U.S. patent application number 15/540862 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-04 for a protective sock.
The applicant listed for this patent is BASE360 INC.. Invention is credited to Iqbal AHMED, Rolf LOYENS.
Application Number | 20180000166 15/540862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56283743 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180000166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOYENS; Rolf ; et
al. |
January 4, 2018 |
A PROTECTIVE SOCK
Abstract
A protective sock that integrates a protective padding to
provide a unitary garment is disclosed. As such, a wearer's need to
frequently adjust the position of the protective equipment is
likely reduced. An integrated and flexible protective padding also
limits the amount of equipment required by the wearer. The padding
also conforms to the wearer's body, and thus likely increases the
athlete's wearer's comfort. A protective sock that integrates a
high friction surface to restrict the movement of any secondary
equipment is also disclosed. Such a restriction prevents the
exposure of a wearer's body to potential injury. Movement of the
secondary equipment may also be distracting to the wearer. As such,
the integrated high friction surface likely provides the athlete
wearer with a performance advantage. The sock may integrate the
protective padding and/or the high friction surface.
Inventors: |
LOYENS; Rolf; (Ottawa,
CA) ; AHMED; Iqbal; (Sri Lanka, PK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BASE360 INC. |
Ottawa |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
56283743 |
Appl. No.: |
15/540862 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 23, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2015/051374 |
371 Date: |
June 29, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62097430 |
Dec 29, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 17/00 20130101;
A41B 11/02 20130101; A41B 11/001 20130101; A41B 11/04 20130101;
A41D 13/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/04 20060101
A41B011/04; A41B 11/00 20060101 A41B011/00; A41B 17/00 20060101
A41B017/00; A41D 13/06 20060101 A41D013/06 |
Claims
1: A protective sock for use on and for protecting a wearer's foot
and ankle comprising: at least one material for forming the
protective sock, a foot portion enclosing the wearer's foot having
a top side and an underside, a leg portion extending from the foot
portion, having a front portion extending upwardly from the top
side and a rear portion extending upwardly from the underside, and
at least one protective padding, wherein the at least one
protective padding is integrated into at least an area of the front
portion of the leg portion.
2: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one protective padding is a plurality of protective pads, wherein
at least two of the plurality of protective pads overlap one
another.
3: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one protective padding is integrated exteriorly at the front
portion.
4: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the protective
padding comprises a silicone material.
5: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one material is a machine-washable material.
6: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one material is a cut-resistant material, wherein at least a
portion of the protective sock is made of the cut-resistant
material.
7: The protective sock according to claim 1, further including at
least one auxiliary protective padding adjacent to a wearer's
ankle.
8: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one protective padding is integrated on the top side of the foot
portion.
9: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one protective padding is integrated on the underside of the foot
portion.
10: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one protective padding includes at least one perforation.
11: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one material comprises at least one of: polyester, cotton, wool,
silk, rayon, nylon, acrylic, glass, steel, elastane, aramids, and
high-performance polyethylene.
12: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one material in the foot portion is a first material, and the at
least one material in the leg portion is a second material being
different from the first material.
13: The protective sock according to claim 12, further comprising a
ribbing at a top of the leg portion, wherein the at least one
material in the ribbing is a third fabric.
14: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one material comprises at least one yarn, wherein the at least one
yarn is plaited.
15. (canceled)
16: The protective sock according to claim 15, wherein the at least
one protective padding includes at least one high friction
surface.
17: The protective sock according to claim 1, wherein the
protective padding has a design feature.
18: The protective sock according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one auxiliary protective padding adjacent to a wearer's
heel.
19: The protective sock according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one compression zone for minimizing movement of the sock
during activity.
20: The protective sock according to claim 19, wherein a location
of the at least one compression zone is at least one of: the leg
portion, an arch of the foot, above the ankle, near a top of the
leg portion.
21: A protective sock for use on and for protecting a wearer's foot
and ankle comprising: at least one material for forming the
protective sock, a foot portion enclosing the wearer's foot having
a top side and an underside, a leg portion extending from the foot
portion, having a front portion extending upwardly from the top
side and a rear portion extending upwardly from the underside, and
at least one high friction surface, wherein the at least one high
friction surface is integrated into at least an area of the leg
portion.
22-23. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to the field of protective equipment.
More specifically, this invention relates to apparel that provides
protection to a wearer's foot and ankle during a myriad of
activities, including but not limited to, ice skating, running,
hiking, dancing, law enforcement, industrial applications, or other
physical activities requiring securely fitted footwear.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many sports, such as hockey, figure skating, inline skating,
and speed skating, involve the use of footwear that must be tied
securely to a wearer's foot. Poorly or tightly fitting footwear may
cause undue pressure to be placed on the extensor hallucis tendon
leading to painful injury. Such injury may be avoided through the
proper use of protective equipment.
[0003] For example, it is known that tightly tied skate-laces may
aggravate the muscles joined by the extensor hallucis tendon that
may in turn lead to acute inflammation of the tendon (extensor
tendonitis) and acute inflammation of the fluid surrounding the
tendon (extensor tenosynovitis). Extensor tendonitis and extensor
tenosynovitis, commonly referred to as lace bite, may cause sharp
pain and pressure felt along the front of the lower leg and top of
the foot. The use of protective padding in front of the affected
areas can help to prevent such injuries from occurring.
[0004] Lace bite has been addressed in the art by the use of added
foam or gel inserts between the front of the wearer's ankle and the
tongue of the foot wear. Such a solution requires frequent
adjustment of the added insert and is often deemed uncomfortable
and distracting for the wearer. Such inserts may also be adhered to
the tongue of the footwear. However, this solution potentially
damages the footwear as it is a permanent adhesion, and thus cannot
be repositioned if it causes further aggravation or if it does not
address lace bite symptoms.
[0005] Ankle sleeves are another known solution. The sleeve
incorporates a protective padding in the lace bite region. However
this equipment must be worn over a sock and must be adjusted to
ensure coverage of the affected area.
[0006] In another prior art reference, U.S. Pat. No. 8,856,968, by
Sherman, describes a sock with removable stabilizer pads adjacent
to an ankle of a wearer. These stabilizer pads are however
susceptible to movement and require assembly.
[0007] In addition to socks and protective padding, a wearer,
including, but not limited to, law enforcement professionals and
athletes such as hockey players, typically requires secondary
protective equipment. Poorly positioned secondary equipment may
leave the wearer susceptible to injury. To ensure protection and to
prevent movement, this secondary equipment is often further secured
to the circumference of the leg by means of adhesive tape, or a
hook and loop fastening band. However, the need to secure the
secondary equipment with an additional product can be time
consuming and cumbersome for the wearer. Furthermore, these
securing means are often not entirely effective at preventing
movement of the secondary equipment. Therefore, additional means of
securement of the secondary protective equipment is desired.
[0008] There is therefore a need to mitigate, if not overcome, the
shortcomings of the prior art and to, preferably, provide
protection from injury while reducing movement of secondary
equipment in a less cumbersome solution.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention provides a protective sock that
prevents injury due to lace bite or movement of secondary
protective equipment. Use of this protective sock is applicable to
hockey and other ice skating-related activities, as well as
running, hiking, dancing, law enforcement or other physical
activities requiring securely fitted footwear.
[0010] More specifically, the present invention provides a
protective sock that integrates a protective padding to provide a
unitary garment. As such, a wearer's need to frequently adjust the
position of the protective equipment is likely reduced. An
integrated and flexible protective padding also limits the amount
of equipment required by the wearer. The padding also conforms to
the wearer's body, and thus likely increases the wearer's
comfort.
[0011] The present invention also provides a protective sock that
integrates a high friction surface to restrict the movement of any
secondary equipment. Such a restriction prevents the exposure of a
wearer's body to potential injury. Movement of the secondary
equipment may also be distracting to the wearer. As such, the
integrated high friction surface likely provides the wearer with a
performance advantage.
[0012] Also in accordance with the present invention, the sock may
integrate the protective padding and/or the high friction
surface.
[0013] In a first aspect, this document discloses a protective sock
for use on and for protecting a wearer's foot and ankle comprising:
a foot portion enclosing the wearer's foot having a top side and an
underside, a leg portion extending from the foot portion, having a
front portion extending upwardly from the top side and a rear
portion extending upwardly from the underside, and at least one
protective padding, wherein the at least one protective padding is
integrated into at least an area of the front portion of the leg
portion.
[0014] In a second aspect, this document discloses a protective
sock for use on and for protecting a wearer's foot and ankle
comprising: a foot portion enclosing the wearer's foot having a top
side and an underside, a leg portion extending from the foot
portion, having a front portion extending upwardly from the top
side and a rear portion extending upwardly from the underside, and
at least one high friction surface, wherein the at least one high
friction surface is integrated into at least an area of the leg
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The embodiments of the present invention will now be
described by reference to the following figures, in which identical
reference numerals in different figures indicate identical
elements, and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of the protective sock according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the protective sock according to
another embodiment of the present invention where two protective
pads overlap one another.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the protective sock according to a
further embodiment of the present invention including a protective
padding adjacent to a wearer's ankle.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of the protective sock according to a
further embodiment of the present invention that includes a high
surface area adjacent to the leg of the wearer.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the protective sock
according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes
compression zones integrated in the sock.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of the protective sock according to a
further embodiment of the present invention that includes a high
friction surface area adjacent to the leg of the wearer.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a protective padding on the
protective sock according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a protective padding on the
protective sock according to a further embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] The figures are not to scale and some features may be
exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements
while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent
obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and
functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The present invention provides a protective sock conforming
to the wearer's body including a protective padding and/or a high
friction surface.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a protective sock 100 having a foot portion 101
and a leg portion 102. In the embodiment shown in the Figure, the
front portion 103 of the leg portion 102 includes a protective
padding 110 with perforations 120.
[0027] In one embodiment, the protective padding 110 extends
outwardly onto the top side 130 of the foot portion 101. The
perforations 120 included in some embodiments assist in reducing
trapped moisture on the wearer's foot thereby preventing
blistering.
[0028] In another embodiment, the protective padding 110 is a high
friction surface.
[0029] The protective sock 100 may be made of material including,
but not limited to: natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool,
and synthetic fibers such as, but not limited to: polyester,
wrapped glass, steel fibers, nylon, acrylic, elastane, rayon,
aramids, and high-performance polyethylene. For example,
Dyneema.TM., or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, is a
high-performance polyethylene that is desirable for use as a
material for the protective sock as it has the highest impact
strength of any thermoplastic material currently made due to its
extremely long molecular chains. Wrapped glass and steel fibers and
filaments may be incorporated into yarn for increased cut
resistance, and as such are desirable for use in a protective
garment. Similarly, nylon, a polyamide fiber, is desirable as it is
highly durable in a wide temperature range. Polyester is also a
desirable fiber for use as this polymer is very strong, and is
hydrophobic, which helps to keep the material dry. It is readily
contemplated that the material of the sock may be comprised of any
combination of the above noted fibers. The protective sock may also
include a material that is a sweat-wicking, anti-bacterial,
anti-odor and/or cooling fiber. For example, fibers or materials
that incorporate silver, other metals, or natural stone particles,
such as jade, may provide specialized properties to the
material.
[0030] The fibers are wound, wrapped, twisted, or plaited, in a
specific manner to form yarn. The choice of yarn and yarn plaiting
and wrapping, as well as the choice of knitting pattern, provides
specialized properties for the material. As such, multiple yarns
may be plaited or plied together to form threads that are knitted
together to form fabric. Different fibers may be interwoven to
produce the fabric. In a first example, a first yarn may be
comprised of 150 D (denier) polyester fiber. A second yarn may be
comprised of 70 D nylon fiber and 40 D elastane fiber. These two
yarns may be knitted together to form a fabric for at least a
portion of the sock. Table 1 shows the yarn combination of the
first example:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Yarn no. Yarn type Count Color Filament Yarn
1 Polyester .times. 3 150 D Black 96F Yarn 2 Nylon .times. 1 70 D
Black 24F Elastane .times. 1 40 D White --
[0031] A second example includes fabric formed by knitting together
a yarn including 400 D Dyneema.TM., with a yarn including 70 D
nylon and 40 D elastane. Table 2 shows the yarn combination of the
second example:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Yarn no. Yarn type Count Color Filament Yarn
3 Dyneema .TM. .times. 2 400 D White 195F (intermingle) Yarn 2
Nylon .times. 1 70 D Black 24F Elastane .times. 1 40 D White --
[0032] Table 3 outlines a further example, showing different Nylon
yarns with different deniers that are interwoven to produce the
fabric.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Yarn no. Yarn type Count Color Filament Yarn
5 Nylon .times. 2 140 D Black 24F Yarn 6 Nylon .times. 1 140 D
Black 24F Yarn 7 Nylon .times. 1 70 D Black 24F Elastane .times. 1
40 D White --
[0033] The properties provided by a fabric may be improved beyond
simply combining different fibers to create different yarn
compositions, and knitting various yarns together to form
specialized fabrics. The yarn may also be plaited either inward or
outward, to produce a different texture, to increase performance,
such as cut-resistance, as well as comfort for the wearer. For
example, in the first example above, the first yarn may be plaited
outward, while the second yarn may be plaited inward. Tables 4, 5,
and 6 show exemplary plaiting details for the first, second, and
third yarn combination examples, respectively.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Yarn Plaiting Yarn 1 OUT Yarn 2 IN
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Yarn Plaiting Yarn 3 OUT Yarn 4 IN
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Yarn Plaiting Yarn 5 OUT Yarn 6 OUT Yarn 7
IN
[0034] The yarn may be knit to form a fabric using a specific
needle gauge. The yarn may also be knit using a specific pattern
and at a specific speed. For example, a No. 132 gauge needle may
knit at 250 RPM to produce the sock. The use of a particular
fibers, yarn, and knitting parameters allow for creating a
desirable fabric texture. For example, the combination of thread
wrapping and knitting pattern of the material may optimize the
material for heat dissipation, cooling, or a particular texture
such as softness or coarseness to touch. In one embodiment, the
choice of thread wrapping and/or knitting pattern may create a soft
and smooth inner surface with a coarse external surface that
provides a high friction surface. Threads of more than one material
may also be interwoven for use in the protective sock. The
different fabrics may be applied to different areas of the sock.
For example, one fabric may be utilized for the foot portion, while
another fabric is utilized for the leg portion.
[0035] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
protective padding 110 may cover a relatively smaller or larger
area of the sock 100. The padding size may depend on the size of
the sock or the intended use, such as the sport type.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, the front portion 103 of the leg
portion 102 includes a protective padding 110 that is comprised of
a plurality of protective pads 140 and 150. In this embodiment, the
two protective pads 140 and 150 overlap one another. This
arrangement provides for increased protection of the wearer's
ankle, filling the gap between the leg portion 102 of the
protective sock 100 and any footwear or secondary equipment.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows the front portion 103 of the leg portion 102
having a plurality of protective pads 160. The plurality of
protective pads 160 may define a design. For example, a pattern of
criss-crossing protective pads or any other shape of protective pad
is contemplated. The use of a plurality of protective pads may
reduce trapped moisture on the wearer's foot or leg, thereby
reducing the risk of blistering. In this embodiment, the protective
sock 100 further comprises a protective padding 170 adjacent to a
wearer's ankle.
[0038] The protective padding 170 may be designed, and in
particular, shaped, to offer enhanced protection of the ankle. The
design feature of the plurality of protective pads 160 and of the
protective padding 170 is not limited to what is shown in the
Figures.
[0039] FIG. 3 further shows a protective padding 180 on the
underside of the foot portion 101.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, in another embodiment, the front
portion 103 of the leg portion 102 includes a high friction surface
210 that is integrated exteriorly. The high friction surface 210
may also form a design, such as a pattern or a word mark, or a
particular shape as shown in FIG. 4.
[0041] FIG. 4 also shows compression zones 205 integrated in the
sock to better conform the sock to the leg and to the foot of the
wearer. The compression zones reduce movement of the sock on the
foot and leg of the wearer to help keep the high friction surface
210 in place. This increases comfort for the wearer. The sock may
also include ribbing 206 at the top to help prevent the sock from
sliding down.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows the compression zones 205 more clearly. As
shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, in one embodiment, the protective sock
may include at least one compression zone 205 integrated
circumferentially into the sock 100 to better conform the sock to
the foot and leg of the wearer. The inclusion of a compression zone
205 is to minimize any movement of the sock on the leg of the
wearer during activity and to help maintain the positioning of the
high friction surface 210. In the embodiment shown in the Figures,
three compression zones are integrated for securing the sock: a
first zone near the top of the leg portion 102 and under the
ribbing 206 at the top of the sock, a second zone above the ankle
portion of the protective sock, and a third zone near the arch of
the foot of the wearer. These three zones provide for a sock that
conforms to the natural curves of feet and legs. The sock conforms
to the natural curves by compressing at the arch of the foot, above
the ankle, and above the calf muscle. Providing compression zones
in these narrower areas of the leg reduces the amount of loose
material, thereby minimizing potential chafing and discomfort for
the wearer.
[0043] As may be readily contemplated by the skilled artisan, the
location of the compression zone on the sock is not limited to the
areas depicted in the Figures. It should also be noticed that the
surface area covered by the compression zones is not limited to the
surface area that is shown in the Figures. For example, in one
embodiment, a compression zone may cover a smaller or larger
surface area of the sock, and may encompass the entire shin/calf
region of the leg portion. In another embodiment, the protective
sock may be comprised of a compression material in its entirety. It
is also readily contemplated that a compression zone may be
integrated circumferentially horizontally, as shown, along a
diagonal (not shown), or with any pattern or design, such as a
criss-cross pattern (not shown).
[0044] FIG. 5 also shows an outline of knitting pattern regions A
through G.
[0045] FIG. 6 further shows a side view of a high friction surface
210 that is integrated exteriorly on the protective sock.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows the protective padding 110 with a high friction
surface 210 that is made of a silicone material. Alternatively, the
protective padding 110 may be made of material that is heat
resistant, cut-resistant and/or machine washable. The protective
padding 110 may adhere to the fibres of the protective sock
material 230 without bleeding through the fibres to an interior
surface of a sock, thereby increasing comfort for the wearer. The
protective padding may also be flexible with the expansion and
contraction of the protective sock material 230. The protective
padding 110 is also contemplated as being durable to withstand
rigorous athletic activity and frequent laundering, and may be of
light-weight material to reduce discomfort.
[0047] FIG. 8 includes a protective padding 110 that is a plurality
of protective pads 140 and 150. In this embodiment, two of the
plurality of protective pads 140 and 150 overlap one another. This
arrangement seeks to provide increased protection for the leg or
foot of the wearer.
[0048] It is further contemplated that the protective pad and/or
high friction surface may extend circumferentially around the leg
portion to a rear portion of the leg portion, such as a band or
similar configuration (not shown).
[0049] In addition, it should be readily understood that the
protective pads and/or high friction surface may be constructed and
arranged on the rear portion of the leg portion (also not shown),
in addition to its front portion.
[0050] It is also contemplated that the top side and the underside
of the foot portion may also include any combination of protective
pad and high friction surface. For example, some athlete training
may require high friction surfaces on the underside of the foot
portion.
[0051] Residual fabric due to a poor fit of the foot portion may
create unwanted movement and friction on the wearer, causing
discomfort or injuries such as blisters. Therefore, the foot
portion is preferably constructed of a material with elastic
properties, or an elastic material composition, to tightly conform
to the wearer's foot. Additionally, the material of the foot
portion is preferably thin for comfort of the wearer and to keep
the wearer's foot cool. As such, it may be readily understood that
a given portion of the sock may have a different thickness of
material from another portion of the sock.
[0052] It is further contemplated that the foot portion may enclose
individual toes (not shown).
[0053] The present invention also contemplates that the sock may
extend beyond the knee portion of the leg portion to the thigh area
(not clearly shown).
[0054] A person understanding this invention may now conceive of
alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above
all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention
as defined in the claims that follow.
* * * * *