An item of legwear with access to atmospheric oxygen

Abstract

An item of legwear (10, 50, 70, 80, 90, 100) comprising: a tubular section (12, 82) to pass around a leg, the tubular section comprising of a first end (30) and a second end (16); and a circumferential divider (18, 57, 58) including one or more circumferentially arranged ribs on an inner surface of the tubular section, located between the first end and the second end; wherein the tubular section comprises a plurality of holes (24, 54a, 54b, 55a, 55b, 71, 81, 91), a first hole (24, 54a, 55a, 71, 81, 91) of the plurality of holes being paired symmetrically about the circumferential divider with a second hole (24, 54b, 55b, 71, 81, 91) of the plurality of holes, such that folding of the legwear about the circumferential divider brings the first hole on one side of the circumferential divider to be brought into alignment with the corresponding second hole on the other side of the circumferential divider such that the first and second holes are aligned one atop the other.

Description

[0001] An Item of Leg wear with Access to Atmospheric Oxygen

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an item of legwear to aid the wearer's muscles to access atmospheric oxygen when the legwear is being worn, including when the legwear is rolled down to increase cooling for the wearer. The legwear is particularly suitable for use as sportswear.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Socks are a ubiquitous item of clothing which serve various functions on the wearer. The particular functions depend on the activity being undertaken.

[0006] For example, socks designed to be worn by persons having diabetes typically provide light compression to the foot, wicking of moisture, a padded sole, anti-microbial properties, and to be wrinkle-free. Sports socks also provide protection for the sole, wick moisture, and other of the above properties, but also, in addition to these, they support the muscles of the wearer, in particular the calf muscle.

[0007] One function which has not so far been properly addressed by socks and legwear currently available is that of the oxygen supply to the muscles in the leg. The majority of oxygen is brought to the muscle by means of the body's blood supply via the capillaries. However, a proportion of the oxygen is brought from the atmosphere to the muscle by diffusion through the skin, via the epithelial layer. Most socks act as a barrier to prevent the oxygen from reaching the skin, thus depriving the muscle of a useful source of oxygen: particularly useful when taking part in an active sport. Further, in the event the user rolls the sock down, a double layer of material over part of the leg exacerbates the problem.

[0008] It is an object of the current invention to provide legwear, and in particular a sock, which enables muscles to remain in contact with the atmosphere during normal wear and also when part of the legwear is rolled down.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first, independent, aspect of the invention, there is provided legwear, the legwear comprising a tubular section to pass around a leg, the tubular section having a first end and a second end,

[0011] a circumferential divider, located between the first end and the second end, the tubular section including a plurality of breathers, a first breather of the plurality of breathers being paired symmetrically about the circumferential divider with a second breather of the plurality of breathers, such that folding of the legwear about the circumferential divider brings the first breather on one side of the circumferential divider to be brought into alignment with the corresponding second breather on the other side of the circumferential divider such that the first and second breathers are aligned one atop the other, thus allowing the surface of the leg to remain in contact with atmospheric oxygen.

[0012] In a dependent aspect of the invention, the legwear comprises a foot section having a plurality of grippers to aid contact between the legwear and a shoe.

[0013] In a dependent aspect of the invention, the circumferential divider is made from a bamboo material to provide softness, wicking and durability properties to the legwear.

[0014] Preferably, a breather has a diameter of less than 10mm to aid in maintaining the structural integrity of the legwear. Further preferably, the diameter of a breather is from 3.0 - 10.0 mm, and yet further preferably the diameter of a breather is 6.0mm. Preferably, the edge of a breather is stabilised by means of a whip stitch.

[0015] Preferably, the plurality of breathers of the sock includes a breather located along the user's Achilles tendon to especially enable good oxygen flow to this region.

[0016] Preferably, the heel of the sock is formed of a bamboo-based material, and further preferably a raw bamboo material to provide extra grip where required.

[0017] Preferably, the toe of the sock is formed of a bamboo-based material.

[0018] Preferably, bamboo containing elements have a bamboo content of 65 - 100% to provide the required to provide softness, wicking and durability properties to the elements.

[0019] Preferably, a circumferential divider includes one or more circumferentially arranged ribs on their inner surface to soften skin in this region and further preferably has 3 ribs.

[0020] According to a further, independent, aspect of the invention, there is provided an item of legwear comprising a plurality of breathers, wherein in use, a first breather of the plurality of breathers located on a left side of a user's Achilles tendon is paired symmetrically with a second breather of the plurality of breathers located on the right side of the user's Achilles tendon.

[0021] In a dependent aspect of the invention, there is provided a sock or stocking comprising legwear according to any aspects as described above.

[0022] According to further aspects of the invention, there is provided a sock or stocking, comprising a plurality of breathers, wherein in use, a first breather of the plurality of breathers located on a left side of a user's Achilles tendon is paired symmetrically with a second breather of the plurality of breathers located on the right side of the user's Achilles tendon, thus increasing the surface of the leg to remain in contact with atmospheric oxygen.

[0023] In a dependent aspect, the plurality of breathers of the sock includes a breather located along the user's Achilles tendon.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example only, 4 embodiments of an item of legwear. In the drawings:

[0026] Figures la, lb are respectively the front and rear view of first embodiment and second embodiments of legwear, and Figure 1c is the sole of the foot of the legwear of Figures la, lb;

[0027] Figure 2a shows the embodiment of Figure lb with a portion of the legwear rolled down;

[0028] Figure 3 is a rear view of the second embodiment of legwear, partially rolled down; Figures 4a, and 4d are respectively a front and side view of a third embodiment of legwear, Figure 4b is a rear view of the lower portion of the third embodiment and Figure 4c is a bottom view of the third embodiment; and

[0029] Figures 5a - 5d are respectively a front, rear, bottom, and side view of a fourth embodiment of legwear;

[0030] Figures 6a - 6c illustrate a fifth embodiment, a full length sock;

[0031] Figure 7 illustrates a sixth embodiment, a full length sock in 2 sections;

[0032] Figures 8a - 8e illustrate a seventh embodiment of a full length sock in the extended and rolled down configuration; and

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates an eight embodiment, a full length sock in 2 sections.

[0034] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] The present invention relates to legwear, and also in certain embodiments footwear, which is, in particular, suited for wear by a person participating in sport, but can also be used by people suffering from, for example, circulatory problems or diabetes. The legwear can act to compress the leg, and also in certain embodiments, the foot, whilst allowing the muscles in the leg and the foot to directly be in contact with atmospheric oxygen by the inclusion of holes (also referred to as breathers) in the material from which the legwear is made.

[0036] In this document the invention is illustrated in respect of legwear, but the invention can also be utilised in other items of clothing such as shorts, shirts. In addition, legwear can be supplied as a whole item or in separate sections: for example a section for the upper leg, a section for the lower part of the leg around the ankle, and the bottom part of the legwear as a type of compression sock known in the art. Footwear, whether incorporated into legwear, or simply covering the foot in use, can be closed-toe or open -toe. Additionally, the term folding of legwear, can include also rolling the legwear and vice-versa.

[0037] Referring initially to Figure 1, this illustrates an item of legwear, generally referenced 10. The legwear 10 includes a leg section 12 and a foot section 14. The leg section 12 is separated from the foot section 14 by a first circumferential divider 16. A second circumferential divider 18 separates an upper portion 20 of the leg section 12 from a lower portion 22. A divider has different functions depending on the type of legwear contemplated. For example in respect of a sports sock such as a football sock, then the divider acts as a guide to assist with ensuring that if the sock is rolled down, then the holes of different sock sections, incorporated into the sock, overlap with those in another section. For most other uses, such as for assisting those with diabetes or postoperative, then the divider has an additional function of acting to compress the leg. In a non-exemplified embodiment, a divider has one or more, preferably 3, circumferential ribs on the inside surface to improve the compressive action and also aid in softening the skin.

[0038] The leg section 12 is substantially tubular and acts to fit about the leg when worn. The upper and lower portions 20, 22 are preferably made from a cotton material, although other materials known in the art can be used. The foot section 14, when the legwear 10 is worn, passes about the foot and also the ankle to provide support. In order to enable the leg to be in direct contact with atmospheric oxygen, the leg portions 20, 22 are provided with holes 24, also referred to herein as breathers, which pass through the fabric of the leg portions 20, 22. The breathers are designed around the muscle structure of the body part covered. Typically a hole is of size less than 10mm, preferably from 3.0 - 10.0mm, further preferably 6.0mm in diameter.

[0039] The fabric is stabilised around the edge of the holes 24 within the fabric by means known in the art, but can optionally be by a whip (also known as a whipped) stitch. The number of holes within a leg portion is determined according to the use and also the size of the leg portion. For example, the larger the surface area of the leg portion, the greater the number of holes within that leg portion and / or the bigger the radius of a hole.

[0040] In order to enable the surface of the leg covered by the leg section 12, to remain in contact with the atmosphere, when the upper portion 20 is rolled down, for example over the lower portion 22, the holes 24 are arranged symmetrically. The symmetry as shown in Figures la and lb is firstly a horizontal reflection symmetry about the second circumferential divider 18. With reference to Figure la, then in the upper portion 20 of the leg section 12, the holes 12 are provided in 2 sets, 26, 28, each of which comprises 4 holes 24 arranged on adjacent vertices of a regular hexagon. In the second embodiment of Figure lb, the breathers 24 are arranged in a 'V' formation: in the upper portion 20 pointing up the leg, and in the lower portion 22, down the leg.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the breathers may be arranged in other patterns which provide the required symmetry. Preferably, the plurality of breathers 24 is arranged to follow the shape of the calf muscle. Preferably, the plurality of breathers on the back of the user's sock are located either side of the user's Achilles tendon, with additional breathers arranged alongside the tendon, forming a symmetrical pattern, a 'V' shape in this example. Optionally, the legwear or sock includes patterns such as colours and / or logos.

[0042] In the examples above, the circumferential dividers 16, 18 are made of a material derived from bamboo, the preferred material, although other suitable materials such as cotton can be employed. The particular bamboo contemplated is typically formed into a fibre material and has similar properties to those of cotton materials in terms of flexibility, durability, water wicking and lack of abrasion to the wearer's skin. The advantage of using bamboo is the lower water absorption compared with cotton. Where used, bamboo material is preferably at a level of from 65% - 100% w / w. For certain uses, such as sports / football sock, a bamboo / wool mixture can be used. In other embodiments, a mixture of bamboo (73%), polyamide (19%) and spandex (8%) has been found to give suitable compression and extension properties. For example, a stretch of up to around 50 - 55cm can be achieved without tightness to the wearer.

[0043] During some sports activity, the wearer often needs to cool down in order to reduce discomfort and / or reduce the risk of the body overheating. One way of doing this common to many sports is for the wearer to roll down their socks or similar legwear. The spatial arrangement of features of the socks of the current invention allows the wearer to carry out this action whilst retaining the ability of the sock to retaining connectivity between the surface of the leg still covered by the majority of the sock and atmosphere.

[0044] Referring now to Figure lb and Figure 2, these illustrate how the connectivity is retained. The legwear 10, as shown in these Figures has an upper edge 30. The upper edge can be formed, as is usual for legwear such as to resist fraying of the edge of the legwear. In common with the dividers 16, 18 the upper edge can be formed of a bamboo material. The upper edge of the legwear is rolled or folded down to uncover a portion of the user's leg, thus allowing heat from the leg to escape more easily.

[0045] The upper edge 30 is moved down the leg, onto the user's calf, until the breathers 24 of the upper portion 20 overlay the breathers 24 of the lower portion 22. This overlaying occurs when the second circumferential divider 18 becomes, in effect, the upper edge of the legwear, typically located below the knee of the wearer. This is enabled by the symmetrical arrangement of the of the breathers 24 about that second circumferential divider 18. Because the breathers 24 of the upper and lower portions 20, 22 are overlayed, a channel remains to connect the surface of the calf of the wearer's leg and atmosphere. The divider 18 this provides a useful guide to the wearer as to what is the optimal configuration of the rolled down sock, to still allow the calf muscle's surface to be in contact with atmosphere.

[0046] Regarding Figure 3, this illustrates an item of legwear in which the upper portion 20 has been partially rolled or folded down so that the upper edge 30 lies over the second divider 18. The symmetry of the breather arrangement of the upper portion 20 is such that although not all of the breathers 24 of the upper portion 20 overlap, the breathers 24a, specifically indicated, do overlap, enabling atmospheric oxygen to still be in contact with the leg surface beneath.

[0047] Regarding the foot portion 14 shown in Figure 1c, this can be supplied integral with the leg portions 20, 22 or separately therefrom, allowing the foot portion to be replaced without requiring the leg portion 12 also having to be replaced. The foot portion 14 is preferably formed of a cotton material, although other materials known in the art can be utilised. In order that the foot portion 14 remain in place during use, the front 40, which in use is located around the toes of the wearer, and the heel 42 of the foot portion 14 are formed of a material with a higher degree of elasticity than cotton or bamboo. For example, the front 40 and the heel 42 portions can be made of lycra (RTM) or polyester. When providing a sock for use with a diabetes sufferer, then lycra (RTM) is preferred. The front 40 and the heel 42 portions are preferably formed of a bamboo, and particularly preferably a raw form of bamboo to give extra grip to these portions of the foot, to resist sliding of the foot within the outer footwear. These materials have the further advantage over the conventionally used nylon, in that their permittivity to air transport across the material is higher than nylon. The embodiment of foot portion shown in the illustrated embodiments include breathers 34, although in the foot portion 14 these are optional features. In a foot portion, the breathers 34, preferably located above each toe, fulfil the same role as those on a leg portion in allowing the toes to breathe. Although not illustrated, one or more breathers can be included on the front 40 of the foot portion 14 to allow oxygen to flow from the top of the legwear and vice-versa.

[0048] The foot portion 14 also includes a plurality of grippers 36, optionally formed from a rubber material. The grippers 36 provide the user with grip: either to a surface on which the user is walking or performing the sport or with the footwear the user is wearing. In the illustrated embodiment, a gripper 36 can incorporate a logo 38 of the particular brand of legwear.

[0049] Figures 4 illustrate a third embodiment of legwear 50 incorporating an alternative arrangement of breathers. The arrangement of breathers in Figures 4 allows a user to roll down the legwear to 2 different extents, whilst still providing overlap of breathers to enable oxygen to reach the leg surface. The legwear 50 has a main body portion made of cotton and first breathers 54a, 54b such that when the legwear 50 is rolled down such that the upper edge of the legwear 50 is then along the line 57, then the breather 54a overlays the breather 54b. Alternatively, when the legwear is rolled down such that the upper edge of the legwear is along the line 58, then the second breather 55a overlays the further second breather 55b.

[0050] Figures 5 illustrate a fourth embodiment of legwear in the form of a short sock 60 incorporating the features described above. The short sock 60 has a main body portion 62 formed of cotton, and an upper edge 64 made of bamboo. The other features of the short sock 60 are indicated using the same reference numerals as above.

[0051] Figures 6a - 6c show a sock 70 having a breathers 71 arranged in a preferred V-configuration 72. The V-configuration in which the greatest pressure point is at the tip of the V 73. The sock 80 of Figure 7 has the same configuration of breathers 81 in two sections 82, 83, a leg section 82 and a foot section 83. This 2-section arrangement enables parts to be used individually or for an individual part to be replaced if required. In this embodiment, both the leg section 82 and the foot section 83 are formed from a bamboo-based material. The foot section 83 has an open toe arrangement.

[0052] Figures 8a and 8b show the front and back respectively of a further embodiment of sock 90. Similarly to the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the sock has breathers 91 in a V-configuration. Figures 8c and 8d show two arrangements of the sock 90 in a rolled down state. In Figure 8c, the sock 90 is rolled down to above the knee and in Figure 8d to below the knee. In both cases breathers 91 from the rolled down section align with those over which that section is rolled. This configuration illustrates a preferred embodiment having 5 sets of breathers on the front of the sock 90 and 5 sets on the rear side of the sock 90. The sock 100 of Figure 9 is a 2-part version of the sock 90 of Figures 8a - 8e.

Claims

Claims1. An item of legwear comprising:a tubular section to pass around a leg, the tubular section comprising of a first end and a second end; anda circumferential divider, located between the first end and the second end; whereinthe tubular section comprises a plurality of breathers, a first breather of the plurality of breathers being paired symmetrically about the circumferential divider with a second breathers of the plurality of breathers, such that folding of the legwear about the circumferential divider brings the first breather on one side of the circumferential divider to be brought into alignment with the corresponding second breather on the other side of the circumferential divider such that the first and second breathers are aligned one atop the other.

2. An item of legwear according to claim 1, wherein the legwear comprises a foot section having a plurality of grippers.

3. An item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the circumferential divider is made from a bamboo material.

4. An item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein a breather has a diameter of less than 10mm.

5. An item of legwear according to Claim 4, wherein the diameter of a breather is from 3.0 - 10.0 mm.

6. An item of legwear according to Claim 5, wherein the diameter of a breather is 6.0mm.

7. An item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the edge of a breather is stabilised by means of a whip stitch.

8. An item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of breathers of the sock includes a breather located along the user's Achilles tendon.

9. A item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the heel of the sock is formed of a bamboo-based material.

10. An item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the toe of the sock is formed of a bamboo-based material.

11. An item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein bamboo containing elements have a bamboo content of 65 - 100%.

12. An item of legwear according to Claims 10 - 11, wherein the bamboo-based material is a raw bamboo.

13. An item of legwear according to any preceding claim, wherein a circumferential divider includes one or more circumferentially arranged ribs on their inner surface.

14. An item of legwear according Claim 13, wherein the circumferential divider has 3 ribs.

15. A stocking comprising an item of legwear according to any preceding claim.

16. An item of legwear comprising a plurality of breathers, wherein in use, a first breather of the plurality of breathers located on a left side of a user's Achilles tendon is paired symmetrically with a second breather of the plurality of breathers located on the right side of the user's Achilles tendon.

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