diameter or transverse cross-section of the sleeve  800  may taper from the first end  801  to the second end  802  to accommodate the shape of an arm that is larger in diameter proximate the shoulder and smaller in diameter proximate the hand. The sleeve  800  may be constructed from a four-way stretch fabric material  810  that is configured to bend and contour to a user&#39;s arm, especially during movement of the arm. The four-way stretch fabric material  810  further provides compression of the extremity on which the sleeve  800  is disposed. The sleeve  800  has an outer surface  812  (best illustrated in  FIG. 13 ) and an outer surface  814  (best illustrated in  FIG. 16 ). Disposed on the sleeve  800  between the first end  801  and the second end  802  are padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 . The padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  may be constructed from a durable resilient material that provides impact protection, such as a thermoplastic rubber (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer). The padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  may have a higher durometer value than that of the fabric material  810  of the sleeve. In addition, the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  may be disposed on the outer surface  812  of the fabric material  810  of the sleeve  800  by being injection molded (or applied in any other suitable manner) directly on the fabric material  810 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  may be constructed in different shapes, different sizes, and are separated by the four-way stretchable fabric material  810 . By having four separate padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  that are separated by the fabric material  810 , the sleeve  800  is able to provide sufficient impact protection for the area spanning from the padded region  820  to padded region  826  with a minimal amount of thermoplastic rubber. Having the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  separated as shown in  FIGS. 13-15  serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows the area covered by the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  to flex and bend with the movement and bending of the extremity on which the sleeve  800  is disposed. Secondly, the separation of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  minimizes the amount of thermoplastic rubber that is used to provide impact protection, which reduces the weight of the sleeve  800 . This enables the sleeve  800  to be more comfortable to wear without reducing the performance capabilities of the sleeve  800  and without impacting the performance capabilities of the wearer. Thirdly, using the minimum amount of thermoplastic rubber reduces the manufacturing costs of the sleeve  800 . 
     In addition to each of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  being separated by the four-way stretch fabric  810 , each of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  may contain a first set of grooves  830  and a second set of grooves  832  that further enable each of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  to flex, bend, and contour while providing sufficient impact protection. The first set of grooves  830  extend along the length (from the first end  801  to the second end  802 ) of the sleeve  800 , while the second set of grooves  832  span substantially along the width of the sleeve  800 . Similar to the shin guard  10 , the chinstrap  30 , and the glove  70 , the sets of grooves  830 ,  832  of the sleeve  800  are configured to intersect one another and form a grid-like or lattice appearance on each padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 . At the intersection of the first set of grooves  830  with the second set of grooves  832  are apertures  834 . 
     The grid-like appearance of the grooves  830 ,  832 , moreover, define a plurality of outer pad sections  840  that are substantially rhomboidal. The grooves  830 ,  832  are formed as depressions in the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 . The grooves  830 ,  832  may be formed on the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  via any suitable process including, without limitation, etching, engraving, carving, impressing, scoring, incising, stamping, defined during formation of the component (e.g., formed in a molding process), etc. Thus, the pad sections  840  may be thicker than the grooves  830 ,  832 . In other words, more material is disposed on the outer surface  812  of the fabric material  810  at the pad sections  840  than at the grooves  830 ,  832 . Furthermore, the grooves  830 ,  832  of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  of the sleeve  800  may vary in width, similar to that of the grooves  160 ,  162  of the shin guard  10 , the grooves  360 ,  362  of the chinstrap  30 , and grooves  710 ,  712  of the glove  70 . The grooves  830 ,  832  may vary between a first width  836  and a second width  838 . The first width  836  may be the minimum, or smallest, width of the grooves  830 ,  832 , while the second width  838  may be the maximum, or largest, width of the grooves  830 ,  832 . The grooves  830 ,  832  may have the second width  838  at points of the grooves  830 ,  832  that are proximate to the apertures  834 . Furthermore, the grooves  830 ,  832  may have the first width  836  at points of the grooves  830 ,  832  that are disposed farthest from the apertures  834 . Thus, the grooves  830 ,  832  may have the first width  836  at a point between, and equidistant from, two apertures  834 . The width of grooves  830 ,  832  may gradually increase or decrease between the first width  836  and the second width  834 . 
     The varying widths  836 ,  838  of the grooves  830 ,  832  define beveled edges along the sides of each of the pad sections  840 , where each side of a pad section has a generally convex shape that corresponds with a generally convex side of an adjacent or neighboring pad section (where the corresponding sides of the adjacent or neighboring pad sections are defined within the same groove  830 ,  832 ). The configuration of the pad sections  840  provide as much coverage as possible over the padded region while flexure of the padded region is enhanced by the grooves  830 ,  832 . 
     The combination of the separation of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  by the four-way stretch fabric material  810 , the grooves  830 ,  832 , and the apertures  834  enable the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  to flex and conform to the extremity on which the sleeve  800  is disposed. The grooves  830 ,  832  define the lines of flexure of each of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 , while the separation of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  enable further flexure of the sleeve  800  in the area containing the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 . Moreover, the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  are capable of flexing along each of the grooves  830 ,  832 , enabling each of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  to move a varying degree. In addition, each of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 , because they are constructed from a thermoplastic rubber, are able to stretch with the fabric material  810  of the sleeve  800 . The separation of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 , grooves  830 ,  832 , and the apertures  834  enable the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  of the sleeve  800  to continue to provide impact protection while still enabling mobility of the extremity on which the sleeve  800  is disposed. For example, if the sleeve  800  were disposed on a user&#39;s arm such that the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  are disposed over and around the elbow of the user&#39;s arm, the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  would flex and contour to the elbow of the user as the user bends their arm. In addition, because both the fabric material  810  and the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  are stretchable, the sleeve  800  is configured to tightly wrap around and contour to the wearer&#39;s extremity without being uncomfortable to wear. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 , disposed around the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826  is a seam  850 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the seam  850  defines a pocket  860  on the inner surface  814  of the fabric material  10 . The pocket  860  may be disposed on the inner surface  814  of the fabric material  10  via other means than a seam, such as glue, cement, etc. Disposed within the pocket  860  is a pad  870  that may be constructed from a soft compressible material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Thus, the pad  870  is configured to bend and compress, and has a lower durometer than that of the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 . Because the pad  870  is disposed within the pocket  860 , and because the pocket is in registry with the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 , the pad  870  is disposed proximate the portion of the extremity that is to be provided with impact protection by the sleeve  800 . Therefore, the sleeve  800  is configured to provide impact protection spanning from the padded region  820  to the padded region  826  via the padded regions  820 ,  822 ,  824 ,  826 , the four-way stretch fabric material  810 , and the pad  870 . In addition, the pad  870  may be able to slide within the pocket  860 . This sliding ability of the pad  870  enables the sleeve  800  to remain in place on the extremity as the extremity moves and bends. 
     The description and methods of the shin guard  10 , the chinstrap  30 , the glove  70 , and the sleeve  800  as described herein may be applied to any other type of protective gear used in other sports or other situations, such as, but not limited to catcher&#39;s leg guards, catcher&#39;s chest protector, baseball helmets, a football helmets, football pads, hockey pads, hockey helmets, wrist guards, bullet proof vests, etc. 
     It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention. 
     Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.