Abstract:
A brief for padding a wearer&#39;s hips to reduce the risk of hip fracture. The brief comprises a front panel having first and second side edges and a rear panel having first and second side edges. The first side edge of the rear panel is connected to the first side edge of the front panel, and the second side edge of the rear panel is connected to the second side edge of the front panel, thereby forming first and second opening for receiving the wearer&#39;s legs. Shock-absorbing padding lines at least part of the rear panel. The shock-absorbing padding extends from a position proximal the first edge of the rear panel to a position proximal the second side edge of the rear panel and at least to a position between the two leg openings.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed to a device for protecting a person&#39;s hip, and more particularly, to a fitted protective hip brief.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Every year in the United States, about 250,000 people suffer from hip fractures. 90% of those people are over the age of 50. As the population of our country ages, the number of people suffering hip fractures is projected to double by the year 2040. Of people who suffer from a hip fracture, only 50-65% regain their previous level of mobility. Additionally, a study of 2,624 patients showed that only 24% of people suffering from a hip fracture returned home after recovering a nursing home. An even more tragic result of hip fractures is that 14-36% of elderly patients die within one year after sustaining hip fracture.  
         [0003]     The majority of hip fractures are caused by trauma rather than weakening of the bone. When a person falls, or takes some other blow to the hip, kinetic energy from the impact is transmitted to the hip bone and causes a fracture. Various devices have been proposed to prevent hip fractures that result from such trauma, but none of these device have achieved any level of widespread acceptance. In fact, one study showed that as few as 24% of the people given hip protectors as part of the study had regularly worn the hip protectors. Possible reasons that so many people participating in the study failed to wear their hip protectors include poor difficulty of use, poor fit, and questionable efficacy.  
         [0004]     In addition to the susceptibility of falling, many older people suffer from incontinence, which can be a very embarrassing condition, especially in public areas and social situations. Thus, many elderly people wear diapers or some type of absorbent lining to prevent any noticeable leaking through their clothing. In addition to the elderly, both incontinence and a tendency to fall is also common among younger people who suffer from conditions such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other nervous system diseases.  
         [0005]     Therefore, there is a need for a hip protection device that is easy to use. There is a further need for a hip protection device that is form fitting and thus more comfortable to wear. There is also a need for a hip protection device that a person can wear in a discrete manner. There is yet another need for a device that can both protect the wearer&#39;s hip and serve as a diaper.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     In general terms the present invention is directed to a form-fitting, hip-protection device for absorbing kinetic energy and thus reducing the risk of fracturing a hip. One possible embodiment of the invention is directed toward a brief for padding a wearer&#39;s hips. The brief comprises a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends between the front and rear portions. The front portion is configured and arranged to be worn proximal to the wearer&#39;s abdomen. The rear portion configured and arranged to be worn proximal to the wearer&#39;s buttocks. The middle portion is configured to extend between the wearer&#39;s legs. A shock-absorbing padding lines the rear portion.  
         [0007]     Another possible embodiment of the invention comprises a front panel having first and second side edges and a rear panel having first and second side edges. The first side edge of the rear panel is connected to the first side edge of the front panel, and the second side edge of the rear panel is connected to the second side edge of the front panel, thereby forming first and second openings for receiving the wearer&#39;s legs. Shock-absorbing padding lines at least part of the rear panel. The shock-absorbing padding extends from a position proximal the first edge of the rear panel to a position proximal the second side edge of the rear panel and at least to a position between the two leg openings. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a brief incorporating the present invention as is worn by a person;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a top elevational view illustrating the inner surface of the brief shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a top elevational view illustrating the inner surface of an alternative embodiment of the brief shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a top elevational view illustrating the inner surface of an alternative embodiment of the brief shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; and  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]     The present invention will be initially described in general terms. Various embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, then will be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to the described embodiments is not meant to limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.  
         [0014]     In general terms, the present invention is directed to a form-fitted brief that includes padding formed from shock-absorbent material. This invention has several advantages. For example, it is comfortable to wear and is not intrusive. As a result, people who need protection are more likely to wear this hip protection device on a regular basis. Another advantage is that it has a low profile and can be worn under street cloths, much like underwear. Yet another advantage is that the brief securely holds the shock-absorbent material and prevents it from slipping out of position to expose the hip. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of the brief can integrate an absorbent layer so that the protective brief also functions as a diaper for those people who suffer from incontinence as well as have a susceptibility to falling and fracturing their hip.  
         [0015]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a brief, generally shown as  100 , has an outer shell  102  that includes an inner surface  104 , an outer surface  106 , a front portion  108 , a rear portion  110 , and a middle portion  112 . The front portion  108  has a front edge  114 , a first side edge  116 , and a second side edge  118 . The front portion  108  and a region of the middle portion  112  form a front panel, and the rear portion  110  and a region of the middle portion  112  for a rear panel. In this configuration, the front and rear panels are joined in the middle portion  112 .  
         [0016]     A front elastic band  120  or member is mounted on the front edge  114  of the front portion  108 . Additionally, gathers  122  are formed in the front edge  114  along the length of the elastic band  120 . The elastic band  120  and gathers  122  permit the front portion  108  to comfortably conform to the shape and size of the wearer&#39;s abdomen.  
         [0017]     Similarly, the rear portion  110  has a rear edge  124 , a first side edge  126 , and a second side edge  128 . A rear elastic band  130  or member is mounted on the rear edge  124  of the rear portion  110 . Gathers  132  are formed in the rear edge  124  along the length of the elastic band  130 . The elastic band  130  and gathers  132  permit the rear edge  124  to conform to the shape and size of the wearer&#39;s lower back.  
         [0018]     The middle portion  112  is substantially narrower than the front and rear portions  108  and  110  and is sized to extend between a wearer&#39;s legs. The middle portion  112  has first and second side edges  134  and  136 . A first elastic band  138  or member extends along the first side edge  134  of the middle portion  112 , and a second elastic band  140  or member extends along the second side edge  136  of the middle portion  112 . Gathers  142  and  144  are formed in the first and second side edges  134  and  136 , respectively of the middle portion  112  along the first and second elastic bands  138  and  140 , respectively. The gathers  142  and  144  permit the middle portion  112  to adjust to the size and contour of the wearer&#39;s legs and crotch.  
         [0019]     One advantage of the gathers and elastic bands is that they permit the brief  100  to adjust to the size and shape of the wearer&#39;s body. If the brief  100  is also serving a diaper, the gathers and elastic bands help to retain moisture within the brief  100 . Although gathers and elastic bands are shown along the front edge  114 , the rear edge  124 , and the side edges  134  and  136  of the middle portion  112 , an alternative embodiment might include gathers or elastic members in only some of these locations or not include any gathers or elastic members at all.  
         [0020]     Hook and loop fastener  146  such as a Velcro™ brand fastener is connected to the first and second side edges of the front and rear portions. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a first strip  140  of hook material is attached to the first side edge  126  of the rear portion  110  and a second strip  148  of hook material is attached to the second side edge  128  of the rear portion  110 . A first strip  150  of loop material is attached to the first side edge  116  of the front portion  108  and a first strip  152  of loop material is attached to the second side edge  118  of the front portion  108 .  
         [0021]     An elongated opening  154  is defined in the front portion  108  and flap  156  is connected to the outer surface  106  of the front portion  108 . The elongated opening  154  has a first end  158  oriented toward the front edge  114  of the front portion  108  and a second end  160  oriented toward the middle portion  112  of the brief  100 . The flap  156  covers the elongated opening  154 , and is connected to the front portion  108  along three of its four sides for access to the elongated opening  154 . This opening  154  is advantageous for male wearer&#39;s so that they do not need to remove the brief  100  each time that they go to the bathroom. Other possible embodiments do not include such an elongated opening  154  and flap  156 .  
         [0022]     When worn as shown in  FIG. 1 , the front portion  108  lays against the wearer&#39;s abdomen  158  and the front edge  114  is positioned proximal the waist line  160 . The rear portion  110  lays against the wearer&#39;s buttocks  162 . The middle portion  112  extends between the wearer&#39;s legs  164  and  166 . Additionally, the first strip of hook material  146  engages the first strip of loop material  150  and holds the first side edge  126  of the rear portion  110  against the first side edge  116  of the front portion  108 . Similarly, the second strip of hook material  148  engages the second strip of loop material  152  and holds the second side edge  128  of the rear portion  110  against the second side edge  118  of the front portion  108 . In this position, the brief  110  forms a first opening  168  through which the left leg  164  passes and a second opening  170  through which the right leg  166  passes.  
         [0023]     Returning to  FIG. 2 , a layer of shock-absorbent material  172  lines the inner surface  104  of the rear portion  110 . The layer of shock-absorbent material  172  extends from a position proximal the first side edge  126  to a position proximal the second side edge  128 , and from the rear edge  124  to a position between the first and second side edges  134  and  136  of the middle portion  112 . When a brief  100  having this configuration of shock-absorbent material  172  is worn as shown in  FIG. 1 , the shock-absorbent material  172  will extend from the side of the right hip to the side of the left hip, and down below the tail bone. The shock-absorbent material  172  will then protect the hips and tail bone from trauma if the wearer fall backwards, which is the most typical way to fall.  
         [0024]     In an alternative embodiment, the layer of shock-absorbent material covers substantially the entire inner surface  104  of the shell  102 . In this embodiment, the shock-absorbent layer extends from the front edge  114  to the rear edge  124 , from the first side edge  126  of the rear portion  110  to the second side edge  128  of the rear portion  110 , and from the first side edge  116  of the front portion  108  to the second side edge  118  of the front portion  108 . An advantage of this embodiment is that it provides complete coverage and protection for the hips, pelvis, and tail bone. It also provides protection when the wearer falls forward.  
         [0025]     The layer shock-absorbent material  172  can be formed from any material that will absorb energy that results from an impact such as a fall. One possible shock-absorbent material is foam. Another possible shock-absorbent material is one that includes a plurality of fluid filled chambers or passages. The fluid can be liquid or gas. Additionally, the chambers or passages can be of various sizes, shapes, and configurations. An example of shock-absorbent material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,998, entitled Protective Device For Reducing Injury From Falls, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0026]     In an alternative embodiment, the first and second side edges  126  and  128  of the rearportion  112  are integrally formed with the first and second side edges  116  and  118  of the front portion  108 , thereby by forming the first and second openings  168  and  170  through which the legs  164  and  166  can pass. The front and rear edges  114  and  124  form a waste band. In this alternative embodiment, the briefs  100  are pull-ups, similar to traditional underwear. Additionally, in this alternative embodiment, the briefs  100  can define a score, perforations, or an indented line extending from the waste band to the leg opening. The briefs can then be torn along the score, perforation, or indented line for easy removal.  
         [0027]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment, generally shown as  173  is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  and includes an outer shell  102  having an inner surface  104 , a front portion  108 , rear portion  110 , and middle portion  112 ; a layer of shock-absorbent material; and first and second hook and loop fasteners  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152 . The shell  102  is made from a liquid-impervious material. In an alternative embodiment, the shell is impervious to substantially all fluids, including gases and liquids. Additionally, a liquid-absorbent layer  174  lines the front portion  108  and extends from the first side edge  116  to the second side edge  118 , and from the front edge  114  to a position between the side edges  134  and  136  of the middle portion  112  and adjacent to the layer of shock-absorbent material  172 . The liquid-absorbent material  174  can be formed from material similar to that used for diapers, and can have alternative configurations and shapes. An advantage of this embodiment is that the brief  173  functions both as a hip protector and a diaper. Thus, people who suffer from incontinence and have a susceptibility to falling do not have to wear multiple layers of protective clothing.  
         [0028]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , yet another alternative embodiment, generally shown as  176 , is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  and includes an outer shell  102  having an inner surface  104 , a front portion  108 , rear portion  110 , and middle portion  1   12 ; a layer of shock-absorbent material  172 ; and first and second hook and loop fasteners  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152 . The shell  102  is made from a liquid-impervious material. Additionally, a liquid-absorbent layer  178  lines substantially the entire inner surface  104  of the shell  102  and extends from the front edge  114  to the rear edge  124 , from the first side edge  126  of the rear portion  110  to the second side edge  118  of the rear portion  110 , and from the first side edge  116  of the front portion  108  to the second side edge  118  of the front portion  108 . In this embodiment, the layer of shock-absorbent material  172  is positioned between the liquid-absorbent layer  178  and the shell  102 .  
         [0029]     Additionally, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  has an alternative fastener formed of adhesive strips. There are three adhesive strips  180   a - 188   c  mounted along the first side edge  126  of the rear portion  110 . The adhesive strips  180   a - 180   c  are affixed to the outer surface  106  and extend around the side edge  126  where they are affixed to a releasable surface  182   a - 182   c . In use, the first side edge  126  of the rear portion  110  placed in an overlapping position over the first side edge  116  of the front portion  108 , the adhesive strips  180   a - 180   c  are then peeled off the releasable surface  182   a - 182   c  and affixed to the outer surface  106  of the shell  102  along the front portion  108 . There are three adhesive strips  184   a - 184   c  and releasable surfaces  186   a - 186   c  similarly mounted to the second side edge  128  of the rear portion  110 . Yet other possible embodiments may have other types of fasteners.  
         [0030]     Additionally, the outer shell  102  can be made from a variety of different materials depending on the embodiment of the invention. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the shell  102  can be formed from a material that breaths such as cotton In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-5  in which an absorbent material is included so that the brief functions as diaper as well as a hip protector, the outer shell  102  is formed from a liquid imperious material such as a polymer.  
         [0031]     Although the description of the various embodiments and methods have been quite specific, it is contemplated that modifications could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended claims, rather than by the description of the various embodiments and methods.