U.S. patent application number 12/913627 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for compression sock.
Invention is credited to Greg Hoscheit, Damian Loth.
Application Number | 20120102613 12/913627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45995030 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120102613 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loth; Damian ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
COMPRESSION SOCK
Abstract
The present disclosure describes a sock with graduated
compression and pads. The pads are on the leg section of the sock
and are adapted to increase protection of the wearer, particularly,
in sports applications. The pads can be aligned with the wearer's
shin, which is a relatively unprotected during many athletic
contests. Pads can also be positioned on the side of the sock.
These pads may help protect the wearer's ankle or the side of the
leg.
Inventors: |
Loth; Damian; (Vancouver,
CA) ; Hoscheit; Greg; (St. Charles, MN) |
Family ID: |
45995030 |
Appl. No.: |
12/913627 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/22 ; 2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/1275 20130101;
A41D 13/0543 20130101; A61F 13/08 20130101; A63B 2071/1283
20130101; D04B 1/265 20130101; A41B 11/003 20130101; A63B 2071/1258
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/22 ; 2/239 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A43B 17/00 20060101 A43B017/00 |
Claims
1. A sock, comprising: a foot section to cover a foot of a wearer,
the foot including material to form a closed toe end and an open,
ankle end; and a leg section to cover part of a lower leg portion
of the wearer, the leg section including graduated compression, the
leg section including: a lower end connected to the ankle end; an
upper end that is open to receive a leg of the wearer therein; a
front extending between the lower end and the upper end, the front
to extend along a front of a leg of the wearer while worn;
graduated compression; a plurality of shin pads positioned along
the front of the leg section; and at least one side pad positioned,
at least partly, on a side of the leg section.
2. The sock of claim 1, wherein the shin pads are polygonal in
shape.
3. The sock of claim 1, wherein the shin pads are aligned
vertically along the front of the leg section to cover more than
about half of the shin of the wearer.
4. The sock of claim 1, wherein the shin pads are aligned
vertically along an outer side of the leg section to cover at least
part of an outer side of the leg of the wearer.
5. The sock of claim 1, wherein the shin pads cover more than about
three-quarters (3/4) the shin of the wearer.
6. The sock of claim 1, wherein the shin pads are knit into
material of the leg section and cannot be removed from the leg
section.
7. The sock of claim 6, wherein the shin pads are formed of a
larger loop weave than the remainder of the leg section.
8. The sock of claim 6, wherein the shin pads are formed of a
larger diameter thread than at least part of the remainder of the
leg section.
9. The sock of claim 8, wherein the remainder of the leg section is
a flat knit.
10. The sock of claim 1, wherein the side pad includes a plurality
of side pads.
11. The sock of claim 10, wherein the plurality of side pads have a
chevron shape.
12. The sock of claim 10, wherein the plurality of side pads are
all adjacent an ankle of the wearer when the sock is worn.
13. The sock of claim 10, wherein the plurality of side pads
includes a lower side pad below the ankle bone of the wearer and an
upper side pad above the ankle of the wearer.
14. The sock of claim 10, wherein the side pads are formed of a
larger loop knit than the remainder of the leg section.
15. The sock of claim 14, wherein the remainder of the leg section
is a flat knit.
16. The sock of claim 10, wherein the side pads are formed of a
larger diameter thread than at least part of the remainder of the
leg section.
17. The sock of claim 1, wherein the leg section includes knit
material and the knit materials of both the leg section and the
foot section include hydrophobic material to increase wicking of
moisture from the skin of a wearer.
18. The sock of claim 17, wherein the foot section includes an
elastic material to provide a compression such that both the foot
section and the leg section are held in place by the elastic to
assist in preventing blisters to the wearer.
19. The sock of claim 17, wherein the foot section includes
essentially uniform compression except for an intermediate band of
different compression.
20. The sock of claim 1, further comprising at least one pad on a
top of the foot section.
21. The sock of claim 1, wherein the shin pads are positioned in a
side-by-side arrangement as well as vertically along the front of
the leg section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of garments, and more
specifically to a method and apparatus related to socks, and even
more specifically to a method and apparatus related to compression
socks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Garments and clothes are worn to protect a person's body.
Socks are garments to protect the feet of the wearer. Technology
has been slow to improve upon socks, especially, in the athletic
area.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,195 describes a medial ankle pad is
provided for the medial side of the leg, ankle and foot. A lateral
ankle pad is provided for the lateral side of the leg, ankle and
foot. The pads are worn individually and/or together as a method of
treatment for venous diseases. The pads are held in place by a
constant pressure stocking, a gradient pressure stocking and/or by
means of tape. The pads, placed under a pressure gradient stocking,
apply even pressure to the skin around the ankle.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,740 describes a therapeutic stocking
comprising, a first circumferential segment for placement on the
leg below the knee, with the first segment extending from the ankle
to a point slightly below the knee. The first segment exerts a
compressive pressure on the wearer's leg gradually decreasing from
the ankle to said point below the knee. The stocking has a second
circumferential segment for placement on the leg above the knee,
with the second segment extending from a point slightly above the
knee to the upper thigh. The method of placement of a therapeutic
stocking on a wearer's leg includes the steps of measuring the
circumference of the wearer's leg at two locations, placing an
elastic fabric panel having overlapping side edges about the
wearer's leg, the upper and lower ends of the panel having indicia
representing a number of possible selected circumferential
measurements of a wearer's leg, and securing the side edges of the
panel together with the side edges overlapped to match the two
previously determined circumferential measurements of the wearer's
leg. The second segment exerts a compressive pressure on the
wearer's leg gradually decreasing from said point above the knee to
the upper thigh.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides unique structures for socks,
such as compression socks and athletic socks.
[0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a sock includes a
foot section and a leg section. The leg section includes graduated
compression. In various embodiments, the foot section can include
compression and/or areas of different compression. The foot section
is adapted to cover a foot of a wearer. The foot section can be
formed of knit material and can form a closed toe end and an open,
ankle end. The leg section is adapted to cover part of a lower leg
portion of the wearer. The leg section can include a lower end
connected to the ankle end and an upper end that is open to receive
a leg of the wearer therein.
[0007] In an aspect, a front of the leg section extends between the
lower end and the upper end and is to extend along a front of a leg
of the wearer while worn. A shin pad in integrally formed in at
least the front of the leg section. In an example, the shin pads
are knit or interwoven into material of the leg section and cannot
be removed from the leg section. In an example, a plurality of shin
pads is positioned along the front of the leg section. In an
example, the shin pads are aligned vertically along the front of
the leg section. The shin pads can cover more than about half of
the shin of the wearer. The shin pads can cover more than about
three-quarters (3/4) the shin of the wearer. The shin pads can also
be positioned on sides of the leg section.
[0008] In an aspect, at least one side pad is positioned, at least
partly, on a side of the leg section. The side pads can extend onto
the front of the leg section. The shin pads can extend around to
the side of the leg section. In an example, the shin pads are
aligned vertically along an outer side of the leg section to cover
at least part of an outer side of the leg of the wearer.
[0009] In various aspects, the shin pads and/or the side pads are
polygonal in shape. The pads can be formed of more material than
the other parts of the socks. In an example, the pads can be formed
of a larger loop knit than the remainder of the leg section. In an
example, the pads can be formed of a larger diameter thread than at
least part of the remainder of the leg section. In an example, the
remainder of the leg section is a flat knit.
[0010] In an aspect, a plurality of side pads is formed on the leg
section. In an example, the side pads have a chevron shape. In an
example, the plurality of side pads are all adjacent an ankle of
the wearer when the sock is worn. The side pads can include a lower
side pad below the ankle bone of the wearer and an upper side pad
above the ankle of the wearer.
[0011] In an aspect, both the leg section and the foot section can
include woven or knit materials and can include hydrophobic
material to increase wicking of moisture from the skin of a
wearer.
[0012] In an aspect, the foot section can include an elastic
material to provide a compression such that both the foot section
and the leg section are held in place by the elastic to assist in
preventing blisters to the wearer. In an example, the foot section
includes essentially uniform compression. In an example, the foot
section includes a central band around the foot that has a
different, e.g., a higher compression, than the remainder of the
foot section.
[0013] It will be recognized that pads can be placed at additional
locations on the sock, for example, on the top of the foot section.
The pads can be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement as well as
vertically along the front of the leg section. Any of pads
described herein can also be moved to the sides of the leg
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a compression sock.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an embodiment of the
compression sock.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear view showing an embodiment of the
compression sock.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally
along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a compression sock.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an embodiment of the
compression sock.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally
along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a compression sock.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view showing an embodiment of the
compression sock.
[0023] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a compression sock.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an embodiment of the
compression sock.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a flow chart for manufacturing a compression sock
according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a flow chart for using a compression sock
according to an embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration
specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0028] The leading digit(s) of reference numbers appearing in the
Figures generally corresponds to the Figure number in which that
component is first introduced, such that the same reference number
is used throughout to refer to an identical component which appears
in multiple Figures.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention having
a sock 100 to be worn on a foot and leg of a wearer. Sock 100
includes a foot section 101 adapted to enclose a foot of the wearer
when worn and a leg section 102 adapted to cover a leg section of
the wearer when worn. The foot section 101 can be formed of a knit
material, e.g., cotton, manmade fibers, polymers, and elastic
fibers. The foot section 101 has a closed, toe end 121 that
encloses the toes of the wearer when worn. The toe end 121 can be
made with slightly more room on the big toe side compared to the
small toe side. With the construction, the sock 100 is made with a
left or a right orientation so that the sock will have an improved
fit for athletic use. The sock orientation being matched to a
specific left or right side will help prevent bunching of the sock
and blister formation. This can be especially important for
professional athletes as missed training or play in games can be
detrimental to performance. Foot section 101 includes an open ankle
end 112 remote from the toe end 121. The body of the foot section
101 can include compression to hold the foot section in place and
further assist in the prevention of blisters. The compression in
the foot section 101 is uniform. In another example, the
compression in the foot section 101 is uniform but for a band up to
3 inches in width positioned intermediate the foot section, which
has higher compression. This higher compression band extends around
the entire foot section generally aligned with a wearer's arch when
worn. In an example, the toe end of the sock has less compression
than the remainder of the foot section.
[0030] The leg section 102 includes a lower end 131, an upper end
132, and a body 133. Lower end 132 can be integral with the ankle
end 122 of the foot section. The body section 133 includes
graduated compression. In an example, the greater compression is
adjacent the lower end 132 and decreases through the body 133 to
the upper end 132. Graduated compression is measured in millimeters
of mercury, (mmHg). The higher the number, the more compression or
pressure is applied to the leg. The compression at the lower end
can be at any of several different levels of compression, e.g.,
10-15 mmHg; 15-20 mmHg; 20-30 mmHg; 30-40 mmHg; or 40-50 mmHg. The
compression reduces through the length of the body 133 to about
70-90%, and in a specific example 80%, of the beginning lower end
compression.
[0031] The material that can be knit into the foot section 101 and
the leg section 102 can include about 35-50% nylon, 30-45%
polyester, 10-20% performance nylon, and 2-10% elastic. In an
example, the elastic is spandex. The performance nylon can be nylon
6.6 and the non-performance nylon can be a different nylon fiber.
In a specific example, the material can be 50-65% nylon, 30-40%
polyester, and 5-10% spandex. The use of these fabrics and
materials can deliver superior moisture wicking and athletic
comfort, when compared to natural fibers like cotton and wool. The
present invention is not limited to manmade fibers and socks,
unless specifically claimed are not limited to manmade fibers. It
is also recognized that some experts view certain type of nylon to
not be entirely manmade and not entirely organic.
[0032] A plurality of pads 110 are positioned in the front 135 of
leg section body. Pads 110 are shown with a suffix, A, B, or C, to
indicate individual pads. The pads 110A-110C are aligned with a
shin of a wearer when worn. In an example, the pads 110A-110C are
fixed on the centerline of the sock that is intended to align up
the wearer's shin, i.e., the front of the tibia. In an example, the
pads 110A-110C are formed with more material than the remainder of
the leg section body 133. In an example, the pads 110A-110C are
knit and integral with the leg section body 133. In an example, a
large loop knit is used for the pad while a flat knit is used for
the remainder of the body 133.
[0033] A plurality of side pads 115 are positioned along the side
of the leg section body 133. Side pads 115 are shown with a suffix,
A, B, or C, to indicate individual pads. The pads 115A-115D or
115E-115H are aligned with a side of the leg of a wearer when worn.
In an example, the pads 115A-115D or 115E-115H are aligned
generally with the ankle bone of the wearer when the sock is worn.
In an example, the pads 115A-115H are formed with more material
than the remainder of the leg section body 133. In an example, the
pads 115A-115H are knit and integral with the leg section body 133.
In an example, a large loop knit is used for the side pad while a
flat knit is used for the remainder of the body 133.
[0034] These side pads can further include side pads that are the
same as those described above with regard to the front of the sock.
As a result, the side of the sock can have protective pads on the
lower part of the leg section, e.g., pads 115 and additional pads
extending along the side of the leg section, e.g., pads
corresponding to 110 but on the side of the leg section.
[0035] The side pads 115 can be positioned adjacent the ankle bone.
In an example, the side pads 115 (e.g., 115A or 115B) include at
least one pad on the lateral malleolus. At least one side pad can
be placed below the lateral malleolus. In an example, at least one
side pad is positioned above the lateral malleolus. The pads 115,
e.g. 115C, 115D, above the lateral malleolus can be positioned to
protect at least the lower portion of the wearer's fibula.
[0036] In another example, side pads are also positioned on the
other side of the leg section. In this example, the side pads 115
(e.g., 115E or 115F) include at least one pad on the medial
malleolus. At least one side pad can be placed below the medial
malleolus. In an example, at least one side pad is positioned above
the medial malleolus. The pads 115, e.g. 115G, 115H, above the
medial malleolus can be positioned to protect at least the lower
portion of the wearer's tibia.
[0037] The side pads 115 are shown as having a polygon shape. In an
example, all of the side pads 115 have an inverted V shape. See,
e.g., side pads 115A, 115B, 115D, 115E, 115F, and 115H. Side pad
115C is shown as having a rectangular shape. The inverted-V form of
the side pads 115A, 115B, and 115D may assist in securing the sock
in place about the side of the wearer's leg and provide minor
impact protection to the wearer.
[0038] In an example, the upper side pads 115C, 115D can be
adjacent the lower ones of the front pads 110 to provide a greater
protection adjacent the ankle joint and adjacent bones that are
closer to the skin.
[0039] The compression in the leg section 102 continues through the
pads 110A-110C and 115A-115H. Accordingly, the compression remains
essentially uniform in its gradient around the circumference of the
leg section 102. The lower front pad 110A will have a greater
compression than the top front pad 110C. In an example, the lower
side pad 115A or 115E may have a greater compression than the top
side pad 115D or 115H.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows the sock 100 from the front with the front pads
110A-110C extending upwardly from above the ankle to near the top
of the shin when worn. The side pads 115A-115D and 115E-11H are
positioned on the sides of the leg section. The lowest font pad
110A can expand in width, e.g., tapers outwardly, from bottom to
top. The other front pads can also increase in width as they extend
upwardly. This will cover more of the wearer's leg as the width of
the wearer's leg increases. While shown as three front pads, it
will be recognized that the pads can be split into additional pads.
The front pads 110A-110C are each separated from each other by an
interstice of flat knit of the leg section 102.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the sock. The front pads
110A-110C cannot be seen from the rear. The side pads 115A-115H are
visible and are upraised from the surface of the flat knit of the
remainder of the leg section 102.
[0042] As can be seen in the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrations, the
side pads 115A-115H stand outwardly from the remainder of the leg
section 102. This increase in width and material provides
additional protection to the wearer without significantly
increasing the weight or mass of the sock.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 1. The leg section 102 at this
cross-section shows the body of the leg section as a flat knit 401
having a first thickness. The pads 110A, 115D, and 115H are
integrally part of the leg section 102. In fabrication, the pads
110A, 115D, and 115H are knit or woven with the leg section. In
another example, the pads 110A, 115D, and 115H can be adhered,
e.g., thermoset or glued, to the leg section. The pads 110A, 115D,
and 115H have a second thickness that is greater than the first
thickness.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention having a
sock 500 to be worn on a foot and leg of a wearer. It will be
recognized that the sock 500 can include the same components as
described above with regard to sock 100 but with the pads being
different. Sock 500 includes a foot section 501 adapted to enclose
a foot of the wearer when worn and a leg section 502 adapted to
cover a leg section of the wearer when worn. An upper pad group 503
is positioned on an upper part of the leg section 501. The pad
group 503 includes a plurality of pads that are arranged in a
pattern. The pad group 503 can include pads that are vertically
aligned, horizontally aligned, or both. A lower pad group 504 is
positioned at a lower part of the leg section 502 and is below the
upper pad group 503. The lower pad group 504 includes a plurality
of pads that are arranged in a pattern. The pad group 503 can
include pads that are vertically aligned, horizontally aligned, or
both. The pads of both groups 503 and 504 can be formed as
described herein. In an example, the pad groups 503, 504 are both
formed so that they are centered along the midline of the sock 500
and are adapted to be at least partly positioned of the shin of a
wearer of the sock. In an example, the midline of the sock 500 is a
line along the front of the sock drawn by the sagittal plane that
divides the sock into equal left and right halves.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows the sock 500 from the front with two pad groups
503, 504. Each of these groups includes a plurality of pads. The
upper pad group 503 includes a plurality of horizontal rows of pads
(here shown as two), which rows can include a plurality of pads.
The pad group 503 can have an oval configuration. The width and
height of the pad group 503 can be essentially the same. In an
example the width of the pad group 503 is less than its height. The
top row of pads 511A, 511B, 511C are horizontally aligned with the
top and bottom edges of each being at essentially the same height.
The center pad 511B is aligned on the midline of the sock and will
be on the wearer's shin when worn. The outer pads 511A, 511C are
wider than the center pad 511B and may cover the side of the
wearer's shin when worn. The pads 511A, 511C will extend outwardly
of the wearer's shin and protect the sides of the tibia and can
cover part of the soft tissue of the wearer's leg as well as the
fibia. The bottom row of pads 512A, 512B, 512C are horizontally
aligned with the top and bottom edges of each being at essentially
the same height. The center pad 512B is aligned on the midline of
the sock and will be on the wearer's shin when worn. The outer pads
512A, 512C can be wider than the center pad 512B and may cover the
side of the wearer's shin when worn. The pads 512A, 512C will
extend outwardly of the wearer's shin and protect the sides of the
tibia and can cover part of the soft tissue of the wearer's leg as
well as the fibia. The pads 511A-511C and 512A-512C can cover up to
about one-quarter to one-third of the front half of the sock
defined by the coronal plane of the sock.
[0046] The lower pad group 504 includes a plurality of horizontal
rows of pads (here shown as two), which rows can include a
plurality of pads. The pad group 504 is in an oval configuration
having a width greater than its height. The top row of pads 513A,
513B, 513C are horizontally aligned with the bottom edges of each
being at essentially the same height. The center pad 513B is
aligned on the midline of the sock and will be on the wearer's shin
when worn. The outer pads 513A, 513C are less wide than the center
pad 513B and may cover the side of the wearer's shin when worn. The
pads 513A, 513C will extend outwardly of the wearer's shin and
protect the sides of the tibia and can cover part of the soft
tissue of the wearer's leg as well as the fibia. The bottom row of
pads 514A, 514B, 514C are horizontally aligned with the top edges
of each being at essentially the same height. The center pad 514B
is aligned on the midline of the sock and will be on the wearer's
shin when worn. The outer pads 514A, 514C less wide than the center
pad 514B and may cover the side of the wearer's shin when worn. The
pads 514A, 514C will extend outwardly of the wearer's shin and
protect the sides of the tibia and can cover part of the soft
tissue of the wearer's leg as well as part of the fibia. The pads
513A-513C and 514A-514C can cover up to about one-sixteenth to
one-eighth of the front half of the sock defined by the coronal
plane of the sock. In an example the front pads 511A-511C,
512A-512C, 513A-513C and 514A-514C cover more than 5/8ths of the
front half of the sock.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken
generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 5. The leg section 502 at this
cross-section shows the body of the leg section as having a flat
knit material 701 having a first thickness. The pads 511A, 512C,
and 512C are integrally part of the leg section 502. In
fabrication, the pads 511A, 512C, and 512C are knit with the leg
section. In another example, the pads 511A, 512C, and 512C can be
adhered, e.g., thermoset or glued, to the leg section. The pads
1511A, 512C, and 512C have a second thickness that is greater than
the first thickness. The pads of the lower pad group 504 are not
visible as they have a thickness from the flat knit surface of the
leg section 502 that is equal to or less than thickness of the pads
of the upper pad group 503.
[0048] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of the present invention
having a sock 800 to be worn on a foot and leg of a wearer. It will
be recognized that the sock 800 can include the same components as
described above with regard to sock 500 but with top pad group 803
rotated to one side. Otherwise the top pad group 803 is the same as
top pad group 503 described above with regard to FIGS. 5-7. In the
illustrated example, the top pad group 803 is rotated at least 45
degrees from the midline of the sock as defined by the sagittal
plane. In another example, the top pad group 803 can be rotated
about 90 degrees so that the top pad group 803 is centered on the
coronal plane. In an example, the top pad group 803 includes at
least one pad that is positioned on coronal plane. The lower pad
group 504 is the same as that described above with regard to FIGS.
5-7. In another example, the lower pad group 504 can be rotated to
align with the top pad group 803.
[0049] FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment of the present invention
having a sock 1000 to be worn on a foot and leg of a wearer. It
will be recognized that the sock 1000 can include the same
components as described above with regard to sock 800 but with
bottom pad group 1004 rotated to one side directly below the top
pad group 803.
[0050] The pads described herein generally have a greater thickness
than the surrounding sock material. The pads can have a thickness
of at least about 25% greater than the surrounding material. The
pads can have a thickness in a range of about 20% to 50% greater
than the surrounding material. In some embodiments, the pads have a
thickness of up to 100% the thickness of the surrounding material.
Other embodiments can have a pad thickness that is 150%, 200% of
the thickness of the surrounding material. Pads in different areas
of the sock can have different thicknesses.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows a method of fabricating the sock as described
herein. At 1202, materials are fed to a knitting machine that knits
a closed toe, essential tubular foot section including compression.
In an example, the closed toe part and the body of the foot section
are knitted separately and joined together. Elastic yarn or fibers
are fed into the machine to define the compression in the foot
section. In an example, additional elastic fibers are knitted into
a center part or central band of the foot section to provide an
increased compression to hold the foot section in place when worn.
The materials can include wicking fibers or yarns. At 1204,
material is fed to a knitting machine to knit the leg section. In
an example, the leg section is knitted with the foot section. The
leg section is essentially tubular and, hence, applies circular
knitting technology. Elastic yarn or fibers are fed into the
machine to define the compression in the leg section. In an
example, the compression is graduated and employs a greater number
of elastic yarns or fibers at the bottom of the leg section than at
the top of the leg section. The knitting machine can control the
amount of elastic fiber. The knitting machine further changes the
knit from a flat knit to a bulk knit to produce the pads. The pads
can be formed from a denser, looser knit and/or using a larger
diameter yarn or fiber. The machine alters between the flat knit
for the part of the leg section not padded and the pad knit for the
padded parts of the leg section. The pattern for the sock can be
programmed into a computer or other controller that controls
operation of the knitter.
[0052] FIG. 13 shows a method of wearer the sock described herein.
At 1302, a wearer aligns their foot with the open top of the leg
section of an appropriately sized and side, e.g., left or right,
sock. The wearer inserts their foot into the open top ant through
the leg section into the foot section. At 1304, the wearer aligns
there foot in the foot section, which can include some compression
to hold the sock in place. The toe section covers the toe. The arch
section is aligned with the arch of foot. The heel of the foot is
in the heel portion of the sock. At 1306, the wearer extends the
leg section up the leg. At 1308, the leg section is aligned with
the wearer's leg. At 1310, the pads are positioned in the
appropriate position on the user's leg. In the example with pads to
cover the shin, the pads are aligned up the shin. In the example
with pads adjacent the ankle, these pads are aligned on the sides
of the wearer's leg. In the example with pads on the side of the
leg, these pads are so positioned.
[0053] The present, performance sock 100, 500, or 800 described
herein is shown as an above the calf or to the knee height sock. It
will be recognized that socks of other heights are within the scope
of the present disclosure. However, it is preferable that sock
extend above the calf of a wearer such that the wearer receives
maximum benefit of the compression and protective features of the
sock.
[0054] The performance sock 100, 500, or 800 described herein can
provide appropriate and variable compression on the various parts
of foot. The present compressive sock can include various parts
including shin, calf, instep, toe, heel, and sole. Each of these
parts can provide appropriate compression. These parts can be
knitted with high elasticity yarn to provide elastic (compression)
forces and a core yarn. The present sock parts and fabrics that
comprise those sock parts can be made from high elasticity yarn and
made from a multi-stage compressive knitting technology that can
adjust the lateral tensile force of the elastic threads. As a
result the recovery from athletic events can be reduced and blood
clotting can be reduced in the foot and lower leg.
[0055] While not explicitly shown the above illustrated
embodiments, it will be recognized as within the scope of the
present disclosure that the pads of any of the figures could be
combined with other figures. In one example, the pads 110 are
placed on at least one side of the sock, generally aligned with the
line formed essentially by the coronal plane of the leg section. In
an example, the pads 110 are on both sides of the leg section. In
an example, the pads 110 overlap the coronal plane. In an example,
the pads can be on both sides of the sock. The increased pad
coverage on the side of the sock can assist in preventing abrasions
or other injury to athletes who slide on the ground or playing
surface, e.g., baseball fields, softball fields, soccer pitches,
etc.
[0056] It will further be understood as part of the present
disclosure that the larger front pads 110A-110C can be positioned
elsewhere on the sock. For example, the pads 110A-110C can be moved
such that they do not align with the midline of the sock defined by
the sagittal plane. In an example, the pads 110A-110C extend onto
the front of the sock but are not equally bisected by the sagittal
plane. In another example, the pads 110A-110C do not cross the
sagittal plane. In an example, the pads 110A-110C cross the coronal
plane of the sock. In an example, the pads 110A-110C are aligned on
the coronal plane. In a further example, pads 110A-110C are placed
on both sides of the sock.
[0057] While the above pads are described as integral with the
adjacent woven or knit fabric. The pads can include materials other
than those that comprise the surrounding material. The pads can
further include rigid polymers, which are sewn or woven into the
body of the sock. In an example, the rigid polymer pads can be
inserted into pockets formed at the locations of pads as shown and
described herein. The pads can also include foam inserts. In an
example, gel pads can be inserted into pockets formed at the
locations of pads as shown and described herein.
[0058] The present description describes portions of the material
as a flat knit. Knit materials are constructed as a series of
interlocking loops. Knit materials have a degree of stretch, with a
greater amount of stretch crosswise than lengthwise. The flat knit
material can include at least some weave materials, e.g., a flat
weave fabric generally constructed with a single warp thread
crossing over and under subsequent individual weft threads.
Generally flat weave fabrics do not much stretch but the choice of
material can lend to a stretch and compression. A flat weave will
further act to reduce a pile or nap that can cause bunching of
fabric and blisters to wearer's of the fabric, particularly when
used for athletics. However the flat weave as used in the present
description refers to the relatively small thickness of the fabric
or material and is not limited to flat weaves and can include some
knit materials.
[0059] Another example of yarn or fiber that can be used includes
technical fibers and fabrics designed to wick moisture away from
the skin. The fabrics employ specially-engineered polyester fibers
to improve "breathability" compared to natural fibers like cotton.
An example of such fibers or yarn include COOLMAX.RTM. brand from
INVISTA of, Wichita, Kans. Additional yarns, fibers, and/or fabrics
can include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,797,968; 7,637,091;
7,240,476; 7,143,790; 7,117,695; 6,472,494; 5,948,875; 5,198,288;
and 5,050,406, and US Patent Application Publication No.
2006/0040101, which are hereby incorporated by reference for any
purpose. However, if the subject matter incorporated by reference
conflicts with the present explicit description, the present
description controls.
[0060] The fibers and fabric used herein can include antimicrobial
and antifungal features, e.g., coatings, imbedded into fiber cores,
or knitted into the fabric.
[0061] The foot section of the sock described herein can include a
heel cushioning pad similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,032,296, which is hereby incorporated by reference for any
purpose. However, if the subject matter incorporated by reference
conflicts with the present explicit description, the present
description controls.
[0062] The present embodiments described herein are directed to
socks to cover a foot and at least part of a leg. However, the
protective pads and the compression fabric can be adapted to other
garments. Examples of garments can include sleeves, running tights,
tights, shorts, shorts, etc. Such a garment can include a graduated
compression on a human body and formed from a heavily-stretchable
portion. An example of such a garment is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,263,923, which is hereby incorporated by reference for any
purpose. However, if the subject matter incorporated by reference
conflicts with the present explicit description, the present
description controls.
[0063] It has been reported that graduated compression footwear can
improve blood flow when the footwear delivers a controlled amount
of pressure that is greatest at the ankle and gradually decreases
towards the top end. The gradient pressure can assist in promoting
better circulation to help control swelling and relieve tired achy
legs. Improving blood flow can further improve athletic
performance, help prevent injury and speed recovery. It is further
believed that improving blood flow in athletes through the use of
compression socks may reduce the incidence of delayed onset muscle
soreness in the legs by over 70%. This translates to a much faster
recovery from intense exercise. A highly desirable outcome in
athletic events. Moreover, a sock of this type can also assist in
preventing blood clots, e.g., deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and
swelling during travel.
[0064] An embodiment of the present disclosure includes means for
covering a foot and means to cover a lower leg that includes
graduated compression and means to protect the wearer. The means to
protect the wearer can include at least one of a plurality of shin
pads positioned along the front of the leg section and at least one
side pad positioned, at least partly, on a side of the leg
section.
[0065] It is understood that the above description is intended to
be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will
be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *