A protective sock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective sock (99, 199, 299) comprising: an elastic body (3,13,16,12,17) for covering at least the instep and ankle of a wearer's foot and a bridge pad (2) to provide protection to the bridge of the foot; wherein the bridge pad is integrated to the elastic body so that the bridge pad is held in place over a bridge of a user's foot when the sock is pulled over the wearer's foot. The protective sock provides enhanced protection of a wearers foot across the bridge to protect the wearer's foot from another player stamping on their foot during sport such as football.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective sock, in particular a sock for wearing during sports; more particularly a sock for improving safety or injury reduction when playing football.Background

[0002] In many societies there are increasing numbers of people playing sports, for example football.

[0003] This can be for pleasure or competitively and may have differing levels of engagement from players.

[0004] On occasion players make contact, may be overly engaged and can be violent. It can for example be painful and / or damaging in football if another player stamps on a player's foot, or is otherwise violent when making challenges, for example kicking ankles.Prior Art

[0005] EP 4 275 768 (BOCCINO) discloses a foot-borne sports device, in particular for a soccer player, comprising a positioning aid to which a protective element is fastened in a defined position.

[0006] GB 0 808 287 (NIESIOLOWSKI) discloses a metatarsal / dorsum protector for the foot comprises a moulded pad shaped to fit over the top of the foot from the beginning of the toes up to the ankle and covering the metatarsals which pad may be sandwiched between two socks and may be kept in place by gluing or sewing and may be made from silicone rubber.

[0007] US 2008 0 209 616 (MANNING) discloses a sock woven from textile material for wearing with a soccer shoe, and a protective synthetic foam pad secured in the upper metatarsal prominence area of the sock, said pad comprising a firm, slow rebound, foam material, said foam pad having a thickness in the range of three to six millimetres and being of closed cell polyurethane material.Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a protective sock comprising: an elastic body for covering at least the instep, bridge and ankle of a wearer's foot and a bridge pad to provide protection to the bridge of the foot; wherein the bridge pad is integrated to the elastic body so that the bridge pad is held in place over a bridge of a user's foot when the protective sock is pulled over the wearer's foot.

[0009] In this way the protective sock acts at all times to provide enhanced protection of a wearers foot across the bridge to protect the wearer's foot from another player stamping on their foot during sport such as football.

[0010] The protective sock is formed from an elastic body so that the sock fits closely to the wearer's foot and fits easily within the wearer's shoe to provide the extra layer of protection.

[0011] Preferably the elastic body is a tube with an open toe. Therefore the protective sock may be worn over or under traditional socks. Advantageously this allows the protective sock to be made from a stronger, thicker and / or more supportive material that fits closely to the wearer's foot and may not be so suitable for a complete sock.

[0012] In some embodiments of the protective sock with an open end for the toes, the sock may comprise a stirrup or elastic holder to help hold the sock in place despite its open toe end.

[0013] It is appreciated that in some embodiments the elastic body may include a toe region to provide a full sock and in some embodiments the toe region may be formed from a different material, such as thinner more flexible fabric.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the protective sock also includes an Achilles pad to provide protection to the Achilles heel of a wearer. In this way the wearer's Achilles heel also has an extra layer of protection if contact occurs, for example during a tackle when a player's foot may strike the Achilles region.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the protective sock has an opening (hole) for the wearer's heel to assist with locating orientation of the elastic body on the wearer's foot. As the heel is arranged in the opening when worn, the bridge pad and Achilles pad (if also present) are then located at the corresponding parts of the foot for protection, and the sock is less likely to twist from position when worn. The opening also helps to prevent bunching of material in this area and allows the heel to well seated in the shoe as usual (if the protective sock were not worn) as there is not an extra layer of material over the heel. Typically the opening is substantially round and has stitching around the edge.

[0016] The bridge pad is integrated with the elastic body so that the bridge pad is provided in a fixed location on the body. The bridge pad may be fixed to the body, or the elastic body may be adapted to receive the bridge pad.

[0017] For example the bridge pad may be arranged within a pocket provided on the elastic body so that the bridge pad is arranged between two layers of material. In this way the pad is contained and separated from the wearer.

[0018] Alternatively the bridge pad may be stitched and / or adhered to a surface of the elastic body. For example a pad may be stitched to an outer face of the elastic body so as to provide a raised protective surface on the outer face and having the elastic body presented to the wearer's foot.

[0019] In embodiments including an Achilles pad, this may also be arranged within a pocket provided on the elastic body and / or connected directly to the elastic body.

[0020] In some embodiments the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad are displaceable from the pocket. In this way a user can select the type of pad that is used, for example the material, or thickness of a pad may be changed, or a pad can be changed if damaged.

[0021] The pads (bridge pad or Achilles pad) provide an extra layer of protection at a specific location. The pads are provided to protect from impact so that a wearer's foot is not injured. The pads are intended to absorb and / or block the impact to prevent passage of damage through the bridge pad to the user's bridge or Achilles.

[0022] The pads may be formed from resiliently deformable material, such as a cellular structure such as foam, or rubber to absorb impact.

[0023] A padding layer may be provided under the bridge pad or as the lower face of the bridge pad, so as to provide comfort against the user's bridge and / or so as to avoid transmission of impacts to the bridge pad. Such padding layer may comprise closed cell polyurethane foam.

[0024] In some embodiments the pads may include a substantially rigid portion, to protect from impact. It is appreciated that the substantially rigid portion may be a layer of rigid material that can flex slightly on impact to help dissipate the impact and so that the rigid part does not dig into a wearer upon impact. The rigid part (if present) is also separated from the wearer's foot by a padding layer as described above for optimal comfort and for further protection.

[0025] The Achilles pad may not have any rigid portion due to location on the wearer and to prevent any rubbing between the sock and the wearer's shoe.

[0026] Preferably the Achilles pad is resiliently deformable, such as being formed from foam or from gel to provide a protective padded layer over the Achilles heel.

[0027] It is appreciated that in some embodiments the bridge pad is resiliently deformable and may include foam and / or gel.

[0028] In some embodiments of the protective sock the bridge pad and / or the Achilles is inelastic, so as to provide a structure that does not stretch to maintain the dimensions of the pad across the bridge or across the Achilles.

[0029] In preferred embodiments of the protective sock the bridge pad and the Achilles pad are flexible or have flexible parts, so as to allow the bridge pad and Achilles pad to be shaped over / around the respective part of the foot for optimal fit and comfort.

[0030] In some embodiments the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad are formed from a plurality of layers of material.

[0031] The layers of the bridge pad may include at least one substantially rigid layer and at least one resiliently deformable layer.

[0032] The rigid layer of the pad may be formed from synthetic plastic, metal, metal alloy, carbon fibre, a composite or combination of these materials. The rigid layer is lightweight, strong, and durable to be suitable for repeated use. The presence of the rigid layer helps to prevent damage to the bridge of a wearer's foot, preventing point loading from another players footwear which may include studs which may cause injury such as bruising.

[0033] Advantagesouly by having plurality of layers above the bridge of the foot or over the Achilles these layers may move relative to each other upon impact to the bridge of the foot or to the Achilles heel whilst the lower layer of the bridge pad that is against, or closest to the wearer's foot remains substantially in position to protect the wearer's foot and minimise rubbing of the foot. For example, sliding may occur between the layers of material that form the pad.

[0034] In a preferred example of a bridge pad a plurality of flexible layers are provided upon a rigid layer so that the flexible layers are able to move relative to each other and / or relative to the rigid layer. In this way the rigid layer is enabled to remain in place protecting the bridge of the wearer's foot whilst the flexible layers above may move. It is appreciated that the layers are configured to enable this. For example the flexible layer edges may only be connected at the edges rather than across the full surface to permit movement. And / or at least some of the flexible layer edges may not be connected but may be arranged within a pocket on the elastic body to locate the layers. And / or the rigid layer and the adjacent flexible layer that is above the rigid layer may not be connected to each other or may only be connected at edges or part of an edge so that the flexible layer can slide over the rigid layer.

[0035] In some embodiments at least part of the outer surface of the protective sock, and in particular the outer surface of the pads may have a low friction finish so that the wearer's foot can move easily against the inner surface of the footwear being worn. In this way the protective sock does not move with the footwear which could result in repositing of the pad away from the desired location of protection which would cause discomfort and mean the bridge area is not fully protected. It is appreciated that the footpad of the protective sock may not have a low friction finish, to minimise sliding in the footwear. Additionally or alternatively, sliding of the protective sock within the footwear is minimised by means of the materials of the footwear, for example the innersole of the shoe.

[0036] In some embodiments the bridge pad or the Achilles pad are formed from two or more parts that can move relative to each other. For example an array of padded sections may be provided across the bridge or around the Achilles.

[0037] In some such embodiments of the protective sock the multiple parts are connected and able to articulate, for example hinged together by a living hinge or another type of hinge so as to allow for adaptation to the curvature of the wearer's foot. For example pieces of foam may be stitched into individual pockets arrange across the bridge or around the Achilles so that the lines of stitching are living hinges between pockets filled with foam (or another similar padding material). Advantageously this configuration may also assist with breathability, allow more airflow at the hinge regions.

[0038] Preferably an upper layer of the pad is resiliently deformable to assist with absorbing initial impact and so that the upper layer of the sock is soft. It is appreciated that the upper layer may be covered by elastic body of the sock, or that the pad may be the upper layer.

[0039] In some embodiments the pads are formed from multiple different layers of material. This may include a layer of high impact material positioned within (for example between two layers of the elastic body or on an outer face of the elastic body and further cushioned with thin layers padding.

[0040] In an example of a bridge pad for the protective sock the pad has a plastic bridge layer, for example polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which may be multipartite. It may be envisaged that in other embodiments the bridge pad may be silicone, carbon fibre or an alloy such as aluminium or metal.

[0041] In some embodiments the rigid layer of the bridge pad may be reinforced carbon fibre, for example a metal layer encased in carbon fibre.

[0042] Ideally the bridge pad is intended to pass over the bridge of the wearer's foot and to not extend substantially, or at all, into the footwear, so that the footwear can be secured in the usual way and to minimise any rubbing. In some embodiments the bridge pad may be taper towards to edges to further facilitate the fit and comfort.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:Brief Description of Figures

[0044] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a pair of a first embodiment of the protective sock according to the present invention, in use; Figure 2 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment of the protective sock as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a third isometric view of the embodiment of the protective sock as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of an isometric view of the embodiment of the protective sock shown in Figure 1, before use (laid flat); Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the second embodiment of the protective sock as shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a pair of a third embodiment of the protective sock according to the present invention, in use; and Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic isometric representative view of a formation of a pad for use in an embodiment of the protective sock according to the present invention. Detailed Description of Figures

[0045] With reference to the figures there is three embodiments of a protective sock 99,199, 299 comprising an elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 for covering the instep, bridge (mid foot region) and ankle of a user, and a bridge pad 2,12, wherein the bridge pad is integrated into the elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 so as to be held in place over a bridge of a wearer's foot 5 when the sock is pulled over the wearer's foot 100.

[0046] In all embodiments the protective sock comprises a fabric cylinder (tube) which forms the elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17. The toes end is therefore open from which the wearer's toes project.

[0047] Preferably the elastic body has a continuous diameter along the length for simple manufacturing.

[0048] The elastic material may be a tubular compression fabric, which may have double fabric layers for accommodating the pads 1, 2. The elastic body (tube) 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 may comprise Lycra (RTM) or cotton, or a cotton, elastane and polyamide mix such as 91% polyamide, 9% Lycra (RTM), 91% polyamide, 9% Lycra (RTM), or 80% polyamide, 20% Lycra (RTM).

[0049] The elastic tube 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 has a first open end 8A in use located on the shin of the user, and a distal second end 5A which may be envisaged to be located to end as the mid region of the foot becomes the fore region of the foot that includes the wearer's toes 100.

[0050] Both of the endmost seams 7 at the first and second ends 8, 5 are double stitched so as to ensure a robust and resistant seam and end of the elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 so as to prevent fraying or similar degradation.

[0051] Proximate the shin end 8 there is provided an Achilles pad 1, which in use is thereby located by the elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 in the region of the user's Achilles tendon, thereby providing support, and providing a shield against damage for example from stray kicks from other players.

[0052] The Achilles pad 1 is substantially square and formed of a resiliently deformable padding material such as closed cellular material such as foam, or from silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), latex or plastics such as nitrile rubber or an inelastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); which is sewn into a permanent seamed patch 6 so as to be easy and repeatable to locate correctly in use.

[0053] The Achilles pad is located on a first side of the elastic body 3, as shown in Figure 5 when flat.

[0054] It may be envisaged that the pad may comprise an EVA foam (closed cell ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer foam) for example in a thickness or 1mm or 2mm, being thin but high density for optimal protection and comfort.

[0055] Alternatively the pad may comprise polymer gel such as Silipos (RTM) for example with a thickness of 3mm.

[0056] Alternatively the pad may comprise soft felt padding with a composition of 100% cotton and thickness of 5mm.

[0057] Below the Achilles pad 1, towards the distal toe end 5 of the elastic body 3, there is provided an opening (hole) 4 for receiving the wearer's heel. The opening 4 helps to locate the wearer's foot in the protective sock 99, 199, 299 so that the pads 1, 2 are correctly located. The presence of the opening 4 also helps to minimise bunching, enhances breathability, and allows the heel to be full seated within the shoe in the usual way.

[0058] On the reverse side of the elastic body 3 as shown in Figure 4, further towards the toe end 5 from the heel hole 4, there is provided the bridge pad 2.

[0059] The bridge pad 2 is substantially square and planar when not in use, as can be seen in Figure 4. The bridge pad 2 projects from the elastic body 3 as shown in Figure 4.

[0060] In the pictured embodiments 99, 199, 299 the bridge pad is 2 permanently sewn into a seamed patch 6 and it may be envisaged that this ensures reliable and repeatable placement in use, where the bridge pad 2 is adapted to flex around the bridge of the user's foot under urging from the elastic body 3 and the shoe (not shown).

[0061] The bridge pad 2 is formed of a plurality of layers of material internally, comprising a resiliently deformable foam upper padding layer, under a fabric outer, which upper layer may be envisaged to absorb and accommodate sliding movement between the shoe's inner surface and the bridge pad 2.

[0062] A rigid core of carbon fibre (not visible) provides an inelastic, flexible material that absorbs impacts and prevents damage to the user's foot. This may be 1mm, 2mm or 3mm, formed in high-strength carbon fibre reinforcement and epoxy resin having a smooth carbon fibre finish on one side and a textured finish on the reverse.

[0063] The carbon fibre finish may be provided with a peel-ply surface that is ready to create a bond with another layer of the pad 2. In this way the layers of the pad remain connected and do not separate, bunch, or fold during use.

[0064] The carbon fibre layer may include continuous glass fibre roving with increased fibre content for strength. For example the rigid layer may be a carbon fibre composite.

[0065] This may be suitable for use with most epoxy and polyester resin coating.

[0066] Further embodiments may comprise a substantially rigid layer formed from perforated aluminium for example being 1mm thick, with hole size of 1mm. 1mm thickness ensures sturdiness and protection with flexibility to mould comfortably to foot shape and the perforated design also facilitates consistent air flow.

[0067] A lower resiliently deformable padding layer provides a comfortable padding between the substantially rigid core and the wearer's foot in use.

[0068] In particular reference to the second pictured embodiment 199 the Achilles pad 1 continues to the distal end 8 of the elastic body 3, whereas in the first and third embodiments 99, 299 the Achilles pad 1 ends before the distal end 8.

[0069] In the third embodiment 299 the protective sock has a plurality of panels 12,13,16,17.

[0070] The panels comprise two rear panels 17 which are provided with an integrated internal Achilles pad (not visible), being seamed to panel 13 that has an integrated bridge pad in panels 12.

[0071] The bridge pads 12 and Achilles pad 17 are envisaged to comprise a lighter weight material to the first and second embodiment 99, 199, for example a plastic shield such as a resilient thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which may be biodegradable, rather than the thicker pads of the first two embodiments that project from the elastic body 3.

[0072] The pad panels 12, 17 may contain a gel material or a closed cell polyurethane foam material for example, so as to absorb impacts.

[0073] The fore panels 13 and footpad panels 16 are envisaged to be standard elastic fabric as known in the art. The footpad panels 16 may have different properties to the fore panels 13, for example providing grip to minimise slipping within the shoe.

[0074] Figure 7 shows an example of the layers of material 10, 20, 30, 40 that may be used for a pad 1, 2 over skin 50 of a wearer. The example shown has bottom and top layer fabric 10 which may be the layers of elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 17 / 12 forming a pocket for the other layers. The internal layers include a central impact shield 30 with a layer of thin padding 20 either side. In this way the impact shield 30 is enclosed between layers of padding 20.

[0075] The impact shield 30 may be a substantially rigid layer, for example formed from plastic, a composite, metal, alloy, carbon fibre, or combination of these materials, as described above.

[0076] Each pad is a standalone part integrated with the elastic body 3. The pad 1, 2 may be attached to a surface of the elastic body 3 or may be provided within layers of the elastic body, for example within a pocket defined by the elastic body.

[0077] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0045]With reference to the figures there is three embodiments of a protective sock 99,199, 299 comprising an elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 for covering the instep, bridge (mid foot region) and ankle of a user, and a bridge pad 2,12, wherein the bridge pad is integrated into the elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 so as to be held in place over a bridge of a wearer's foot 5 when the sock is pulled over the wearer's foot 100.

[0046]In all embodiments the protective sock comprises a fabric cylinder (tube) which forms the elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17. The toes end is therefore open from which the wearer's toes project.

[0047]Preferably the elastic body has a continuous diameter along the length for simple manufacturing.

[0048]The elastic material may be a tubular compression fabric, which may have double fabric layers for accommodating the pads 1, 2. The elastic body (tube) 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 may comprise Lycra (RTM) or cotton, or a cotton, elastane and polyamide mix such as 91% polyamide, 9% Lycra (RTM),...

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective sock, in particular a sock for wearing during sports; more particularly a sock for improving safety or injury reduction when playing football.Background

[0002] In many societies there are increasing numbers of people playing sports, for example football.

[0003] This can be for pleasure or competitively and may have differing levels of engagement from players.

[0004] On occasion players make contact, may be overly engaged and can be violent. It can for example be painful and / or damaging in football if another player stamps on a player's foot, or is otherwise violent when making challenges, for example kicking ankles.Prior Art

[0005] EP 4 275 768 (BOCCINO) discloses a foot-borne sports device, in particular for a soccer player, comprising a positioning aid to which a protective element is fastened in a defined position.

[0006] GB 0 808 287 (NIESIOLOWSKI) discloses a metatarsal / dorsum protector for the foot comprises a moulded pad shaped to fit over the top of the foot from the beginning of the toes up to the ankle and covering the metatarsals which pad may be sandwiched between two socks and may be kept in place by gluing or sewing and may be made from silicone rubber.

[0007] US 2008 0 209 616 (MANNING) discloses a sock woven from textile material for wearing with a soccer shoe, and a protective synthetic foam pad secured in the upper metatarsal prominence area of the sock, said pad comprising a firm, slow rebound, foam material, said foam pad having a thickness in the range of three to six millimetres and being of closed cell polyurethane material.Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a protective sock comprising: an elastic body for covering at least the instep, bridge and ankle of a wearer's foot and a bridge pad to provide protection to the bridge of the foot; wherein the bridge pad is integrated to the elastic body so that the bridge pad is held in place over a bridge of a user's foot when the protective sock is pulled over the wearer's foot.

[0009] In this way the protective sock acts at all times to provide enhanced protection of a wearers foot across the bridge to protect the wearer's foot from another player stamping on their foot during sport such as football.

[0010] The protective sock is formed from an elastic body so that the sock fits closely to the wearer's foot and fits easily within the wearer's shoe to provide the extra layer of protection.

[0011] Preferably the elastic body is a tube with an open toe. Therefore the protective sock may be worn over or under traditional socks. Advantageously this allows the protective sock to be made from a stronger, thicker and / or more supportive material that fits closely to the wearer's foot and may not be so suitable for a complete sock.

[0012] In some embodiments of the protective sock with an open end for the toes, the sock may comprise a stirrup or elastic holder to help hold the sock in place despite its open toe end.

[0013] It is appreciated that in some embodiments the elastic body may include a toe region to provide a full sock and in some embodiments the toe region may be formed from a different material, such as thinner more flexible fabric.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the protective sock also includes an Achilles pad to provide protection to the Achilles heel of a wearer. In this way the wearer's Achilles heel also has an extra layer of protection if contact occurs, for example during a tackle when a player's foot may strike the Achilles region.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the protective sock has an opening (hole) for the wearer's heel to assist with locating orientation of the elastic body on the wearer's foot. As the heel is arranged in the opening when worn, the bridge pad and Achilles pad (if also present) are then located at the corresponding parts of the foot for protection, and the sock is less likely to twist from position when worn. The opening also helps to prevent bunching of material in this area and allows the heel to well seated in the shoe as usual (if the protective sock were not worn) as there is not an extra layer of material over the heel. Typically the opening is substantially round and has stitching around the edge.

[0016] The bridge pad is integrated with the elastic body so that the bridge pad is provided in a fixed location on the body. The bridge pad may be fixed to the body, or the elastic body may be adapted to receive the bridge pad.

[0017] For example the bridge pad may be arranged within a pocket provided on the elastic body so that the bridge pad is arranged between two layers of material. In this way the pad is contained and separated from the wearer.

[0018] Alternatively the bridge pad may be stitched and / or adhered to a surface of the elastic body. For example a pad may be stitched to an outer face of the elastic body so as to provide a raised protective surface on the outer face and having the elastic body presented to the wearer's foot.

[0019] In embodiments including an Achilles pad, this may also be arranged within a pocket provided on the elastic body and / or connected directly to the elastic body.

[0020] In some embodiments the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad are displaceable from the pocket. In this way a user can select the type of pad that is used, for example the material, or thickness of a pad may be changed, or a pad can be changed if damaged.

[0021] The pads (bridge pad or Achilles pad) provide an extra layer of protection at a specific location. The pads are provided to protect from impact so that a wearer's foot is not injured. The pads are intended to absorb and / or block the impact to prevent passage of damage through the bridge pad to the user's bridge or Achilles.

[0022] The pads may be formed from resiliently deformable material, such as a cellular structure such as foam, or rubber to absorb impact.

[0023] A padding layer may be provided under the bridge pad or as the lower face of the bridge pad, so as to provide comfort against the user's bridge and / or so as to avoid transmission of impacts to the bridge pad. Such padding layer may comprise closed cell polyurethane foam.

[0024] In some embodiments the pads may include a substantially rigid portion, to protect from impact. It is appreciated that the substantially rigid portion may be a layer of rigid material that can flex slightly on impact to help dissipate the impact and so that the rigid part does not dig into a wearer upon impact. The rigid part (if present) is also separated from the wearer's foot by a padding layer as described above for optimal comfort and for further protection.

[0025] The Achilles pad may not have any rigid portion due to location on the wearer and to prevent any rubbing between the sock and the wearer's shoe.

[0026] Preferably the Achilles pad is resiliently deformable, such as being formed from foam or from gel to provide a protective padded layer over the Achilles heel.

[0027] It is appreciated that in some embodiments the bridge pad is resiliently deformable and may include foam and / or gel.

[0028] In some embodiments of the protective sock the bridge pad and / or the Achilles is inelastic, so as to provide a structure that does not stretch to maintain the dimensions of the pad across the bridge or across the Achilles.

[0029] In preferred embodiments of the protective sock the bridge pad and the Achilles pad are flexible or have flexible parts, so as to allow the bridge pad and Achilles pad to be shaped over / around the respective part of the foot for optimal fit and comfort.

[0030] In some embodiments the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad are formed from a plurality of layers of material.

[0031] The layers of the bridge pad may include at least one substantially rigid layer and at least one resiliently deformable layer.

[0032] The rigid layer of the pad may be formed from synthetic plastic, metal, metal alloy, carbon fibre, a composite or combination of these materials. The rigid layer is lightweight, strong, and durable to be suitable for repeated use. The presence of the rigid layer helps to prevent damage to the bridge of a wearer's foot, preventing point loading from another players footwear which may include studs which may cause injury such as bruising.

[0033] Advantagesouly by having plurality of layers above the bridge of the foot or over the Achilles these layers may move relative to each other upon impact to the bridge of the foot or to the Achilles heel whilst the lower layer of the bridge pad that is against, or closest to the wearer's foot remains substantially in position to protect the wearer's foot and minimise rubbing of the foot. For example, sliding may occur between the layers of material that form the pad.

[0034] In a preferred example of a bridge pad a plurality of flexible layers are provided upon a rigid layer so that the flexible layers are able to move relative to each other and / or relative to the rigid layer. In this way the rigid layer is enabled to remain in place protecting the bridge of the wearer's foot whilst the flexible layers above may move. It is appreciated that the layers are configured to enable this. For example the flexible layer edges may only be connected at the edges rather than across the full surface to permit movement. And / or at least some of the flexible layer edges may not be connected but may be arranged within a pocket on the elastic body to locate the layers. And / or the rigid layer and the adjacent flexible layer that is above the rigid layer may not be connected to each other or may only be connected at edges or part of an edge so that the flexible layer can slide over the rigid layer.

[0035] In some embodiments at least part of the outer surface of the protective sock, and in particular the outer surface of the pads may have a low friction finish so that the wearer's foot can move easily against the inner surface of the footwear being worn. In this way the protective sock does not move with the footwear which could result in repositing of the pad away from the desired location of protection which would cause discomfort and mean the bridge area is not fully protected. It is appreciated that the footpad of the protective sock may not have a low friction finish, to minimise sliding in the footwear. Additionally or alternatively, sliding of the protective sock within the footwear is minimised by means of the materials of the footwear, for example the innersole of the shoe.

[0036] In some embodiments the bridge pad or the Achilles pad are formed from two or more parts that can move relative to each other. For example an array of padded sections may be provided across the bridge or around the Achilles.

[0037] In some such embodiments of the protective sock the multiple parts are connected and able to articulate, for example hinged together by a living hinge or another type of hinge so as to allow for adaptation to the curvature of the wearer's foot. For example pieces of foam may be stitched into individual pockets arrange across the bridge or around the Achilles so that the lines of stitching are living hinges between pockets filled with foam (or another similar padding material). Advantageously this configuration may also assist with breathability, allow more airflow at the hinge regions.

[0038] Preferably an upper layer of the pad is resiliently deformable to assist with absorbing initial impact and so that the upper layer of the sock is soft. It is appreciated that the upper layer may be covered by elastic body of the sock, or that the pad may be the upper layer.

[0039] In some embodiments the pads are formed from multiple different layers of material. This may include a layer of high impact material positioned within (for example between two layers of the elastic body or on an outer face of the elastic body and further cushioned with thin layers padding.

[0040] In an example of a bridge pad for the protective sock the pad has a plastic bridge layer, for example polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which may be multipartite. It may be envisaged that in other embodiments the bridge pad may be silicone, carbon fibre or an alloy such as aluminium or metal.

[0041] In some embodiments the rigid layer of the bridge pad may be reinforced carbon fibre, for example a metal layer encased in carbon fibre.

[0042] Ideally the bridge pad is intended to pass over the bridge of the wearer's foot and to not extend substantially, or at all, into the footwear, so that the footwear can be secured in the usual way and to minimise any rubbing. In some embodiments the bridge pad may be taper towards to edges to further facilitate the fit and comfort.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:Brief Description of Figures

[0044] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a pair of a first embodiment of the protective sock according to the present invention, in use; Figure 2 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment of the protective sock as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a third isometric view of the embodiment of the protective sock as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of an isometric view of the embodiment of the protective sock shown in Figure 1, before use (laid flat); Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the second embodiment of the protective sock as shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a pair of a third embodiment of the protective sock according to the present invention, in use; and Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic isometric representative view of a formation of a pad for use in an embodiment of the protective sock according to the present invention. Detailed Description of Figures

[0045] With reference to the figures there is three embodiments of a protective sock 99,199, 299 comprising an elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 for covering the instep, bridge (mid foot region) and ankle of a user, and a bridge pad 2,12, wherein the bridge pad is integrated into the elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 so as to be held in place over a bridge of a wearer's foot 5 when the sock is pulled over the wearer's foot 100.

[0046] In all embodiments the protective sock comprises a fabric cylinder (tube) which forms the elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17. The toes end is therefore open from which the wearer's toes project.

[0047] Preferably the elastic body has a continuous diameter along the length for simple manufacturing.

[0048] The elastic material may be a tubular compression fabric, which may have double fabric layers for accommodating the pads 1, 2. The elastic body (tube) 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 may comprise Lycra (RTM) or cotton, or a cotton, elastane and polyamide mix such as 91% polyamide, 9% Lycra (RTM), 91% polyamide, 9% Lycra (RTM), or 80% polyamide, 20% Lycra (RTM).

[0049] The elastic tube 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 has a first open end 8A in use located on the shin of the user, and a distal second end 5A which may be envisaged to be located to end as the mid region of the foot becomes the fore region of the foot that includes the wearer's toes 100.

[0050] Both of the endmost seams 7 at the first and second ends 8, 5 are double stitched so as to ensure a robust and resistant seam and end of the elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 so as to prevent fraying or similar degradation.

[0051] Proximate the shin end 8 there is provided an Achilles pad 1, which in use is thereby located by the elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 in the region of the user's Achilles tendon, thereby providing support, and providing a shield against damage for example from stray kicks from other players.

[0052] The Achilles pad 1 is substantially square and formed of a resiliently deformable padding material such as closed cellular material such as foam, or from silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), latex or plastics such as nitrile rubber or an inelastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); which is sewn into a permanent seamed patch 6 so as to be easy and repeatable to locate correctly in use.

[0053] The Achilles pad is located on a first side of the elastic body 3, as shown in Figure 5 when flat.

[0054] It may be envisaged that the pad may comprise an EVA foam (closed cell ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer foam) for example in a thickness or 1mm or 2mm, being thin but high density for optimal protection and comfort.

[0055] Alternatively the pad may comprise polymer gel such as Silipos (RTM) for example with a thickness of 3mm.

[0056] Alternatively the pad may comprise soft felt padding with a composition of 100% cotton and thickness of 5mm.

[0057] Below the Achilles pad 1, towards the distal toe end 5 of the elastic body 3, there is provided an opening (hole) 4 for receiving the wearer's heel. The opening 4 helps to locate the wearer's foot in the protective sock 99, 199, 299 so that the pads 1, 2 are correctly located. The presence of the opening 4 also helps to minimise bunching, enhances breathability, and allows the heel to be full seated within the shoe in the usual way.

[0058] On the reverse side of the elastic body 3 as shown in Figure 4, further towards the toe end 5 from the heel hole 4, there is provided the bridge pad 2.

[0059] The bridge pad 2 is substantially square and planar when not in use, as can be seen in Figure 4. The bridge pad 2 projects from the elastic body 3 as shown in Figure 4.

[0060] In the pictured embodiments 99, 199, 299 the bridge pad is 2 permanently sewn into a seamed patch 6 and it may be envisaged that this ensures reliable and repeatable placement in use, where the bridge pad 2 is adapted to flex around the bridge of the user's foot under urging from the elastic body 3 and the shoe (not shown).

[0061] The bridge pad 2 is formed of a plurality of layers of material internally, comprising a resiliently deformable foam upper padding layer, under a fabric outer, which upper layer may be envisaged to absorb and accommodate sliding movement between the shoe's inner surface and the bridge pad 2.

[0062] A rigid core of carbon fibre (not visible) provides an inelastic, flexible material that absorbs impacts and prevents damage to the user's foot. This may be 1mm, 2mm or 3mm, formed in high-strength carbon fibre reinforcement and epoxy resin having a smooth carbon fibre finish on one side and a textured finish on the reverse.

[0063] The carbon fibre finish may be provided with a peel-ply surface that is ready to create a bond with another layer of the pad 2. In this way the layers of the pad remain connected and do not separate, bunch, or fold during use.

[0064] The carbon fibre layer may include continuous glass fibre roving with increased fibre content for strength. For example the rigid layer may be a carbon fibre composite.

[0065] This may be suitable for use with most epoxy and polyester resin coating.

[0066] Further embodiments may comprise a substantially rigid layer formed from perforated aluminium for example being 1mm thick, with hole size of 1mm. 1mm thickness ensures sturdiness and protection with flexibility to mould comfortably to foot shape and the perforated design also facilitates consistent air flow.

[0067] A lower resiliently deformable padding layer provides a comfortable padding between the substantially rigid core and the wearer's foot in use.

[0068] In particular reference to the second pictured embodiment 199 the Achilles pad 1 continues to the distal end 8 of the elastic body 3, whereas in the first and third embodiments 99, 299 the Achilles pad 1 ends before the distal end 8.

[0069] In the third embodiment 299 the protective sock has a plurality of panels 12,13,16,17.

[0070] The panels comprise two rear panels 17 which are provided with an integrated internal Achilles pad (not visible), being seamed to panel 13 that has an integrated bridge pad in panels 12.

[0071] The bridge pads 12 and Achilles pad 17 are envisaged to comprise a lighter weight material to the first and second embodiment 99, 199, for example a plastic shield such as a resilient thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which may be biodegradable, rather than the thicker pads of the first two embodiments that project from the elastic body 3.

[0072] The pad panels 12, 17 may contain a gel material or a closed cell polyurethane foam material for example, so as to absorb impacts.

[0073] The fore panels 13 and footpad panels 16 are envisaged to be standard elastic fabric as known in the art. The footpad panels 16 may have different properties to the fore panels 13, for example providing grip to minimise slipping within the shoe.

[0074] Figure 7 shows an example of the layers of material 10, 20, 30, 40 that may be used for a pad 1, 2 over skin 50 of a wearer. The example shown has bottom and top layer fabric 10 which may be the layers of elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 17 / 12 forming a pocket for the other layers. The internal layers include a central impact shield 30 with a layer of thin padding 20 either side. In this way the impact shield 30 is enclosed between layers of padding 20.

[0075] The impact shield 30 may be a substantially rigid layer, for example formed from plastic, a composite, metal, alloy, carbon fibre, or combination of these materials, as described above.

[0076] Each pad is a standalone part integrated with the elastic body 3. The pad 1, 2 may be attached to a surface of the elastic body 3 or may be provided within layers of the elastic body, for example within a pocket defined by the elastic body.

[0077] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0045]With reference to the figures there is three embodiments of a protective sock 99,199, 299 comprising an elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 for covering the instep, bridge (mid foot region) and ankle of a user, and a bridge pad 2,12, wherein the bridge pad is integrated into the elastic body 3,13 / 16 / 12 / 17 so as to be held in place over a bridge of a wearer's foot 5 when the sock is pulled over the wearer's foot 100.

[0046]In all embodiments the protective sock comprises a fabric cylinder (tube) which forms the elastic body 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17. The toes end is therefore open from which the wearer's toes project.

[0047]Preferably the elastic body has a continuous diameter along the length for simple manufacturing.

[0048]The elastic material may be a tubular compression fabric, which may have double fabric layers for accommodating the pads 1, 2. The elastic body (tube) 3, 13 / 16 / 12 / 17 may comprise Lycra (RTM) or cotton, or a cotton, elastane and polyamide mix such as 91% polyamide, 9% Lycra (RTM),...

Claims

1. A protective sock comprising: an elastic body for covering at least the instep, bridge and ankle of a wearer's foot and a bridge pad to provide protection to the bridge of the foot; wherein the bridge pad is integrated to the elastic body so that the bridge pad is held in place over a bridge of a user's foot when the protective sock is pulled over the wearer's foot.

2. A protective sock according to claim 1 including an Achilles pad to provide protection to the Achilles heel of a wearer.

3. A protective sock according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the elastic body is a tube with an open toe.

4. A protective sock according to any preceding claim including an opening for the wearer's heel to assist with locating orientation of the elastic body on the wearer's foot.

5. A protective sock according to any preceding claim where the bridge pad is arranged within a pocket provided on the elastic body.

6. A protective sock according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the Achilles pad is arranged within a pocket provided on the elastic body.

7. A protective sock according to claim 5 to claim 6 wherein the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad is displaceable from the pocket.

8. A protective sock according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one of the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad are formed from a plurality of layers of material.

9. A protective sock according to claim 8 wherein the bridge pad includes at least one substantially rigid layer and at least one resiliently deformable layer.

10. A protective sock according to any preceding claim comprising a padding layer under the bridge pad.

11. A protective sock according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the substantially rigid layer of the pad is formed from synthetic plastic, metal, metal alloy, carbon fibre or a composite.

12. A protective sock according to any of claims 8 to 11 wherein the bridge pad is formed from two or more parts that can move relative to each other.

13. A protective sock according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad has an upper resiliently deformable layer.

14. A protective sock according to any preceding claim wherein the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad is resiliently deformable.

15. A protective sock according to claim 14 wherein the bridge pad and / or the Achilles pad contains gel.

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