Protector (protective equipment)
A protector is protective equipment worn on the body that is used to protect against injuries . The protectors are an important part of the equipment, especially in sports where there is a risk of falling and physical activity . The structure usually consists of a hard shell, which is adapted to the body zone to be protected, and a cushioning pad.
Protective equipment for the head and feet is usually not counted among the protectors because special precautions are necessary to protect these specially exposed parts of the body.
The term “protector” is protected for applications in motorcycle clothing. Only body protection elements that comply with DIN EN 1621 may be designated as protectors . The tests for this are carried out by independent institutes such as TÜV . By a certification and a permanent monitoring of production ensures that minimum requirements are met. Protectors are provided with a CE mark .
Use in sports
Protectors are particularly important in the following sports:
- Downhill
- Dirt bike
- Snowboard
- ski
- Motocross
- Skateboarding
- in-line skating
- ice Hockey
- American football
- Kite sailing and power kiting
- Trial
- Wakeboard
- Jet ski
- Paragliding
Types of protectors
There are protectors for:
- knee
- Knees and shins ( lower leg protection )
- Abdomen
- hip
- Rib cage
- move
- Shoulders
- elbow
- Wrists
- coccyx
How protectors work
Protectors work according to two different modes of action:
Power distribution
The principle of energy distribution is to distribute the point energy over a larger area. Because the energy is distributed over a larger area, injuries such as broken bones and bruises can be prevented. So that protectors can distribute the energy over a larger area, they have to be made of a hard, unyielding material.
Energy absorption
The energy absorption of a protector works on a similar principle as the crumple zone of a car. Protectors that work according to this mode of operation absorb the energy of the impact and deform. A protector only has a very small crumple zone, which is why most protectors mainly work on the principle of energy distribution.
See also
- Quartz sand glove
- Kidney belt
- Police body protection equipment
- Protective equipment (disambiguation)