PROTECTIVE APPARATUS WITH A VARIED THICKNESS LATTICE SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Aspects of the present invention relate to a protective apparatus that is comprised of an impact shell and an impact attenuating component. In particular, the impact shell is comprised of a lattice structure on the posterior side of the shell that protrudes from the shell and allows the impact attenuating structure to be offset or spaced from the posterior surface of the shell in at least a middle portion of the shell. The amount of protrusion of the lattice from the posterior surface of the shell reduces as the lattice extends from a middle portion of the shell outwardly towards a medial and/or lateral portion. The lattice structure provides improved impact attenuation characteristics and increased structural strength while reducing materials.