Body protective device

Abstract

A body protective device for protection of the shin, calf and Achilles regions from impact injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a composite protector having a fabric outer garment and protective elements, in particular soft elements and semi-rigid and rigid elements, that are selectively provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment for protecting the shin, calf and other proximal body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A protective device for providing protection from injuries to the shin, calf and Achilles regions of a user comprising: 
 a substantially flexible outer garment further including 
 protective elements that are provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment to provide impact-resistance from objects,  
 thereby providing protection of the shin, calf and Achilles regions and other body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.  
   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the protective elements are soft elements and rigid elements.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are selectively removable.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are fixedly attached to the outer garment.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are secured in pockets in the outer garment.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the rigid elements are formed of three-dimensional engineered materials.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the three-dimensional engineered materials are 3D woven fabrics.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the 3D woven fabrics are further treated with a resinous substance to create rigid composite elements.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the soft elements are formed of foam-like material.  
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the foam-like material is a foam, selected from the group consisting of molded dual density foam, polyurethane, neoprene, and EVA foams.  
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are preformed to a similar shape as the body parts for which they provide protection.  
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are substantially matching to the body parts for which they provide protection.  
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are custom-fit to the individual who will be wearing the device.  
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are custom-molded to the user's anatomy.  
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the substantially flexible outer garment is attachable to/covering the shin, calf and Achilles regions of the user.  
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 16 , wherein the outer garment is attachable to equipment proximal to the shin, calf and Achilles regions.  
     
     
         18 . The device according to claim above, wherein the device is attachable to the shin guard.  
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 1 , further including at least one protective element in the foot instep region for providing protection to the instep region.  
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 1 , further including at least one protective element in the toe region for providing protection to the toes.