U.S. patent application number 10/563895 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for sock.
Invention is credited to Bodo W. Lambertz.
Application Number | 20060195971 10/563895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29558030 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060195971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lambertz; Bodo W. |
September 7, 2006 |
Sock
Abstract
The invention relates to a sock, especially for use during
sports activities. Said sock comprises cushions in the treading
area (1). The cushions (2, 3, 4) are provided in the area of the
outer and inner ball, in the heel area, and in the area of the
outer instep. Intermediate spaces (6) are embodied between the
cushions (2, 3, 4).
Inventors: |
Lambertz; Bodo W.;
(Pfaffikon, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROGER J.A. COURNOVER;4299 N.W. 16TH STREET #203
LAUDERDALE
FL
333135819
US
|
Family ID: |
29558030 |
Appl. No.: |
10/563895 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 18, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE04/01276 |
371 Date: |
March 15, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/02 20130101;
A41B 11/00 20130101; A41B 2400/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/239 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 11, 2003 |
DE |
203 10 652.0 |
Claims
1. A sock, in particular for the use with sports activities, that
is padded in the treading area and comprises padding (2, 3, 4) in
the inner and outer areas of the balls of the foot, in the area of
the heel, as well as in the outer instep, and that has intermediate
spaces (6) between pads (2, 3, 4).
2. A sock as in claim 1, wherein there is a pad on the ball of the
foot (4) in the area of the inner and outer ball, the fabric of
which is dissimilar in structure.
3. A sock as in claim 2, wherein there the pad (4) on the ball of
the foot is made up of multiple sections.
4. A sock as in claim 1, wherein there is a sickle-shaped toe pad
(5) arranged in the area of the toes.
5. A sock as in claim 2, wherein there is a sickle-shaped toe pad
(5) arranged in the area of the toes.
6. A sock as in claim 3, wherein there is a sickle-shaped toe pad
(5) arranged in the area of the toes
7. A sock as in claim 4, wherein the toe pads (5) that are made up
of multiple individual pads (51 through 55).
8. A sock as in claim 7, wherein the fabric of the individual pads
(51-55) is dissimilar in structure.
9. A sock as in claim 1, wherein the pads (2, 3, 4) have varying
degrees of firmness.
10. A sock as in claim 4, wherein the pads (2, 3, 4, 5) have
varying degrees of firmness.
11. A sock as in claim 5, wherein the pads (2, 3, 4, 5) have
varying degrees of firmness.
12. A sock as in claim 1, wherein at least one side climate conduit
(7) is provided that leads into at least one of the separate pads
(2 through 4) created by the intermediate spaces (6) on the
treading area (1).
13. A sock as in claim 4, wherein at least one side climate conduit
(7) is provided that leads into at least one of the separate pads
(2 through 5) created by the intermediate spaces (6) on the
treading area (1).
14. A sock as in claim 5, wherein at least one side climate conduit
(7) is provided that leads into at least one of the separate pads
(2 through 5) created by the intermediate spaces (6) on the
treading area (1).
15. A sock as in claim 10, wherein at least one side climate
conduit (7) is provided that leads into at least one of the
separate pads (2 through 5) created by the intermediate spaces (6)
on the treading area (1).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a sock that is to be used
particularly during sports activities and that is outfitted with
padding in the treading area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Human feet are generally accommodated in firm shoes,
especially during sports activities. They are also frequently in
socks. The many and rapid motions occurring during sports
activities mean that the foot is subjected to great loads, which
can bring about fatigue more rapidly. If there is an unequal
distribution of the load in the treading area in particular, then
this can lead to increased stress in the ligaments situated around
the ankle joint. This can put exceptional strain on or even damage
the ligaments, for example, if the individual's stride is incorrect
or if he should hit the ground wrong. Any destabilizing of the
ankle joint by wearing out the ligaments can also negatively
impinge on the knee and the area around it. From this it is clear
that the anatomical distribution of the load of the treading area
of the foot is of the utmost importance to the stability of the
entire locomotor system, and all the more so for sports
activities.
[0003] The plane of the treading area of the foot between the heel
and the outer and inner balls of the foot forms a three-point
support system. This three-point support system makes it possible
to balance the body's entire weight on a single leg. When walking,
the foot's natural longitudinal and transverse vault works like a
suspension. The force of the load is absorbed, for the most part,
by the three-point support system. Approximately 40% of the load is
absorbed by the outer and inner balls of the foot, and 33% by the
heel. Approximately 15% of the load involves the outer instep of
the foot, while the remaining load is absorbed by the toes (inner
zone of the toes about 5%, outside zone about 7%).
[0004] To decrease the dynamic load of the foot and the premature
fatigue associated with it, some form of dampening has been
commonly used (compare DE 87 01 834 U1), for example, by padding
the toe, sole and heel areas of the stock with something soft. The
treading area of the sole that lies between the heel and the toes
can also be outfitted with appropriate contours (compare EP 0 849
998 B1). These well known types of sock do not, however, take into
account the specific load profile of the treading area of the
foot.
[0005] This is what the invention remedies. The invention addresses
the problem of creating a sock, especially for sports activities,
that will be very comfortable to wear, while simultaneously taking
into account the specific load profile of the treading area of the
foot. The invention solves this problem by placing padding in the
areas of the outer and inner balls, in the area of the heel as well
as in the outer instep of the foot and, also, by means of
intermediate spaces between the padding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention creates a sock that is especially suited for
sports activities and that takes into account the specific load
profile of the foot. The separate pads in the various load areas
mean that the foot is effectively supported and simultaneously
protected against strain. Additionally, the suspension effect of
the longitudinal and transverse vaults is amplified during walking,
which, in turn, helps remove any further load from the ankle joint
and the ligaments. The sectional padding reduces the weight of the
sock, as compared with socks that are completely padded throughout
the entire treading area. This represents a significant advantage,
for example, in such extreme types of sports activities as
triathlons or marathons. The intermediate spaces between the
padding also increase air circulation.
[0007] As a further development of the invention, the weave of the
fabric of the padding for the inner and outer balls of the foot is
different. This makes a precise adaptation of this area of padding
to the load distribution between the outer and inner balls of the
foot possible, which, in turn, further improves the protective and
support functions.
[0008] The invention is outfitted with sickle-shaped padding in the
area of the toes. This sustains the absorption of the not
inconsiderable share of the load by the toes.
[0009] The toe padding is advantageously executed in the form of
individual pads, the fabric of which preferably has a different
weave structure. This takes into consideration the heterogeneous
load distribution in the area of the toes, and makes a specific
absorption of the load in this area possible.
[0010] Another development of the invention is that the sock is
equipped with at least one lateral climate conduit that leads into
at least one of the intermediate spaces created by the separate
pads. This benefits the continuous removal of perspiration from the
bottom of the foot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] There is shown in the attached drawing a presently preferred
embodiment of the present invention, wherein like numerals I the
various views pertainto like elements, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of the sock;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view of the sock from below; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a view of the sock from below, but outfitted
differently.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0015] The illustrated example (FIG. 1) shows a sock with a shaft A
and a foot section B. In the treading area 1 of the foot, the sock
is padded in sections 2, 3, 4 and 5. Pads 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not
connected to each other, which emphasizes the padding in the
intermediate spaces 6. Pads 2, 3, 4 and 5 have an anatomical shape,
which means that they are optimally adapted to the load profile of
the foot.
[0016] There is, in the area of the heel, a circular heel pad 2
that resembles the area of the point of the tread. There is an oval
pad 3 in the outer instep the long side of which borders the outer
region, on one side, and the longitudinal and transverse vaults of
the foot on the other. A foot ball pad 4 is situated on the ball of
the foot. Pad 4 also has a primarily oval shape and stretches from
the outer to the inner ball of the foot. Foot section 1 in the area
of the toes is outfitted with a sickle-shaped toe pad 5. The shape
of the pad is determined by the varying lengths as well as the
arrangement of the toes.
[0017] In the illustrated example as seen in FIG. 3, the sock is
outfitted with a pad 4 for the ball of the foot that is made up of
two sections and is situated in the treading area of the foot 1.
Pad 41 that points towards the interior of the foot has a higher
density than the bordering partial pad 42. In contrast to the
illustrated example as per FIG. 1, the sickle-shaped toe pad 5 is
made up of five individual pads 51 through 55, with a pad allocated
to each toe. The fabric structure of pads 51 through 55 is
different. The density of pads 51 through 55 decreases in the
illustrated example. Pad 51 is the densest and pad 55 the least
dense.
[0018] Pads 2 through 5 can have different thicknesses and
densities, and can be made from only one material or from unlike
materials. The varying thicknesses of pads 2 through 5 can be
achieved by using thicker yarns or more threads. It is also
possible to manufacture pads 2 through 5 in varying degrees of
firmness. For example, those pads intended to absorb less load,
such as is the case with toe pad 5, can be made softer than those
pads that will be subject to higher loads, as is the case with the
pad for the ball of the foot 4. As in the illustrated example of
FIG. 3, pads 41 and 42 as well as pads 51 through 55 can, of
course, have diverse degrees of firmness as well depending upon the
load that they must absorb.
[0019] The padding supports the fat pads that are naturally on the
foot. A "barefoot climate" is achieved for the foot because the
load profile of the foot has been taken into account in the shaping
and positioning of the comfort pads. This "barefoot climate" is
additionally caused by the air circulation that is produced by the
intermediate spaces 6 between pads 2 through 5. The climate conduit
7 that runs along the side of the sock and that leads into the
intermediate spaces 6 also makes it possible to improve the
elimination of moisture from the bottom of the foot.
[0020] Though socks have been the topic of description and
discussion, the invention is not limited to these alone, but also
includes stockings, tights and similar articles of clothing to
which the invention also applies.
* * * * *