Protective element

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective element for a portion of the human body, comprising a tub-shaped molded piece that has an internal side (IS) facing the body and a compensation layer. The shape of the molded piece is adapted to the human anatomy, in particular the hip or pelvis region. At least some sections of the compensation layer are arranged on the internal side (IS). The molded piece is monolithically formed from a cured composite material, while the compensation layer is made of an elastically deformable foam material and includes a duct system of groove-like depressions on the side facing the body.

1 . A protective element for protecting the hip or pelvis region, having a cup-shaped molded part with a body-facing inner side and a compensating layer,
 the compensating layer being arranged at least in certain portions on the inner side,   the molded part being formed in one piece from a cured composite material and   the compensating layer being formed from an elastically deformable foam material,   the molded part having a concave shape that is adapted to the human anatomy of the hip or pelvis region and has a central portion, the central portion having an inwardly curved portion which is facing the body, is arranged in the region of the coccyx when the protective element is being worn and, as a structural stiffening element, increases the mechanical strength of the molded part.   
     
     
         2 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , which has an upper leg protection with two portions lying on a base plane, the inwardly curved portion that is arranged between the portions having in the central portion a distance from the base plane of the portions of the upper leg protection. 
     
     
         3 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1  in which the molded part has two side pieces for protecting the hip joints from laterally acting forces. 
     
     
         4 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the side pieces extend beyond a plane that is defined by tangents to peripheral lines of the central portion of the molded part. 
     
     
         5 . The protective element as claimed  claim 1 , in which the central portion of the molded part has on the side opposite from the inwardly curved portion a clearance in comparison with the highest extent of the molded part in the region of the side pieces. 
     
     
         6 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the composite material comprises a fibrous material and a curable filler. 
     
     
         7 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the composite material has a modulus of elasticity of at least 40 kN/mm 2 . 
     
     
         8 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the compensating layer is formed from an elastomer foam, in particular a polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         9 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the molded part has a thickness of between 0.7 mm and 1.7 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the compensating layer has an average thickness of 8.5 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , a system of channels being arranged facing the inner side of the molded part. 
     
     
         12 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 11 , the system of channels having groove-like depressions and the depth of the depressions lying in the range between 20% and 45% of the thickness of the compensating layer. 
     
     
         13 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the compensating layer is connected in certain portions to the inner side. 
     
     
         14 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which a flexible holding device is arranged on the molded part. 
     
     
         15 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which a contact portion is arranged in the central portion of the molded part. 
     
     
         16 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which a peripheral portion of the molded part has a curvature opposed to the curvature of the inner side of the molded part. 
     
     
         17 . The protective element as claimed in  claim 1 , in which a moisture-permeable layer is arranged on the body-facing side of the compensating layer.