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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for use in playing sports;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a knee pad;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a knee pad sewn onto a sock;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a knee pad placed within a pocket in a sock; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a system for use in playing sports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.