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Fitted protective hip briefRelated Patent Categories: Apparel, Guard Or Protector, Chest ProtectorFitted protective hip brief description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070061949, Fitted protective hip brief. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention is directed to a device for protecting a person's hip, and more particularly, to a fitted protective hip brief. BACKGROUND [0002] Every year in the United States, about 250,000 people suffer from hip fractures. 90% of those people are over the age of 50. As the population of our country ages, the number of people suffering hip fractures is projected to double by the year 2040. Of people who suffer from a hip fracture, only 50-65% regain their previous level of mobility. Additionally, a study of 2,624 patients showed that only 24% of people suffering from a hip fracture returned home after recovering a nursing home. An even more tragic result of hip fractures is that 14-36% of elderly patients die within one year after sustaining hip fracture. [0003] The majority of hip fractures are caused by trauma rather than weakening of the bone. When a person falls, or takes some other blow to the hip, kinetic energy from the impact is transmitted to the hip bone and causes a fracture. Various devices have been proposed to prevent hip fractures that result from such trauma, but none of these device have achieved any level of widespread acceptance. In fact, one study showed that as few as 24% of the people given hip protectors as part of the study had regularly worn the hip protectors. Possible reasons that so many people participating in the study failed to wear their hip protectors include poor difficulty of use, poor fit, and questionable efficacy. [0004] In addition to the susceptibility of falling, many older people suffer from incontinence, which can be a very embarrassing condition, especially in public areas and social situations. Thus, many elderly people wear diapers or some type of absorbent lining to prevent any noticeable leaking through their clothing. In addition to the elderly, both incontinence and a tendency to fall is also common among younger people who suffer from conditions such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other nervous system diseases. [0005] Therefore, there is a need for a hip protection device that is easy to use. There is a further need for a hip protection device that is form fitting and thus more comfortable to wear. There is also a need for a hip protection device that a person can wear in a discrete manner. There is yet another need for a device that can both protect the wearer's hip and serve as a diaper. SUMMARY [0006] In general terms the present invention is directed to a form-fitting, hip-protection device for absorbing kinetic energy and thus reducing the risk of fracturing a hip. One possible embodiment of the invention is directed toward a brief for padding a wearer's hips. The brief comprises a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends between the front and rear portions. The front portion is configured and arranged to be worn proximal to the wearer's abdomen. The rear portion configured and arranged to be worn proximal to the wearer's buttocks. The middle portion is configured to extend between the wearer's legs. A shock-absorbing padding lines the rear portion. [0007] Another possible embodiment of the invention comprises a front panel having first and second side edges and a rear panel having first and second side edges. The first side edge of the rear panel is connected to the first side edge of the front panel, and the second side edge of the rear panel is connected to the second side edge of the front panel, thereby forming first and second openings for receiving the wearer's legs. Shock-absorbing padding lines at least part of the rear panel. The shock-absorbing padding extends from a position proximal the first edge of the rear panel to a position proximal the second side edge of the rear panel and at least to a position between the two leg openings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brief incorporating the present invention as is worn by a person; [0009] FIG. 2 is a top elevational view illustrating the inner surface of the brief shown in FIG. 1; [0010] FIG. 3 is a top elevational view illustrating the inner surface of an alternative embodiment of the brief shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; [0011] FIG. 4 is a top elevational view illustrating the inner surface of an alternative embodiment of the brief shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and [0012] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0013] The present invention will be initially described in general terms. Various embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, then will be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to the described embodiments is not meant to limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. [0014] In general terms, the present invention is directed to a form-fitted brief that includes padding formed from shock-absorbent material. This invention has several advantages. For example, it is comfortable to wear and is not intrusive. As a result, people who need protection are more likely to wear this hip protection device on a regular basis. Another advantage is that it has a low profile and can be worn under street cloths, much like underwear. Yet another advantage is that the brief securely holds the shock-absorbent material and prevents it from slipping out of position to expose the hip. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of the brief can integrate an absorbent layer so that the protective brief also functions as a diaper for those people who suffer from incontinence as well as have a susceptibility to falling and fracturing their hip. [0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a brief, generally shown as 100, has an outer shell 102 that includes an inner surface 104, an outer surface 106, a front portion 108, a rear portion 110, and a middle portion 112. The front portion 108 has a front edge 114, a first side edge 116, and a second side edge 118. The front portion 108 and a region of the middle portion 112 form a front panel, and the rear portion 110 and a region of the middle portion 112 for a rear panel. In this configuration, the front and rear panels are joined in the middle portion 112. [0016] A front elastic band 120 or member is mounted on the front edge 114 of the front portion 108. Additionally, gathers 122 are formed in the front edge 114 along the length of the elastic band 120. The elastic band 120 and gathers 122 permit the front portion 108 to comfortably conform to the shape and size of the wearer's abdomen. [0017] Similarly, the rear portion 110 has a rear edge 124, a first side edge 126, and a second side edge 128. A rear elastic band 130 or member is mounted on the rear edge 124 of the rear portion 110. Gathers 132 are formed in the rear edge 124 along the length of the elastic band 130. The elastic band 130 and gathers 132 permit the rear edge 124 to conform to the shape and size of the wearer's lower back. [0018] The middle portion 112 is substantially narrower than the front and rear portions 108 and 110 and is sized to extend between a wearer's legs. The middle portion 112 has first and second side edges 134 and 136. A first elastic band 138 or member extends along the first side edge 134 of the middle portion 112, and a second elastic band 140 or member extends along the second side edge 136 of the middle portion 112. Gathers 142 and 144 are formed in the first and second side edges 134 and 136, respectively of the middle portion 112 along the first and second elastic bands 138 and 140, respectively. The gathers 142 and 144 permit the middle portion 112 to adjust to the size and contour of the wearer's legs and crotch. [0019] One advantage of the gathers and elastic bands is that they permit the brief 100 to adjust to the size and shape of the wearer's body. If the brief 100 is also serving a diaper, the gathers and elastic bands help to retain moisture within the brief 100. Although gathers and elastic bands are shown along the front edge 114, the rear edge 124, and the side edges 134 and 136 of the middle portion 112, an alternative embodiment might include gathers or elastic members in only some of these locations or not include any gathers or elastic members at all. Continue reading about Fitted protective hip brief... Full patent description for Fitted protective hip brief Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fitted protective hip brief patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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