U.S. patent application number 14/353211 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for protective devices, components thereof, and their methods of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to DELLOCH LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is DELLOCH LIMITED. Invention is credited to Timothy Mark Allan, Christopher Raymond Brown, Jonathan Martin Jones, Blythe Guy Rees-Jones.
Application Number | 20140259335 14/353211 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48141580 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allan; Timothy Mark ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
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.
Inventors: |
Allan; Timothy Mark;
(Tauranga, NZ) ; Jones; Jonathan Martin;
(Tauranga, NZ) ; Rees-Jones; Blythe Guy;
(Tauranga, NZ) ; Brown; Christopher Raymond;
(Tauranga, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DELLOCH LIMITED |
Hamilton |
|
NZ |
|
|
Assignee: |
DELLOCH LIMITED
Hamilton
NZ
|
Family ID: |
48141580 |
Appl. No.: |
14/353211 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ2012/000191 |
371 Date: |
April 21, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/465 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0575 20130101;
A41D 13/0556 20130101; A63B 2071/1233 20130101; A41D 13/0506
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/465 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 20, 2011 |
NZ |
595893 |
Oct 20, 2011 |
NZ |
595898 |
Claims
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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to protective devices,
components therefore, and their methods of use.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Devices and apparatus to protect people and body parts from
injury caused by impacts are known. Examples include helmets,
shoulder pads, shin pads worn when playing sport, and hip
protectors.
[0003] A common type of injury caused by an impact is a hip
fracture, which is often the result of an impact to a person's
greater trochanter. In fact, hip injuries are an area of particular
importance in healthcare. Furthermore, as the population ages it is
anticipated that hip injuries will become more common. Therefore,
hip proctors are commercially important products.
[0004] Hip protector devices usually include a garment to be worn
by a person, and a protective guard. The guard is often formed from
an elastomeric material to absorb the impact, or a rigid material
to shunt the force of an impact into soft tissue surrounding the
hip joint.
[0005] Minns et al in Age and Aging 2007, 36140-144 have identified
the importance of ensuring that hip protector guards are correctly
positioned relative to the greater trochanter so as to provide
effective protection against impacts. This is particularly relevant
for hip protector devices utilising rigid guards. Incorrect
positioning of the rigid guard could cause force to be transferred
directly into the greater trochanter, actually increasing the
occurrence of hip fractures.
[0006] In addition, guards are specifically configured so as to
provide protection from an impact at certain orientations. Any
inaccuracy in positioning a guard reduces its effectiveness.
[0007] The study of Minns et at also showed that the in use
position for nine commonly used hip protectors was highly variable
due to the hosiery with which they are used. Given the importance
of having the guard correctly positioned this is a serious
limitation of the prior art devices.
[0008] A further difficulty with preventing hip injuries is due to
differences in people's anatomy. There is a natural variation
across the population in greater trochanter size, location and
orientation.
[0009] That variation is a result of differences in a number of
anatomical dimensions, primarily the hip axis length and the
neck/shaft angle of the femur. This natural variation hinders the
efficacious use of hip protectors by making it harder to identify
the correct position for a guard.
[0010] Existing hip protector garments do not account for this
variation. Rather, available hip protectors are a "one size fits
all" approach. The research of Minns et at discussed above confirms
that this approach provides unsatisfactory results.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,446 to Carrington discloses garments to
protect the hip area. The garment generally includes one or more
pockets into which a protective guard may be inserted. The guard
and the pocket are provided with complementary loop and hook
fasteners that engage each other to hold the guard in position
within the pocket.
[0012] The orientation of the loop and hook fasteners is such that
the position of the guard within the pocket can be adjusted.
However, the positioning of the guard within the pocket is variable
and dependent on a wearer correctly identifying an optimum position
for the guard. There is therefore a chance that the guard could be
incorrectly positioned.
[0013] In addition, the loop and hook fasteners do not facilitate
easily adjusting the position of the guard within the pocket.
[0014] Furthermore, the pads disclosed in the Carrington patent are
made from high-density closed-cell foam. This acts as a simple
impact absorber to prevent force of an impact being transferred
into a greater trochanter. Those pads appear to simply wrap around
the wearer's hip joint and do not have any specific shape or
features to improve the level of protection. As a result, the
garments and pads are likely bulky providing a less than desirable
ascetic appearance. They may also provide unsatisfactory levels of
protection.
[0015] Yet a further limitation of the existing hip protector
devices is that these are cumbersome and uncomfortable. This can be
a result of the guards being incorrectly positioned.
[0016] Alternatively, the guards may be oversized to compensate for
variations in greater trochanter position and orientation.
Accordingly, such devices have low adherence rates resulting in
patients not being protected when a fall occurs.
[0017] The influence of patient comfort on adherence is an
important consideration in designing a protective guard. This can
be affected by factors including: guard weight, its feel against
the body, and fit to an outer surface of the patient's leg. In
addition, the guards are integrated into the undergarment and they
cannot be taken off easily. They therefore have to allow the
patient to lie on the guard during periods of rest, placing special
demands on how far the guard protrudes from the body or its ability
to compress.
[0018] Another factor relevant to improving adherence is the
profile or appearance of a guard in use. This is particularly
relevant for women who may be reluctant to wear bulky guards, which
may protrude beyond their hip profile presenting an unflattering
appearance.
[0019] Balancing the foregoing issues is important but the guard
must still also be able to divert or reduce force of an impact.
Currently available guards struggle to achieve this balance between
impact attenuation, comfort and appearance.
[0020] MEDLOGICS manufactures a hip protector guard and markets
this under the brand KPH Hip Protector. This product is an example
of a guard which has high performance but potentially low adherence
rates due to the fact it protrudes significantly from the body.
[0021] The KPH hip protector product is narrow and therefore has
limited efficacy at reducing or minimising injury caused by an
impact if incorrectly positioned. This limitation may actually be
magnified due to the comfort issues discussed above, as a patient
may incorrectly position the guard so as to make it more
comfortable to wear. Therefore the product is not an effective
solution to preventing hip injuries.
[0022] Another commercially available hip protector is sold under
the brand name SAFEHIP. This product is generally effective when
correctly positioned, but even small variances in positioning
significantly reduce the guard's ability to minimise or reduce
injury caused by an impact.
[0023] Yet a further limitation of the SAFEHIP product is due to it
having an aperture overtop of the greater trochanter. Therefore the
guard provides limited protection to the greater trochanter against
a direct (point loaded) impacts against an object such as a table
edge or a raised object on the floor.
[0024] Several commercially available products is that they are not
tested to comply with two emerging testing protocols and standards:
the SDMA (Surgical Dressings Manufacturers Association), and IHPRG
(International Hip Protection Research Group). Both of the
standards specify an impact energy which a hip protector guard is
required to withstand, and how to measure the amount of force
transferred to the greater trochanter.
[0025] In developing effective hip guards it is also important to
take into consideration the different risk factors for each
individual. These are influenced by considerations such as strength
and hip joint and bone geometry, muscle degeneration, mobility,
arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. Currently, producers of guards tend
to produce a one type of guard on the assumption that people will
wear these for the protection provided in all situations and
contexts. However, if a person is still relatively fit and active
they may be less willing to wear a heavier and/or more cumbersome
guard and require a lower level of overall protection. However,
those patients may be more likely to wear a lighter weight or more
comfortable guard. In that case, increasing adherence rate during
use would ensure that the guard's were present to protect the
patient against a fall, and therefore decrease the incidence of hip
injuries. Accordingly, having a range of products, which can be
accurately matched to a patient's needs, would be of significant
value.
[0026] It is an object of the present invention to address the
forgoing failings of available hip protector devices, or to at
least provide the public with a useful choice.
[0027] All references, including any patents or patent applications
cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference.
No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and
the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and
pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood
that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to
herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of
these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the
art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
[0028] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or
variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or
step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion
of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements,
integers or steps.
[0029] It is an object of the present invention to address the
foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful
choice.
[0030] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the ensuing description, which is given by way
of example only.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided 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.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of securing a guard to a securing device at a
plurality of positions relative to the securing device,
the method including the steps of: [0033] a) putting the securing
device on a person; [0034] b) selecting one of the plurality of
positions at which to secure the guard; [0035] c) positioning the
guard at the one of the plurality of positions selected at step
(b); the method characterised by the step of: [0036] d) using the
locking mechanism to secure the guard in the position selected at
step (b).
[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a kit set of parts, including
a guard, a securing device configured to be worn by a person,
wherein the securing device includes a locking mechanism configured
to selectively secure the guard to the securing device at a
plurality of positions relative to the securing device,
instructions on how to use the locking mechanism and determine
which of the plurality of positions at which to secure the guard to
the securing device.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to
a securing device, method, and kitset of parts for use in securing
a guard at a position so as to protect a person's greater
trochanter against an impact. Reference will be made herein as
such.
[0039] Reference will be made herein to use of the securing device
with a guard.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment the guard is a rigid body having a
cavity and a foot portion which is configured to lie against a
person's body. The cavity can receive the greater trochanter e.g.
the rigid body overlies the person's greater trochanter and the
cavity provides clearance between the rigid body and the person's
greater trochanter.
[0041] In this embodiment, the rigid body shunts or transfers
energy from an impact into the body area around the greater
trochanter.
[0042] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention. It is also envisaged that the guard
may be an elastomeric material having a cavity and foot portion, or
an impact absorbing pad without a cavity.
[0043] Throughout the present specification, reference to the term
"securing device" should be understood as meaning a garment or
component to be worn by a person. The securing device is therefore
a protective device. In use the securing device can selectively
hold a guard at one of a plurality of positions. This facilitates
correct positioning of the guard with respect to the person's
greater trochanter.
[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment the securing device
is a pair of underwear to be worn by a person. Reference will be
made as such.
[0045] However, it is also envisaged that the securing device may
be a holster, or belt and pocket assembly. Accordingly, the
description herein should not be seen as limiting on the scope of
the present invention.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the underwear includes at least
one pocket.
[0047] The pocket is positioned so that in use it is laterally
adjacent to, and overlies, a person's greater trochanter when the
underwear is being worn.
[0048] Further aspects of the pockets will be discussed below and
should become clearer from the following description.
[0049] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention. It is also envisaged that the
securing device may not include a pocket. Rather, in such
embodiments the locking mechanism is configured to selectively
secure the guard at one of the plurality of positions by attaching
the guard to the outer surface of the securing device.
[0050] Throughout the present specification, reference to the term
"locking mechanism" should be understood as meaning components to
selectively secure the guard at one of a plurality of
positions.
[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking
mechanism is a plurality of fasteners that are configured to alter
the dimensions of the pocket e.g. engaging a pair of fasteners
decreases the pocket's length. Accordingly, the pocket can hold the
guard at one of several positions with respect to the securing
device. It is also envisaged that the edges of the pocket may
define a position at which to hold a guard e.g. the guard bears on
the bottom edge of the pocket, and the pocket holds the guard in a
position relative to the person's greater trochanter.
[0052] The inventors have found that alternate dimensions of the
pocket are a particularly beneficial way of securing the guard in
the optimum position. For instance, there is less variability in
positioning of the guard and therefore higher probability that the
guard will be held in the optimum position.
[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment the pocket may provide a
more secure way to secure the guard in the optimum position.
Accordingly, the present invention addresses limitations of some of
the prior art devices.
[0054] However, alternative embodiments are envisaged. For instance
the locking mechanism may be a plurality of complementary
fasteners. A male or female fastener is secured on the guard, and a
plurality of the complementary male or female fasteners are secured
on the underwear. Each of the fasteners on the underwear
corresponds to one position at which the guard is to be held. In
use, the desired position is determined (as is discussed below) and
the appropriate pair of fasteners is used to secure the guard at
the position.
[0055] Other embodiments for the fasteners and locking mechanism
are envisaged including VELCRO, buttons, hooks, eyelet fasteners,
and adhesives. Accordingly, the forgoing should not be seen as
limiting.
[0056] Throughout the present specification, reference will be made
to the term "plurality of positions". This should be understood as
meaning two or more positions at which a guard may be secured so
that the guard can protect a person's greater trochanter against an
impact.
[0057] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plurality of
positions are spaced apart in the range of 70 mm-100 mm.
[0058] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plurality of
positions are spaced apart within the range of substantially 90 mm.
For instance, the locking mechanism may be configured to secure the
guard in a number of positions spaced vertically from each other,
and also a number of positions spaced laterally (substantially
horizontally) from each other.
[0059] Alternatively, the plurality of positions may be both
vertically and laterally spaced apart. E.g. the locking mechanism
can hold the guard in a plurality of positions that vary
substantially vertically and/or substantially horizontally when the
underwear is being worn by a person.
[0060] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention. For instance, the plurality of
positions may be spaced apart in a range of less than 70 mm.
[0061] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plurality of
positions correspond to an "optimum position" as will be discussed
below.
[0062] Throughout the present specification reference to the term
"optimum position" should be understood as meaning a position
relative to a person's greater trochanter to maximise the guard's
ability to protect the greater trochanter from an impact.
[0063] The optimum position corresponds to that in which the guard
is centered over top of the person's greater trochanter. Therefore
the guard's footprint abuts the person around the greater
trochanter. Accordingly, this maximizes the guard's ability to
substantially shunt or redirect impact into the soft tissue
surrounding the greater trochanter, and thereby prevent an object
substantially contacting the greater trochanter.
[0064] The optimum position varies from person to person according
to natural differences in hip joint anatomy.
[0065] In addition, the optimum position may differ due to the
parameters and type of guards used with the present invention.
[0066] However, the locking mechanism is beneficial as it
facilitates maximising the guard's protective benefits. In
addition, it enables the present inventions to be easily used with
a broad cross section of the population.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment, a kit set according to the
present invention includes instructions on how to determine the
optimum position.
[0068] The instructions will vary according to the guard used with
the present invention. However in a preferred embodiment the
instructions teach any or all of the following steps: [0069] (a)
stand in an upright position; [0070] (b) form a right angle between
your thumb and middle finger; [0071] (c) lie your thumb on the
Iliac crest of the pelvis (boney protrusion at the top of the hip)
with the palm of your hand lying against the side of the leg;
[0072] (d) identify the hip bone (greater trochanter) by noting the
boney protrusion sitting underneath approximately the end of your
middle finger; [0073] (e) position the guard so as to lie overtop
of the greater trochanter; [0074] (f) mark the securing device so
as to record the optimum position and the appropriate configuration
of the locking mechanism.
[0075] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting. It is
possible that the instructions included in the kitset of parts may
include other steps or methods of determining the position of
person's greater trochanter.
[0076] It should be appreciated that the present invention has a
number of advantages over the prior art.
[0077] The locking mechanism provides a cost effective and simple
way to secure a guard in an optimum position so as to maximise the
protective benefits which may be provided by the guard.
[0078] In addition, the use of the locking mechanism enables
customised guard positioning yet requires a minimal range and stock
of securing devices (underwear). Accordingly, it is possible for a
manufacturer of securing devices and guards to streamline their
product offerings and inventory.
[0079] Furthermore, the present invention may improve adherence
rates for use of protective devices. This is a direct result of the
guards being better positioned and therefore more comfortable.
Accordingly this can reduce the incidence of hip fractures caused
by impact to the greater trochanter.
[0080] Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that
the locking mechanism and method of determining greater trochanter
position are easy to use. Therefore, the inventions do not require
complex diagnosis to identify correct guard position. Rather, the
method can be implemented by medical support staff, careers, or
even patients themselves.
[0081] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a guard, including
a body, a foot portion to abut a person's body, a cavity in the
body, wherein in use the guard is configured to be positioned
adjacent to a person's body so that the cavity overlies the
person's greater trochanter, characterised in that the cavity has a
clearance area of at least 3660 mm.sup.2.
[0082] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a guard, including
a body, a foot portion to abut a person's body, wherein the foot
portion has a pair of spaced apart points that in use are on distal
sides of the person's greater trochanter, characterised in that,
the spaced apart points both lie on a cylindrical plane having a
radius in the range of 70 mm to 120 mm.
[0083] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a guard, including
a body against which an impact may occur, a foot portion to abut a
person's body, characterised in that the guard includes a
transitional section between the foot portion and the body to
increase the rigidity of the body.
[0084] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a guard, including
a main body made from a compressible material, characterised in
that the compressible material has: [0085] a tensile strength in
the range of 15-84 KPa; [0086] a hardness in the range of 10-85 JIS
C.
[0087] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a guard, including
a body made from a rigid material, characterised in that the rigid
material has: [0088] a tensile strength in the range of 35-200 MPa;
[0089] an elastic modulus in the range of 750-8500 Mpa.
[0090] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a guard to protect a body part of a person,
including
a body, a cavity in the body, a foot print configured to abut the
person's body part when the guard is in use, characterised in that
the footprint has a shape that corresponds to the curvature of the
body around the body part to be protected.
[0091] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the guards according
to the present invention protect a person's greater trochanter from
an impact so as to reduce incidence of hip fractures or other
injuries caused by an impact. Accordingly, reference throughout the
present specification will be made to the guards as protecting a
person's greater trochanter.
[0092] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention and the guards can also be used to
protect other body parts such as ankles, knees, wrists and
shoulders.
[0093] Throughout the present specification aspects of the present
invention will be described with reference to a person's greater
trochanter in a "reference position" which is when a person wearing
the guard is standing. However, this should not be seen as limiting
on the scope of the present invention. References are merely to
clarify the relative orientation and/or interaction of the
different components of the present invention.
[0094] Throughout the present specification, reference to the term
"guard" should be understood as meaning a device to prevent or
reduce hip injury caused by an impact to the greater
trochanter.
[0095] In one embodiment, the guard includes a rigid component to
transfer force (or substantially transfer force) into tissue
surrounding a person's greater trochanter. In this embodiment, the
guard substantially prevents force being transferred to the
person's greater trochanter.
[0096] In an alternate embodiment the guard includes a body or
component formed from a compressible material. In this embodiment,
the compressible material absorbs the force of an impact so as to
minimise or prevent this being transferred to the person's greater
trochanter.
[0097] These aspects of the present inventions should become
clearer from the following description. The inventors have
discovered that various properties of the materials used to
manufacture the guards according to the present invention are
important. Accordingly, ranges for different aspects of the
materials will first be described before moving onto preferred
embodiments of the material.
[0098] In preferred embodiments, guards according to the present
invention include bodies formed from materials having: [0099] an
elastic modulus in the range of 750-8500 MPa, and more preferably
5500-8500 MPa; [0100] a tensile strength in the range of 1500-84
KPa, and more preferably 105-150 MPa; [0101] a hardness in the
range of 10-85 JIS C, and more preferably a combination of at least
two materials having a hardness of 25 JIS C and 65 JIS C.
[0102] The terms elastic modulus, tensile strength, and hardness
are as should be understood by one skilled in the art.
[0103] These properties of the materials for use in manufacturing
guards according to the present invention should become clearer
from the following description.
[0104] In preferred embodiments the bodies are made from a
thermoplastic or thermoset polymer.
[0105] In a preferred embodiment, a rigid component of the body is
formed from nylon containing reinforcing. The reinforcing may be
glass fibre in a concentration of between 0-40% w/w.
[0106] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rigid component
is formed from nylon containing 30% w/w glass fibre
reinforcing.
[0107] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting, and
other materials are envisaged including polypropylene, acetyl,
nylon, and/or polycarbonate.
[0108] In a preferred embodiment, a compressible component of the
present invention is formed from a lamination of two or more
materials. These materials preferably differ in their mechanical
properties such as density, tensile strengths, elastic modulus
etc.
[0109] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a compressible
component is formed from a lamination of polyethylene foam with a
density of substantially 140 kgm.sup.3 and polyethylene foam with a
density of substantially 40 kgm.sup.3.
[0110] Alternatively the compressible component is formed from one
or more of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene foam or any
other foam, elastic or elastomeric material.
[0111] However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention as the rigid component and
compressible component may be made from other materials.
[0112] The inventors have found that using a combination of
different compressible materials helps to improve the performance
of the guards. It is believed that the comparatively denser
material is able to transfer some material into areas surrounding
the greater trochanter. Accordingly, this means that the guard does
not need to absorb as much energy so as to prevent a hip injury.
The guard in effect is acting in a similar manner to a guard
described herein using a rigid body. However, the use of a
comparatively less dense material helps to improve the guard's
"feel" against a person's body. This may improve adherence
rates.
[0113] Throughout the present specification, reference to the term
"foot portion" should be understood as meaning two or more points
that in use abut a person's body.
[0114] In a preferred embodiment the at least two points are a pair
of laterally spaced apart points on distal sides of the person's
greater trochanter.
[0115] In the preferred embodiment, the pair of lateral points both
lie on a cylindrical plane having a radius in the range of 70 mm to
113 mm.
[0116] In a particularly preferred embodiment the pair of lateral
points both lie on a cylindrical plane having a radius of
substantially 85 mm.
[0117] This aspect of the present invention should become clearer
from the following description.
[0118] In a preferred embodiment, the foot portion also includes at
least an upper point and/or lower point.
[0119] Throughout the present specification, reference to the term
"upper point" should be understood as meaning a point of the
footprint which in the reference position is above the greater
trochanter.
[0120] Throughout the present specification, reference to the term
"lower point" should be understood as meaning a point of the
footprint which in the reference is below the greater
trochanter.
[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower points of the
foot portion also lie on the same cylindrical plane as the pair of
lateral points (as is discussed above). However, the upper and
lower points lie on different circular sections of the cylindrical
plane to the lateral points e.g. the upper and lower points are
spaced apart along the length of the cylindrical plane.
[0122] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the upper and lower
points also both lie on a plane that curves about a substantially
horizontal axis and has a radius in the range of 200 mm to 350
mm.
[0123] In a particularly preferred embodiment the upper and lower
points also both lie on a plane that about a horizontal axis has a
radius of substantially 250 mm.
[0124] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention and it is also envisaged that the
foot print may have pairs of points that lie on different planes,
or planes having different radii curvatures.
[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the foot portion is
determined by connecting each of the pair of laterally spaced
points to the upper and lower points, using smooth curves that
follow the cylindrical plane on which the lateral points and upper
and lower points all lie.
[0126] The inventors have found that this shape for the foot
portion provides the guard with an ergonomic fit, which mimics the
shape of a significant portion of the population's hip joint
anatomy. The guard may therefore better conform to a patient's leg
shape. Accordingly the guards according to the present invention
may be more comfortable to wear than any or all or the prior art
guards, and therefore improve adherence of use.
[0127] The shape of foot portion is also beneficial as it
facilitates provision of the clearance area. This ensures that a
guard according to present invention does not contact a person's
greater trochanter in use. Accordingly, this may be beneficial in
reducing or preventing transfer of force of an impact into the
greater trochanter. For instance, in the embodiment where the rigid
guard includes a rigid body or component, the footprint helps to
transfer the force of the impact into the tissue surrounding the
greater trochanter.
[0128] Throughout the present specification, reference to the term
"clearance area" should be understood as meaning the minimum area
of an opening into the cavity.
[0129] In a preferred embodiment, the guards have a clearance area
in the range of substantially 3000 mm.sup.2 to 8500 mm.sup.2.
[0130] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a guard made from a
rigid material has a clearance area of 8248 mm.sup.2 and a guard
having made from a compressbile material has a clearance area of
3661 mm.sup.2.
[0131] Ensuring that the guards have the clearance area discussed
herein is important in ensuring that the guards can effectively
reduce or minimise injuries caused by an impact. The inventors have
identified that with the minimum clearance area the guards
according to the present invention can provide the required force
attenuation to reduce or eliminate injuries caused by an
impact.
[0132] Furthermore, the minimum clearance area is particularly
beneficial in ensuring that guards according to the present
invention are effective were an impact to incur "off centre" of the
guard.
[0133] The minimum clearance area may also help to improve the
effectiveness of guards according to the present invention were
these to be positioned incorrectly relative to a person's great
trochanter. E.g. the guards have an increased ability to prevent or
minimise transfer of force to greater trochanter when used in
different positions.
[0134] These aspects of the present invention should become clearer
from the following discussion.
[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the clearance area lies on the
same cylindrical plane as the pair of laterally spaced apart points
of the footprint (as discussed above).
[0136] However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting as the
clearance area could also lie on a flat plane.
[0137] In a preferred embodiment, the clearance area has a minimum
length in the range of 80 mm to 125 mm.
[0138] In a particularly preferred embodiment the clearance area
has a minimum length of substantially 84 mm.
[0139] This range of lengths for the clearance area helps to
account for natural variations in the location, size, or
orientation of greater trochanter across the population.
[0140] In addition, this range of lengths for the clearance area
helps to ensure the guards are effective in minimising or reducing
transmission of force into the greater trochanter were the guard to
be incorrectly positioned.
[0141] In a preferred embodiment, the clearance area has a width in
the range of 46 mm to 90 mm.
[0142] In an embodiment where the guard includes a component formed
from a compressible material, the clearance area has a width of
substantially 55 mm.
[0143] In an alternative embodiment, where the guard includes a
body made from a rigid material, the clearance area has a width of
substantially 82 mm.
[0144] The widths for the clearance area described herein are
particularly beneficial in ensuring that the guards are capable of
performing their intended functions. For instance, having a
clearance area with a width of substantially 55 mm ensures that the
guard has a body of material sufficient to absorb the energy of any
impact and prevent that being transferred to the greater
trochanter.
[0145] In contrast, having a clearance area with a width of
substantially 82 mm enables the guard to shunt the force of an
impact into areas surrounding the greater trochanter. These aspects
and benefits should become clearer from the following
description.
[0146] In addition guards made from compressible materials do not
have sufficient structural integrity to withstand force of an
impact if the clearance area is large. Accordingly, the use of
specific clearance areas is important.
[0147] However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention as it s also envisaged that the
guards may have clearance areas having other lengths.
[0148] Throughout the present specification reference to the term
"clearance distance" should be understood as meaning a minimum
distance between the clearance area and an inner wall of the
cavity.
[0149] In a preferred embodiment, the guards according to the
present invention have a clearance distance in the range of 10.1 mm
to 14.9 mm.
[0150] In a particularly preferred embodiment, guards according to
the present inventions have a clearance distance of substantially
12.5 mm.
[0151] However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention. It is also envisaged that the
guards may have other clearance distances than those described
herein. What is important is that the clearance distance is
sufficient to ensure that any deformation of the guard on
occurrence of an impact does not result in the impact being
transferred to the greater trochanter. The inventors have found
that having clearance distances within the ranges described herein
helps to ensure that the guards prevent or minimise transmission of
an impact into the greater trochanter. Accordingly, the described
clearance distances are particularly important in ensuring that the
guards of the present inventions can perform their desired
purpose.
[0152] Throughout the present specification reference to the term
"transitional section" should be understood as meaning a section of
the guard between the foot portion and the contact surface which
increases the rigidity of the contact surface.
[0153] In a preferred embodiment, the transitional section is a
reinforcing section. The section may have the same, greater, or
less thickness than other parts of the guard. However, what the
transitional section does is to increase the rigidity of the
contact surface so that it deforms less on occurrence of an impact
than were the transitional section not used in the guard.
[0154] The aspects of the transitional section will vary according
to a number of variables in the guards manufacture or
configuration. These may include materials from which the guard is
made, the thickness of materials, the shape of the contact surface,
the size of the cavity in the guard, the clearance area and
clearance distance etc.
[0155] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a transitional
section is defined by one or more joints. A first joint may be
between the transitional section and the contact surface, and a
second joint may be between the foot portion and the transitional
section.
[0156] In this embodiment, the transitional section provides a
change in angle and/or shape of the contact surface. This increases
the rigidity of the contact surface.
[0157] This aspect of the present invention should become clearer
from the following description.
[0158] However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention. It is also envisaged that the
transitional section could be a region of material thicker than the
contact surface, and which has an outer surface with the same
curvature as the contact surface so as to provide a continuous
outer surface for the guard
[0159] In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the contact
surface and transitional section is determined with reference to an
imaginary plane defined by connecting two points of the
transitional section at the point between the transitional section
and the body.
[0160] The imaginary plane is graphically represented in the
Figures and discussed further in the Best Modes section of this
specification.
[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the plane and
the transitional section is in the range of 5 degrees-30
degrees.
[0162] In a particularly preferred embodiment the plane is 11
degrees.
[0163] This aspect of the present invention should become clearer
form the following description.
[0164] In preferred embodiment, the transitional section has a
height in the range of 3 mm to 15 mm.
[0165] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transitional
section has a height of substantially 7.1 mm.
[0166] The inventors have discovered that the use of the
transitional section significantly increases the present
invention's ability to transfer force into tissue surrounding the
greater trochanter. The transitional section also facilitates a
guard having a lower profile (greater radius curvature) contact
surface, and manufacturing of these from thinner, lighter-weight,
or less dense materials. This is because the guard does not deform
on impact to the contact surface, or deforms less than would
otherwise occur.
[0167] The transitional section is also beneficial as it provides
greater separation between an internal wall of the cavity and the
clearance area e.g. the transitional section increases or helps to
provide the clearance distance. Accordingly, any deformation of the
contact surface is less likely to cause contact at greater
trochanter.
[0168] These aspects of the present invention should become clearer
from the following description.
[0169] Throughout the specification reference to the term "contact
surface" should be understood as meaning a surface of the body
against which an impact may occur.
[0170] The contact surface may be a continuous piece of material
extending across the width and/or length of the guard.
[0171] Alternatively, the contact surface may be discontinuous,
e.g. there is a gap or opening the contact surface. Regardless, the
contact surface provides a plurality of points at which an impact
may occur. Accordingly, the forgoing should not be seen as
limiting.
[0172] In a preferred embodiment the shape of contact surface is a
complex combination of two or more curvatures.
[0173] In a particularly preferred embodiment the contact surface
has a first curvature around a substantially horizontal axis and a
second curvature around substantially vertical axis. In this
embodiment, the: [0174] First curvature has a radius in the range
of 70 mm-90 mm, and preferably substantially 75 mm; and [0175]
Second curvature has a radius in the range of 110 mm-200 mm, and
preferably substantially 170 mm.
[0176] However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the
scope of the present invention as the contact surface may also have
other shapes and configurations.
[0177] The inventors have found that the ranges for the curvatures
of the contact surface are particular beneficial for a number of
reasons. Firstly, the curvatures provide the guards with a
desirable profile when worn. That is, the guards are slim line and
unobtrusive. They are therefore more likely to be worn, especially
by women who may be particularly self-conscious of protrusions on
or around their hips.
[0178] Secondly, the curvatures help to provide the guards with a
cavity large enough to provide the necessary clearance area and
clearance distances (as are discussed above), Accordingly, the
curvatures are important in ensuring that the guards can reduce or
minimise transmission of force of an impact into the greater
trochanter so as to minimise hip injury.
[0179] Thirdly, the curvatures are linked to the shape of the
footprint. Therefore, the shape of the contact surface is linked to
and influenced by the way that the footprint confirms to a
patient's body. It can therefore be seen that this is a unique
interaction between the different components of the guard.
[0180] In a preferred embodiment, the guards according to the
present invention have a weight in the range of 30 g-70 g.
[0181] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a guard including a
compressible component has a weight of substantially 40 g.
[0182] In an alternately preferred embodiment, a guard having a
rigid component has a weight of substantially 62 g. This weight is
provided by the rigid component itself, and/or other components of
the guard. For instance, in one embodiment it is possible that the
guard includes a liner, the weight of which contributes to the
total weight of the guard. E.g. the rigid component has a weight of
substantially 55 g and the liner has a weight of substantially 7
g.
[0183] The inventors have found that guards having weights within
the above described ranges is particularly important in improving
the performance of the guards.
[0184] Furthermore, it is important in selecting materials for use
and manufacturing guards to consider what the final weight of the
guards will be.
[0185] Certain types of materials may have mechanical properties
such as elastic modulus, tensile strength, and hardness which make
them well suited for use in protective guards. However, guards made
using certain materials may have a significant weight to achieve a
desired performance for guard. Accordingly, accurately matching the
materials from which the guards are made, their mechanical
properties, and the resulting weights of the guards, is
particularly important.
[0186] It should be appreciated from the foregoing discussion that
the present inventions provide a number of advantages. These
include that these guards: [0187] Can be better matched to a
patient's personal risk profile and may therefore improve adherence
of patient use. [0188] Are more comfortable to wear and therefore
may improve adherence of patient use. [0189] May be manufactured
from lighter weight materials. [0190] Are smaller and less bulky
than the available guards. Accordingly, in use the guards have a
lower profile on a patient's body and may therefore improve patient
adherence during use. [0191] Can better account for natural
variations in greater trochanter position across the population,
and therefore may reduce incidence of injury caused by impacts.
[0192] Are more efficient at minimising or preventing transfer of
impact into a patient's greater trochanter and therefore may reduce
the incidence of injuries caused by impacts.
[0193] There is a unique interaction of two or more of the
inventions described herein to improve the efficiency of guards.
For instance, the transitional section increase rigidity of contact
surface and therefore prevent or limits it's deformation. This in
turn may prevent or reduce the transmission of an impact into a
person's greater trochanter. In addition, transitional section also
provides assists in providing minimum clearance distance.
[0194] Likewise, the shape of foot portion is related to minimum
clearance area and therefore helps to ensure that the guard does
not touch a person's greater trochanter. It therefore helps to
prevent or reduce transmission of force of an impact in the greater
trochanter. However, the shape of the footprint is also
ergonomically designed so as to improve the comfort of the guard
when worn. Accordingly, the footprint is important in improving
adherence.
[0195] In respect of a guard including a compressible component,
there is also a unique interaction of different components. For
instance, the shape of the contact surface is important in
providing the guard with a lower profile appearance when worn. That
therefore contributes to increasing adherence rates. However, the
shape of the contact surface is also important in ensuring that the
guard has sufficient material to be able to absorb force of an
impact and thereby prevent it being transferred into greater
trochanter.
[0196] The inventors have identified that each of the inventions
disclosed herein are important in their own right. However, the sum
of two or more of each of the innovations is particularly
beneficial in improving the performance of the guards. There is a
synergistic effect from the unique interaction of the different
inventions.
[0197] In addition, the guards described herein may be particularly
beneficial for use with the securing device. For instance, the use
of the locking mechanism of the securing device may enable use of
guards which are more compact, lighter weight, or narrower than the
prior art guards. These components together could increase the
protection provided against impact or lead to higher adherence
rates, thereby decreasing injuries.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0198] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description which is given by way of
example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0199] FIG. 1a is a front cross sectional view showing hip joint
anatomy and anatomical references;
[0200] FIG. 1b is a front view showing parameters effecting greater
trochanter location;
[0201] FIG. 1c is a top view of FIG. 1b;
[0202] FIG. 2 is a front view of a securing device for men
according to the present invention;
[0203] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a securing device for
women according to the present invention;
[0204] FIG. 4 is a side view showing how to determine greater
trochanter location;
[0205] FIG. 5a-c are schematics showing use of the securing device
and locking mechanism according to the present invention;
[0206] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a guard in three
representative positions relative to the securing device;
[0207] FIG. 7a is a cross sectional view showing aspects of the
present inventions with reference to hip joint anatomy;
[0208] FIG. 7b is a bottom view of a guard showing aspects of the
present invention;
[0209] FIG. 8a is first perspective view of a guard according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0210] FIG. 8b is a cross sectional view through section B-B in
FIG. 8a;
[0211] FIG. 8c is an exploded view of a guard according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0212] FIG. 8d is a top view of FIG. 8a;
[0213] FIG. 8e is an end view of FIG. 8a;
[0214] FIG. 9a is a first perspective view of a guard according to
a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0215] FIG. 9b is an alternate perspective view of FIG. 9a;
[0216] FIG. 9c is a cross sectional view through section A-A in
FIGS. 9a and 9b;
[0217] FIG. 9d is an end view of FIG. 97;
[0218] FIG. 10a is a perspective view showing the footprint of a
guard according to one aspect of the present invention;
[0219] FIG. 10b is an end on view of FIG. 10a;
[0220] FIG. 11a is a front schematic view showing a guard according
to one aspect of the present invention in use;
[0221] FIG. 11b is a plan view of FIG. 11a.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0222] Aspects of the present invention are best understood with
reference to anatomy of hip joints and general variations in same.
Accordingly, hip anatomy is discussed before a detailed description
of how the present invention solves problems arriving from natural
variations in hip anatomy.
Hip Anatomy
[0223] Referring to FIG. 1 a front cross sectional view of a hip
joint, generally indicated as (1). The hip joint (1) is the ball
and socket interaction of a person's femur (2) and pelvis (3). The
femur (2) has a femoral head (4) which sits within socket indicated
generally as (5) in pelvis (3).
[0224] Femoral neck shaft (6) extends from femoral head (4) to meet
femur (2). Greater trochanter (7) is a bony protrusion which
extends from the intersection of femur (2) and femoral neck shaft
(6).
[0225] Most commonly, impacts occur at the outer most edge (7b) of
greater trochanter (7) as this is the furthermost point from hip
joint (1). Accordingly, reference herein will be made to greater
trochanter with reference to point (7b).
[0226] There is considerable variation in the location and
orientation of greater trochanter (7b) across the population. This
is a result of the sum of minor differences in the size, girth,
length, and orientation (angles between) between each of the body
parts forming the hip joint.
[0227] Hip joint anatomy varies naturally across the population.
For ease of reference common geometric dimensions are shown in FIG.
1a using the labels in Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Anatomical Dimension 8 Femoral axis length 9
Hip axis length (HAL) 10 Horizontal offset 11 Gluteal tuberosity 12
Neck shaft angle 13 Femur diameter above less trochanter 14
Inter-hip distance 15 Trochanter width 16 Pelvic width
[0228] The inventors have identified five key parameters that
affect greater trochanter position between people. These parameters
and values for them are summarised in Table 2:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Reference on Condition FIGS. 1b and 1c
Value* (mm) Greatest distance the greater 17 Extreme 48.7
trochanter protrudes from the outside Reasonable of the vertical
femur bone 15** Lowest greater trochanter point from 18 115.5
pelvis end of HAL Highest greater trochanter point from 19 39.9
pelvis end of HAL Most forward greater trochanter point 20a 7.3
from pelvis end of HAL Most backward greater trochanter 20b 18.9
point from pelvis end of HAL
[0229] Of these parameters, hip axis length (9) and neck shaft
angle (12) are considered to be the most significant influence on
location of greater trochanter (7b).
[0230] It can be seen from Table 2 above that location of greater
trochanter (7b) varies vertically in the range of 85 mm. E.g. the
difference between lowest and highest point of greater trochanter
from the end of hip axis length.
[0231] FIGS. 1a-c show graphically hip anatomy and the factors
which affect variations in location of greater trochanter (7b).
[0232] It is very important that protective devices and the
securing devices used with them take into account variation in
location of greater trochanter (7b). The present inventions ability
to account for variation in location of greater trochanter should
become clearer from the following description.
Securing Device
[0233] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 & 4.
[0234] According to the present invention, there is provided a
securing device (22) in the form of underwear. The underwear (22)
is configured to selectively hold a guard (23) at one of a
plurality of positions relative to a person (24) and therefore hip
joint (1).
[0235] The guard (23) may be any form of guard as should be known
to one skilled in the art.
[0236] Alternatively, the guard (23) may be a guard as is
substantially described herein with reference to FIGS. 7-11.
[0237] The underwear (22) has a pair of pockets (25). Each pocket
(25) is orientated so as to lie generally and substantially
parallel to a person's femur (2) when standing.
[0238] Each pocket (25) has two pairs of fasteners (26a, 26b)
spaced apart along length of pocket.
[0239] Fasteners (26a, 26b) are above bottom edge (27) of pocket
(25).
[0240] Accordingly, fasteners (26a, 26b) and pocket (25) provide a
range of 75.6 mm at which a guard (23) can be secured.
[0241] Each pair of fasteners (26a and 26b) and bottom edge (27)
corresponds to a position in which a guard could be held relative
to a person's greater trochanter (7b). This will be expanded upon
below.
[0242] A spacer material (not shown) may be underwear (22) so as to
be positioned between the fasteners (26a, 26b) on the person's
body. The spacer may be a soft material having some elastomeric
properties e.g. felt or cotton. In-use, the spacer material
provides cushioning between the fasteners (26a, 26b) and the
person's body. This may prevent the development of pressure sores
or irritation when the underwear (22) is worn by a person.
[0243] Guards (23) in the form of a rigid body, have a footprint
(28) and a cavity (not shown).
[0244] The guards are able to be inserted into pockets (25).
[0245] In use, footprint (28) abuts the outer surface of person's
leg around greater trochanter (7b).
[0246] The present invention includes instructions on how to
identify an optimum position for guard (23) so as to maximise its
ability to protect greater trochanter (7b) from an impact.
[0247] The instructions teach a person to identify an optimum
position for guard (23). The method involves a person performing
the steps of: [0248] (a) standing in an upright position; [0249]
(b) to identify the Iliac crest of the pelvis form a right angle
between your thumb and first finger; [0250] (c) lie your thumb on
the Iliac crest with the palm of your hand (29) lying to the side
of the leg; [0251] (d) the hip bone or greater trochanter (7b) is
the boney protrusion sitting underneath approximately the end of
your middle fingers; [0252] (e) position the guard (23) to lie
overtop of greater trochanter (7b) so that greater trochanter (7b)
sits within cavity (29).
[0253] This is schematically shown in FIGS. 5 a-c
[0254] A referencing system (30) is provided on underwear (22).
This allows a person to note which fasteners (26a, 26b) should be
engaged to hold guards (23) in the optimum position. This is
beneficial as it provides a reference for the optimum position
should the guards (23) be removed from the underwear (22) to
facilitate its washing or other care.
[0255] In addition, the referencing system (30) facilitates one
pair of guards (23) being easily used with multiple pairs of
underwear (22) thereby minimising costs for patients or other
health care funders.
Securing Device in Use
[0256] Referring now to FIGS. 5a-c.
[0257] A person puts on the underwear (22) and performs the method
described above so as to identify location of greater trochanter
(7b).
[0258] The guard (23) is then positioned so that cavity (not shown)
is centered overtop of greater trochanter (7b).
[0259] Fasteners (26a, 26b) are engaged or disengaged to change
length of pocket (25). This reduces the dimensions of (shortens)
pocket (25).
[0260] Guard (23) is inserted into pocket (25) and slid along the
length of pocket so that bottom edges of guard (23) sit against a
fastener (26a or 26b), or bottom edge (27) of pocket (25).
[0261] Pocket (25) prevents guard (23) moving laterally. This is
due to the width of pocket (25).
[0262] The process above is repeated for the person's other greater
trochanter (7b) on other side of pelvis using another pocket (25)
and another guard (23) in underwear (22).
[0263] It should be appreciated from the forgoing description that
the present inventions have a number of advantages over the prior
art.
[0264] Importantly, the underwear according to the present
invention facilitates holding of guards at an optimum position so
as to maximise the guard's protective benefits. The optimum
position can be easily selected according to a patient's individual
requirements. Accordingly, the present inventions can be used
across the population so as to account for natural variation in
location/orientation of greater trochanter.
[0265] In addition, the present inventions can be used with
different types of guards having generally similar shapes.
Therefore, they facilitate better matching of a protective
component to a person's individual requirements.
[0266] Yet a further advantage of the present inventions is that
the guards are interchangeable. An extension of this feature is
that underwear can be easily replaced when worn out to facilitate
use of one pair of guards with multiple pairs of underwear.
Therefore, the present inventions may reduce the total costs of
providing protective devices to patients.
[0267] Other advantages include that: [0268] The locking mechanism
can account for differences in a patient's size such as thigh
curvature and muscle mass, or waist circumference, which may have
otherwise influenced a securing device's ability to hold a guard in
an optimum position. [0269] It is also possible that the securing
device will account for personal preferences in how people wear
underwear which may affect guard position. [0270] The method of
identifying greater trochanter location is easily understandable
and repeatable. [0271] The securing device allows use of smaller,
less bulky guards and therefore may increase adherence rates.
Rigid Guard
[0272] Referring now to FIGS. 8a-e which show a first embodiment of
a guard (36) to protect a person's greater trochanter (7b). Guard
(36) includes a rigid body (37) made of nylon containing 30% w/w
glass reinforcing.
[0273] Referring now to FIGS. 10a and 10b
[0274] The rigid body (37) has a foot portion (38) having a complex
three-dimensional shape. The foot portion (38) has a pair of
laterally spaced apart points (39, 40) that in use are on either
side of greater trochanter (7b). The points (39, 40) both lie on a
cylindrical plane (43) which has a radius of substantially 85
mm
[0275] The foot portion (38) also has an upper point (41) and a
lower point (42). The upper and lower points (41, 42) lie on the
same plane (43a) as lateral points (39, 40).
[0276] The upper and lower points (41, 42) also both lie on a
cylindrical plane (43b) that has a radius of substantially 170 mm.
In the reference position the upper and lower points (41, 42) are
respectively above and below greater trochanter (7b).
[0277] The foot portion (38) extends around the entire perimeter of
rigid body (37).
[0278] Rigid body (37) has a continuous contact surface indicated
generally by (44). The shape of contact surface (44) is a complex
combination of curves. A first curvature is around a substantially
vertical axis when the guard is in the reference position. The
first curvature has a radius of substantially 75 mm. A second
curvature is around a substantially horizontal axis when the guard
is in the reference position. The second curvature has a radius of
substantially 170 mm.
[0279] A transitional section (45) connects foot portion (38) and
contact surface (44). The transitional section (45) has a height
indicated by line (46) of 71 mm.
[0280] Point (47a) indicates the joint between contact surface (44)
and transitional section (45). Further aspects of the transitional
section (45) and its relationship to the contact surface (44) can
be understood with reference to an imaginary plane (46) defined by
connecting any two separated points (47a, 47b) of the junction
between transitional section (45) and contact surface (44).
[0281] The angle (x) between plane (46) and outside surface (48) of
transitional section (44) is approximately 11.degree..
[0282] A cavity (49) is defined by an aperture generally indicated
and an inner wall (51). The cavity (49) has a teardrop shape with a
maximum length (51) of 84 mm and a maximum width (52) of 82 mm.
[0283] A liner (53) made from ethyl vinyl acetate 30 is attached to
rigid body (37).
[0284] The liner (53) has a footprint (54), transitional section
(55), and curved surface (56) generally corresponding to the
footprint (38), transitional section (45), and contact surface
(44). This allows liner (53) to tightly fit into cavity (49).
[0285] The liner (53) makes the guard (36) more appealing to users
as it provides a soft layer, which in use will lie against a
person's body. This may help to improve adherence rates by making
the guard (36) more comfortable during use.
[0286] The liner (53) may also absorb some force of an impact and
therefore help to improve performance of guard (36).
Foam Guard
[0287] Referring now to FIGS. 9a-9d which show an alternate
embodiment of a guard (28) to protect a person's greater trochanter
(7b).
[0288] The guard (28) includes a body (29) made from a laminate of
Polyethylene Foams (PE) with an outer layer having density
substantially 140 kgm.sup.3 and an inner layer having a density of
substantially 40 kgm.sup.3.
[0289] The outer layer has a thickness in the range of 1.5 mm-6 mm
across the guard's dimensions. The inner layer has a thickness in
the range of 4 mm-20 mm across the dimensions of the guard
(28).
[0290] The outer layer provides a contact surface (30) against
which an impact may occur. The shape of contact surface (30) is a
complex combination of curves. In general, contact surface (30) has
a first curvature around a substantially vertical axis (31) and a
second curvature around a substantially horizontal axis (32). The
first curvature has a radius of substantially 75 mm. The second
curvature has a radius of substantially 170 mm.
[0291] A cavity (33) is defined by an aperture and an inner wall
(34) of body (27). The cavity (34) has a teardrop shape.
[0292] The body (29) has a foot portion (35) that extends around
perimeter of cavity (33).
[0293] In use, the body (29) lies against person so that foot
portion (35) abuts surface of person's leg around greater
trochanter (7b).
[0294] The foot portion (35) has a complex three dimensional shape
that is substantially the same as foot portion (38) discussed above
for guard (36). Therefore foot portion (35) is described herein
with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b using similar reference numerals
to those used to describe foot portion (38).
[0295] The foot portion (28) has a pair of spaced apart points (39,
40) that both lie on a cylindrical plane (43) that has a radius of
85 mm. In use, the points (39, 40) are on distal sides of greater
trochanter (7b)
[0296] The foot portion (28) has an upper point (41) and a lower
point (42) that in the reference position are respectively above
and below greater trochanter (7b).
[0297] The upper and lower points (39, 40) also both lie on
cylindrical plane (43). The shape of footprint (28) is created by
connecting the points (39-42) e.g. point (41) is connected to
points (39, 40) by following cylindrical plane (43), and lateral
points (39, 40) are connected to point (42) by following
cylindrical plane (43).
[0298] Guard (23) has a clearance area indicated by (34) of 3661 mm
that lies on plane (29).
[0299] The guard (23) has a clearance distance (35) of
substantially 12.5 mm between clearance area (34) and inner wall
(28) at all points within clearance area (34).
Guard Design and Exemplification
[0300] The inventors utilised a `learning first` product
development approach to develop guards (28, 36). Numerous
prototypes were developed and tested to determine their ability to
minimise or prevent force of an impact being transferred to greater
trochanter (7b). In particular, the inventors set out to develop
guards that will ensure a force of 120 Joules or more does not
cause an injury to greater trochanter and thereby prevent hip
injury.
[0301] The results of the prototype tests have allowed inventors to
develop the preferred embodiments of the guards (28, 36) as being
effective and to achieve their intended goals. In addition, the
testing of prototypes and variables helps to exemplify that the
guards according to the present inventions are inventive.
[0302] Prototype and variable testing was completed using a model
designed to comply with the International Hip Protection Research
Group (IHPRG) testing standards.
[0303] A test rig was prepared proving a constant impact force of
3045N. A simulated greater trochanter and hip joint was provided to
support various embodiments and prototypes of guards (23).
Force Attenuation
[0304] Table 3 shows the force attenuated by guards having a rigid
body made from various materials, and in the case of Nylon with 30%
glass fibre reinforcing also having liner in position. The guards
used had a constant form as described through the anthro data with
a variable step and clearance area.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Impact Force = 3045N Nylon 30% PC ABS PP
Acetal Nylon GF Attenuated 1504 1666 1816 1411 1760 1399 Force (N)
Force 50.6 45.3 40.4 53.7 42.2 54.1 Reduction (%) Density 900- 900-
880- 1140- 1000- 1000- Range 1090 1030 1700 1540 1490 1490
(kg/m.sup.3) Ideal 1070 1020 890 1340 1120 1340 Density
(kg/m.sup.3) Weight (g) 44.5 42.4 37.0 55.7 46.5 55.7 Combined 62.3
weight (EVA 30)
[0305] Table 4 shows force attenuated and as a percentage of total
impact force for bodies made of different materials.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Impact Force = 3045N Laminated EVA EVA EVA
EVA PE PE 30/ 30 60 120 220 30 PE 140 Attenuated 1875 1880 1758
1650 1970 1798 Force (N) Force 38.4 38.3 42.3 45.8 35.3 41
Reduction (%) Weight of 6.6 13.1 26.2 48 6.6 40 Body (g)
[0306] The inventors investigated the affect of a foam layer across
the footprint on attenuating impact. These tests used the preferred
embodiment for the rigid body e.g. nylon containing 30% w/w glass
reinforcing. The results of this testing is shown in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Impact Force = 3045 N EVA 30 EVA 45
Attenuated Force (N) 1372 1391 Attenuated Force (%) 54.9 54.3
Effect of Transitional Section on Impact Attenuation
[0307] The inventors investigated the affect of use of transitional
section in rigid body on effectiveness of reducing or minimising
transfer of force into greater trochanter. These tests were
completed using a guard with a rigid body made from
polycarbonate.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Impact Force = 3045 N 5 mm Foot 10 mm Foot
Attenuated Force N % N % No 2250 26.1 2170 28.7 Transitional
section Transitional 1695 44.3 1670 45.2 section Difference 555
18.2 500 16.5
[0308] It can clearly be seen that use of a transitional section
provided a significant increase in the amount of force attenuated
by the tested guard.
[0309] However, it was found that guard made from polycarbonate
materials did not perform well in repeated impact tests. This is
believed to be due to polycarbonate having a low impact
strength.
Clearance Distance
[0310] The inventors investigated the effect of clearance distance
on the ability of a guard to minimise or prevent transfer of impact
into greater trochanter. Results of the testing are shown in Table
7.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Impact Force = 3045N EVA 30 EVA 60 EVA 120
EVA 220 Attenuated Force N % N % N % N % Without 2115 30.5 2085
31.5 1987 4.7 1935 36.5 Clearance Distance With 1875 38.4 1880 38.3
1758 2.3 1650 45.8 Clearance Distance Difference 240 7.9 205 6.8
229 7.6 285 9.3 indicates data missing or illegible when filed
[0311] It can clearly be seen that use of a minimum separation
between greater trochanter and inner wall of cavity significantly
reduces the size of an impact to contact the greater
trochanter.
[0312] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope
thereof.
* * * * *