Support/sport sock and method of use

• US 6,032,296 A
• Filed: 02/09/1999
• Issued: 03/07/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GFIT LLC
• Original Assignee: Graham M. Kelly
• Inventors: Kelly, Graham M., Fredericksen, Ray M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hale, Gloria M.
• Application Number:
  US09/247,743
• Time in Patent Office: 392 Days
• Field of Search: 2/239-240, 2/242, 2/409, 36/113, 36/114, 66/178-178 R, 66/169 R, 66/171, 66/182-188, 602/62, 602/23
• US Class Current: 2/240
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 11/00 Hosiery; Panti-hose elastic stockings for curative purposes A61F13/08
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 11/02 Reinforcements
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 11/14 Panti-hose; Body-stockings
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 2400/60 Moisture handling or wicking function

Abstract

A support/sport sock for enhancing athletic performance and method of use. The sock includes a sock body of an elastomeric material which exhibits a pressure gradient against the calf of the leg which varies from a maximum proximate the foot portion of the sock to a minimum at the top end. The sock may include a padded portion extending along the plantar surface and a wicking material. The sock is used to enhance athletic performance.

Claims

1. A support/sport sock for covering the leg of a wearer and comprising:

a sock body including a foot portion configured to enclose said wearer'"'"'s foot and a calf portion extending up the leg of said wearer and terminating in a proximal end, said sock body comprised of an elastomeric material formed to exert a compressive force against said leg, wherein said elastomeric material provides said compressive force as being graded throughout the calf portion such that said gradient varies from a maximum proximate said foot to a minimum at said proximal end;

a cushioning member disposed along the plantar surface of said sock portion to cushion and protect a portion of said wearer'"'"'s foot when said wearer is engaged in activity; and

a layer of hydrophobic material disposed on an inside surface of said sock body to create a wicking gradient from said inside surface to the outside of the sock.

2. The sock of claim 1 further comprising a pair of sock bodies configured to extend all the way up the legs of the user, and a brief attached to said pair of sock bodies to form a pair of tights.

3. The sock of claim 1 further comprising a shoe upper and sole attached to said sock body.

4. A support/sport sock for covering the leg of a wearer and comprising:

a sock body including a foot portion configured to enclose said wearer'"'"'s foot and a calf portion extending up the leg of said wearer and terminating in a proximal end, said sock body comprised of an elastomeric material formed to exert a compressive force against said leg, wherein said elastomeric material provides said compressive force as being graded throughout the calf portion such that said gradient varies from a maximum proximate said foot to a minimum at said proximal end;

a cushioning member disposed along the plantar surface of said sock portion to cushion and protect a portion of said wearer'"'"'s foot when said wearer is engaged in activity, wherein said sock body is knitted of a hollow core synthetic yarn for enhanced heat retention.

5. A support/sport sock for covering the leg of a wearer and comprising:

a sock body including a foot portion configured to enclose said wearer'"'"'s foot and a calf portion extending up the leg of said wearer and terminating in a proximal end, said sock body comprised of an elastomeric material formed to exert a compressive force against said leg, wherein said elastomeric material provides said compressive force as being graded throughout the calf portion such that said gradient varies from a maximum proximate said foot to a minimum at said proximal end;

a cushioning member disposed along the plantar surface of said sock portion to cushion and protect a portion of said wearer'"'"'s foot when said wearer is engaged in activity, wherein said sock body incorporates a biocidal substance.

6. A method of enhancing athletic performance by wearing a pair of sport socks, each said method comprising the steps of:

providing a sock body including a foot portion configured to enclose said wearer'"'"'s foot and a calf portion extending up the leg of said wearer and terminating in a proximal end, said sock body comprised of an elastomeric material formed to exert a compressive force against said leg, wherein said elastomeric material provides said compressive force as being graded throughout the calf portion such that said gradient varies from a maximum proximate said foot to a minimum at said proximal end, and a cushioning member disposed in a heel area of said sock portion to cushion and protect the heel of said wearer'"'"'s foot when said wearer is engaged in activity; and

wherein said pair of socks being worn while the user is engaged in athletic activity, said sport sock enhancing cardiovascular return to improve sport performance.