Fall guard undergear

Abstract

An effective yet highly comfortable combination of removable hip/gluteal and sacral pads constructed of dense yet flexible closed-cell EVA polyethelene foam integrated into a breathable undergarment by means of sewn in pockets that is designed to protect both the hip and sacrum against injury, including fracture, resulting from mechanisms of falls common to the elderly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] Hip fractures represent one of the most costly, common and debilitating injuries suffered by elderly individuals in the United States. An estimated 14 billion dollars is expended annually in the U.S. for the treatment of fractures resulting from falls. In 1990, approximately 250,000 hip fractures were reported among American women. Patients with hip fractures have an average one-year mortality rate of 20-25 percent. Serious morbidities are associated with hip fracture, as well, including loss of independence with 15-25 percent of previously independent patients requiring nursing home placement for at least one-year. Beyond this, less than 30 percent of patients regain the same level of function they enjoyed before their fracture. The fear of falling and sustaining such injuries limits the activities of thousands of individuals thereby restricting their ability to engage in a more active lifestyle.

[0002] Hip fractures in the elderly are the result of forces of impact of sufficient strength applied to vulnerable areas of the proximal femur. These areas include the proximal femoral shaft, the greater trochanter and most commonly injured, the femoral neck. This invention was designed based on observational studies of falls among elderly patients. Falls occur through myriad mechanisms. All result in vectors of force, which emanate from the point of impact. Examples of such forces are lateral-to-medial forces from falls directly to the side or rotational torques from twisting motions of the lower extremity during forward falls. Most common in our observation, however, has been the backward fall with forces directed from a posterior to an anterior direction through the pelvis depending on the actual point of impact and rotation of the body. Those who experience regular falls in this manner initially experience painful bruising and injury to the bony prominences of the sacrum. A protective reaction by the individual often results in subsequent attempts to shift the point of impact to the usually more cushioned and shock-absorbing soft tissue of either buttock. In the elderly, however, there is often atrophy of the gluteal musculature and loss of soft tissue mass which normally serves as a protective padding to the underlying bony structures. A certain degree of natural impact dispersion is therefore lost with the result of allowing more direct transmittal of the forces to the femoral neck.

[0003] The applicants began devising hip/gluteal padding systems for use by elderly patients who were at risk of falls and injury due not only to age but also from illness such as Parkinson's disease and osteoporosis. Focus groups of potential users, including elderly and those at higher risk of falling and subsequent injury were held. Many individuals related that they had reduced their level of activity out of a fear of falling and reported a significant decrease in the quality of life stemming from this reduction in activities that they otherwise enjoyed but could no longer confidently engage in. Some individuals who suffered regular falls actually related that they made daily decisions as to which buttock to fall on, based on the amount of bruising and pain they were experiencing at the time. Contusions to the sacrum, in particular, were reported to be extremely painful.

[0004] The applicants interviewed those who had suffered falls or prior fractures of the hip to determine the most likely and common direction of fall which was found to be directly backwards and onto the sacrum or buttocks. However, as these areas became more painful and sensitive, the fall tended to be backwards with a rotation to either side thus creating a greater potential for injury to the hip by way of forces so directed through the region of the femoral neck. Few individuals reported direct lateral falls onto the greater trochanter of the hip without efforts to break the fall with the arms and hands. It is common for the elderly to lose the protective padding of fat and muscle that covers the vulnerable bony prominences of the gluteal region. Many subjects complained of severely sore buttocks to the point that they experienced pain in the seated position for days after a fall. The applicants determined that the primary focus of the padding system should flow from attempts to protect against the most common impact. Hence, a protective device for covering and shielding the sacrum against falls was incorporated and is integral in this protective padding system. The final issue of concern was the comfort of the garment holding the padding system in place. It was felt of paramount importance to design a system which users would find highly comfortable to wear. A system that is 100 percent effective yet which users wear 10 percent of the time yields only 10 percent protection. Thus, any use of rigid shock dispersing laminates or shields was rejected in favor of the more comfortable shock absorbing closed cell foam pads.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The padding system of this invention is unique in three ways. First, the hip/gluteal pads are designed to protect against injury not only from lateral forces of impaction from side falls but from the more common mechanism of backward falls. This is achieved by extending the posterior aspect of the hip/gluteal pads into the recess in the buttock area that is lateral to the gluteal musculature, thereby accommodating for the loss of protective soft tissue in this area which is common in the elderly. Second, it integrates a sacral pad to prevent injury to this vulnerable bony prominence resulting from backward falls. In providing such protection the conscious shifting of impact to the more vulnerable buttocks and hip, which is often a conscious maneuver, can be prevented. Finally, careful attention has been given to the pad material to balance impact dispersion with flexibility and to the undergarment into which the protective pads are fitted. The goal has been to insure the utmost of comfort while maintaining the greatest extent of protection.

[0006] Prior devices possessing greater impact resistance abilities have been shown effective in preventing injury when they are worn. Unfortunately, published studies have shown dismal compliance by the patient due to the lack of comfort. Our device has been proven comfortable through field testing.

[0007] Prior impact studies using closed cell foam have proven the shock absorbing properties of the EVA closed cell material used in this system's pads. Comfortable and secure contour placement of the pads is enhanced through a snug fit. Close-fit applications directly against the skin, however, do not allow absorption of moisture, thus creating sweat or clamminess and the risk of skin breakdown and maceration. To address this the applicants devised a pocketed undergarment constructed of a breathable hydrophilic fabric that provides both adequate elasticity to insure a secure fit along with an absorbable layer of material between the skin and pad to prevent moisture build-up. In combination, the flexible padding system and the comfortable undergarment has resulted in a device that users in our field test have found extremely comfortable. As such, user compliance has approached 100 percent making this system highly effective in preventing injury and in providing the confidence to wearers that allows them to resume productive activity in their lives.

[0008] Finally, the applicants determined that cost of the system was a valid factor in assuring the regular use of the system. The undergarments were designed to allow for the ready removal and reinsertion of the pads when the undergarment needs washing. This also allows the user to purchase the undergarment separately thus reducing the unit cost of the system significantly. Additionally, the applicants determined to enhance user satisfaction and the effectiveness of the system by providing both the undergarment and pads in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL.

[0009] The applicant has thoroughly investigated other patents for hip protector padding systems on file with the USPO. All designs investigated utilized a pad either with or without a rigid outer plate that were aligned with the greater trochanter to attempt to shield that bony prominence from direct blows. No other patented system is designed to protect vulnerable parts of the body from the most common mechanism of injury as described above. No other patented padding system integrates protection for the sacrum into its design as does this system herein described. Lastly, no other patented system incorporates the pads into an undergarment by means of pockets that allow the easy removal and reinsertion of the pads for washing. The applicant believes that this hip/gluteal and sacrum protection system is an innovation in design and application and is more effective than other existing patents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 Lateral and Posterioir View of areas of Skeleton protected by pads.

[0011] FIG. 2 Right side view of undergarment with pads.

[0012] FIG. 3 Rear view of undergarment with pads.

[0013] FIG. 4 Left side view of undergarment with pads.

[0014] FIG. 5 Front view of undergarment with pads.

[0015] FIG. 6 Rear view of model showing actual sacrum pad in proper placement.

[0016] FIG. 7 Right side view of model showing actual hip pad in proper placement demonstrating gluteal coverage.

[0017] FIG. 8 Lateral view of model showing actual hip and sacrum pads in proper placement.

[0018] FIG. 9 Picture of right hip/gluteal pad showing shape and orientation.

[0019] FIG. 10 Picture of left hip/gluteal pad showing shape and orientation.

[0020] FIG. 11 Picture of sacral pad showing shape and orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] This system is a combination of removable protective pads for the hip, gluteal and sacral areas of the human body that are integrated into a comfortable form fitting undergarment constructed of a breathable, moisture-wicking material. Its design considers both protection against mechanism of injury to the hip and pelvis as well as comfort and affordability to enhance compliance through its wearing. The present invention relates to a combined hip-sacrum padding system integrated within a comfortable undergarment to protect the user against injury or fracture of the hip. The padding system is configured in 3 separate pads to protect against fracture or injury to the sacrum and hips. In addition to providing direct coverage and protection to the bony prominences and underlying skeletal structure of the hips and sacrum this system also provides additional cushioning and support in soft-tissue areas of the buttocks. In either case the pads are constructed of closed cell foam with a density of a least 2 pounds per cubic foot.

[0022] The undergarment that holds and incorporates the padding is constructed of hydrophilic fabric, a cotton-polyester blend, with at least 8 percent Lycra to insure elasticity for proper fit and alignment of the pads. The pads are placed in external pockets constructed of the same material as the undergarment that conform closely to the shape of the individual pads. The garment has an elastic band about the waist. The legs extend approximately 4 inches below the upper point of the crotch to the mid thigh. The longer leg helps to insure both wearer comfort and proper pad positioning while the wearer is engaged in activity. The pockets are constructed of a top and bottom flap, which allows for the easy removal and reinsertion of the pads, adding a dimension of usability to the system since the undergarment may be washed, like any other, separate from the pads.

[0023] The system is designed to be produced in sizes to conform to users unique body types ranging from extra small XS to extra large XL. The actual shape of each pad type is shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. The dimensions of each pad, both sacrum and hip/gluteal, by size are shown below. Due to the contour shape of each pad dimensions are measured at the greatest distance on both the horizontal and vertical axis. In all cases, pad thickness equals ⅜ inch.

[0024] Hip/Gluteal and Sacral Dimensions by Size:

[0025] Hip/Gluteal Pad

[0026] Size H W

[0027] XS 5¾ in 4¼ in

[0028] S 5½ in 4½ in

[0029] M 5¾ in 4¾ in

[0030] L 6 in 5 in

[0031] XL 6¼ in 5¼ in

[0032] Sacral

[0033] Size H W

[0034] XS 7¾ in 8¾ in

[0035] S 8 in 9 in

[0036] M 8¼ in 9¼ in

[0037] L 8½ in 9½ in

[0038] XL 8¾ in 9¾ in

Claims

1. A removable and integral hip/gluteal and sacral padding system comprised of separate pads constructed of closed cell foam having a density of at least 2 pounds per cubic foot incorporated into a comfortable undergarment by use of external pockets intended to provide protection against fracture and injury to the sacrum, coccyx, ischium and femoral neck and trochanters—See FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5.

2. The combination cited in 1 above, where a continuous pad is utilized instead of three separate pads covering the vulnerable areas of the buttocks, sacrum, and hip trochanters generally.

3. A sacral pad protecting the vulnerable bony prominences of the sacrum constructed of closed cell EVA foam having a density equal to 2 lbs per cubic foot with the shape and design as noted in FIGS. 6 and 11.

4. A hip/gluteal pad protecting the vulnerable bony prominences of the hip and gluteal area constructed of closed cell EVA foam having a density equal to 2 lbs per cubic foot in the shape and design as noted in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10.

5. The sacral pad cited in 3 above, constructed of a closed cell foam of a single type or laminate with a density equal to or greater than 2 lbs per cubic foot.

6. The hip/gluteal pad cited in 4 above, constructed of a closed cell foam of a single type or laminate with a density equal to or greater than 2 pounds per cubic foot.

7. The undergarment constructed of combination polyester-cotton blend material and Lycra with sewn in pockets as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5.

8. The undergarment described in 7 above constructed of any material other than the specified fabric.

9. The undergarment described in 7 above where the leg extends less than or greater than 4 inches below the crotch seam.

10. The undergarment described in 7 above where the pockets are woven into the body of the undergarment rather than sewn-in.

11. The undergarment described in 7 above where the pocket is secured or closed by use of a snap, button, velcro, or other closure device.

12. The undergarment described in 7 above where the pocket is formed of a single lower element whether sewn in or woven into the body of the undergarment.

13. The undergarment described in 7 above where the pocket is a single continous fabric sheet sewn in without opening for the removal of the pad or pads.

14. The undergarment described in 7 above where an additional elastic band is utilized across the horizontal axis of the pads to enhance the curvature of the pad material.