Anatomically adaptive joint protector

Abstract

A joint protector, such as an elbow protector, includes a first protective section attached to a second protective section by a flexible connector. The flexible connector allows the first protective section, such as a triceps section, to expand, extend, hinge, articulate, or pivot relative to the second protective section, such as an elbow section. The joint protector provides enhanced fit and freedom of movement to a user, while maintaining coverage and protection.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A guard for protecting a joint area of a body part, the guard comprising:
 a first guard section attached to a first portion of a flexible connecting section;   a second guard section attached to a second portion of the flexible connecting section, the second portion being positioned generally opposite the first portion;   a first strap attached to the first guard section, the first strap positioned to releasably retain the first guard section to the body part on a first side of the joint; and   a second strap attached to the second guard section, the second strap positioned to retain the second guard section to the body part on a second side of the joint;   wherein the flexible connecting section facilitates movement of the first guard section relative to the second guard section.   
     
     
         2 . The guard of  claim 1  wherein the body part is an arm, the joint area is an elbow area, the first guard section is a triceps section configured to cover a triceps region of the arm, and the second guard section is an elbow cap configured to cover the elbow area. 
     
     
         3 . The guard of  claim 1  wherein the second strap comprises a sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . The guard of  claim 1  wherein the flexible connecting section comprises a stretchable material. 
     
     
         5 . The guard of  claim 1  wherein the first strap comprises a first fastener part and a second fastener part, wherein the first strap is positioned to pass through a loop attached to the guard, and wherein the first fastener part is positioned to fasten to the second fastener part. 
     
     
         6 . The guard of  claim 1  wherein the first guard section is attached to a first edge portion of the flexible connecting section, and the second guard section is attached to a second edge portion of the flexible connecting section. 
     
     
         7 . An anatomically adaptive elbow protector, comprising:
 a triceps section;   an elbow section;   a flexible connecting section attached to the triceps section and the elbow section, the flexible connecting section facilitating relative movement between the triceps section and the elbow section; and   at least one retaining element attached to the elbow protector and positioned to retain the elbow protector to an arm.   
     
     
         8 . The elbow protector of  claim 7  wherein at least one of the triceps section or the elbow section comprises a flexible, shock-absorbing foam. 
     
     
         9 . The elbow protector of  claim 7  further comprising a retaining sleeve, wherein the retaining element is positioned to retain the triceps section to a triceps region of the arm, and wherein the retaining sleeve is positioned to retain the elbow section to an elbow region of the arm. 
     
     
         10 . The elbow protector of  claim 9  wherein the retaining sleeve comprises an elastic mesh material. 
     
     
         11 . The elbow protector of  claim 7  further comprising a loop attached to the triceps section or the elbow section, wherein the at least one retaining element comprises a releasable fastener, and wherein the at least one retaining element is positioned to pass through the loop. 
     
     
         12 . The elbow protector of  claim 7  wherein at least a portion of a surface of the elbow protector comprises a layer of synthetic rubber. 
     
     
         13 . The elbow protector of  claim 7  wherein the connecting section comprises an elastic material positioned to stretch when the arm is in a flexed position, and wherein the elastic material is positioned to shrink when the arm returns from the flexed position to an extended position. 
     
     
         14 . The elbow protector of  claim 7  wherein an interior side of the elbow protector comprises a liner. 
     
     
         15 . An anatomically adaptive guard for protecting a body part, the guard comprising:
 a first guard section;   a second guard section connected to the first guard section by a flexible connector;   a first retaining element positioned to secure the first guard section to the body part; and   a second retaining element positioned to secure the second guard section to the body part.   
     
     
         16 . The guard of  claim 15  wherein the first and second guard sections each comprise a pad positioned to absorb impacts on the body part. 
     
     
         17 . The guard of  claim 15  wherein the first retaining element comprises a strap. 
     
     
         18 . The guard of  claim 17  wherein the strap is positioned to releasably encircle the body part. 
     
     
         19 . The guard of  claim 18  wherein the strap comprises a fastener, the guard comprises a loop, and wherein the strap is positioned to pass through the loop to retain the first guard section proximate the body part. 
     
     
         20 . The guard of  claim 15  wherein the second retaining element comprises a sleeve.