Fall guard undergear

Abstract

An effective yet highly comfortable combination of removable hip/gluteal and sacral pads constructed of dense yet flexible closed-cell EVA polyethelene foam integrated into a breathable undergarment by means of sewn in pockets that is designed to protect both the hip and sacrum against injury, including fracture, resulting from mechanisms of falls common to the elderly.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A removable and integral hip/gluteal and sacral padding system comprised of separate pads constructed of closed cell foam having a density of at least 2 pounds per cubic foot incorporated into a comfortable undergarment by use of external pockets intended to provide protection against fracture and injury to the sacrum, coccyx, ischium and femoral neck and trochanters—See FIGS. 2, 3,  4  and  5 .  
     
     
         2 . The combination cited in  1  above, where a continuous pad is utilized instead of three separate pads covering the vulnerable areas of the buttocks, sacrum, and hip trochanters generally.  
     
     
         3 . A sacral pad protecting the vulnerable bony prominences of the sacrum constructed of closed cell EVA foam having a density equal to 2 lbs per cubic foot with the shape and design as noted in FIGS. 6 and 11.  
     
     
         4 . A hip/gluteal pad protecting the vulnerable bony prominences of the hip and gluteal area constructed of closed cell EVA foam having a density equal to 2 lbs per cubic foot in the shape and design as noted in FIGS. 7, 9 and  10 .  
     
     
         5 . The sacral pad cited in  3  above, constructed of a closed cell foam of a single type or laminate with a density equal to or greater than 2 lbs per cubic foot.  
     
     
         6 . The hip/gluteal pad cited in  4  above, constructed of a closed cell foam of a single type or laminate with a density equal to or greater than 2 pounds per cubic foot.  
     
     
         7 . The undergarment constructed of combination polyester-cotton blend material and Lycra with sewn in pockets as shown in FIGS. 2, 3,  4  and  5 .  
     
     
         8 . The undergarment described in  7  above constructed of any material other than the specified fabric.  
     
     
         9 . The undergarment described in  7  above where the leg extends less than or greater than 4 inches below the crotch seam.  
     
     
         10 . The undergarment described in  7  above where the pockets are woven into the body of the undergarment rather than sewn-in.  
     
     
         11 . The undergarment described in  7  above where the pocket is secured or closed by use of a snap, button, velcro, or other closure device.  
     
     
         12 . The undergarment described in  7  above where the pocket is formed of a single lower element whether sewn in or woven into the body of the undergarment.  
     
     
         13 . The undergarment described in  7  above where the pocket is a single continous fabric sheet sewn in without opening for the removal of the pad or pads.  
     
     
         14 . The undergarment described in  7  above where an additional elastic band is utilized across the horizontal axis of the pads to enhance the curvature of the pad material.