US Patent 9352531 Padding arrangement and method of making the same

A pad arrangement comprises a layer of fabric with a pad connected to the layer of fabric. The pad includes a plurality of energy absorbing structures. Each of the plurality of energy absorbing structures includes an outer surface connected to the layer of fabric. Each of the outer surfaces is spaced apart from other outer surfaces on the pad. A plurality of buttresses extend between the energy absorbing structures. A plurality of cuts extend into the buttresses. The plurality of cuts may be provided as slits in the buttresses, with the slits configured to facilitate flexing of the pad between the plurality of energy absorbing structures.