US20110277217A1 - Seamless sock and method of knitting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A sock and a method of knitting the same. Generally described, the present application relates to a sock. More specifically, the present application relates to a sock having a revolutionary design. In one illustrative embodiment, a stretchable foot sock made of Lycra® is provided. The foot sock can include an open leg end having soft ribbing for receiving a foot, toes, and at least a portion of a leg of a wearer. The foot sock can include a leg section for receiving at least a portion of the leg of the wearer. The foot sock can also include a foot section for receiving a foot of the wearer. Typically, the leg and foot sections include a top and bottom portion wherein the top portion includes a mesh structure and the bottom portion includes extra padding. Each of the sections can be seamlessly integrated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• This application generally relates to socks, and more particularly, to a seamless sock and method of knitting the same.
BACKGROUND
• In ancient times, socks were used for many purposes. Socks helped absorb sweat and draw it to areas where it could evaporate. In colder environments, socks decreased the risk of frostbite. Socks were originally made from animal skin or other similar materials, which were often wrapped around the ankles of a user. Over time, socks became more sophisticated in the materials implemented and the knitting used. Nevertheless, socks today often cause blisters, ulcers, or other debilitating conditions as a result of poor design.
• As a result, a need exists to provide a more comfortable sock while removing these potentially harmful conditions. Furthermore, a sock is needed that removes perspiration as well as provide a comfortable surface for high impacts. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that a need for a sock which can be used in a variety of settings such as for athletes, hikers, or normal everyday wear exists.
SUMMARY
• This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
• In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a stretchable foot sock is provided. The foot sock includes an open leg end having soft ribbing for receiving a foot, toes, and at least a portion of a leg of a wearer. In addition, the foot sock includes a tubular leg section adjacent to the leg end dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the leg of the wearer, the leg section having a top and bottom portion thereon. The foot sock also includes a tubular foot section extending from the leg section and receiving the foot of the wearer, the foot section having a top and bottom portion thereon. The foot sock includes a toe section coupled to the foot section at a distal end from the leg section and receiving the toes of the wearer. The top portions of the leg and foot sections have a mesh structure and the bottom portions of the leg and foot sections have a padded construction with the padded construction extending to the toe section, the mesh structure and the padded construction being seamlessly integrated.
• In accordance with another aspect of the present application, a sock is provided. The sock includes a cuff which has soft ribbing. In addition, the sock includes a heel section coupled to the cuff. The sock also includes a foot section coupled to the heel section, wherein the foot section has a mesh top and a padded bottom portion. The sock includes a toe wedge extending to the padded bottom and seamlessly connected to the foot section.
• In accordance with yet another aspect of the present application, a method of knitting a sock is provided. The method includes knitting a soft ribbed cuff and knitting a leg member to the soft ribbed cuff. In addition, the method includes knitting a padded lower foot member to the leg member. The method also includes knitting a top mesh upper foot member to the leg member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• The novel features believed to be characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary sock that overcomes the previously described limitations in accordance with one aspect of the present application;
• FIG. 2 represents the interior of the exemplary sock;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the exemplary sock in accordance with one aspect of the present application; and
• FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the exemplary sock in accordance with one aspect of the present application.
DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION
• The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the application and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present application can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the application in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this application.
Overview
• Generally described, the present application relates to a sock. More specifically, the present application relates to a sock having a revolutionary design. In one illustrative embodiment, a stretchable foot sock made of Lycra® is provided. The foot sock can include an open leg end having soft ribbing for receiving a foot, toes, and at least a portion of a leg of a wearer. The foot sock can include a leg section for receiving at least a portion of the leg of the wearer. The foot sock can also include a foot section for receiving a foot of the wearer. Typically, the leg and foot sections include a top and bottom portion wherein the top portion includes a mesh structure and the bottom portion includes extra padding. Each of the sections can be seamlessly integrated.
• Advantageously, the combination of the features and functions provided within the foot sock can overcome the aforementioned challenges. The seamless technology presented herein virtually eliminates irritation that is common among other socks. The soft ribbing eliminates itchiness around the portion of the leg of the wearer. In addition thereto, the mesh structure prevents the accumulation of moisture within the sock and the padding provided on the bottom portion provides a layer of cushion that can help reduce fatigue. Other beneficial features will become apparent in the description provided below.
• As will be shown below, the sock can come in a variety of forms. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that there are numerous ways in which the illustrative sock can be altered or manipulated to produce the benefits of the sock described herein. Many additional features and elements of the present application will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in the following description.
Sock
• FIG. 1 depicts anexemplary sock100 having the revolutionary features described herein in accordance with one aspect of the present application. Thesock100 can include, but is not limited to, anopen leg end102,leg section104,foot section106, andtoe section108. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that thesock100 can include other portions such as theheel portion110.
• Before describing the specific features and functions of theexemplary sock100, illustrative materials for thesock100 will now be described. Typically, thesock100 can be made of the same materials throughout. In other embodiments, thesock100 can include different materials for each section. For example, theleg section104 can be made up of a different material from thefoot section106. The advantages of using different materials for the different sections of thesock100 will become apparent from the discussion provided below.
• In one embodiment, thesock100 can be made of spandex. Spandex is typically composed of a manufactured fiber. The fiber can be formed from a substance that includes a long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% of segmented polyurethane. Soft and rubbery segments of polyester or polyether polyols can allow the fiber to stretch up to 600% and then recover to its original shape. Hard segments, usually urethanes or urethane-ureas, can provide rigidity and so impart tensile strength and limit plastic flow. The flexibility, abrasion resistance, strength, and resistance to deterioration by body oils and perspiration are generally better than rubber.
• Thesock100, in one embodiment, can also be made up of Lycra®. Lycra® is commonly known to include a spandex filament yarn. The soft segments of the segmented polyurethane can be formed from polytetramethelyne ether glycol.Socks100 can be made of a variety of other materials as well. Some of these materials can be cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefins, or polypropylene. To increase the level of softness of thesock100 other materials that might be used during the process can be silk, linen, cashmere, or mohair.
• While numerous types of materials have been described, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that thesock100 can be made of different combinations of the materials described above. For example, thesock100 can be made of ninety-percent (90%) cotton and ten percent (10%) Lycra®. This combination can not only provide a level of comfort, but also be elastic and flexible to those demands required of thesock100. Preferably, however, thesock100 can be made up of ninety-three percent (93%) cotton. Known to those skilled in the relevant art, different combinations of materials can be produced to fit the needs of a user.
• As shown inFIG. 1, thesock100 can include anopen leg end102. Theopen leg end102 can be used to receive the foot, toes, and at least a portion of a leg of a wearer when thesock100 is put on. Generally, theopen leg end102 can come in a one-size that fits all size. Theopen leg end102 can includesoft ribbing112. Thesoft ribbing112 generally eliminates itchiness around the ankle and calf of a user. In addition thereto, thesoft ribbing112 can improve the circulation of blood to the user's foot thereby, providing useful features to those with diabetes and other health problems.
• In one embodiment, theopen leg end102 can includedouble ribbing112. Thedouble ribbing112 can provide additional elasticity for the user's foot. In some instances, thedouble ribbing112 can provide a more durable, longer lastingsock100.
• Connected to theopen leg end102, and as shown inFIG. 1, is aleg section104. Theleg section104 can hold an ankle and a portion of the leg of a user. Theleg section104 can be adjusted dependent on the type ofsock100 the user wishes to have, which will be described in relation toFIGS. 3 and 4. Typically, theleg section104 can be made of the same material as theopen leg end102, as indicated by the similar shading used for both.
• Continuing, theleg section104 can be coupled to thefoot section106. Generally, thefoot portion106 houses the foot of a user. Thefoot portion106 can be provided in a tubular shape. As shown, thefoot section106 can include two portions, i.e., atop portion114 and abottom portion116. In one embodiment, thetop portion114 can include a mesh type material. The mesh can be used to prevent the accumulation of moisture by allowing for greater air circulation. The mesh itself is typically defined by a material having webbing that allows the skin to breath.
• With reference now to thebottom portion116 of thefoot section106, extra padding can be provided. Typically, the extra padding can reduce the amount of strain caused by high impact. Another advantage of the extra padding is the durability and sustainability of thesock100. The padding can reduce fatigue as well. The extra padding can be made of the same materials discussed above. In one embodiment, several layers of padding can be provided on thebottom portion116.
• Coupled to thefoot section106 is atoe section108. Similar to thebottom portion116 of thefoot section106, extra padding can be provided on the toe section. In one embodiment, thetoe section108 extends into thetop portion114 of thefoot section106 as shown inFIG. 1. This can be used to reduce the impact on the user's toes.
• Theopen leg end102,leg section104,foot section106, andtoe section108 can be seamlessly integrated into thesock100. The seamless integration eliminates irritation that is common among most other socks. Theseam118, as shown inFIG. 1, integrates thetop portion114,bottom portion116, andtoe section108, where the foot is most sensitive. Seamless integration of the various sections of thesock100 can provide benefits to those with sensitive skin.
• To further show the seamless integration,FIG. 2 represents the interior of theexemplary sock100. When flipped inside-out, theseam118 is virtually removed from thesock100. This can provide added comfort to the user. In addition to theseam118, typically each and every seam within thesock100 is also seamlessly integrated. For example, theseam202 between theopen leg end102 and theleg section104 can be seamlessly integrated to remove irritation on the leg of the user. Seam204,seam206, andseam208 can also be seamlessly provided within thesock100 to remove irritants to that portion of the user.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of theexemplary sock100 in accordance with one aspect of the present application. Before, thesock100 was presented to have a crew cut. As shown, thesock100 can also have a quarter cut.FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of theexemplary sock100 in accordance with one aspect of the present application whereby thesock100 has a low cut.
Embodiments
• In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a stretchable foot sock is provided. The foot sock can include an open leg end having soft ribbing for receiving a foot, toes, and at least a portion of a leg of a wearer. In addition, the foot sock can include a tubular leg section adjacent to the leg end dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the leg of the wearer. The foot sock can also include a tubular foot section extending from the leg section and receiving the foot of the wearer, the foot section having a top and bottom portion thereon. The foot sock can include a toe section coupled to the foot section at a distal end from the leg section and receiving the toes of the wearer. The top portion of the foot section can include a mesh structure and the bottom portion of the foot section includes a padded construction with the padded construction extending to the toe section, the mesh structure and the padded construction seamlessly integrated.
• In one embodiment, the soft ribbing can include vertical strips of stockinette stitches alternating with vertical stripes of reverse stockinette stitches. In one embodiment, the soft ribbing can be elastic. In one embodiment, the open leg end can be a crew cut. In one embodiment, the open leg end can be a low cut. In one embodiment, the open leg end can be a quarter cut.
• In one embodiment, the open end can be seamlessly integrated into the leg section. In one embodiment, the padded construction can include at least two or more layers of material. In one embodiment, the foot sock can be made of about 93% cotton. In one embodiment, the foot sock can be made of synthetic polymers composed of at least 85% segmented polyurethane.
• In accordance with another aspect of the present application, a sock is provided. The sock includes a cuff having soft ribbing. In addition, the sock includes a heel section coupled to the cuff. The sock also includes a foot section coupled to the heel section, wherein the foot section has a mesh top and a padded bottom portion. The sock includes a toe wedge which extends to the padded bottom and is seamlessly connected to the foot section.
• In one embodiment, the cuff can include a single ribbing. In one embodiment, the cuff can include a double ribbing. In one embodiment, the foot section can be seamlessly coupled to the heel section. In one embodiment, the sock can be made of a filament yarn.
• In accordance with yet another aspect of the present application, a method of knitting a sock is provided. The method includes knitting a soft ribbed cuff and knitting a leg member to the soft ribbed cuff. In addition, the method includes knitting a padded lower foot member to the leg member. The method also includes knitting a top mesh upper foot member to the leg member.
• In one embodiment, wherein knitting the padded lower foot member and the top mesh upper foot member to the leg member can include seamlessly integrating the members. In one embodiment, the sock can made of a polymer and a urethane. In one embodiment, the polymer can provide elasticity for the sock. In one embodiment, the urethane can provide rigidity for the sock.
• The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims (20)

1. A stretchable foot sock comprising:

an open leg end having soft ribbing for receiving a foot, toes, and at least a portion of a leg of a wearer;

a tubular leg section adjacent to said leg end dimensioned to receive at least a portion of said leg of said wearer;

a tubular foot section extending from said leg section and receiving said foot of said wearer, said foot section having a top and bottom portion thereon; and

a toe section coupled to said foot section at a distal end from said leg section and receiving said toes of said wearer;

wherein said top portion of said foot section includes a mesh structure and said bottom portion of said foot section includes a padded construction with said padded construction extending to said toe section, said mesh structure and said padded construction seamlessly integrated.

2. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said soft ribbing comprises vertical strips of stockinette stitches alternating with vertical stripes of reverse stockinette stitches.

3. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said soft ribbing is elastic.

4. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said open leg end is a crew cut.

5. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said open leg end is a low cut.

6. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said open leg end is a quarter cut.

7. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said open leg end is seamlessly integrated into said leg section.

8. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said padded construction comprises at least two or more layers of material.

9. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said foot sock is made of about 93% cotton.

10. The stretchable foot sock ofclaim 1, wherein said foot sock is made of synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% of segmented polyurethane.

11. A sock comprising:

a cuff having soft ribbing;

a heel section coupled to said cuff; and

a foot section coupled to said heel section, wherein said foot section has a mesh top and a padded bottom portion; and

a toe wedge extending said padded bottom and seamlessly connected to said foot section.

12. The sock ofclaim 11, wherein said cuff comprises a single ribbing.

13. The sock ofclaim 11, wherein said cuff comprises a double ribbing.

14. The sock ofclaim 11, wherein said foot section is seamlessly coupled to said heel section.

15. The sock ofclaim 11, wherein said sock is made of a filament yarn.

16. A method of knitting a sock comprising:

knitting a soft ribbed cuff;

knitting a leg member to said soft ribbed cuff;

knitting a padded lower foot member to said leg member; and

knitting a top mesh upper foot member to said leg member.

17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein knitting said padded lower foot member and said top mesh upper foot member to said leg member comprises seamlessly integrating said members.

18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said sock is made of a polymer and a urethane.

19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein said polymer provides elasticity for said sock.

20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein said urethane provides rigidity for said sock.

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