U.S. patent application number 11/726990 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for therapeutic sock for diabetics.
Invention is credited to Alan M. Jacober.
Application Number | 20070283483 11/726990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38541717 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070283483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacober; Alan M. |
December 13, 2007 |
Therapeutic sock for diabetics
Abstract
A sock for diabetics that is anti-microbial and allows for wound
detection is provided. The sock has a colored cuff section, a
colored calf section attached to the cuff section, a colored ankle
section attached to the calf section, and a foot section. The foot
section has a colored top section and a white bottom section, where
the bottom section includes a heel section, an instep section and a
toe section. The toe section has a seamless toe and the foot
section includes a plurality of materials wherein at least one of
the materials incorporates silver coated fibers.
Inventors: |
Jacober; Alan M.;
(Providence, RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark S. Leonardo, Esq.;Brown Rudnick Berlack Israels LLP
One Financial Center
Boston
MA
02111
US
|
Family ID: |
38541717 |
Appl. No.: |
11/726990 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60785159 |
Mar 23, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 ;
66/178R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/1697 20130101;
D04B 1/265 20130101; A41B 2400/34 20130101; D04B 1/16 20130101;
A61F 13/08 20130101; A41B 11/00 20130101; D10B 2401/13
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/239 ;
066/178.00R |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00; D04B 11/00 20060101 D04B011/00 |
Claims
1. A diabetic sock comprising: a colored cuff section; a colored
calf section attached to said cuff section; a colored ankle section
attached to said calf section; and a foot section having; a colored
top section; and a white bottom section, said bottom section
including a heel section, an instep section and a toe section, said
toe section comprising a seamless toe, and said foot section
including a plurality of materials, at least one of the materials
incorporates silver coated fibers.
2. The diabetic sock according to claim 1, wherein said colored
cuff section and said colored calf sections include silver coated
fibers.
3. The diabetic sock according to claim 1, wherein said colored
calf section extends over a wearer's calf.
4. The diabetic sock according to claim 1, wherein the colored calf
and ankle section is constriction free.
5. The diabetic sock according to claim 1, wherein said plurality
of materials are polypropilene, spandex and nylon.
6. The diabetic sock according to claim 1, wherein said seamless
toe includes a lin-toe closure.
7. The diabetic sock according to claim 1, wherein said instep
section provides more constriction than said toe section and said
heel section.
8. A diabetic sock comprising: a colored cuff section; a colored
calf section; a colored ankle section; and a white bottom section
including a white heel section, a white bottom of foot section and
a white toe section covering the top and bottom of a wearer's toes;
said sock being knitted with at least one thread with the insertion
of at least two elastic threads at a calf section, an ankle
section, an instep section, and a toe section, having a degree of
elasticity that is different from each other; wherein said cuff and
calf sections incorporate the first elastic thread together with
said thread, wherein said ankle section incorporates said first
elastic thread and the second elastic thread with said thread,
wherein said instep section incorporates said second elastic thread
and a third elastic thread together with said thread, wherein said
toe section incorporates said third elastic thread together with
said thread, and wherein said thread includes at least a portion
thereof coated with silver.
9. The sock according to claim 8, wherein said first elastic thread
has a strength that is greater than that of said third elastic
thread.
10. The sock according to claim 8, wherein said ankle section and
said instep section have vertical ribbed stitches.
11. The sock according to claim 8, wherein said toe section is
seamless.
12. The sock according to claim 8, wherein said calf section is
constriction free.
13. The sock according to claim 8, wherein said diabetic sock is
made from polypopilene, spandex, and nylon.
14. A method for manufacturing on a circular sock knitting machine
a sock for diabetics, comprising the steps of: knitting from one
end to the other with at least one thread having a plurality of
fibers coated with silver, said knitting starting from a cuff
section to terminate at the tip of the sock through a calf section,
an ankle section, an instep section and a toe section without
interruption; and using in combination with said at least one
thread, a first elastic thread having a first degree of elasticity
in said cuff and ankle section; and a second elastic thread having
a second degree of elasticity in said instep section.
15. The sock according to claim 14, wherein said step of knitting
includes an upper section of the sock being colored and a bottom
section of the sock being white.
16. The sock according to claim 14, wherein the sock is made from
polypropilene, spandex, and nylon.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/785,159, filed in the U.S. on Mar. 23, 2006.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to therapeutic socks
and particularly to therapeutic socks for diabetics that increase
circulation, allow for early detection of wounds and are
anti-microbial.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] People with diabetes are prone to many foot disorders
because of complications associated with diabetes. These
complications are neuropathy, retinopathy and poor blood
circulation. Neuropathy or nerve damage can cause numbness in the
extremities including the legs, feet and toes. This numbness makes
it difficult for person to discover wounds or irritation. If these
injuries go unnoticed they can become infected or with further
deterioration of limbs. Circulatory problems may make it difficult
for an injury to heal. Diabetes related foot and leg problems
include, but are not limited to: infections and ulcers and a
blocked artery in the calf. Diabetes can also cause charcot foot,
which is a deformity that develops as a result of loss in sensation
and a broken bone that leads to the destruction of the soft tissue
of the foot caused by ligament degeneration
[0004] Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, for example,
which cause diminished blood circulation to the legs and feet, have
been treated by wearing various types of circulation enhancing
stockings and footwear. One example of circulation enhancing
footwear is a therapeutic sock described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,177
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This
example of a therapeutic sock is used to treat arterial
insufficiency, cardiac and circulatory decompensation, venous
insufficiency, arthrosis and rheumatism. The sock includes a leg
section, a foot section and an ankle-neck of the foot section
between the foot and the leg, where at least some of the sections
have an elasticized knit structure with an elasticity graduated
from part to part.
[0005] Certain medical patients such as diabetic patients, for
example, should wear white socks because of retinopathy preventing
them from detecting areas of drainage in their feet. When there is
nerve damage it can be difficult to detect blood or wound
secretions. Injuries that go undetected can lead to more severe
injuries and/or infections. The white socks have been necessary
particularly for early detection of drainage or bleeding in
patients who do not have enough mobility or sight to view the
bottom of their own feet or for patients that cannot feel that
there is an injury or wound.
[0006] Some therapeutic socks such as those described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,012,177 have been made from white or un-dyed material to
allow for early detection of bleeding in a patient's foot. Other
therapeutic socks such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,012,177 have been made from dark colored or dyed materials to
provide the aesthetics of a dress sock. The dark colored or dyed
therapeutic socks have not been useful for drainage, retinopathy or
early detection of wounds in a patient's foot. Therefore, it would
be desirable to provide a therapeutic sock that allows for easy
detection of wounds or bleeding while providing a knit structure
that is directed to improving circulation. It would also be
desirable to provide a sock that incorporates a white or non-dyed
bottom section and a darker upper section to maintain the
aesthetics of a dress sock. It would also be desirable to provide a
sock that incorporates a material that is anti-microbial to help
prevent infection of wounds and prevents odors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, a therapeutic sock for diabetics that is
aesthetically pleasing, anti-microbial and allows for easy
detection of wounds, drainage or blood is provided. A particular
embodiment of the present invention is based on a compression sock
produced by Eurosocks North America, of Warwick, R.I. as
particularly described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,397 which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This embodiment
provides long-legged sock that includes a cuff section and a calf
section incorporating a first elastic thread together with a basic
thread. Also provided is an ankle section incorporating the first
elastic thread and a second elastic thread together with the basic
thread, an instep section incorporating the second elastic thread
and a third elastic thread together with the basic thread; and a
foot section incorporating the third elastic thread together with
the basic thread.
[0008] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the
sock has a colored cuff section, a colored calf section attached to
the cuff section, a colored ankle section attached to the calf
section, and a foot section. The foot section has a colored top
section and a white bottom section, where the bottom section
includes a heel section, an instep section and a toe section. The
toe section has a seamless toe and the foot section includes a
plurality of materials wherein at least one of the materials
incorporates silver coated fibers.
[0009] In another embodiment, the diabetic sock according to the
present disclosure has cuff and colored calf sections that include
silver coated fibers. Also, in another embodiment, the diabetic
sock has a colored calf section that extends over a wearer's
calf.
[0010] In another embodiment, the colored calf section is
constriction free. In yet another embodiment, the sock is made of
polypropilene, spandex and nylon. Additionally, the seamless toe
may include a lin-toe closure.
[0011] In another embodiment, the instep section provides more
constriction than the toe section and the heel section.
[0012] Another sock in accordance with the present disclosure
includes a colored cuff section, a colored calf section, ankle
section and a white bottom section including a white heel section,
a white bottom of foot section and a white toe section covering the
top and bottom of a wearer's toes. The sock is knitted with at
least one basic thread with the insertion of at least two elastic
threads at a calf section, an ankle section, an instep section, and
a toe section, having a degree of elasticity that is different from
each other wherein the cuff and calf sections incorporate the first
elastic thread together with the thread. The ankle section
incorporates the first elastic thread and the second elastic thread
with the basic thread. The instep section incorporates the second
elastic thread and a third elastic thread together with the basic
thread. The white toe section incorporates the third elastic thread
together with the thread and the thread includes at least a portion
thereof coated with silver.
[0013] In another embodiment, the first elastic thread has a
strength that is greater than that of the third elastic thread. And
in yet another embodiment the ankle section and the instep section
have vertical ribbed stitches. Additionally, the toe section may be
seamless.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the calf and ankle section is
constriction free. Also, the sock according to the present
disclosure may be made from polypopilene, spandex and nylon.
[0015] A method for manufacturing on a circular sock knitting
machine a sock for diabetics according to the present disclosure is
also provided. The method includes the steps of knitting from one
end to the other with at least one thread having a plurality of
fibers coated with silver, the knitting starting from a cuff
section to terminate at the tip of the sock through a calf section,
ankle section, an instep section and a tip-of-the foot section
without interruption. The method also includes using in combination
with at least one thread, a first elastic thread having a first
degree of elasticity in the cuff section and the ankle section and
a second elastic thread having a second degree of elasticity in
said instep section.
[0016] In another embodiment, the step of knitting includes an
upper section of the sock being colored and a bottom section of the
sock being white.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The objects and features of the present disclosure, which
are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the
appended claims. The present disclosure, both as to its
organization and manner of operation, together with further
objectives and advantages, may be best understood by reference to
the following description, taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a graduated
compression sock with the inventive coloration according to an
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a constriction-free
embodiment of the inventive therapeutic sock according to an
illustrative embodiment of the disclosure invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying
figures. Turning now to the figures, attention is directed to FIG.
1. The therapeutic sock 10 according to one embodiment of the
present invention as described with reference to FIG. 1 comprises a
cuff section 12, a calf section 14, an ankle section 16, a foot
section having a top-of-the-foot section A and a bottom-of-the-foot
section B. The bottom section B has a heel section 18, an instep
section 20, and a toe section 22.
[0021] By way of example according to the present disclosure, the
sock may be produced on a circular sock knitting machine by means
of a prior-art knitting method, which is known to persons skilled
in the art, but with a suitable selection of the threads to be used
in the different sections of the sock, starting from the border or
cuff up to the end of the tip of the foot at the toe section
22.
[0022] In particular, the sock is produced by using at least one
basic thread along the entire length of the sock, and selectively,
three elastic threads which differ in elasticity and/or strength.
The basic thread of the sock is knitted together with a first
elastic thread, in the manufacture of the border or cuff 12 and in
the calf and ankle section of the sock. The cuff 12 may be in
ribbed stitch and the calf section 14 may be in plain stitch.
[0023] At the end of the calf section 12, or at the beginning of
the ankle section 16, a second elastic thread that is different
from the first one is knitted together with the basic thread and
with the first elastic thread. At the end of the ankle section 16,
the heel 18 of the sock is made in the usual manner, after which
the instep area 20 starts. At that point, insertion of the first
elastic thread stops, the instep section 20 is produced by knitting
together the basic thread, the second elastic thread and the third
elastic thread. At the end of this instep section 20, insertion of
the second elastic thread stops, and manufacture of the sock
continues in the toe section 22 by then knitting only the third
elastic thread together with the basic thread. Preferably, the
ankle section 16 and instep section 20 are in ribbed stitch (both
in the plantar part and in the dorsal part, while the toe section
is in plain stitch).
[0024] The toe section 12 may have a lin-toe closure to allow for
comfort. A lin-toe closure is created by aligning knit loops on
each edge of a knit fabric and then using single thread to join the
edges loop-for-loop to create a single piece of knit fabric. This
closure is smooth on the inside and the outside.
[0025] Some parts of the instep section 20 may also be knitted with
terry loops, particularly on the inside of the sole. Also, the
ankle section may be made of a graduated stitch in order to form an
upside-down cone so as to follow the anatomical shape of the
leg.
[0026] The finished sock will have the calf 14 and toe 22 sections
made with the same type of stitch, but with a different degree of
elasticity due to the difference between the first and the third
elastic threads; the ankle section 16 will have a first degree of
elasticity due to the presence of the first and second elastic
threads, the instep section 20 will in its turn have another degree
of elasticity due to the second and the third elastic threads being
incorporated. The sock according to the present disclosure could
include various numbers of threads with the same or different
elasticity.
[0027] Additionally, the sock has a foot section having a
top-of-the-foot section A and a bottom-of-the-foot section B. The
top of the foot section in addition to the ankle section 6 and the
calf portion 4 is made of a colored fiber or material. The
bottom-of-the foot portion is made of a white fiber or material.
This allows for an aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, this
coloring allows for a person to determine if there is a wound or
bleeding. Thus, a diabetic person can notice the first sign a
wound. Early detection helps diabetic patients prevent wounds from
becoming worse and/or infected.
[0028] The sock thus manufactured, particularly with its sections
of different elasticity and color, represents an innovation from
the viewpoint of the structure and of the functionality of the
piece of clothing.
[0029] The sock according to the present disclosure may be made of
a variety of different synthetic or natural materials. At least a
portion of the sock according to the present invention comprises
fibers that are coated with silver. The fibers may have sections of
the length of the fiber that are coated in a range of from
approximately 0% to approximately 100% of the surfaces. For
example, in a 3 inch fiber, the first inch is uncoated, the surface
or surfaces of the second inch is 100% coated, and the third inch
is uncoated. The use of silver coated fiber has never been used in
a diabetic sock for therapeutic uses. Additionally, silver has not
been incorporated into two toned diabetic socks that have an
aesthetic appeal.
[0030] Uncoated or non-conducting fibers, including but not limited
to alginates, chitosans, polymers, synthetic and naturally
occurring fibers or foams may be used in the sock according to the
present disclosure. The silver-coated fibers vary in composition
and may or may not have a functional three dimensional structure
used for movement of fluid. For purposes of the invention, the term
"three dimensional coating" refers to the circumferential,
concentric, uniform coating of all the surfaces of a fiber which
may be the entire length of the fiber or may comprise one or more
coated sections of the fiber.
[0031] The base substrate that is coated with a silver to form the
conductive material that is incorporated into the sock can be any
biocompatible, flexible, synthetic or natural material that can be
formed into a film, fiber, foam, web, or any configuration capable
of supporting a silver coating and combinations of such forms. The
base substrate material can include, but is not limited to
polyethylene, rubber, saran, spandex, vinyl, polyester, silk, wool,
rayon, cotton, cellulose or combinations thereof. Configurations
include fibers, films, foams or webs comprising blends, composite
materials, or multi-component fibers, either woven, knitted or
non-woven. Some individuals may have a topical hypersensitivity to
certain fiber materials, and the base fiber is preferably
non-allergenic or hypoallergenic.
[0032] A preferred material for making fibers or foams used in the
present invention is any material that has a nitrogen group or a
similarly functional group capable of being sensitized, that is
available for sensitizing the material for autocatalytic metal
plating. If the material does not have a nitrogen group on the
surface of the material, then a layer of different material, which
provides a nitrogen, can be coated on the foam or fiber prior to
sensitizing. For example, cross-linked polyethylene fibers are
coated with polyamide to provide a nitrogen group on the surface of
the fibers. The polyamide-coated fiber is then sensitized for
autocatalytic metal plating. Compositions and methods for
sensitizing materials for autocatalytic metal plating are known to
those skilled in the art and include, but is not limited to, tin
chloride. After sensitizing the polyamide-coated fiber, silver, is
autocatalytically plated onto the fiber. The autocatalytic metal
plating preferably provides a uniform metal coat to the sensitized
section of the fiber. For the purposes herein, fibers including
silver coated fibers may include an elastic or elastomeric thread.
Benefits of coating elastic threads with silver include increased
antimicrobial benefits due to constriction, proximity and pressure
against the skin and/or wound areas of a wearer.
[0033] Under optimum conditions, the coated fibers, when moistened,
can be electrically conductive, non-adherent, liquid and gas
permeable, porous, and anti-microbial. This is especially
beneficial for a diabetic patient who is susceptible to wounds and
injuries of the foot. The conductive fibers or materials may
contact the surface of the wound and the surface of normal tissue
surrounding the wound. Ideally, the composition of the conductive
material comprises a plurality of fibers, wherein at least one
fiber is uniformly and concentrically coated with a silver so that
the coating is three dimensional and covers all surfaces of the
fiber. The anti-microbial activity of released silver ions and the
silver surface function as a microbial barrier, and aid in
preventing the migration of microbes from the surrounding
environment to the wound surface, while at the same time allowing
fluids and gases to pass freely.
[0034] Ideally, the metallic silver used for the invention is of
high purity, preferably from about 99.0% to about 99.6% pure,
although lower purity levels can also function. It is believed that
high purity reduces the likelihood that contaminants or undesirable
ions may contact or penetrate the wound or skin.
[0035] Individual fibers may be fabricated into several different
types of yarns including, but not limited to, spun yarns, filament
yarns, compound yarns, fancy yarns and combinations thereof. Fibers
can be configured into tow and floc and can be provided in the form
of staple or bulk continuous filament. The filament and compound
yarns that exhibit multiple longitudinal filaments are preferred.
It is believed that the greater the continuity of the yarns, the
greater the potential for excellent conductivity when plated.
Fibers and/or yarns can be assembled into fabrics, including but
not limited to, woven fabrics, twisted and knotted fabrics, knit
fabrics, non-woven fabrics and compound/complex fabrics. It is
proposed that the total surface section of the fibers that compose
the filaments, fibers, yarns or fabric is a variable in determining
conductivity as well as passive metal ion release into aqueous
fluids. For example, the sock according to the present disclosure
is made of polypropilene, spandex, and nylon, wherein a plurality
of fibers that make up these materials are coated with silver.
[0036] A sock in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in
FIG. 2. FIG. 2 depicts a constriction-free embodiment 30 and
comprises a cuff section 32, a calf section 34, an ankle section
36, a foot section having a top-of-the-foot section C and a
bottom-of-the-foot section D. The bottom section D has a heel
section 38, an instep section 40, and a toe section 42.
[0037] Calf portion 34 is a non constrictive embodiment. The calf
section 34 extend up the calf, however, it does not extend over the
calf. The sock of FIG. 2 may be knitted in a similar fashion as the
sock of FIG. 1, however, calf section 34 is knitted in a manner to
provide a knit sock easily stretches and has a loose feel. The calf
portion is knitted such that the calf portion is constriction-free
to allow for blood flow to the leg and foot sections. This provides
for increased comfort for a diabetic patient that requires less
support than the sock of FIG. 1.
[0038] Worn daily, the sock has benefits both for the person who is
frequently moving and for the person who is more sedentary. While
walking, the sections of different elasticity, especially the ankle
and instep section, constitute a support which helps the natural
movement of the foot, stimulating and aiding the blood
circulation.
[0039] A similar support and compression effect may likewise be
found in the static phases of sitting or in the upright position of
the person wearing the sock. Actually, even the smallest movements
of the feet are utilized by the sections of different (variable)
elasticity of the sock, having a positive effect on the venous and
lymphatic pressure of the limb.
[0040] The results, which are also clinically proven, have shown
improvements in the blood flow from the lower limbs, preventing
swelling especially of the ankle and resulting states of heaviness
and fatigue. Improvements were also found in the problems caused
both by the disease of diabetes, in particular if the sock has a
terry sole, and by arthrosis and rheumatism.
[0041] The silver coated fibers provide anti-microbial benefits so
that a diabetic patient will likely suffer from less infections and
wound irritation caused by bacteria. Additionally, silver fibers
will help eliminate any odors. Similar socks have not incorporated
such silver coated fibers into the material. These fibers increase
the efficacy of the sock for therapeutic uses for diabetic
patients.
[0042] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above
description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as
exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit
of the claims appended hereto
* * * * *