GB2603519A

GB2603519A - A sports sock

Info

Publication number: GB2603519A
Application number: GB2101673.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coxon Samuel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-06
Filing date: 2021-02-06
Publication date: 2022-08-10
Also published as: GB202101673D0

Abstract

A sports sock 1 comprises an elastic leg cuff section 3 with an opening 5; a foot section 7 with a toe portion 9 and a heel portion 11; and a releasable fastener strip 13 substantially along the height of the leg cuff section between the heel portion and the opening. The fastener strip is openable to open the sports sock along the leg cuff section. The circumference of the opening is less than the circumference of the leg cuff section. The leg cuff may be sized to receive a shin pad 15. The sock may be a football (soccer), rugby, American football, ice hockey, or field hockey sock. The releasable fastener may be a zip, which may be an elastic zip. The zip may comprise a cover. The sock may apply a compression force around the opening and the opening may have a double wall thickness. The sock may be made of any combination of polyester, cotton, nylon, elastane, and polypropylene. The sock may comprise any combination of an arch support, a cushioned toe portion, a cushioned heel portion, and a cushioned sole.

Description

A Sports Sock The present invention relates to a sock and in particular a sports, preferably a football (soccer) sock.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Sports socks, in particular those used for playing sports such as football, rugby, and field hockey, are currently provided in various sizes and shapes. They are typically made from cotton or polyester and are sized to cover a wearer's shin, usually up to and sometimes over a wearer's knee.

In sports such as football, rugby, American football, ice hockey and field hockey, it is common for the players to receive impacts to their shins, for example, from the feet and legs of other players, or, in the case of field hockey, from a hockey stick. For this reason, it is usual for shin pads to be worn with the socks.

Typically, the shin pad will be held in place by straps which pass around the wearer's leg. In addition, in order to prevent the sock from falling down and exposing the shin pad, or the wearer's shins, it is usual to either tie a piece of cord or position tape, around the top of the shin under the knee. However, this can cause problems in the event of an injury to a wearer's foot or lower leg. For example, in order to inspect and treat such an injury, which is common during a sports match, the sock must either be lowered or removed. This is not only difficult if cord or tape has been used to secure the sock in place and if straps have been used to hold the shin pad in place but can cause great discomfort to the injured sportsperson. As a result, it is common for socks to be cut, in particular in the case of a serious injury to the foot or the leg.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sports sock comprising an elastic leg cuff section having an opening; a foot section having a toe portion and a heel portion; a releasable fastener strip substantially along the height of the leg cuff section between the heel portion and the opening; wherein the fastener strip is openable to open the sports sock along the leg cuff section and wherein the circumference of the opening is less than the circumference of the leg cuff section.

Preferably, the circumference of the leg cuff section is sized to receive and hold a shin pad.

Preferably, the sock is a football (soccer) sock, a rugby sock, an American football sock, ice hockey sock or a field hockey sock.

Preferably, the fastener strip is openable to open the sports sock along the height of the leg cuff section.

Preferably, the sock comprises an ankle section between the foot section and the leg cuff section, wherein the circumference of the ankle section is less than the circumference of the leg cuff section.

Preferably, the sock comprises the ankle section, the leg cuff section, the foot section, the toe portion and the heel portion formed as a single piece.

Preferably, the sock comprises the ankle section, the leg cuff section, the foot section, the toe portion and the heel portion formed as a single knitted piece.

Preferably, the releasable fastener strip is a zip.

Preferably, the releasable fastener strip is an elastic zip.

Preferably, the sports sock further comprises a cover for the releasable fastener.

More preferably, the sports sock further comprises a cover for the zip.

The present invention acts to compress a user's lower leg area to apply pressure to maintain blood flow to the lower leg area and prevent leg cramps or muscular strains and aid recovery of the wearer after exercise. In the event of an injury, the sports sock is easily removable by opening the releasable fastener strip so that the entire leg cuff section is open to allow removal of the sports sock or easy access to the wearer's lower leg for medical assessment and/or treatment. The sports sock of the present invention is significantly easier to put on and take off than existing sports socks, particularly when the leg cuff section of the sock is worn with shin pads. The releasable fastener also allows a user to conveniently insert leg protection, such as shin pads. The releasable fastener makes is easy to adjust the shin pads to a comfortable position. The elastic leg cuff section holds the shin pad firmly in position against the wearer's lower leg without the need for further straps or fixing means. The circumference of the opening of the sports sock is also configured to prevent a shin pad moving upwards and out of the sports sock. Thus, the present invention significantly reduces the risk of injury, which can be caused if the shin pad moves out of position.

Preferably, the compression force applied around the opening of the sports sock is greater than the compression force applied in adjacent areas of the leg cuff section.

The present invention ensures that the sports sock and any leg protection contained therein is held firmly in place against the lower leg of a user because the opening will fit tighter to the leg than the rest of the sports sock fits to a wearer's leg.

Preferably, the opening of the sports sock has a double wall thickness.

Preferably, the opening of the sports sock comprises a seam.

Preferably, the opening of the sports sock is elasticated.

Preferably, the opening of the sports sock is elasticated comprising a rubber and/or a spandex or elastane core.

Preferably, the leg cuff section and an arch section of the sports sock are elastic.

Preferably, the arch section comprises spandex or elastane; more preferably, the arch section comprises between about 1-5% spandex or elastane; still more, preferably, the arch section comprises between about 2-3% spandex or elastane.

Preferably, the leg cuff section is more elastic in an area adjacent to the opening of the sports sock than in an area adjacent to the heel or toe portion of the sports sock.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises polyester; and/or cotton; and/or Nylon Elastane; and/or Polypropylene.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises about 8 2 °/o polyester; about 15% polypropylene and about 3% elastane.

The material from which the present invention is made is hard-wearing, flexible, and strong enough to apply the desired compression to the lower leg of the user. The material of the present invention also makes the sports sock particularly suitable for sporting activities, by absorbing sweat and preventing formation of blisters. The sports sock of the present invention is comfortable for use when playing football and can also enhance performance during and after wearing because of its compression properties.

Preferably, the releasable fastener strip is attached to the leg cuff section by stitching and/or welding and/or an adhesive or a combination of two or more thereof; preferably by stitching.

The releasable fastener strip is robust and is retained in position even when the leg cuff section is stretched to apply compression to a user's lower leg.

Preferably, the length of the sports sock between the heel portion and the opening is about 46cm.

Preferably, the circumference of the opening is between about 19cm and about 23 cm; more preferably, between about 20cm and about 22cm; most preferably, the circumference of the opening is about 21cm.

The circumference of the opening is understood to refer to the circumference of the substantially circular opening at the top of the sports sock in use.

Preferably, the unstretched foot length of the sports sock is between about 22cm and about 30cm and the stretched foot length of the sports sock is between about 26cm and about 35cm.

Preferably, the unstretched leg cuff length of the sports sock is between about 44cm and about 47cm and the stretched leg cuff length of the sports sock is between about 46cm and about 49cm.

Preferably, for an unstretched length of the foot section of about 22cm, the unstretched leg cuff height of the sports sock is about 44cm.

Preferably, for an unstretched length of the foot section of about 25cm, the unstretched leg cuff height of the sports sock is about 47cm.

Preferably, for an unstretched length of the foot section of about 30cm, the unstretched leg cuff height of the sports sock is about 47cm.

It is understood that the "length" of the foot section is the longest dimension between the toe portion and the heel portion. It is understood that the height of the leg cuff section is the longest dimension between the heel portion and the opening. In use, the height of the sports sock will be substantially parallel to the length of a user's calf.

Preferably, the circumference of the opening of the sports sock is between about 34cm and about 50cm.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises an arch support.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises a cushioned toe portion.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises a cushioned heel portion.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises a cushioned sole.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises a cushioned sole, wherein Terry loops are added substantially throughout the sole to provide cushioning.

Terry loops provided across the sole of the sports sock form a cushioned sole to reduce the risk of injury and provide improved comfort for the wearer of the sock, whilst also improving wicking of moisture away from the skin of the wearer. This further increases comfort for the wearer and prevents the risk of blister formation around the sole of the foot.

Preferably, the sports sock comprises a reinforced area at and/or surrounding the heel portion of the sports sock.

By providing a reinforced area, the sports sock of the present invention is particularly hard-wearing for sports use because the heel portion of the sock is often worn away when the sock is worn with sports shoes, such as football boots. A reinforced area reduces the risk of holes forming around or are the heel portion of the sock.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures: Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the sports sock of the present invention to be worn on the left foot of a user, in a closed configuration; Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the sports sock of the present invention to be worn on the right foot of a user, in a closed configuration; Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the sports sock of the present invention, in an open configuration; Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the sports sock of the present invention in a closed configuration having a shin pad contained therein.

Referring to Figure 1, a sports sock 1 is shown. It is understood that the primary use of the sports sock 1 is for playing football (soccer), but the sports sock can also be used in other sports where additional lower leg protection is needed. For example, the present invention is particularly of use when worn with shin pads, which are commonly worn in football, rugby, American football, ice hockey and field hockey. The sports sock 1 comprises a leg cuff section 3 having an opening 5 at one end thereof. The sports sock 1 further comprises a foot section 7 having a toe portion 9 and a heel portion 11. The sports sock 1 is made from an elastic material, which comprises 82% polyester, 15% polypropylene and 3% elastane. The leg cuff section 3, the foot section 7, the toe portion 9 and the heel portion 11 are formed as a single knitted piece.

The heel portion 11 comprises a "heel pocket" wherein additional fabric in the shape of the heel is knitted into the sports sock to provide extra comfort and ensure that the sports sock is hardwearing. The toe portion 9 comprises a "toe pocket" wherein additional fabric in the shape of the toes is knitted into the sports sock for improved comfort and to ensure that the seam of the sports sock is at the end of the toe portion 9 or under the toes of a wearer, in use. The base of the foot section 7 is cushioned to provide the sole of a wearer with further cushioning. Terry loops are added through the sole of the knitted base of the foot section 7 to provide improved wicking of moisture away from a wearer's skin in use. A spliced yarn can be used to knit the sports sock 1 and allow for the formation of a thicker fabric around the parts of the sports sock 1 that are subjected to greater wear, in use. For example, the sole of the foot section 7 and the heel portion 11 are thicker than the rest of the sports sock 1.

The leg cuff section 3 further comprises a releasable fastener strip 13 substantially along the height of the leg cuff section 3 between the heel portion 11 and the opening 5. In the embodiment shown, the releasable fastener strip 13 is a zip, such as the SoFlex® zip produced by YKK having a 3C5 size. The zip 13 is elastic and flexible having a tape and a toothed zip element. The tape element of the zip is fixed to the leg cuff section 3 by stitching. Any stitching is close to the zipper teeth and the edges are overcast. The height of the sports sock 1 from the foot section 7 to the opening 5 is about 46 cm and the length of the zip 13 is about 33 cm. As shown in Figure 1, the zip 13 is positioned mid-way across one side of the sports sock 1. In a preferred embodiment, the zip 13 is covered by a flap that sits flat across the zip 13 to meet the knitted leg cuff section 3 of the sports sock 1. The flap or cover ensures that the zip is not exposed in use; for example, the zip is not exposed to be kicked by another player. In alternative embodiments, the releasable fastener strip is made of overlapping hook and loop fastener strips, such as Velcro® strips.

In use, the elastic material of the sports sock 1 is configured to cause compression of the lower leg of a user. Referring to Figure 2, the sports sock 1 is part of a pair of symmetrical sports socks, wherein the right sports sock and the left sports sock differ by the position of the zip 13. The zip 13 is positioned on an outer side of the sports sock 1 for ease of fitting and removal of the sports sock 1. Each sports sock 1 is labelled with an L, as shown in Figure 1, for the left sports sock and an R for the right sports sock, as shown in Figure 2. The labels are positioned around the toe portion 9 of each sports sock 1, so that the markings are not visible when the sports sock 1 is worn inside a sports shoe or boot.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the circumference of the opening 5 is less than the circumference of the leg cuff section 3. In use, both the substantially circular opening 5 and the substantially cylindrical leg cuff section 3 conform to the shape of a user's lower leg. However, the sports sock 1 is held more tightly to a user's calf around the opening 5 than around the remainder of the leg cuff section 3. The opening 5 is elasticated and has a double wall thickness with a rubber and/or spandex or elastane core.

Referring to Figure 3, to fit the sports sock 1, a user unfastens the zip 13 to place their foot into the foot section 7 and arranges the open leg cuff section 3 around their calf. The zip 13 is then fastened and the leg cuff section 3 compresses the lower leg of the user. The zip 13 remains in the closed position without the use of any additional fastening means.

The sports sock 1 is provided in at least three sizes to fit the requirements of different users and to achieve the required compression. For a small size, the unstretched length of the foot section 7 is about 22cm and can be stretched to about 26cm. The unstretched height of the leg cuff section 3 is about 44cm and the height of the leg cuff section can be stretched to about 46cm. The maximum circumference of the opening 5 is about 38cm. For a medium size, the unstretched length of the foot section 7 is about 25cm and can be stretched to about 29cm. The unstretched height of the leg cuff section 3 is about 47cm and the height of the leg cuff section can be stretched to about 49cm. The maximum circumference of the opening 5 is about 50cm. For a large size, the unstretched length of the foot section 7 is about 30cm and can be stretched to about 35cm. The unstretched height of the leg cuff section 3 is about 47cm and the height of the leg cuff section can be stretched to about 49cm. The maximum circumference of the opening 5 is about 50cm.

It is understood that the "length" of the foot section is the longest dimension between the toe portion 9 and the heel portion 11. It is understood that the "height" of the leg cuff section 3 is the longest dimension between the heel portion 11 and the opening 5.

Referring to Figure 4, the sports sock 1 can be used to hold additional leg protection in place. For example, a shin pad 15 is held in place by the leg cuff section 3 of the sports sock 1. In use, the shin pad 15 is inserted before the zip 13 is closed, so that when the zip 13 is fastened, the shin pad 15 is constrained by the elastic leg cuff section 3 and held in position without any additional fixing means.

Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%; more preferably, plus or minus 10%; even more preferably, plus or minus 5%; most preferably, plus or minus 2%.

Within this specification, the term "substantially" means a deviation of plus or minus 20%; more preferably, plus or minus 10°/0; even more preferably, plus or minus 5%; most preferably, plus or minus 2%.

Within this specification, reference to "substantially" includes reference to "completely" and/or "exactly". That is, where the word substantially is included, it will be appreciated that this also includes reference to the particular sentence without the word substantially.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A sports sock comprising an elastic leg cuff section having an opening; a foot section having a toe portion and a heel portion; a releasable fastener strip substantially along the height of the leg cuff section between the heel portion and the opening; wherein the fastener strip is openable to open the sports sock along the leg cuff section and wherein the circumference of the opening is less than the circumference of the leg cuff section.
2. A sports sock according to claim 1 wherein the circumference of the leg cuff section is sized to receive and hold a shin pad.
3. A sports sock according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sports sock is a football (soccer) sock, a rugby sock, an American football sock, an ice hockey sock or a field hockey sock.
4. A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the fastener strip is openable to open the sports sock along the height of the leg cuff section.
5. A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the sports sock comprises an ankle section between the foot section and the leg cuff section, wherein the circumference of the ankle section is less than the circumference of the leg cuff section.
6. A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the ankle section, the leg cuff section, the foot section, the toe portion and the heel portion are formed as a single piece.
7. A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the releasable fastener strip is a zip.
8. A sports sock according to claim 7 wherein the releasable fastener strip is an elastic zip.
9. A sports sock according to claim 7 or claim 8 further comprising a cover for the zip.
10.A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the compression force applied around the opening of the sports sock is greater than the compression force applied in adjacent areas of the leg cuff section.
11.A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the opening of the sports sock has a double wall thickness.
12.A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the leg cuff section and an arch section of the sports sock are elastic.
13.A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the leg cuff section is more elastic in an area adjacent to the opening of the sports sock than in an area adjacent to the heel or toe portion of the sports sock.
14.A sports sock according to any preceding claim comprising polyester; and/or cotton; and/or Nylon Elastane; and/or Polypropylene.
15.A sports sock according to any preceding claim comprising about 82% polyester; about 15% polypropylene and about 3% elastane.
16.A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the releasable fastener strip is attached to the leg cuff section by stitching and/or welding and/or an adhesive or a combination of two or more thereof.
17.A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the circumference of the opening of the sports sock is between about 34cm and about 50cm.
18.A sports sock according to any preceding claim wherein the sports sock comprises an arch support and/or a cushioned toe portion; and/or a cushioned heel portion and/or a cushioned sole.
19.A sports sock according to any preceding claim comprising a reinforced area at and/or surrounding the heel portion of the sports sock.