Conformable device for protecting a joint area of the human body

Abstract

A device for protecting an area of the human body including a joint, includes a semi-rigid outer shell ( 10 ) made of an elastically deformable material and an inner shock-absorbing protective element ( 20 ), intended to be placed facing the body. The device is able to be deformed laterally so as to match the shape of the body in the area including the joint. It also includes elements capable of maintaining it in each given lateral deformation position, in the form of deformable rigid transverse inserts, and elements ( 105, 205 ) for folding the device along a transverse axis.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . Device for protecting an area of the human body including a joint, comprising an outer shell made of an elastically deformable material and an inner shock-absorbing protective element intended to be placed facing the body, said device being able to be deformed laterally so as to match the shape of the body in said area, and comprising, along a longitudinal axis, a first portion intended to cover said joint, and a second portion intended to cover a portion of a limb next to said joint, said first portion and said second portion being connected by a folding area for folding along a transverse axis of the device, wherein the device comprises retaining means for maintaining same in each given lateral deformation position, said retaining means comprising at least two deformable rigid transverse inserts secured to said shell and respectively positioned either side of the folding area. 
     
     
         12 . Device according to  claim 11 , wherein the shell comprises, on a side, called ‘inner’, facing the inner protective element, a peripheral rim with extra thickness. 
     
     
         13 . Device according to  claim 11 , wherein the shell is provided on its contour with folding notches. 
     
     
         14 . Device according to  claim 11 , wherein the shell comprises at least one series of through-slots forming a fold line. 
     
     
         15 . Device according to  claim 11 , wherein the shell is also pierced by a plurality of through holes distributed over its surface. 
     
     
         16 . Device according to  claim 11 , wherein the shell comprises, on a side called ‘outer’, means of absorbing shocks. 
     
     
         17 . Device according to  claim 11 , comprising means of assembly to a system for fastening on the body. 
     
     
         18 . Device according to  claim 11 , wherein the inserts are made of metal. 
     
     
         19 . Device according to  claim 11 , comprising two lateral cut-outs at the folding area. 
     
     
         20 . Device according to  claim 11 , comprising an additional insert positioned at a lower edge of said device.