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.

1 . 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 hips, which at least is partly made of an elastic material having an inner surface and an outer surface, and hip protection means, said inner surface at least partly comprising friction enhancing means.  
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the friction enhancing means is adapted to increase the friction in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or a combination thereof, of the device.  
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the friction enhancing means comprises a structured surface.  
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the structured surface comprises a plurality of substantially lateral circumferential beads.  
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the structured surface comprises a plurality of projections.  
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in claims  1 , wherein the friction enhancing means comprises friction enhancing material on the inner surface.  
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in claims  1 , wherein the belt part possesses the properties of being breathable, cushioning, moisture transporting, supporting, isolating, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in claims  1 , wherein the belt part is made of an elastic material.  
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in claims  1 , wherein the device comprises locking means.  
   
   
       10 . A device as claimed in claims  1 , wherein the hip protection means is made of a rigid, semi-rigid or soft material.  
   
   
       11 . A device as claimed in claims  1 , wherein the belt part comprises receiving means, which is adapted to keep the hip protection means in place.  
   
   
       12 . A device as claimed in claims  1 , wherein the belt part comprises protection means for protection of the coccyx, the lower part of the spine, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       13 . A method of providing protection to hips, coccyx, lower part of the spine, or combination thereof of active elderly persons, persons having osteoporosis, or persons attending rehabilitation by attaching a device as claimed in  claim 1  to said active elderly persons, persons having osteoporosis, or persons attending rehabilitation.  
   
   
       14 . A method for producing the belt part of the device as claimed in claims  1 , comprising the step of knitting the belt part with integrated friction enhancing means.  
   
   
       15 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the friction enhancing means ensures that the hip protection means stays securely in place over the greater trochanters.  
   
   
       16 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the friction enhancing material is selected from the group consisting of textile-based materials, rubber, silicone, elastane, and neoprene.  
   
   
       17 . A device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the elastic material is selected from the group consisting of knitted fabric, spacer fabric, laminated textile, foam material, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       18 . A device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the elastic material is neoprene.  
   
   
       19 . A device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the locking means is selected from the group consisting of loops/hooks, button/buttonhole, hook/eye, press studs, and buckles.  
   
   
       20 . A device as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the receiving means is either open or closed.