PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from a U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 63/721,729, filed on Nov. 18, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective clothing and, more particularly, to a protective tracksuit designed for patients and elderly individuals to minimize injuries resulting from accidental falls or impacts.

BACKGROUND

Elderly individuals and patients with muscular weakness often require assistance while standing, sitting, or walking to prevent accidental collapse or falls. For example, postoperative patients frequently experience reduced muscular strength and stability, making them vulnerable to sudden loss of balance. Similarly, elderly individuals may experience both diminished muscular strength and reduced cognitive alertness, increasing the likelihood of accidental falls.

Falling directly onto a hard surface can result in serious injuries such as fractures, contusions, or head trauma, which may complicate the medical condition of the affected individual and, in severe cases, prove fatal. These injuries often lead to prolonged recovery, hospitalization, and reduced quality of life for the patient or elderly person.

Although external assistance from caregivers or attendants is recommended, such support is not always readily available or feasible in all environments.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a protective clothing system, such as a tracksuit, that can safeguard individuals from injury during accidental falls or impacts, or at least reduce the severity of such injuries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following provides a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention to facilitate a basic understanding of its features and advantages. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is not intended to identify essential elements or define the full scope of the invention. It merely introduces certain concepts that are described in greater detail in the subsequent sections.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide protective clothing that can be worn like ordinary apparel and is configured to minimize the impact experienced during a hard landing or fall onto a floor.

Another object of the present invention is that the protective clothing are comfortable to wear.

A further object of the present invention is to provide protective clothing that is lightweight and non-bulky, thereby allowing ease of movement comparable to regular clothing.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide protective clothing that maintains the external appearance of normal clothing, such as a tracksuit, so that it can be worn discreetly in everyday environments.

The present invention discloses a protective tracksuit configured to safeguard a wearer from injuries caused by accidental falls or impacts. The tracksuit comprises a fabric body including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hoodie designed to cover the torso, arms, legs, and head of the wearer. A plurality of inner pockets are formed within the fabric body, positioned between inner and outer fabric layers. Each inner pocket is located at a predetermined position corresponding to a vulnerable body region of the wearer and is configured to receive a removable protective pad.

The protective pads are dimensioned to conform to the inner pockets and are fabricated from impact-absorbing materials to dissipate energy during a fall or collision. The tracksuit thereby reduces the impact transmitted to the body while maintaining the external appearance of normal clothing. In certain embodiments, the inner pockets are located at body regions such as the head, shoulders, back, wrists, hips, and knees, enabling targeted protection where injuries are most likely to occur.

Each protective pad may comprise multiple layers, including an outer dense layer for distributing impact forces and an inner soft layer for cushioning and comfort. The garment may be constructed from lightweight, flexible, and breathable materials, allowing daily wear without discomfort or restriction of movement.

The invention further provides a method for protecting a wearer from injury due to accidental impact, comprising providing the protective tracksuit, inserting the removable protective pads into the inner pockets, and wearing the tracksuit so that it covers the user's body and head. When a fall or collision occurs, the protective pads absorb and dissipate impact energy, thereby reducing injury severity. The method may further include removing one or more protective pads through openings in the inner pockets to facilitate washing, maintenance, or replacement.

The disclosed system thus offers a lightweight, modular, and comfortable protective garment that provides practical injury prevention for elderly individuals, patients in recovery, or others at risk of accidental falls—while preserving the familiar look and comfort of everyday clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates front views of the upper and lower portions of the protective clothing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates rear views of the upper and lower portions of the protective clothing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the arrangement of protective pads applied to the upper portion of the protective clothing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement of protective pads applied to the lower portion of the protective clothing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of various protective pads incorporated in the protective clothing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the protective pads shown in FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and illustrate specific exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that the subject matter may be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the invention. It is intended that the claims encompass a broad range of subject matter, including methods, devices, components, and systems. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” should not be construed as preferred or more advantageous over other embodiments. Similarly, the expression “embodiments of the present invention” does not imply that all embodiments must include all features, advantages, or modes of operation described.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description sets forth the best currently contemplated modes for carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. This description is not intended to be limiting, but rather to illustrate the general principles of the invention. The claims of any issued patent will define the scope of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 100: Tracksuit
  • 105: Upper portion
  • 110: Lower portion
  • 115: Drawstrings
  • 120: Thigh inner pocket
  • 125: Knee inner pocket
  • 130: Shoulder inner pocket
  • 135: Wrist inner pocket
  • 140: Zip
  • 145: Hoodie
  • 150: Head inner pocket
  • 155: Shoulder inner pocket
  • 158: Back inner pocket
  • 160: Head pads
  • 165: Shoulder pads
  • 170: Back pad
  • 175: Knee pad
  • 180: Wrist pad
  • 185: Hip pad
  • 190: Knee pad

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention discloses a protective garment (100) designed to safeguard a wearer against injuries caused by accidental falls or impacts with hard surfaces. The garment 100 is configured to be worn in a manner similar to ordinary clothing while providing protective cushioning at strategic body locations. The protective garment 100 may include a two-piece structure, comprising an upper portion (105) and a lower portion (110), resembling a tracksuit in appearance and comfort.

The upper portion (105) is designed to cover the torso and arms of the wearer, while the lower portion (110) covers the waist, hips, thighs, knees, and legs. A hoodie (145) extends from the neck region of the upper portion and is configured to cover the head of the wearer. Together, the upper portion 105, lower portion 110, and hoodie 145 provide comprehensive protection from the head down to the knees.

The protective clothing (100) may be made of lightweight, skin-friendly materials suitable for prolonged wear. In certain embodiments, the garment may be constructed from multiple fabric layers, including an inner comfort layer that contacts the skin and an outer protective layer that resists abrasion and wear. The selection of materials may depend on environmental conditions and performance requirements such as moisture wicking, temperature regulation, and weather resistance. Separate variants of the garment may be designed for summer and winter use, with fabric compositions tailored accordingly.

To ensure aesthetic appeal, the garment 100 may be produced in various colors, styles, and designs similar to standard athletic wear. Although illustrated in the form of a tracksuit, it is to be understood that other clothing styles—such as jumpsuits, overalls, or pajamas—can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The garment may be manufactured in standard sizes or custom-fitted for individual users. Importantly, the external appearance remains comparable to normal apparel, enabling discreet daily use without visible indicators of protective functionality.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper portion (105) includes long sleeves and a zipper (140) at the front for easy wearing and removal. The lower portion (110) may include drawstrings (115) or an elastic waistband for secure fitting. The hoodie 145 may optionally include an adjustable drawcord for tightening around the head. The overall structure ensures comfort and ease of movement while maintaining protective coverage.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the protective clothing includes a plurality of inner pockets (120, 125, 130, 135, 150, 155, 158) strategically positioned between inner and outer fabric layers. These inner pockets are configured to receive removable protective pads (160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190) that absorb impact energy during a fall or collision. Each pocket is shaped and sized to securely hold a corresponding pad, ensuring proper alignment and minimal movement during wear.

The placement of the inner pockets is determined based on the most vulnerable body areas during accidental falls. The hoodie (145) includes head inner pockets (150) for accommodating hoodie pads (160) that protect the skull and sides of the head. The upper portion (105) includes shoulder inner pockets (130) for shoulder pads (165), and a back inner pocket (158) for a back pad (170). Similarly, the lower portion (110) includes hip inner pockets (120) for hip pads (185) and knee inner pockets (125) for knee pads (190). The wrist inner pockets (135) house wrist pads (180) that protect the hands and wrists.

The inner pockets are preferably concealed within the garment structure, such that neither the pads nor their openings are externally visible, thereby maintaining a clean and conventional outer appearance. The pockets may include discreet openings or closures, such as zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners, enabling insertion or removal of pads for washing or customization.

The wearer may selectively choose which pads to install depending on the desired level of protection. For instance, an active elderly user might prefer all pads inserted, while a patient in recovery may opt for lighter protection by omitting back or hip pads. The inner pockets may include markings or alignment guides to ensure that the pads are correctly oriented during insertion.

Each protective pad (160-190) may be formed from impact-absorbing materials, such as viscoelastic foam, silicone gel, air-cell composites, or layered polymeric cushioning. In one embodiment, the pads may include multiple layers, with an outer dense layer for distributing impact forces and an inner soft layer for comfort. The pad design may be contoured to follow the body's natural curvature, allowing flexibility while preventing bulkiness. The pad materials may be washable, lightweight, and resistant to deformation to maintain consistent protection over time.

The disclosed protective clothing (100) is lightweight, flexible, and comfortable, allowing unrestricted movement similar to conventional clothing. It provides modular protection for critical body parts while maintaining an unobtrusive appearance. The clothing may be worn daily by elderly individuals, postoperative patients, or individuals with mobility impairments to reduce the risk or severity of injuries caused by falls or impacts. The garment may also find use in rehabilitation centers, eldercare facilities, and home environments.

By combining comfort, discretion, and effective protection, the present invention offers a practical and user-friendly solution to safeguard vulnerable individuals without compromising their mobility or dignity.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.