Body protective device

Abstract

A body protective device for protection from the waist area to the knees area from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a composite body 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 from the waist area to the knees area, including the coccyx 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 coccyx 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 from the waist area to the knee area, including the coccyx 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 custom-fit to the individual who will be wearing the device.  
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elements are custom-molded.  
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the substantially flexible outer garment is attachable to/ covering the region from the waist area to the knees area, including the coccyx area of the user.  
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein the outer garment is attachable to equipment proximal to the region from the waist area to the knees area, including the coccyx area of the user.  
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is particularly shaped and configured to provide protection to women.