Featuring D3O®
Impact Protection Technology

D3O Impact Protection Technology

The superior performance of the Fall-Safe Hip Protector is a direct result of its exclusive use of D3O Impact Protection technology in the construction of its pads.  After an evolution from hard to soft to hybrid hip protector materials, it has taken the arrival of the unique patented* D3O polymer composite to finally provide the best features of all of these form factors in a single versatile material that behaves exactly as wanted when it is wanted.  

Unlike regular foam rubber materials, while the D3O pads are soft and flexible in their natural state, they become instantly rigid when struck by an outside force such as occurs when the wearer falls onto the hip. 

Revolutionary Technology

D3O's Impact Protection technology comprises a unique patented energy-absorbing composite material developed through special chemical engineering of a proprietary polymer matrix. The resulting molecular structure of the composite material allows it to alter its behavior under different circumstances:

  1. At Rest—D3O molecules are loosely positioned, allowing the material to readily conform to virtually any shape and to be pliable and easily molded.
  2. On Sudden Impact—the energy of an impact is quickly dispersed throughout the material as the molecules instantly "lock" together to produce a highly efficient shock-absorption barrier that dramatically reduces impact transmission and its potentially harmful effect on any underlying area of the body.
  3. On Relaxation—as soon as the impact is over and the energy fully dissipated, the molecules return to their previous loose bonding—until the next time they are subjected to sudden force.

This dramatic and instantaneous transformation of physical properties only when that transformation is required has led some to describe D3O as having "Intelligent Molecules."

D3O molecules' reaction to impact — animation

Ideal Impact Protection for Hip Protectors

What makes D3O so remarkable is the way in which its intelligently designed material properties bring together the ideal characteristics for a hip protector:

  • Soft, pliable, and comfortable when at rest - hardly noticeable when walking around, sitting, or lying in bed
  • Shock-absorbing and rigid only when subjected to sudden impact
  • Then relaxing again immediately after impact. allowing full freedom of movement

As a result, D3O-containing Fall-Safe Hip Protectors offer the best of both worlds - soft and comfortable against the body in the course of normal everyday activities, yet automatically providing instant armor-like protection only when needed—at the moment of sudden impact. 

* Patent number: US7381460