VENTILATED, CUT-RESISTANT HOCKEY SOCK

Abstract

A ventilated hockey sock constructed out of a high-performance, moisture-wicking, cut-resistant woven or knitted fabric which has either two-way or four-way stretching properties depending upon desired usage, odor resistance, and has a double-layering of cut-resistant fabric in areas prone to abrasions and lacerations.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports equipment, and more particularly to a ventilated, cut-resistant hockey sock which provides increased cut-resistance by double-layering a cut-resistant woven or knitted fabric to areas prone to laceration, ventilation by use of a ventilation panel on the back side of the sock, and with greater mobility and flexibility by use of a woven or knitted fabric which has moisture-wicking, hydrophobic characteristics, and four-way stretching properties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hockey socks are ankle-to-thigh garments which are worn by ice hockey players over protective equipment. Most ice hockey players will pull the hockey socks down over the outside heels of their skates.

Hockey socks are known in the prior art which, marketed by various companies, offer varying degrees of cut-resistance. The cut-resistant fabric used in these, aforementioned, hockey socks is a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene yarn knit or aromatic polyamides fibers known as aramids.

The disadvantages of these known cut-resistant hockey socks, which are presently marketed, result from the construction of these hockey socks. These hockey socks are, basically, two tubular, knitted, socks. Whereby, there is an inner sock, which constructed out of cut-resistant fabric, that is placed inside and tacked or sewn to an outer sock, which is constructed out of normal yarns.

This type of construction yields these major disadvantages: a hockey sock which is bulky and restrictive to the leg movements of a hockey player; creates a hockey sock which is exceedingly hot to wear due to offering no means of ventilation to the leg of the hockey player; and, the inner sock liner quickly becomes sweat laden causing it to become heavier and uncomfortable.

Consequently, it would be advantageous to provide a ventilated, cut-resistant hockey sock which will allows for increased cut-resistance protection in vital areas of the leg prone to lacerations during hockey games without adding to the overall bulk, increased mobility and flexibility, and ventilation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a ventilated, cut-resistant hockey sock which has increased protection in vital areas, above the knee in the front of the sock and below the knee in the of the sock, of the leg which are prone to lacerations, increased mobility and flexibility, and ventilation.

The present invention is constructed out of a fabric of polyester yarn with stainless steel fibers which are woven or knitted. Therefore, being a woven or knitted fabric adds versatility to the overall construction of the hockey sock. When, a hockey sock is constructed by a knitted process it can limit the design of the sock if the knitting process creates a start-to-finish product. Whereas, the textile fabrics, a cut-resistant woven fabric or a cut-resistant knitted fabric, which can be used in the present invention allows them to be cut and sewn. Thereby, allowing for a finished product which is not just tubular in shape, and it allows for different fabrics to be used in a ventilation panel which provides for a superior hockey sock.

In the present invention, a polyester mesh is used in the ventilation panel. This adds increased comfort to the hockey player's leg by allowing air-flow. This benefit of a ventilation panel in the present invention has been unknown and unrecognized in the prior art.

The present invention uses, but not limited to, Steelskin™, which is a proprietary fabric of Garmatex Technologies, Inc., Unit 101, 2455-192 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 3X1, Canada, Tel: 604.575.0366, Los Angeles, Calif., United States, Tel: 714.519.3445, and Sydney, NSW, Australia, Tel: +614.1217.0375. Steelskin™, provides the present invention the following properties: 2 way stretch, 100% Micropoly for retaining its shape; 4 way stretch, Micropoly combined with varied amounts of Spandex for loose, close or tight fit designs; a soft, pliable, woven, anti-abrasion fabric sewn into garment areas that are prone to abrasion, laceration or heavy wear; is five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis; Provides unparallel protection with minimal fabric weight; Uses MST, moisture system transference, technology to move the skin's moisture quickly to the surface of the fabric and vaporize it; saves energy the body normally uses to perform this function and ultimately maximizes physical performance levels.

The present invention, using a woven fabric or knitted fabric which can be cut into pattern pieces, allows for the fabric to be cut and shaped by means of sewing. Therefore, the present invention allows for the fabric to be shaped for a ventilation panel on the backside of the sock. And, the present invention allows for a double-layering of the woven or knitted, Steelskin™, fabric above the knee, a horizontal strip, in the front of the sock and the shin and calf regions below the knee which are critical areas prone to injury or laceration by a hockey skate's blade.

The present invention provides a hockey sock which: is constructed out of a woven or knitted fabric consisting of polyester yarn and stainless steel fibers making it cut-resistant; is constructed out of a woven or knitted fabric that can be cut and sewn; is constructed out of a woven or knitted fabric which has moisture-wicking properties; is constructed out of a micro-polyester, stainless steel fibers, and Spandex, woven or knitted fabric which has two-way or four-way, depending upon the desired effect, stretching properties; is constructed out of a woven or knitted fabric that is soft and pliable; is constructed out of a woven or knitted fabric which allows for double-layering of the fabric adding only a minimal weight to the sock overall and adding increased cut-resistance to areas prone to laceration; has a ventilation panel in the back of the sock which increases air-flow; is constructed out of a woven or knitted fabric which can allow for a loose-fitting or close-fitting sock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the descriptions, brief and detailed, of the present invention, a singular hockey sock is shown and described. However, hockey socks are worn in pairs, and the accompanying sock, which makes up the pair, is identical in every aspect. A single sock is illustrated to facilitate a clear understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a front view and a back view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the pieces and shapes of cut-resistant fabric which comprise the front side of the present invention, the ½ inch elastic used in the hem at the top of the sock, and the rectangular loop portion of hook and loop fastener.

FIG. 3 depicts the pieces and shapes of cut-resistant fabric which comprise the back side of the present invention, the ¼ inch elastic used in the hem at the bottom of the sock, and the rectangular loop portion of hook and loop fastener.

FIG. 4 depicts the placement of the double-layer of cut-resistant fabric above the knee on the front side of the sock.

FIG. 5 depicts placement of the double-layer of cut-resistant fabric over the calf and tendon areas on the back side of the sock.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the sock.

FIG. 7 depicts the top and bottom openings of the sock.

FIG. 8 depicts where pieces and shapes of cut-resistant fabric which comprise the front side of the present invention are sewn together.

FIG. 9 depicts where pieces and shapes of cut-resistant fabric which comprise the back side of the present invention are sewn together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the accompanying drawings the same parts are identified by the same reference numeral in all figures of the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a specific embodiment of a front 10 view and a back 12 view of the present invention. The front 10 and back 12 are adjoined together by being sewn.

FIG. 2 shows the integral pattern pieces of cut-resistant fabric, a piece of elastic strip 26, proportional in length to be enclosed in a hem at the top end 42 of the sock, and a rectangular piece of the loop portion 24 of hook and loop fastener, which is sewn on the inside, used in the construction of the front 10 of the present invention. Wherein, a thigh pattern piece 16 is sewn to a shin pattern piece 20 which is sewn to a cuff pattern piece 22. A rectangular strip 18 of cut-resistant fabric, is sewn horizontally on the inside to the bottom of the thigh pattern piece 16 at the seam which adjoins thigh pattern piece 16 to shin pattern piece 20. A rectangular piece of loop portion 24 of hook and loop fastener is sewn on the inside of thigh pattern piece 16 a few inches down from the top end 42. An elastic strip 26 is sewn into a hem at the top end of the present invention after it has been adjoined by sewing with the constructed back 12.

FIG. 3 shows the integral pattern pieces of cut-resistant fabric, a piece of elastic strip 40, proportional in length to be enclosed in a hem at the bottom end 44 of the sock, and a rectangular piece of the loop portion 24A of hook and loop fastener, which is sewn on the inside, used in the construction of the back 12 of the present invention. Wherein, a thigh pattern piece 28 is sewn to a ventilation pattern piece 30 which is sewn to, a behind, the knee pattern piece 32. A calf pattern piece 34 is sewn to knee pattern piece 32. A second calf pattern piece 38 is sewn on inside on top of calf pattern piece 34 providing a double-layer of cut-resistant fabric for extra protection against cuts. A cuff pattern piece 22A is sewn to calf pattern pieces 34 and 38. A rectangular piece of loop portion 24A of hook and loop fastener is sewn on the inside of thigh pattern piece 28 a few inches down from the top end 42. An elastic strip 40 is sewn into a hem at the bottom end 44 of the present invention after it has been adjoined by sewing with the constructed front 10.

FIG. 4 shows: the horizontal placement of a rectangular strip 18 of cut-resistant fabric sewn on the inside of the thigh pattern piece 16. This adds a double-layer of protection of cut-resistant fabric above the knee; the placement of a rectangular piece of loop portion 24 of hook and loop fastener sewn on the inside of thigh pattern piece 16 a few inches down from the top end 42; the stitching 46 of loop portion 24; the stitching 46A of the rectangular strip 18.

FIG. 5 shows: the placement of, cut-resistant fabric, calf pattern piece 38 over the inside of calf pattern piece 34 and cuff pattern piece 22A. This adds a double-layer of protection of cut-resistant fabric over the calf; the stitching 46B of calf pattern piece 38.

FIG. 6 shows a side 14 view of the present invention, and the integral pattern pieces and parts of the hockey sock. The front 10 and pattern pieces and parts: thigh pattern piece 16; shin pattern piece 20; rectangular piece of loop portion 24 of hook and loop fastener; cuff pattern piece 22. The back 12 and pattern pieces and parts of the hockey sock: thigh pattern piece 28; ventilation pattern piece 30; behind the knee pattern piece 32; calf pattern piece 34; second calf pattern piece 38; loop portion 24A of hook and loop fastener; cuff pattern piece 22A.

FIG. 7 shows the top end 42 and bottom end 44 of the present invention. The top end 42, measuring, but not limited, to approximately eleven inches in width, which is the opening for the leg to be placed in the hockey sock, and the bottom end 44 measuring, but not limited to, approximately six inches in width.

FIG. 8 shows the front 10 of the present invention: thigh pattern piece 16; shin pattern piece 20; cuff pattern piece 22; the visible stitching and location of rectangular piece of loop portion 24 of hook and loop fastener that is sewn to the inside of the hockey sock; the horizontal ends of thigh pattern piece 28 from the back 12 which wraps around to the front 10 and is adjoined to thigh pattern piece 16; the portions of ventilation pattern piece 30 from the back 12 which wraps around to the front 10 and is adjoined to thigh pattern piece 16.

FIG. 9 shows the back 12 of the present invention: thigh pattern piece 28; ventilation pattern piece 30; behind the knee pattern piece 32; calf pattern piece 34; cuff pattern piece 22A; the visible stitching and location of rectangular piece of loop portion 24A of hook and loop fastener that is sewn to the inside of the hockey sock;

Claims

1. A hockey sock, comprising: a tubiform shape, having an open top end and an open bottom end, constructed out of a high-performance, moisture-wicking, cut-resistant, woven or knitted fabric, which can be cut into pattern pieces adjoined by means of sewing; a ventilation panel; two rectangular shaped loop portions of hook and loop fasteners; being odor resistant.

2. The hockey sock of claim 1, wherein said high-performance, moisture-wicking, cut-resistant, woven or knitted fabric is a micro-polyester yarn with stainless steel fibers and Spandex engineered to be: cut-resistant; lightweight; soft; pliable; and have two-way or four-way stretchable properties depending upon desired effect and usage.

3. The hockey sock of claim 1, further comprising a double-layering of the cut-resistant fabric in areas prone to abrasions or lacerations by a hockey skate blade.

4. The hockey sock of claim 1, wherein said ventilation panel, on the back of the sock, is constructed out of a polyester mesh fabric which allows for air-flow, circulation and breathability.

5. The hockey sock of claim 1, constructed and proportioned to comfortably fit over a hockey player's leg and protective equipment.

6. The hockey sock of claim 1, wherein said open top end is larger in diameter than the open bottom end.

7. The hockey sock of claim 1, wherein said double-layering of cut-resistant fabric is applied, but not limited to, over the knee in the front of the sock and over the calf in the back of the sock.

8. The hockey sock of claim 1, wherein the ventilation panel can be constructed out of known fabrics which allow for circulation of air.

9. The hockey sock of claim 1, wherein said two rectangular loop portions of hook and loop fasteners are sewn proximal to the top end with the first portion being sewn on the inside front and the second portion being sewn on the inside of the back.

10. The hockey sock of claim 1, wherein said fabric is treated with a 100% natural, anti-microbial which virtually eliminates odor and known to control 15 types of Gram Positive Bacteria, 11 types of Gram Negative Bacteria, and 26 types of Fungi.

11. A ventilated hockey sock: constructed out of a woven or knitted, high-performance, moisture-wicking, cut-resistant fabric made of polyester yarn and stainless steel fibers; having double-layers of cut-resistant fabric in areas prone to laceration; treated with a 100%, natural anti-microbial agent effective in controlling odor and killing bacteria and fungi; which is pliable, soft, and two-way or four-way stretchable; tubular in shape having a larger, in diameter, open top end than a smaller, in diameter, open bottom end; which is constructed and proportioned to fit over the leg of a hockey player wearing protective equipment; which has hook and loop fasteners which can securely hold it in place.