U.S. patent application number 12/946860 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-17 for sock with attached knee pad.
Invention is credited to Christopher Tateo.
Application Number | 20120117706 12/946860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46046443 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120117706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tateo; Christopher |
May 17, 2012 |
SOCK WITH ATTACHED KNEE PAD
Abstract
One example embodiment includes a system for use in playing
sports, the system capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer.
The system includes a sock, where the sock is configured to cover
the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user. The system also
includes a knee pad. The knee pad is configured to cover the knee
of the user and attach to the sock.
Inventors: |
Tateo; Christopher; (Armonk,
NY) |
Family ID: |
46046443 |
Appl. No.: |
12/946860 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/24 ;
112/475.12; 2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/065 20130101;
A41B 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/24 ; 2/239;
112/475.12 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/06 20060101
A41D013/06; D05B 23/00 20060101 D05B023/00; A43B 17/00 20060101
A43B017/00 |
Claims
1. A system for use in playing sports, the system capable of
reducing knee injuries to the wearer, the system comprising: a
sock, wherein the sock is configured to cover the foot, the lower
leg and the knee of a user; and a knee pad, wherein the knee pad is
configured to: cover the knee of the user; and attach to the
sock.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sock includes a first portion
configured to fit snugly around the lower leg of the user.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first portion includes an
elastic material.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sock includes a first portion
configured to fit snugly around a portion of the user's thigh.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first portion includes an
elastic material.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the knee pad is configured to
attach to the inner surface of the sock.
7. A system for use in playing sports, the system capable of
reducing knee injuries to the wearer, the system comprising: a
sock, wherein the sock is configured to cover the foot, the lower
leg, the knee and at least a portion of the thigh of a user,
wherein the sock includes: a first elastic portion, wherein the
first elastic portion is configured to fit snugly around the lower
leg of the user; and a second elastic portion, wherein the second
elastic portion is configured to fit snugly around at least a
portion of the thigh of the user; a knee pad, wherein the knee pad
is configured to cover the knee of the user; and an attachment
means, wherein the attachment means is configured to attach the
knee pad to the knee region of the sock.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the sock includes a nylon
sock.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the knee pad includes a
polyurethane foam.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the knee pad is configured to
surround the patella of the user.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein sock includes a knee
portion.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the knee portion includes a
double knit fabric.
13. A method of manufacturing a system for use in playing sports,
the system capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer, the
method comprising: providing a sock, wherein the sock is configured
to cover the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user; and
providing a knee pad, wherein the knee pad is configured to: cover
the knee of the user; and attach to the sock.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sock includes a pocket,
wherein the pocket is configured to receive the knee pad.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the pocket includes an open
side for receiving the knee pad.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the pocket is attached to the
sock on all sides.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the knee pad is attached
directly to the sock.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the knee pad is attached using
thread.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the knee pad is sewn onto the
sock.
20. The system of claim 13, wherein the knee pad is attached to the
sock using adhesive.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Knee injuries are a common occurrence in many sports. The
causes can be numerous. For example, players can fall to the ground
or can be involved in a collision with other players. Impacts in
which the knee is struck from the side can be particularly damaging
since the knee itself is not designed to withstand lateral blows.
Additionally, the player often doesn't see the impact coming, which
prevents any chance of protecting against the coming blow.
[0003] Knee pads are available that offer some protection against
knee injuries. However, these are often insufficient. For example,
the knee pad may be held in with a single strap or a pair of
straps. While this may be adequate for certain uses, such as
construction work, where the wearer does not move and impacts to
the knee are rare it is insufficient where the wearer is moving or
faces repeated impact to the knee. In particular, a high amount of
running can cause the knee pad to shift. This, in turn, forces the
player to either stop and adjust the knee pad or continue to play
with the knee pad in a position where it offers little or no
protection. Therefore, players often forego the use of knee pads
because they are inconvenient to use.
[0004] Additionally, players often have required equipment that can
conflict with the knee pad. For example, rugby players and softball
players often wear thigh high socks and. Using the standard
equipment with an added knee pad can lead to the required equipment
fitting poorly or working inadequately. Players are unlikely to
wear a knee pad if it means that they open themselves to injury in
some other manner.
[0005] Further, the more equipment the player is required to keep
track off and monitor during play, the less likely the player is to
use the equipment regularly and in the correct manner. I.e., the
more equipment used by the player, the more likely the player is to
ignore optional equipment and to use the equipment incorrectly.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a knee pad that
is easy to place consistently. Additionally, there is a need for a
knee pad that remains in place during use. Further, there is a need
for a knee pad that works with other equipment worn by the
player.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject
matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the
scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] One example embodiment includes a system for use in playing
sports, the system capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer.
The system includes a sock, where the sock is configured to cover
the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user. The system also
includes a knee pad. The knee pad is configured to cover the knee
of the user and attach to the sock.
[0009] Another example embodiment includes a system for use in
playing sports, the system capable of reducing knee injuries to the
wearer. The system includes a sock, where the sock is configured to
cover the foot, the lower leg, the knee and at least a portion of
the thigh of a user. The sock includes a first elastic portion,
where the first elastic portion is configured to fit snugly around
the lower leg of the user, and a second elastic portion, where the
second elastic portion is configured to fit snugly around at least
a portion of the thigh of the user. The sock also includes a knee
pad, where the knee pad is configured to cover the knee of the
user, and an attachment means, where the attachment means is
configured to attach the knee pad to the knee region of the
sock.
[0010] Another example embodiment includes a method of
manufacturing a system for use in playing sports, the system
capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer. The method
includes providing a sock, where the sock is configured to cover
the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user. The method also
includes providing a knee pad. The knee pad is configured to cover
the knee of the user and attach to the sock.
[0011] These and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] To further clarify various aspects of some example
embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description
of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated
embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered
limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for use in playing
sports;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a knee pad;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a knee pad sewn onto a
sock;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a knee pad placed within a
pocket in a sock; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of
manufacturing a system for use in playing sports.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like
structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is
understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic
representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not
limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn
to scale.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 for use in
playing sports. In at least one implementation, the system is
configured to protect the knees of the wearer. This protection can
help reduce knee injuries to the wearer. In particular, the
wearer's knees can be protected in sports, such as rugby, where
wearers often hit hard surfaces, such as the ground, and collide
with other athletes. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100
can protect against abrasion to the skin of the wearer.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows that the system 100 can include a sock 105. In
at least one implementation, the sock 105 can cover the feet, lower
leg and knee of the wearer. In particular, the sock 105 can absorb
sweat off the wearer's skin and protect the skin from minor
abrasions.
[0021] In at least one implementation, the sock 105 can be created
from a wide variety of materials. For example, the sock 105 can be
made of cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefins (such as
polypropylene), or spandex. To get an increased level of softness
other materials that might be used during the process can be silk,
bamboo, linen, cashmere, or mohair.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows that the sock 105 can include a foot portion
110. In at least one implementation, the foot portion 110 is
configured to cover the foot of the wearer. The foot portion 110
can include a sole that covers the bottom of the foot and a top
portion which covers the top of the foot. The sole may be thicker
than the top portion. In particular, the sole can be thicker in
order to provide better padding and to prevent against wear.
Additionally or alternatively, the sole can be thicker to help
remove excess sweat, such as when the wearer is engaged in
strenuous activities, such as sports.
[0023] FIG. 1 also shows that the sock 105 can include a lower leg
portion 115. In at least one implementation, the lower leg portion
115 can cover the shin and calf of the wearer. The lower leg
portion 115 of the sock 105 can include a material that is
stretchable in order to allow the sock to conform to the wearer's
lower leg. Additionally or alternatively, the lower leg portion 115
can include an elastic material to prevent unintended movement of
the sock 105 relative to the wearer's leg. I.e., once stretched,
the elastic material will attempt to return to its original shape
and size, keeping the lower leg portion 115 snug on the wearer's
lower leg.
[0024] FIG. 1 further shows that the sock 105 can include a thigh
portion 120. In at least one implementation, the thigh portion 120
of the sock 105 can cover a portion of the wearer's thigh. The
thigh portion 120 of the sock 105 can include a material that is
stretchable in order to allow the sock to conform to the wearer's
thigh. Additionally or alternatively, the thigh portion 120 can
include an elastic material to prevent unintended movement of the
sock 105 relative to the wearer's leg. I.e., once stretched, the
elastic material will attempt to return to its original shape and
size, keeping the thigh portion 120 snug on the wearer's thigh.
[0025] FIG. 1 also shows that the system 100 can include a knee pad
125. For convenience in viewing the knee pad, a portion of the sock
105 has been removed, as shown by line A. In at least one
implementation, the knee pad 125 (also kneepad) is a protective
covering that is intended to protect the wearer's knees from impact
or injury. In particular, the knee pad 125 can absorb the force of
an impact, protecting the wearer's knee. The knee pad 125 can be
made of any material which is configured to absorb an impact. For
example, the knee pad 125 can be made of a solid foam. For example,
the knee pad 125 can include polyurethane foam. In at least one
implementation, the solid foam can deform on impact, absorbing the
energy of a blow.
[0026] In at least one implementation, the knee pad 125 can cover
the entire patella (also knee cap or kneepan) of the wearer. For
example, the knee pad 125 can cover the sides of the patella when
the knee pad 125 is placed over the wearer's knee. Additionally or
alternatively, the knee pad 125 can cover the top and bottom of the
wearer's patella.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows that the knee pad 125 can be attached to the
sock 105. In at least one implementation, attaching the knee pad
125 to the sock 105 can prevent movement of the knee pad 125
relative to the sock 105. This can, in turn, prevent movement of
the knee pad 125 relative to the wearer's knee. I.e., the knee pad
125 can be held stationary relative to the wearer's knee in order
to prevent injury to the wearer's knee.
[0028] The knee pad 125 can be attached to the sock 105 using any
attachment method. For example, the knee pad 125 can be sewn to the
sock 105 using thread or other fibers, as described below.
Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad 125 can include a hook
and loop fastener for attaching the knee pad 125 directly to the
sock 105 or connecting with a hoop and loop fastener which is
attached to the sock 105. Additionally or alternatively, the knee
pad 125 can be snapped to the sock 105 or the sock 105 can include
a pocket for inserting the knee pad 125, as discussed below.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a knee pad 125. In at least
one implementation, the knee pad 125 can protect the wearer's knee.
In particular, the knee pad 125 can absorb the force of an impact,
lessening the impact that is imparted to the wearer's knee.
Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad 125 can prevent the
wearer's patella from moving sideways in the case of a lateral blow
to the wearer's knee.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows that the knee pad 125 can include a cavity 205.
In at least one implementation, the cavity 205 is configured to fit
around the patella of the wearer. In particular, the patella
generally "pokes out" from the wearer's leg. I.e., the knee is not
a flat surface, instead the patella is higher than the surface of
the knee and the cavity 205 covers the entire raised surface of the
wearer's patella. This can protect the wearer's knee from a variety
of injuries including hyper extension of the knee, abrasions,
dislocations or other force induced injuries to the patella.
[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad 125 can include
a soft material which is configured to conform to the wearer's
patella, rather than having cavity 205. I.e., the knee pad 125 can
be intended to push over the wearer's patella, conforming to match
the shape of the patella.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows that the knee pad 125 can include an inner
surface 210 that is configured to rest against the wearer's skin.
In at least one implementation, the inner surface 210 can include a
cloth or pad to reduce abrasion on the wearer's skin. For example,
the inner surface 210 can be covered in nylon, cotton or other
material which can prevent the knee pad 125 from damaging the
wearer's skin.
[0033] FIG. 2 also shows that the knee pad 125 can include an outer
surface 215. In at least one implementation, the outer surface 215
can include a hard covering. For example, the outer surface 215 can
include a hard foam, plastic, leather or any other hard covering.
The hard covering can protect the softer foam which provides a
cushion for the wearer's knee.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a knee pad 125 sewn onto a
sock 105. In at least one implementation, sewing the knee pad 125
to the sock 105 can prevent movement of the knee pad 125 relative
to the sock 105. I.e., almost all movement of the knee pad 125
relative to the sock 105 is prevented. Holding the position of the
knee pad 125 relative to the sock 105 can allow the wearer easily
adjust the knee pad 125. In particular, the wearer can move the
sock 105 to adjust the position of the knee pad 125 relative to the
wearer.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows that thread 305 is pushed through the knee pad
125 and the sock 105. In at least on implementation, the thread 305
can be relatively thin. Thin thread 305 can prevent the thread 305
from irritating the wearer while wearing the sock 105. That is, the
thin thread 305 can allow the inner surface 210 of the knee pad 125
to remain relatively smooth, preventing irritation of the wearer.
Additionally or alternatively, the tread 305 can be sunk within the
inner surface 210 of the knee pad 125.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a knee pad 125 placed
within a pocket in the sock 105. The pocket can be in the inside of
the sock where the wearer's knee will be in contact with eh sock.
In at least one implementation, the pocket can allow the wearer to
remove the knee pad 125. The wearer can then replace a worn out
knee pad 125, place a preferred knee pad 125 in multiple socks,
remove the knee pad 125 in order to wash the sock 105 or remove the
knee pad 125 for any other reason.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows that the sock 105 includes a piece of material
405 that surrounds the knee pad 125. In at least one
implementation, the piece of material 405 can include the same
material as the sock 105. I.e., the piece of material 405 can be
produced from the same material as the sock 105.
[0038] In at least one implementation, the piece of material 405
can be attached on all sides to the sock 105. I.e., there can be no
open sides of the pocket to remove or insert the knee pad 125 once
the piece of material 405 has been attached. Additionally or
alternatively, the piece of material 405 can include one or more
sides that are not attached to the sock 105 to allow the knee pad
125 to be inserted or removed as desired.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 of
manufacturing a system for use in playing sports. One of skill in
the art will appreciate that the method 500 can be used to produce
the system 100 of FIG. 1; however, the method 500 can be used to
produce a system other than the system 100 of FIG. 1. In at least
one implementation, the system is configured to protect the knees
of a wearer. This protection can help reduce knee injuries to the
wearer. In particular, the wearer's knees can be protected in
sports, such as rugby, where wearers often hit hard surfaces, such
as the ground, and collide with other athletes. Additionally or
alternatively, the system 100 can protect against abrasion to the
skin of the wearer.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows that the method 500 can include providing a
sock 505. In at least one implementation, the sock can cover the
feet, lower leg and knee of the wearer. In particular, the sock can
absorb sweat off the wearer's skin and protect the skin from minor
abrasions.
[0041] In at least one implementation, the sock can be created from
a wide variety of materials. For example, the sock can be made of
cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefins, or spandex. To
get an increased level of softness other materials that might be
used during the process can be silk, bamboo, linen, cashmere, or
mohair.
[0042] In at least one implementation, the sock can include a foot
portion. The foot portion is configured to cover the foot of the
wearer. The foot portion can include a sole that covers the bottom
of the foot and a top portion which covers the top of the foot. The
sole may be thicker than the top portion. In particular, the sole
can be thicker in order to provide better padding and to prevent
against wear. Additionally or alternatively, the sole can be
thicker to help remove excess sweat, such as when the wearer is
engaged in strenuous activities, such as sports.
[0043] In at least one implementation, the sock can include a lower
leg portion. The lower leg portion can cover the shin and calf of
the wearer. The lower leg portion of the sock can include a
material that is stretchable in order to allow the sock to conform
to the wearer's lower leg. Additionally or alternatively, the lower
leg portion can include an elastic material to prevent unintended
movement of the sock relative to the wearer's leg. I.e., once
stretched, the elastic material will attempt to return to its
original shape and size, keeping the lower leg portion snug on the
wearer's lower leg.
[0044] In at least one implementation, the sock can include a thigh
portion. The thigh portion of the sock can cover a portion of the
wearer's thigh. The thigh portion of the sock can include a
material that is stretchable in order to allow the sock to conform
to the wearer's thigh. Additionally or alternatively, the thigh
portion can include an elastic material to prevent unintended
movement of the sock relative to the wearer's leg. I.e., once
stretched, the elastic material will attempt to return to its
original shape and size, keeping the thigh portion snug on the
wearer's thigh.
[0045] FIG. 5 also shows that the method 500 can include providing
a knee pad 510. In at least one implementation, the knee pad is a
protective covering that is intended to protect the wearer's knees
from impact or injury. In particular, the knee pad can absorb the
force of an impact, protecting the wearer's knee. The knee pad can
be made of any material which is configured to absorb an impact.
For example, the knee pad can be made of a solid foam. For example,
the knee pad can include polyurethane foam. In at least one
implementation, the solid foam can deform on impact, absorbing the
energy of a blow.
[0046] In at least one implementation, the knee pad can cover the
entire patella of the wearer. For example, the knee pad can cover
the sides of the patella when the knee pad is placed over the
wearer's knee. Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can
cover the top and bottom of the wearer's patella.
[0047] FIG. 5 further shows that the method 500 includes attaching
the knee pad to the sock 515. In at least one implementation,
attaching the knee pad to the sock 515 can prevent movement of the
knee pad relative to the sock. This can, in turn, prevent movement
of the knee pad relative to the wearer's knee. I.e., the knee pad
can be held stationary relative to the wearer's knee in order to
prevent injury to the wearer's knee.
[0048] In at least one implementation, the knee pad can be attached
to the sock using any attachment method. For example, the knee pad
can be sewn to the sock using thread or other fibers, as described
above. Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can include a
hook and loop for attaching the knee pad directly to the sock or
connecting with a hoop and loop fastener which is attached to the
sock. Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can be snapped to
the sock or the sock can include a pocket for inserting the knee
pad, as discussed above.
[0049] In at least one implementation, the knee pad can be sewn
onto a sock. Sewing the knee pad to the sock can prevent movement
of the knee pad relative to the sock. I.e., almost all movement of
the knee pad relative to the sock is prevented. Holding the
position of the knee pad relative to the sock can allow the wearer
easily adjust the knee pad. In particular, the wearer can move the
sock to adjust the position of the knee pad relative to the
wearer.
[0050] In at least one implementation, the thread is pushed through
the knee pad and the sock. The thread can be relatively thin. Thin
thread can prevent the thread from irritating the wearer while
wearing the sock. That is, the thin thread can allow the inner
surface of the knee pad to remain relatively smooth, preventing
irritation of the wearer. Additionally or alternatively, the tread
can be sunk within the inner surface of the knee pad.
[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can be placed
within a pocket in the sock. In at least one implementation, the
pocket can allow the wearer to remove the knee pad. The wearer can
then replace a worn out knee pad, place a preferred knee pad in
multiple socks, remove the knee pad in order to wash the sock or
remove the knee pad for any other reason.
[0052] In at least one implementation, the sock can include a piece
of material that surrounds the knee pad. The piece of material can
include the same material as the sock. I.e., the piece of material
can be produced from the same material as the sock.
[0053] In at least one implementation, the piece of material can be
attached on all sides to the sock. I.e., there can be no open sides
of the pocket to remove or insert the knee pad once the piece of
material has been attached. Additionally or alternatively, the
piece of material can include one or more sides that are not
attached to the sock to allow the knee pad to be inserted or
removed as desired.
[0054] In at least one implementation, the knee pad can protect the
wearer's knee. In particular, the knee pad can absorb the force of
an impact, lessening the impact that is imparted to the wearer's
knee. Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can prevent the
wearer's patella from moving sideways in the case of a lateral blow
to the wearer's knee.
[0055] In at least one implementation, the knee pad can include a
cavity. The cavity is configured to fit around the patella of the
wearer. In particular, the patella generally "pokes out" from the
wearer's leg. I.e., the knee is not a flat surface, instead the
patella is higher than the surface of the knee and the cavity
covers the entire raised surface of the wearer's patella. This can
protect the wearer's knee from a variety of injuries including
hyper extension of the knee, abrasions, dislocations or other force
induced injuries to the patella.
[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the knee pad can include a
soft material which is configured to conform to the wearer's
patella, rather than having cavity. I.e., the knee pad can be
intended to push over the wearer's patella, conforming to match the
shape of the patella.
[0057] In at least one implementation, the knee pad can include an
inner surface that is configured to rest against the wearer's skin.
The inner surface can include a cloth or pad to reduce abrasion on
the wearer's skin. For example, the inner surface can be covered in
nylon, cotton or other material which can prevent the knee pad from
damaging the wearer's skin.
[0058] In at least one implementation, the knee pad can include an
outer surface. In at least one implementation, the outer surface
can include a hard covering. For example, the outer surface can
include a hard foam, plastic, leather or any other hard covering.
The hard covering can protect the softer foam which provides a
cushion for the wearer's knee.
[0059] One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and
other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions
performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in
differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are
only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may
be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded
into additional steps and operations without detracting from the
essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0060] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *