Slip-on Slip-over Hip Protector

Abstract

This invention relates to a multi-function hip protector device (hip protector) designed to slip-on and slip-over existing clothing, to be resistant to incontinence accidents, to reduce the number of hip injuries and dislocations, provide a gait belt member allowing a 3.sup.rd person or nurse to assist the wearer in providing gait-sturdy support to those individuals or hospital patients with needed balance correction, provide cushioning of the sacral area and offers protection to the greater trochanters in the event of a fall, add cushion to the pelvis and hips, function as a protectant for bed-ridden people who are unable to adjust their body weight due to a physical debilitation by adding cushion to reduce the shear friction which is a causative agent to bed sores for the elderly with skin integrity issues.

Claims

1. A slip-on slip-over hip protector comprising: a hip protector shell member made out of today's commercially available high-density foam materials; a gait belt member; a means for fastening the said gait belt member to the said hip protector shell member that leaves a gap between the said gait belt member and the said hip protector shell member sufficient enough to insert fingers of a hand; the said gait belt member to have a means to secure the said hip protector shell member to the wearer of the said slip-on slip-over hip protector with a gait belt buckle-fastener; the said gait belt buckle-fastener attached to both ends of the said gait belt member; a plurality of energy-absorbent pad members; a means for attaching the said energy-absorbent pad members to the said hip protector shell member; at least one air flow and heat dissipating perforation member; a means for the at least one air flow and heat dissipating perforation member to be fastened to the hip protector shell member.

2. A slip-on slip-over hip protector according to claim 1 where in the slip-on slip-over hip protector comprises: at least one adjustable mesh-like member leg opening; a means for fastening the said at least one mesh-like member leg opening to the said hip protector shell member.

3. A slip-on slip-over hip protector comprising: a hip protector shell member made out of today's commercially available hard and water resistant materials such as fiberglass or high impact plastic; a gait belt member; a means for fastening the said gait belt member to the said hip protector shell member that leaves a gap between the said gait belt member and the said hip protector shell member sufficient enough to insert fingers of a hand; the said gait belt member to have a means to secure the said hip protector shell member to the wearer of the said slip-on slip-over hip protector with a gait belt buckle-fastener; the said gait belt buckle-fastener attached to both ends of the said gait belt member; a plurality of energy-absorbent pad members; a means for attaching the said energy-absorbent pad members to the said hip protector shell member; at least one air flow and heat dissipating perforation member; a means for the at least one air flow and heat dissipating perforation member to be fastened to the hip protector shell member.

4. A slip-on slip-over hip protector according to claim 3 where in the slip-on slip-over hip protector comprises: at least one mesh-like member leg opening; a means for fastening the said at least one adjustable mesh-like member leg opening to the said hip protector shell member.

5. A method for using a slip-on slip-over hip protector comprising the steps of: I. Providing a slip-on slip-over hip protector comprising a hip protector shell member made out of today's commercially available high-density foam materials; a gait belt member; a means for fastening the said gait belt member to the said hip protector shell member that leaves a gap between the said gait belt member and the said hip protector shell member sufficient enough to insert fingers of a hand; the said gait belt member to have a means to secure the said hip protector shell member to the wearer of the said slip-on slip-over hip protector with a gait belt buckle-fastener; the said gait belt buckle-fastener attached to both ends of the said gait belt member; a plurality of energy-absorbent pad members; a means for attaching the said energy-absorbent pad members to the said hip protector shell member; at least one air flow and heat dissipating perforation member; a means for the at least one air flow and heat dissipating perforation member to be fastened to the hip protector shell member; II. The patient or wearer dawns on the slip-on slip-over hip protector; III. A nurse or 3.sup.rd party assistance will grab hold of the gait belt member of the hip protector and steady the wearer's balance as the wearer walks about; IV. Upon an incontinence accident the wearer or 3.sup.rd party wipes clean the inside of the hip protector; V. The wearer or patient sleeps in the hip protector to reduce the occurrence of bed sores.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0023] FIG. 1A is a front side view of one of the embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 1B is a back side view of one of the embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a nurse assisting a patient wearing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an illustration of front angled view of a patient wearing an embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE LISTING OF THE NUMBERED ELEMENTS

[0027] 100 hip protector shell member

[0028] 200 gait belt buckle-fastener

[0029] 300 gait belt member

[0030] 400 energy-absorbent pad members

[0031] 500 air flow and heat dissipating perforation member

[0032] 600 mesh-like member leg opening

[0033] Definitions

[0034] In the following description, the term “the sacral region” as used herein, describes the sacral region (sacrum) is at the bottom of the spine and lies between the fifth segment of the lumbar spine (L5) and the coccyx (tailbone).

[0035] In the following description, the term “trochanter” as used herein, describes an anatomical part of the femur connecting to the hip bone.

[0036] In the following description, the term “gait belt member” as used herein, describes a belt fastened, attached, and secured to the hip protector device that allows room for an assistant or nurse assistant's hands to grip the belt to sturdy the wearer or patient balance as the wearer or patient traverses to and fro.

[0037] In the following description, the term “hip protector shell member” as used herein, describes the shell guard component of the hip protector upon to which the other hip protector members attach and that is made out today's commercially available high-density foam materials normally found in martial arts sparring equipment or the hard shell type material that comprises kendo sparring equipment chest armor type material such as fiberglass or high impact plastic.

[0038] In the following description, the term “hip protector” as used herein, describes a slip-on slip-over hip protector comprising: a hip protector shell member made out of today's commercially available high-density foam materials normally found in martial arts sparring equipment or the hard shell type material that comprises kendo sparring equipment chest armor type material; a gait belt member fastened and secured to said hip protector shell member; the said gait belt member to securely encompass the top portion of the hip protector and being sufficiently study for a 3.sup.rd party to be able to grasp, maneuver, manipulate, hold, assist, and guide the weight of at least a 400 lb person walking who is wearing the hip protector; a gait belt buckle-fastener attached to both ends of the said gait belt member; a plurality of energy-absorbent pad members attached and fastened to the said hip protector shell member; at least one air flow and heat dissipating perforation member attached and fastened to the said hip protector shell member; two mesh-like member leg openings attached and fastened to the said hip protector shell member.

[0039] The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0040] Figures

[0041] Referring generally to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3, these figures illustrate embodiments according to the present invention for a slip-on slip-over hip protector (hip protector.)

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3. The main body component of the said hip protector is the hip protector shell member 100. The hip protector shell member describes the shell guard component of the hip protector upon to which the other hip protector members attach and that is made out today's commercially available high-density foam materials normally found in martial arts sparring equipment or the hard shell type material that comprises kendo sparring equipment chest armor type material. The figures additionally illustrate an embodiment with a hip protector having the required gait belt member 300 which is fastened and secured to the said hip protector shell member 100, the gait belt member 300 has attached to both of its ends a gait belt buckle-fastener 200 for fastening on the slip-on slip-over hip protector invention. Further, the figure illustrates a plurality of energy-absorbent pad member's 400 that are attached and fastened to the said hip protector shell member 100. Mesh-like member leg opening 600 are shown attached to the said hip protector shell member 100.

[0043] It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. Accordingly, it is intended that this disclosure encompass any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and falling within the scope of the following claims.