Abstract:
Disclosed is a lower leg sleeve formed from a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion. The tubular lower portion is positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user. The tubular lower portion is resilient. The lower leg sleeve has particular application in participation sports, such as the game of soccer, where it is used both for it utility and aesthetic qualities.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to athletic wear, and in particular athletic wear for the lower leg. 
         [0002]    Whether referred to as football or soccer (“soccer” herein), the game of soccer is the most popular team sport in the world. By some estimates soccer is played by 250 million players in over 200 countries. It is also enjoyed by approximately 3.3-3.5 billion fans worldwide. 
         [0003]    During gameplay, players of each team are typically mandated by their league&#39;s governing body to wear conforming uniforms or “kits.” These kits include the shirts, shorts, socks, and sometimes even shoes. This ensures that players and referees easily distinguish one team from the other. Virtually all other sports, including field hockey, ice hockey, and more, have similar requirements. 
         [0004]    Notwithstanding, it has been found that soccer players, as well as other sport players, seek means for increased comfort and functionality than can otherwise be obtained by the league mandated kits. These players also seek to express their aesthetic individuality even among the exacting regulations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In particular, it has been found that many soccer players find their team mandated socks to be lacking in comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a lower leg sleeve having a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tabular lower portion connected to the tabular upper portion, the tubular lower portion being positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tabular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user. 
         [0007]    Where there is provided a lower leg sleeve having a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion, the tabular lower portion being positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user, the tubular upper portion may be less resilient than the tubular lower portion. 
         [0008]    Where there is provided a lower leg sleeve having a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion, the tubular lower portion being positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user, the tubular lower portion may have a height of between approximately 2 inches and 4 inches. 
         [0009]    Where there is provided a lower leg sleeve having a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion, the tubular lower portion being positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user, the tubular upper portion and the tubular lower portion may be formed from different materials. The tubular lower portion may be formed from a nylon with elastic fiber composite or polyester/nylon blend with elastic fiber. The tubular upper portion may be formed from a synthetic blend. The tubular upper portion may be formed from a cotton blend. 
         [0010]    Where there is provided a lower leg sleeve having a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion, the tubular lower portion being positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user, the lower leg sleeve may match a league mandated team color. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn. 
         [0012]    Where there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn, the method may further include donning a protective shin guard, wherein the resilient sleeve member prevents the protective shin guard from moving downward toward the ankle of a user. 
         [0013]    Where there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn, the resilient sleeve member of the lower leg sleeve may cover at least a portion of the performance sock. 
         [0014]    Where there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn, the first portion and the resilient sleeve member of the lower leg sleeve may be formed from different materials. In such case, the resilient sleeve member of the lower leg sleeve may be more resilient than the first portion of the lower leg sleeve. 
         [0015]    Where there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn, the first portion of the lower leg sleeve may match a league mandated color. 
         [0016]    Where there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn, the resilient sleeve member of the lower leg sleeve may not match a league mandated color. 
         [0017]    Where there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn, the method may further include playing soccer. 
         [0018]    Where there is provided a method of donning sports attire, including donning a performance sock and donning a lower leg sleeve, where the lower leg sleeve includes a first portion and a separate resilient sleeve member connected thereto, the resilient sleeve member being adapted to hold the lower leg sleeve in place when worn, the method may further include choosing a performance sock based on specific characteristics preferred by the user. 
         [0019]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit of athletic attire, the kit including a shirt, a pair of shorts, and a pair of lower leg sleeves. Each lower leg sleeve is formed from a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion, the tubular lower portion adapted to be positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user. 
         [0020]    Where a kit of athletic attire is provided, and the kit includes a shirt, a pair of shorts, and a pair of lower leg sleeves, with each lower leg sleeve being formed form, a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion, the tubular lower portion adapted to be positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user, the separate resilient tubular lower leg portion of the lower leg sleeve may be adapted to prevent the lower leg sleeve from, sliding up and down the leg of a user during athletic play. 
         [0021]    Where a kit of athletic attire is provided, and the kit includes a shirt, a pair of shorts, and a pair of lower leg sleeves, with each lower leg sleeve being formed form a tubular upper portion adapted to fit over at least a portion of the shin area of a user and a separate resilient tubular lower portion connected to the tubular upper portion, the tubular lower portion adapted to be positioned closer to the ankle of a user than the tubular upper portion when the tubular upper portion is fitted over at least a portion of the shin area of a user, the lower leg sleeves may match the colors of a league mandated sock. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0022]    With respect to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a conventional sock; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the lower leg area of a soccer player wearing a conventional kit; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the lower leg area of a soccer player wearing another conventional kit; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of a lower leg sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the lower leg area of a soccer player wearing the lower leg sleeve of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  depicts a first step in a method of forming a lower leg sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  depicts a second step in the method of forming a lower leg sleeve begun at  FIG. 6 ; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  depicts a third step in the method of forming a lower leg sleeve begun at  FIG. 6 , continued at  FIG. 7 , and ending with  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    In the following are described the preferred embodiments of the LOWER LEG SLEEVE of the present invention. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Where like elements have been depicted in multiple embodiments, identical reference numerals have been used in the multiple embodiments for ease of understanding. 
         [0031]    As discussed above, during gameplay in various sports leagues, and in particular soccer leagues, players of each team are typically mandated by their league&#39;s governing body to wear conforming kits, inclusive of shirts, shorts, socks, and sometimes even shoes. Despite this mandate, players seek means for increased comfort and functionality than can otherwise be obtained by the standard kits. These players also seek to express their aesthetic individuality even among the exacting regulations. 
         [0032]    Before addressing how this is achieved, it will be appreciated that  FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a conventional sock as may be used in a sports league. The sock  100  includes a lower foot portion  102  and an upper shin portion  104 . Formed at the meeting of the upper shin portion  104  and the lower foot portion  102  is an ankle portion  106 . 
         [0033]    The distal end  108  of the upper shin portion  104  may include ribbing  110  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Here, the ribbing  110  at the upper shin portion  104  is “folded over” in the conventional manner. Similarly, ribbing  112  may also be used in the area formed at adjacent portions of the upper shin portion  104  and the ankle portion  106 . The ribbing  110 ,  112  may be aesthetic while also helping to fittingly shape the sock around the lower leg of the player. Ribbing may also be provided in other areas of the sock  100 . 
         [0034]    Conventionally, such a sock  100  may be formed from natural materials such as cotton or performance synthetics such as polyester or spandex. It is also known that socks may be formed from various blends of these materials. 
         [0035]    It will be appreciated that in general, cotton socks provide warmth while synthetic socks are preferred for their moisture management and stretch qualities. It will also be appreciated that socks, regardless of the materials used, may be made in differing thicknesses. In addition to these characteristics, certain conventional socks may also include padded lower foot portions and/or arch supports (not shown). 
         [0036]    For players that seek their highest performance potential and greatest comfort, there is no one-type-fits-all sock that every player on a team can agree on. Moreover, even a single player may prefer different materials, thicknesses, or other features depending on the playing conditions or their physical condition at the time of play. For example players may prefer a thicker predominantly cotton sock when temperatures are high or a padded lower foot portion when the field surface is hard or they are nursing an injury. Still others prefer a more heavily padded foot bed portion with a thinner portion in the lace area of their shoe. This arrangement maximizes that player&#39;s feel of the soccer ball while also providing shock absorption while running over the ground. Endless other permutations may be imagined. 
         [0037]    It is therefore known that various sports players will use a second, individually preferred pair of socks, directly over their foot while cutting off the foot portion  102  of the team issued sock such that it only covers their shin area. An example of this is shown in  FIG. 2  depicting a perspective view of the lower leg area of a soccer player wearing a conventional kit. Here, the sock  100  (of  FIG. 1 ) has been cut to form cut sock  100 ′, the cut being in the ribbed area  112 ′. The cut sock  100 ′ is shown fitted over both a performance sock  200  and a protective shin guard  300 , as it would be conventionally worn. 
         [0038]    It will be appreciated that the performance sock  200  may be configured to any preferred arrangement of a particular player. This includes not only thickness and material considerations, but also aesthetic color choices. Thus a player may make a personalized fashion statement with his or her choice of performance sock  200 . All the while the player remains in conformance with the rules by also wearing the upper shin portion  104 ′ of the league mandated sock  100 . 
         [0039]    While this arrangement is used often, it is not ideal. For one, when a player runs up and down the field, the out sock  100 ′ may begin to ride up and down the shin area of the player. Moreover, if a player performs a sliding maneuver such as a slide tackle, the proximal portion  114 ′ of the cut sock  100 ′ will roll up toward the knee. In view of these issues, players have begun taping the proximal portion  114 ′ as shown in  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the lower leg area of a soccer player wearing another conventional kit. 
         [0040]    The tape  116 ″ used to cover the proximal portion  114 ″ of the cut sock  100 ″ (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is typically athletic tape as used by team medical trainers or other sport specific tape. While this method helps to prevent the cut sock  100 ″ from riding up and down and also helps to prevent the proximal end  114 ″ of the sock from rolling up, the use of tape  116 ″ is not completely satisfactory. 
         [0041]    For one, the tape  116 ″ is not flexible and forgiving and instead tends to irritate the lower leg of a player, particularly in latter portions of a game and/or where the tape has been applied tightly. If, on the other hand, the tape  116  is applied too loosely, or more forgiving tape is used, the tape may unravel over time or be less than effective during sliding maneuvers. Moreover, wet conditions such as rain may cause the tape  116 ″ to unravel over the course of a match. 
         [0042]    In accordance with the present invention there are provided lower leg sleeves which solve the aforementioned deficiencies. The lower leg sleeves, of which  FIG. 4  represents a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, cure these deficiencies by providing an elegant all in one solution. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , and in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a lower leg sleeve  400  includes a tubular upper portion  402  and a tubular lower portion  404 . The upper portion  402  may be formed in a variety of manners. 
         [0044]    In one manner, the upper portion  402  is simply a league mandated sock, such as sock  100 , with the foot portion  102  cut off. This is, for example, similar to the cut sock  100 ′ shown in  FIG. 2 . Unlike the example of  FIG. 2  where the cut sock  100 ′ is worn in that condition, attached to the extreme proximal end  406  of the upper portion  402  is a resilient sleeve  408  forming the entirety of the lower portion  404 . In this regard, the resilient sleeve  408  fits snugly against the upper ankle/lower shin area of a player to hold the sock  400  in place. It will be appreciated that the attachment may be by various means, particularly by sewing. Although this permanently alters the league mandated sock, this manner of construction, and color matching, may be appropriate for retrofitting such socks by individual players. 
         [0045]    In another manner, and one that would be more appropriate for mass production, the upper portion  402  of the lower leg sleeve  400  is mass produced as a replica of typical league mandated socks, or is marketed and sold as a league mandated sock in its own right. As such, the lower leg sleeve  400  is sold complete with its upper portion  402  and resilient sleeve  408  already attached thereto. 
         [0046]    The resilient sleeve  408  may be formed from a variety of materials so long as they perform the required function of resiliency. Examples of such materials are nylon with elastic fiber (e.g. spandex, elasthane, Lycra, etc.) composites or polyester elastic fiber. The fabrics formed from such materials are often referred to as spandex knitted fabrics. In this regard, the resiliency should be sufficient to hold the lower leg sleeve  400  in the correct position during the course of a typical athletic event, even following multiple sliding events. While the upper portion  402  of the lower leg sleeve  400  may also be resilient, preferably the resilient sleeve  408  is more resilient, and therefore tighter fitting, than a traditional sock material would be. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the lower leg area of a soccer player wearing the lower leg sleeve  400  of  FIG. 4 . Here, one can readily see that the player has first donned his or her protective shin guard  300  and performance sock  200  in the manner and order of their choosing. In this regard, the performance sock  200  may be of virtually any conventional length, including low-, mid-, or high-rise socks, as may be preferred by the individual. In the case of a mid- or high-rise sock, it is conventional to don the protective shin guard first. 
         [0048]    In any event, once those two items are in place, the player may then pull the lower leg sleeve  400  over the pair, fitting the distal end  410  closest to the knee and the proximal end  406 , inclusive of the resilient sleeve  408 , adjacent to the ankle. 
         [0049]    Thus, the player may gain all the benefits of his or her preferred performance sock  200  while maintaining compliance with league mandated rules in terms of the outer covering of the player&#39;s shin area. Moreover, the player may express his or her personal aesthetics by the choice of performance sock colors, patterns, or both. 
         [0050]    One manner of forming the resilient sleeve  408  for ultimate joining to the tubular upper portion  402  of the lower leg sleeve  400  is shown in  FIGS. 6 through 8 . Here, a single swatch  500  of a chosen resilient knitted fabric, for example a nylon with spandex composite fabric (spandex knitted fabric), is provided. The swatch  500  can be of indefinite size and will therefore be cut along a first cut line  502  and a second cut line  504  to form a rectangular swatch  506  of a desired size. 
         [0051]    Preferably, the rectangular swatch  506  has a height “H” in the range of 2 inch to 8 inches, with approximately 4 inches to 6 inches being preferred. The swatch also has a length in the range of 5 inches to 11 inches, with 6 to 8½ inches being preferred. For a youth leg sleeve, the preferred combinations of height H and length L include 4 inches by 6 inches, 6 inches by 6 inches, 8 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 6 inches by 8 inches, and 8 inches by 8 inches. It is to be understood that any other combination of sizes between approximately 2 inches and 8 inches in height and 5 inches to 11 inches in length are to be included in this disclosure, including fractional inches within those ranges. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the rectangular swatch  506  is folded over along its length to form a folded swatch  510  having two upstanding sides  512 ,  514  of approximately equal height with ends  516 ,  513 . Note that the overall height of the folded swatch  506  is therefore approximately half of height H of the original swatch. Once in this configuration, and as shown in  FIG. 8 , the folded swatch  510  may be looped with the ends  516 ,  518  moved together to form a tubular structure. The ends  516 ,  518  are then joined together, by sewing (or other means), preferably with a flat marrowing stitch  520 , to form resilient sleeve  408 . 
         [0053]    Referring back to  FIG. 4 , it will be appreciated that the upper extreme  522  of the resilient sleeve  408  is then sewn (or otherwise attached) to the extreme proximal end  406  of the upper portion  402  to form the finished lower leg sleeve  400 . This stitch is also preferably a flat marrowing stitch. 
         [0054]    The resilient sleeve  408  may differ in aesthetic appearance from the remainder of the lower leg sleeve  400 . Specifically, the two elements may be different colors or patterns. For example, the tubular upper portion  402  may be predominantly white while the resilient sleeve  408  is a single other color or a plurality of colors. In this regard, the lower leg sleeve  400  may not match a league mandated sock, but rather may be configured to whatever color and pattern combinations a designer may envision. Such could be appealing to players for use while practicing, where specific color requirements are often not an issue. 
         [0055]    Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.