GB2432774A

GB2432774A - A stocking having pad retaining means and a releasable strap

Info

Publication number: GB2432774A
Application number: GB0524340A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dennis Nichols
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-30
Filing date: 2005-11-30
Publication date: 2007-06-06
Also published as: GB2432776B; GB0602048D0; GB0524340D0; GB2432776A

Abstract

A stocking for wearing over a foot and leg portion of a user comprises a body 1 formed from a body material, wherein the body is provided with a patch 4, 5 formed from a second material which is more porous and/or less dense and/or less absorbent and/or thinner than the body material, a releasable strap 2, 3 for securing the stocking in a wearing position in use and means 6, 7, 8 for retaining a protective pad.

Description

Sports stocking This invention relates to a stocking for wearing over a

foot and leg portion of a user.

Traditionally, stockings and socks for sport have a basic design, wherein the body of the sock is made from a knitted material, with various natural and synthetic fibres being used.

It is common to include areas where this material is of different thicknesses, for example by using a different stitch. Thus thicker regions to provide enhanced cushioning of the foot or warmth may be provided, or thinner regions to enhance ventilation to the loot.

Although such stockings provide advantages over a basic single-thickness design, disadvantages with such stockings remain.

Football (soccer) for example is a high-intensity game. Matches are often played in wet or muddy conditions, and by the end of the match, the stockings are typically soaked with mud, water and sweat. This is very uncomfortable for the player. Furthermore, the retention of cold water next to muscle, for example the calf muscle, is an injury-risk.

Furthermore, players are often required to wear shin-pads for protection. These are typically rigid or semi-rigid plates held directly next to the shin by elastic straps. This arrangement too is uncomfortable. Current rules for professional football demand that players' stockings are held up throughout the match. To comply with this requirement, players will commonly resort to using adhesive tape around the top of the stocking to keep it up. This is uncomfortable and time-consuming. A further problem occurs if the players requires medical treatment to the leg. In this case, it may be necessary to get access to the leg, which may involve removing the tape, unrolling the stocking, removing the pad, and then after treatment, rolling the stocking back up and replacing the tape.

This is clearly time-consuming. An additional problem is that although the shin may be adequately protected, it is difficult to protect other areas, especially the ankle, by using a conventional pad and elastic strap device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a stocking which is comfortable, which may be held in place securely, which offers protective pads wherever needed, reduces the risk of injury and assists medical staff inspect the leg.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a stocking for wearing over a foot and leg portion of a user comprising a body formed from a body material, wherein the body is provided with a patch formed from a second material which is more porous and/or less dense and/or less absorbent and/or thinner than the body material, a releasable strap for securing the stocking in a wearing position in use and means for retaining a protective pad.

The stocking may comprise at least one additional releasable strap. This feature allows securing of the strap at a variety of locations along the leg, reducing the possibility of the stocking twisting out of its desired position.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a stocking for wearing over a foot and leg portion of a user comprising a body formed from a body material, wherein the body is provided with a patch formed from a second material which is more porous and/or less dense and/or less absorbent and/or thinner than the body material.

The greater porosity of the second material improves the ventilation or breathability of the patch, aiding comfort and reducing injury. The reduced density of the second material makes the stocking lighter than conventional stockings, increasing comfort. The reduced absorbency of the second material prevents liquids such as mud, water, sweat, blood being retained next to the skin and muscle of the user. The thinness of the second material enables medical staff to assess the area underneath the patch without unrolling the stocking.

Preferably, the stocking comprises at least one additional such patch. The or one of the patches may be located so as to substantially overlie at least a portion of the calf muscle of the user when worn. Alternatively and / or additionally, the or one of the patches may be located so as to substantially overlie at least a portion of the top of the foot of the user when worn. The incorporation of a greater number of patches will reduce the overall weight of the stocking. The areas selected for the patches such be areas where padding is not essential. A patch overlying the calf muscle of the user allows air to reach the muscle, while preventing water, mud and sweat from being held next to the muscle to prevent undue cooling and discomfort. In addition, medical staff may examine the muscle as necessary, without the need to remove the stocking or protective pad. A patch located at the top of the foot will aid ventilation of the foot while to be ventilated, while preventing water, mud or sweat from accumulating in this region.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a stocking for wearing over a foot and leg portion of a user comprising means for retaining a protective pad.

Preferably, the stocking comprises at least one additional retaining means for securing respective pads. The or one of the retaining means may be adapted to hold the respective pad against the shin of the user when worn. Alternatively and / or additionally, the or one of the retaining means may be adapted to hold the respective pad against the ankle of the user when worn. The use of shin-pads is well-known. Incorporating a shin-pad retaining means with the stocking is both convenient and effective. Many sports expose a player's ankle to injury. It is difficult to hold pads in place over the ankle using strapping. By incorporating retaining means with the stocking, such pads are held in position effectively and comfortably.

Advantageously, the retaining means comprises at least one pocket adapted to hold at least a portion of the pad. The retaining means may comprise two pockets arranged to each retain an end of the pad. The provision of pockets is an effective and comfortable method of retaining pads. Furthermore, if pads are not used and the pockets are therefore empty, the stocking will still be comfortable.

The stocking may comprise a protective pad. The pad may be permanently held by the stocking, for example by sewing. This provides the most secure holding of the pad.

Alternatively, the pad may be removable, which aids washing and storing of the stocking.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:-Figure 1 shows a stocking in accordance with the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of a stocking in shown in Fig. 1. The stocking is suitable for covering the foot and leg of a user, up to almost knee height. The body I of the stocking is formed from a first body material, here a knitted material as is conventional. Two releasable straps 2, 3 are provided on the exterior of the stocking, located near the top and bottom of the leg portion respectively. Each strap 2, 3 comprises a length of elastic material attached by sewing to the body 1. Poppers are provided on the straps to fasten the straps around the leg. The upper strap is positioned below the very top of the stocking so that it will be covered when the top of the stocking is rolled over.

The body is provided with two patches 4, 5 formed from a thin mesh material. Patch 4 is located on top of the foot region of the stocking, while patch 5 is located to overlie the calf muscle of the user. The mesh material is less dense, of greater porosity, less absorbent and thinner than the body material. Each patch is attached to the body by sewing.

Two pockets 6, 7 are provided on the interior front of the stocking. Each pocket 6, 7 is formed as a sheet of material attached to the body 1. One side of each sheet is left unattached to form an open "mouth" portion of the pocket, while the remaining perimeter of the sheet is sewn to the body. The pockets 6, 7 are arranged so that their mouths face each other. They are spaced so that a protective rigid or semi-rigid shin-pad may be accommodated and retained by the pockets, with opposite ends of the pad being held within respective pockets.

Further pockets 8 are provided at the ankle position. Only one pocket 8 can be seen in Fig. 1, an additional pocket is formed in the corresponding position on the other side of the stocking. These pockets are formed in the same manner as pockets 6, 7. They are dimensioned so as to entirely accommodate respective rigid or semi-rigid protective ankle pads.

In use, pads are placed in the pockets 6, 7, 8 as required. If no pads are used, for example for training, the empty pockets do not discomfort the wearer. The stocking is pulled up and secured in place by fastening the releasable straps 2, 3. The top of the stocking is then turned over, hiding the upper releasable strap 2. During wear, the patches 4, 5 help to ventilate the foot and calf of the wearer. These areas are kept substantially dry due to the non-absorbent nature of the patches. If medical aid is required, it may be possible for the problem to be diagnosed without removing or lowering the stocking due to the use of thin patches.

Many alternatives are possible within the scope of the invention. Such a stocking may be used for any sport, not just football. The stocking may be of various lengths as required.

The sizes, shapes and number of patches may be selected as required. Various materials may be used to form the patches.

The releasable straps may be of various constructions, for example using hook-and-loop fastening, tie-cords, hook and eye couplings.

The pockets and pads may be located on either of the inside or outside of the stocking.

Alternative retaining means to the pockets described may be used, for example co-operating hook-and-loop pads on each of the body and the pad. The pads may be permanently held within the stocking, for example by completely enclosing the pad with material and sewing into place.

Claims

CLAIMS

I. A stocking for wearing over a foot and leg portion of a user comprising a body formed from a body material, wherein the body is provided with a patch formed from a second material which is more porous and/or less dense and/or less absorbent and/or thinner than the body material, a releasable strap for securing the stocking in a wearing position in use and means for retaining a protective pad.

2. A stocking according to Claim 1, comprising at least one additional releasable strap.

3. A stocking for wearing over a foot and leg portion of a user comprising a body formed from a body material, wherein the body is provided with a patch formed from a second material which is more porous and/or less dense and/or less absorbent and/or thinner than the body material.

4. A stocking according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one additional such patch.

5. A stocking according to any preceding claim, wherein the or one of the patches is located so as to substantially overlie at least a portion of the calf muscle of the user when 6. A stocking according to any preceding claim, wherein the or one of the patches is located so as to substantially overlie at least a portion of the top of the foot of the user 7. A stocking for wearing over a foot and leg portion of a user comprising means for retaining a protective pad.

8. A stocking according to any of Claims 1, 2 and 7 comprising at least one additional retaining means for securing respective pads.

9. A stocking according to any of Claims 1, 2, 7 and 8, wherein the or one of the retaining means is adapted to hold the respective pad against the shin of the user when 10. A stocking according to any of Claims 1,2 and 7 to 9, wherein the or one of the retaining means is adapted to hold the respective pad against the ankle of the user when worn.

11. A stocking according to any of Claims 1, 2 and 7 to 10, wherein the retaining means comprises at least one pocket adapted to hold at least a portion of the pad.

12. A stocking according to Claim 11, wherein the retaining means comprises two pockets arranged to each retain an end of the pad.

13. A stocking according to any preceding claim comprising a protective pad.

14. A stocking substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.