Device for protecting of the hips

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for protection of the hips of the human body comprising a belt part (10) arranged to surround the human body at least in the area of the hips, which at least partly is made of an elastic material having an inner surface (2) and an outer surface (3), and hip protection means (4). The device is characterised in that the inner surface at least partly comprises friction enhancing means (5) to ensure that the hip protection means (4) stay securely in place over the greater trochanters.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a device for protection of the hips of the human body comprising a belt part arranged to surround the human body at least in the area of the hip, which at least is partly made of an elastic material having a inner surface and an outer surface, and hip protection means. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Protection of the hips has become increasingly important due to the fact that the number of hip fractures as a consequence of falling has increased over the years. Osteoporosis is believed to be one of the main reasons for hip fractures. Even though osteoporosis and hip fractures may occur in the entire population, the hip fractures are most common in the elderly part of the population, where osteoporosis is also most common. [0003] The instant injury, permanent injury and posteffects caused by the hip fractures are also seen to be more serious for the elderly population due to the fact that the strength and elasticity of the bones de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] An object of the present invention is to overcome wholly or partly the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide a device for the protection of the hips of a human body in case of falling, which is easily attached before an activity, and easily detached when the activity is finished, and which protection will remain securely in place during the activity and not limit the activity of the wearer of the hip protection.

[0024] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device which is easily put on, positioned correctly and fastened by an elderly person.

Problems solved by technology

The instant injury, permanent injury and posteffects caused by the hip fractures are also seen to be more serious for the elderly population due to the fact that the strength and elasticity of the bones decrease throughout the years as a result of a reduction of the mineral density of the bone and weakening of the bone structure.

Furthermore, the flexibility and mobility of persons suffering from osteoporosis are decreased.

Another risk group for hip fractures are persons who attend rehabilitation after e.g. an operation, being confined to a bed for a long time or a period limited mobility because of any kind of psychical damages.

This group lacks the ability of moving on their own and therefore may be exposed to falls during the exercises in the rehabilitation center.

Such a garment with hip protector means, which is known from for instance U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,809 and WO 96 / 20615, can be difficult for persons of the above mentioned risk groups to put on and take off during changing of clothes, while going to the toilet or other similar activities.

Neither the underpants with hip protectors nor the self-sitting protection are suitable to use in rehabilitation centres.

Both protections are difficult to put on and take off due to the fact that undressing is needed in both incidents.

Additionally, some users prefer to wear their own underwear and others dislike the feeling of something being glued to or adhering to their skin.

Due to the fact that this protection is worn beneath clothes and the proportion of the hips is increased, the wearer often feels less attractive, wherefore some persons refrain from wearing the hip protection during public activities.

In some cases, the person's clothes will no longer fit, when a person begins to wear hip protectors beneath the clothes.

Additionally, when wearing the above mentioned protection during an activity heat is confined between the body and the protection, and both kinds of protection are worn beneath some clothing and therefore not easily detached for temporary cooling.

Also in some of the mentioned research studies, compliance has been an issue to some of the participants.

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