FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of protective apparatuses, and more particularly to athletic protectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Athletes are often involved in activities that include bodily contact or a likelihood that certain areas of the athlete's body will be subjected to heavy physical blows. As a result of the male anatomy, male athletes are particular susceptible to impacts to the male genitalia or the region surrounding thereof. This can present a substantial problem for the male athletes as blows to the male genitals can result in incapacitating pain and produce irreparable damage.

The most common form of protection for a male athlete is an athletic cup having a concave receptacle that generally surrounds the male's genitals. Such devices are generally formed of a hard plastic and are designed to be rigid to protect the male athlete's genitals. However, athletes may suffer discomfort or chafing while performing athletic activities wearing such rigid materials.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved athletic protectors for protecting an individual's genitalia or other sensitive areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are directed to protective apparatuses, and more particularly to athletic protectors. In accordance with one aspect, an athletic protector is provided having a pad formed from a plurality of layers and configured to be impact-resistant. The pad has a central portion which is delineated along a perimeter thereof by an edge portion. The edge portion extends from the perimeter of the central portion to an outer perimeter and has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the central portion of the pad.

