Sport sock with integral shin guard

Abstract

A sport sock with an integral shin guard has a series of inflatable bladder elements positioned next to and affixed to an inner surface of the sock material to overlie the shin of a wearer and perform a guard function when inflated. The bladder elements are inter-connected and may be connected to a small, manually-operated pump that is located at the rear upper portion of the sock. A pair of upper and lower inflatable straps are affixed to the sock material and encircle the leg. The straps are also inter-connected to the bladder element so that they inflate and deflate in coordination with the bladder elements and retain the sock on the leg when inflated.

1 . A sock with an integral shin guard, comprising a sock having a generally upright portion dimensioned to surround at least the shin portion of a leg, and an inflatable shin guard element mounted to an inner surface of the sock in a position to overlie the shin portion. 
   
   
       2 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the shin guard comprises a plurality of inflatable elements extending in a generally horizontal direction, the inflatable elements being mounted to a support matrix. 
   
   
       3 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix is of a fabric construction. 
   
   
       4 . The sock of  claim 2 , wherein the inflatable elements have spaced adjacent side edges, the matrix comprising strip portions joining the spaced adjacent side edges. 
   
   
       5 . The sock of  claim 2 , wherein the inflatable elements are constructed from a pair of flexible sheets bonded together. 
   
   
       6 . The sock of  claim 2 , wherein the inflatable elements are interconnected together by air passageways. 
   
   
       7 . The sock of  claim 2  further comprising inflatable strap means for holding the sock in a fully-donned position upon the leg. 
   
   
       8 . The sock of  claim 7  wherein the strap means comprise a first strap for encircling the leg proximate a top edge of the sock and a second strap for encircling the leg proximate a lower end of the ship portion of the leg. 
   
   
       9 . The sock of  claim 8  wherein the matrix supports at least a portion of the strap means. 
   
   
       10 . The sock of  claim 7  wherein the strap means is interconnected with the inflatable elements by air passageways. 
   
   
       11 . The sock of  claim 2  further comprising an air pump for inflating the inflatable elements. 
   
   
       12 . The sock of  claim 10  further comprising an air pump for inflating the inflatable elements and strap means. 
   
   
       13 . The sock of  claim 12  wherein the pump is mounted to a rear of the sock proximate the strap means. 
   
   
       14 . The sock of  claim 2  further comprising an inner sock layer positioned between the shin guard element and the shin. 
   
   
       15 . The sock of  claim 2  wherein the matrix is removably fastened to the inner surface of the sock.