Sport sock with integral shin guard

Abstract

A sport sock with an integral shin guard has a series of inflatable bladder elements positioned next to and affixed to an inner surface of the sock material to overlie the shin of a wearer and perform a guard function when inflated. The bladder elements are inter-connected and may be connected to a small, manually-operated pump that is located at the rear upper portion of the sock. A pair of upper and lower inflatable straps are affixed to the sock material and encircle the leg. The straps are also inter-connected to the bladder element so that they inflate and deflate in coordination with the bladder elements and retain the sock on the leg when inflated.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to a new and improved sport sock with an internal and integral shin guard, with particular applicability for soccer and lacrosse players and players of other sports where protection for the shin area of the leg is appropriate.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The use of protective gear on the legs of sports players, such as soccer players, is well known. The fast and furious action associated with soccer, including kicking actions and player contact, subjects the player's legs, and particularly the shin portions thereof, to repeated contact and potential injury. Accordingly, shin guards are a conventional item worn by the players.[0003]The shin guards in current use are typically contoured pad-like elements of a tough rigid material, such as plastic, which are placed directly against the shins and often secured thereto by straps. The player's socks covers the guards.[0004]The construction of such guards can leave much to be desired. Their rigid con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The shin guard is of a inflatable construction, preferably with a plurality of generally horizontally-extending inflatable band-like elements joined together at their lateral edges. Such a construction allows the sock to be donned with the guard in an un-inflated condition, whereby maximum flexibility of the construction is available. When put on the guard is inflated, providing the required superior impact resistance. The individual bands of the guard may be curved along their lengths to further allow conformance to the leg. The degree of inflation provides control over the fit and allows the rigidity of the guard to be customized to the desires of the player.

[0008]The guard portion may further be provided with an integral pump / release valve, allowing the inflatable elements to be inflated as desired once the apparatus is donned and deflated for adjustment or for sock removal. With the bands deflated the sock / guard can be easily raised and lowered on the leg, thus facilitating both donning and removal.

Problems solved by technology

The fast and furious action associated with soccer, including kicking actions and player contact, subjects the player's legs, and particularly the shin portions thereof, to repeated contact and potential injury.

The construction of such guards can leave much to be desired.

Their rigid construction, required to afford the necessary protection, often does not allow a comfortable fit to the leg.

In addition, the guards are cumbersome to put on and remove.

They are prone to movement when the sock is put on over the guard and require removal of the sock to be taken off.

In addition, they are also subject to rotation under the sock when the player is active, leaving portions of the shin area unprotected, and also drop down on the leg, resting on the top of the foot, making it uncomfortable to run or otherwise flex the foot.

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