GB2615363A

GB2615363A - Sock design

Info

Publication number: GB2615363A
Application number: GB2201586.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Blake Nathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-02-08
Filing date: 2022-02-08
Publication date: 2023-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2042-02-08
Also published as: GB2615363B

Abstract

A sock comprising a foot element 32 and a hollow sheath 38 extending from the foot to an edge 40 and defining a region to receive the leg, the sheath including a calf region 44 formed of a first fabric, the rest of the sheath 36 comprising a second fabric, where the first fabric has increased stretch compared to the second fabric. Preferably the calf portion is elongate, surrounded by the second fabric, and in use extends across the whole gastrocnemius muscle region. There may be an edge portion (50, figure 8) formed of a third fabric having less stretch than the first fabric. Preferably the calf portion comprises a central panel 44 comprising the first fabric and an adjacent panel 48 formed of a fourth fabric with greater stretch than the first fabric. The sock provides good performance holding up during sports but without applying unnecessary compression to the calf, which can lead to weakened muscle and thus injury.

Description

SOCK DESIGN

The present invention relates to a sock design which supports the lower leg of a wearer during use, whilst avoiding over-support of the gastrocnemius muscle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Calf muscle injuries are common in sports which involve high-speed running, particularly during manoeuvres involving high speed acceleration and/or deceleration. For example, in the sport of football (often referred to as soccer), calf muscle injuries are common and account for well over 10% of muscle injuries. The most prevalent calf muscle injuries are a result of rupture to the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle, which is located in the calf region of the lower leg.

Lower extremity muscle injuries, such as MG strain injury, are the most frequent injury affecting the calf region in professional football and result in significant disability, with at least 2 weeks of missed playing time on average.

Initial treatment of a medial MG muscle injury includes relative rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and early weight bearing. The initial treatment typically continues for twenty-four to seventy-two hours, and ice therapy is applied over a damp elastic wrap, which also provides compression. After initial treatment is complete, compression of the muscle is encouraged when resuming athletic activities to both assist with muscle recovery and prevent further MG muscle injury.

However, whilst this ongoing compression treatment is helpful in assisting with the repair of damaged muscle tissue, it does not assist with the strengthening of the muscle, with the result that when compression treatment is stopped, the weakened muscle is more prone to repeat injury.

This phenomenon is also seen where compression is routinely applied to non-damaged muscles. For example, professional footballers typically wear tightfitting socks, so-designed to prevent the socks from rolling down (known as 'roll-down') during vigorous sporting activity. However, these socks act in a similar manner to compression socks and often result in weakened MG muscles with a consequently increased risk of MG muscle tears. This situation is exacerbated when a footballer, wearing conventional regulation football socks, has calf muscles that are significantly larger than average. In such cases, the tight-fitting regulation football socks apply even more compression to the calf of the wearer during use, and thus there is a further increased risk weakened calf muscle and consequential MG muscle injury.

There is therefore a need for a sock which is sufficiently tight fitting to prevent roll-down, but avoids over-compression of the calf muscle of the wearer without compromising the close-fit of the sock during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a sock for receiving the foot and lower leg of a user therein, the sock comprising: a foot element having a toe portion and a heel portion, the foot element defining a foot receiving cavity; and a hollow sheath extending from the foot element and defining a lower leg receiving portion, the hollow sheath comprising an edge portion distal to the foot element, and a calf portion located between the foot element and the edge portion, wherein the calf portion comprises a first fabric, and at least a portion of the rest of the hollow sheath comprises a second fabric, and wherein the first fabric has increased stretch relative to the second fabric.

This arrangement provides a sock with a calf portion of increased stretch such that the calf portion of the sock applies less compression to the lower leg of the user than the rest of the sock, thus preventing weakening of the gastrocnemius muscle.

In one embodiment, the calf portion is elongate in form and preferably locates adjacent and extends along the portion of the lower leg corresponding to the full length of the gastrocnemius muscle of the wearer when in use. However, it is to be appreciated that provided the calf portion extends across the majority of the portion of the lower leg corresponding to the gastrocnemius muscle of the wearer when in use, the sock will achieve the desired aim of reduced compression of the gastrocnemius muscle.

In one embodiment, the calf portion of the hollow sheath is surrounded by the second fabric. The presence of the second fabric which has reduced stretch compared to the first fabric of the calf portion assist with maintaining the conventional sock form whilst also assisting with the location of the calf portion in the desired position once in place on the lower leg of a wearer.

Preferably, the first fabric comprises a breathable fabric. Thus, the calf portion of the sock which is located adjacent the calf muscle of a wearer, during use, is breathable.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the first and second fabric comprises a warp knit, or weft knit base textile.

In a weft knitted fabric, the stitches run from left to right horizontally across the fabric. It is usually knitted with one piece of yarn and is simpler than warp knitting. By contrast, a warp knitted fabric is produced by intermeshing loops in the knitting elements and is knitted at a constant continuous width. In comparison with weft-knot structures, warp knits are typically run-resistant and are closer, flatter and less elastic.

Both warp knit and weft knit fabrics are commonly used in close fit and pressure garments. Warp knit fabrics (such as Spandex®) typically offer firmer pressure and last longer. Whereas weft knit cotton elastic materials (such as Tubigrip®) typically have greater stretch tolerance and more universal fit characteristics.

Preferably, both the first and second fabric are weft-knit base textiles.

Alternatively, the first fabric is a breathable mesh to prevent the calf area overheating during exercise.

In one embodiment, the calf portion is located on a portion of the hollow sheath distal to the toe portion and is located adjacent at least a portion of the gastrocnemius muscle area of the calf of the user during use. Preferably, the calf portion extends across the whole of the gastrocnemius muscle area of the calf of the user during use.

Whether the calf portion extends across a portion or the whole of the gastrocnemius muscle, it is to be appreciated that the calf portion may be of any suitable size and shape provided that it achieves the desired purpose of localised reduced compression. For example, the calf portion may comprise an approximate inverted 'heart-shaped' form corresponding to the approximate shape of the gastrocnemius muscle. Alternatively, the calf portion may comprise an oval shape or any other suitable elongated shape sufficient to extend across a majority of the calf portion corresponding to the gastrocnemius muscle.

In a further embodiment, the edge portion comprises a third fabric, wherein the third fabric has reduced stretch relative to the first fabric. This allows the sock to have an edge portion or band at the open end of the sock which will grip the lower leg of the user more firmly than the rest of the sock and assist with the prevention of 'roll-down' of the sock during athletic activities. This is particularly important in professional sports where official regulations may require that socks remain pulled up during all official games.

In a further embodiment, the calf portion comprises a central panel comprising the first fabric and at least one adjacent panel comprising a fourth fabric, wherein the fourth fabric has a greater stretch that the first fabric. For example, the calf portion may comprise a central portion comprising the first fabric and an adjacent panel on each side of the first fabric, each adjacent panel comprising the fourth fabric. This arrangement will result in the adjacent panels stretching in the first instance to accommodate the increase diameter of the lower leg at region corresponding to the gastrocnemius muscle. However, where the calf of the wearer is larger than average, further stretch of the sock at the calf portion is facilitated by stretching of the central panel comprising the first fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 is a rear view of an anatomical diagram of the main muscles of the calf of a human; Figure 2 is a side view of the calf of figure 1; Figure 34 is a side view of a first embodiment of a sock in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 3B is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 3; Figure 4A is a side view of a second embodiment of a sock in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 4B is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 4k Figure 54 is a side view of a third embodiment of a sock in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 5B is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 54; Figure 64 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a sock in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 6B is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 64 Figure 7A is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a sock in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 7B is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 7A; Figure 8A is a side view of a sixth embodiment of a sock in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; and Figure 8B is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 84. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1 and 2 show the lower leg 10 of a human. Lower leg 10 comprises a calf 12 and foot 14 linked by ankle 16. The gastrocnemius muscle 18 is the larger of the two calf muscles and forms a visible bulge under the skin. The smaller of the two calf muscles is the soleus 20, which is flatter in form and lies beneath the gastrocnemius muscle. These two muscles taper and merge at the base of the calf where they connect with the Achilles tendon 22 which extends to the heel bone or calcaneus. During walking, running, or jumping, the calf muscle (gastrocnemius muscle 18 and soleus 20) in combination with the Achilles tendon 22, pull the heel up to allow forward movement.

As can be seen from figures 1 and 2, the area of the lower leg 10 in the area of the calf 12 is significantly larger in cross-section that the rest of the lower leg 10. Therefore, when the lower leg 12 is encased in a conventional sock, it is clear that the pressure applied to the calf region 12 will be greater than that applied to the rest of the lower leg 10.

Figures 3A and 3B show a first embodiment of a sock 30 in accordance with the present invention. Sock 30 comprises a foot element 32 defining a foot-receiving cavity for receiving the foot 14 of a user therein during in use. Foot element 32 comprises a toe portion 34 and an integral heel portion 36.

Sock 30 further comprises a hollow sheath 38. One end of hollow sheath 38 extends from the foot element 32 adjacent the heel portion 36. Hollow sheath 38 comprises an edge portion 40 distal to the foot element 32 and a calf portion 42 located between the foot element 32 and the edge portion 40.

The calf portion 42 comprises a stretchable fabric and is breathable, which is advantageous for the gastrocnemius muscle located beneath calf portion 42 Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, stretch mesh, fishnet composition and polyester jersey with punched holes (sports).

In the embodiment of figures 3A and 3B, the calf portion 42 is an inverted 'heart shape' to mirror the shape of the gastrocnemius muscle 18. The calf portion 42 provides a region of increased stretch relative to fabric of the hollow sheath 38 surrounding the calf portion 42. This prevents the sock 30 acting as a compression sock and exposing the calf 12 of the lower leg 10 of the wearer to unwanted levels of pressure that could weaken the gastrocnemius muscle 18 of the wearer.

Figures 4A and 4B show a second embodiment of a sock 30 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, sock 30 comprises a foot element 32 with integral hollow sheath 38. In line with the embodiment of figures 3A and 38, a calf portion 42 is located between the foot element 32 and edge portion 40 of hollow sheath 38. Calf portion 42 comprises a first fabric 44 that is integral with the surrounding fabric 46 of hollow sheath 38, but has a greater stretch that that of the surrounding fabric 46. In this embodiment, calf portion 42 is oval in shape and first fabric 44 has been stitched into the surrounding fabric 46 of hollow sheath 38, rather than being integrally woven with surrounding fabric 36.

Figures 54 and 5B show a third embodiment of a sock 30 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, sock 30 comprises a foot element 32 with integral hollow sheath 38. In line with the embodiment of figures 34 and 3B, a calf portion 42 is located between the foot element 32 and edge portion 40 of hollow sheath 38. Calf portion 42 comprises a central portion 50 of first fabric 44 with two elongated portions 48, 48' of a second fabric 45, one located on either side of first fabric 44. Both first fabric 44 and second fabric 45 have a greater stretch than that of surrounding fabric 46 of hollow sheath 38.

Further, elongate portions 48, 48' of second fabric 45 have a greater stretch compared to central portion 50 comprising first fabric 44.

Thus, when in use, the hollow sheath 38 will encase the lower leg 10 of a wearer and elongate portions 48, 48' will stretch more than the surrounding fabric 46 of hollow sheath 38 to reduce pressure on the calf 12 (and thus the gastrocnemius muscle 18. In addition, where the user has a larger than average calf muscle and therefore has an above average calf circumference, the central portion 50 of first fabric 44 will expand to accommodate this. This allows the sock 30 to more comfortably accommodate a lower leg with a calf 12 of above average dimension without compromising the technical advantage of the sock 30, namely providing a supporting sock that avoids applying unwanted compression to the calf 12 of a user.

Figures 64 and 6B show a fourth embodiment of a sock 30 in accordance with the present invention.

In this embodiment, sock 30 comprises a foot element 32 with integral hollow sheath 38. In line with the embodiment of figures 44 and 4B, a calf portion 42 is located between the foot element 32 and edge portion 40 of hollow sheath 33. However, unlike the embodiments of figures 44 and 4B, calf portion 42 extends sufficiently across the sock 30 to lie adjacent both the gastrocnemius muscle and the Achilles tendon of a user, thereby providing a breathable sheath across both the gastrocnemius muscle and the Achilles tendon. As calf portion 42 comprises a region of increased stretch relative to the remainder of sock 30, less pressure is exerted on the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon of a user, during use.

Figures 7A and 7B show a fifth embodiment of a sock 30 in accordance with the present invention.

In this embodiment, sock 30 is provided with multiple calf portions 42. It is to be appreciated that each of the calf portions 42 may comprises fabric of the same or different stretch qualities. In addition, each of the calf portions 42 may comprise the same or different shapes and sizes. In the embodiment shown in figures 7A and 7B, the smaller calf portions 42 are located above the main larger calf portion 42. However, this is a representation and should not be considered limiting with respect to the placement of the plurality of calf portions 42 with respect to one another.

This embodiment allows the stretch characteristics of all parts of the sock 30 to be selected to suit the individual needs of a wearer with respect to both muscle placement and calf dimension.

Figures 8A and 8B show a sixth embodiment of a sock 30 in accordance with the present invention.

In this embodiment, an additional band 50 of stretch fabric is provided at the opening of sock 30. This allows the stretch properties of band 50 of sock 30 to be selected to suit both the dimensions of the leg of the wearer, but also to provide a selected stretch in the fabric passing over the Plantaris muscle i.e., the long, thin muscle that extends behind the knee and into the calf (or sural) region of the lower leg.

It is to be appreciated that band 50 may be present with any calf portion arrangement described herein.

In all of the preceding embodiments, it is to be appreciated that the fabric of the calf portion 42 may comprise a single fabric of uniform stretch or could comprise a ribbed fabric or combination of fabrics, whether interwoven or stitched together to provide a panel of selected stretch profile, shape and thickness.

Although the sock of the present invention has been described with reference to sports applications, it is to be appreciated that the sock of the present invention may also have application for patients with tender or compromised skin in the calf region, or post-surgery to prevent undue pressure on the skin and/or gastrocnemius muscle of the calf.

Further, the sock may have additional application in the treatment or alleviation of gastrocnemius muscle cramps and the like.

Although the present invention has been described as a sock covering the lower leg of a wearer, it is to be appreciated that the sock may extend to above the knee where desired whist still including the aforementioned calf portion designed to reduce compression of the gastrocnemius muscle of the wearer, during use.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A sock for receiving the foot and lower leg of a user therein, the sock comprising: a. a foot element having a toe portion and a heel portion, the foot element defining a foot receiving cavity; and b. a hollow sheath extending from the foot element and defining a lower leg receiving portion, the hollow sheath comprising an edge portion distal to the foot element, and a calf portion located between the foot element and the edge portion, wherein the calf portion comprises a first fabric, and at least a portion of the rest of the hollow sheath comprises a second fabric, and wherein the first fabric has increased stretch relative to the second fabric.
2. A sock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the calf portion is elongate in form.
3. A sock as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the calf portion is surrounded by the second fabric.
4. A sock as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second fabric comprises a warp knit, or weft knit base textile.
5. A sock as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the both the first and second fabric are weft-knit base textiles.
6. A sock as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the calf portion is located on a portion of the hollow sheath distal to the toe portion and is located adjacent at least a portion of the gastrocnemius muscle area of the calf of the user during use.
7. A sock as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the calf portion extends across the whole of the gastrocnemius muscle area of the calf of the user during use.
8. A sock as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the edge portion comprises a third fabric, wherein the third fabric has reduced stretch relative to the first fabric.
9. A sock as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the calf portion comprises a central panel comprising the first fabric and at least adjacent panel comprising a fourth fabric, wherein the fourth fabric has a greater stretch that the first fabric.