Protective Devices, Components Thereof, and Their Methods of Use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a securing device configured to be worn by a person, characterised in that the securing device includes a locking mechanism that is configured to selectively secure a guard to the securing device at a plurality of positions relative to the securing device.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A securing device configured to be worn by a person, comprising
 at least one pocket configured to receive a guard to provide protection to the person's greater trochanter, and   a locking mechanism that is configured to alter the dimensions of the pocket to thereby facilitate selectively securing the guard at a plurality of positions relative to the securing device,   wherein at least one of the plurality of positions corresponds to the person's greater trochanter so as to facilitate the guard protecting the greater trochanter.   
     
     
         24 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the securing device is a pair of underwear to be worn by a person. 
     
     
         25 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the locking mechanism is one or more pairs of complementary fasteners. 
     
     
         26 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the locking mechanism includes at least three pairs of complementary fasteners. 
     
     
         27 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the locking mechanism is configured to alter the length of the pocket. 
     
     
         28 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the plurality of positions are spaced apart in the range of 70 mm-100 mm. 
     
     
         29 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the plurality of positions are spaced apart in the range of substantially 90 mm. 
     
     
         30 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the at least one pocket is positioned so as to lie adjacent against a person's greater trochanter when the securing device is being worn by the person. 
     
     
         31 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 23 , further comprising a second pocket that is configured to receive a second guard. 
     
     
         32 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 31 , further comprising a second locking mechanism to alter the dimensions of the second pocket to thereby facilitate selectively securing the second guard at a plurality of positions relative to the securing device. 
     
     
         33 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the second locking mechanism is one or more pairs of complementary fasteners. 
     
     
         34 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the locking mechanism includes at least three pairs of complementary fasteners. 
     
     
         35 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the second locking mechanism is configured to alter the length of the second pocket. 
     
     
         36 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the plurality of positions are spaced apart in the range of 70 mm-100 mm. 
     
     
         37 . The securing device as claimed in  claim 36 , wherein the plurality of positions are spaced apart in the range of substantially 90 mm. 
     
     
         38 . A method of securing a guard relative to a securing device as claimed in  claim 23 ,
 the method comprising:   (a) putting the securing device on a person;   (b) selecting one of a plurality of positions at which to secure the guard;   (c) positioning the guard at the position selected at (b); and   (d) using the locking mechanism to secure the guard in the position selected at (b).   
     
     
         39 . The method as claimed in  claim 38 , further comprising:
 (e) forming a right angle between the person's thumb and first finger; and   (f) laying the person's thumb on the iliac crest so that the palm of the person's hand; against the side of the leg thereby causing the person's first finger to sit approximately adjacent the person's greater trochanter sitting appropriately at the end of the person's middle finger.   
     
     
         40 . The method as claimed in  claim 38 , further comprising inserting the guard into the pocket. 
     
     
         41 . The method as claimed in  claim 38 , further comprising (b)-(f) so as to secure a second guard relative to the securing device. 
     
     
         42 . A kitset of parts, comprising:
 a guard to provide protection to a person's greater trochanter when in use, and   a securing device as claimed in  claim 23 .   
     
     
         43 . The kitset as claimed in  claim 42 , further comprising a second guard. 
     
     
         44 . The kitset as claimed in  claim 42 , further comprising instructions on how to determine one of the plurality of positions at which to secure the guard to the securing device. 
     
     
         45 . The kitset of parts as claimed in  claim 42 , wherein the instructions teach a person to perform the steps of:
 (a) standing in an upright position;   (b) forming a right angle between one's thumb and middle finger;   (c) laying one's thumb on the iliac crest of the pelvis with the palm of one's hand laying against the side of the leg; and   (d) identifying the hip bone as the boney protrusion sitting underneath approximately the end of one's middle finger.   
     
     
         46 . The kitset of parts as claimed in  claim 45 , wherein the instructions teach positioning the guard so as to lay overtop of the greater trochanter.