U.S. patent application number 12/867125 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for fitness sock.
This patent application is currently assigned to AKKUA S.R.L.. Invention is credited to Marco Coffinardi, Alberto Longhi, Luigi Polacco.
Application Number | 20110061149 12/867125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39865047 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110061149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Polacco; Luigi ; et
al. |
March 17, 2011 |
Fitness Sock
Abstract
The present invention relates to a sock (1), suitable for being
worn in the performance of gymnastic activities, in gym or in
aquatic environments. The sock (1) comprises a plantar surface (4)
restable on walking surfaces, a first bay (2) containing the user's
big toe and at least one second bay (3) containing the remaining
toes of the user. The sock (1) further comprises anti-slipping
means positioned on the plantar surface (4) for reducing the
slipping risk of the user on the walking surfaces and comprising at
least one anti-slipping island (5), which occupies a partial
surface smaller than the total plantar surface (4).
Inventors: |
Polacco; Luigi; (Martignano
(Trento), IT) ; Coffinardi; Marco; (Bagnolo Mella
(Brescia), IT) ; Longhi; Alberto; (Ospitaletto
(Brescia), IT) |
Assignee: |
AKKUA S.R.L.
Roncadelle (Brescia)
IT
|
Family ID: |
39865047 |
Appl. No.: |
12/867125 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 12, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT08/00086 |
371 Date: |
November 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/04 20130101;
A41B 11/008 20130101; A43B 5/08 20130101; A43B 13/223 20130101;
A41B 11/004 20130101; A41B 2400/44 20130101; A43B 1/0045 20130101;
A41B 2400/34 20130101; A43B 7/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/241 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/02 20060101
A41B011/02 |
Claims
1-41. (canceled)
42. Sock, suitable for being worn in the performance of gymnastic
activities, in gym or in aquatic environments, comprising: a
plantar surface, restable on walking surfaces, such as floorings or
similar; a first bay for containing the user's big toe; at least
one second bay for containing the remaining toes of the user; and
anti-slipping means positioned on the plantar surface and suitable
for reducing the slipping risk of the user on the walking surfaces;
characterised in that the anti-slipping means comprise at least one
anti-slipping island, that occupies a partial surface smaller than
the total plantar surface.
43. Sock according to claim 42, comprising a plurality of
anti-slipping islands spaced from each other in order to follow the
natural movement of the foot.
44. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
situated in the points of greatest pressure of the foot on the
walking surface, when the sock is worn according to the right
size.
45. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island
extends over the heel, the sole and/or toes, when the sock is worn
according to the right size.
46. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the partial surface
occupied by the anti-slipping island is approximately 25-85% of the
total surface of the plantar surface.
47. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
made of a material comprising natural rubber, caoutchouc, polyester
or leather.
48. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
made of a material comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
49. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
made of a material comprising silicon.
50. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
made at least partially of flock.
51. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
0.01-6 mm thick.
52. Sock according to claim 48, wherein the anti-slipping island is
0.1-3 mm thick.
53. Sock according to claim 47, wherein the anti-slipping island is
0.03-2 mm thick.
54. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
also suitable to reduce the contact strain of the foot with the
walking surface.
55. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping island is
also suitable to thermally insulate the foot from the walking
surface.
56. Sock according to claim 47, wherein the anti-slipping island
has a surface hardness ranging from 700 to 1000 Shore A.
57. Sock according to claim 42, further comprising a dorsal surface
essentially parallel to the back of the user's foot, when the sock
is worn according to the right size.
58. Sock according to claim 57, also comprising a lateral surface
joining the plantar surface and dorsal surface.
59. Sock according to claim 57, wherein the anti-slipping means are
also positioned on the dorsal surface.
60. Sock according to claim 58, wherein the anti-slipping means are
also positioned on the lateral surface.
61. Sock according to claim 59, wherein the anti-slipping means on
the dorsal surface are thinner than those on the plantar
surface.
62. Sock according to claim 60, wherein the anti-slipping means on
the lateral surface are thinner than those on the plantar
surface.
63. Sock according to claims 58, further comprising an
anti-rotational insert positioned in an region of the dorsal
surface bordering the lateral surface and suitable for preventing
the rotation of the sock around a prevalent extension axis of the
foot.
64. Sock according to claim 42, wherein the anti-slipping islands
extend from the fabric or textile material constituting the
sock.
65. Sock according to claim 42, made from a chlorine-resistant
material.
66. Sock according to claim 64, wherein the textile material
comprises nylon fibres.
67. Sock according to claim 66, wherein the nylon percentage in the
textile material ranges from 85-96%.
68. Sock according to claim 64, wherein the textile material
comprises synthetic elastomer fibres with continuous filament
composed of at least 85% in mass from segmented polyurethane, or
elastam.
69. Sock according to claim 68, wherein the percentage of elastam
ranges from 2-8%.
70. Sock according to claim 64, wherein the textile material
comprises regenerated cellulose fibres, or rayon.
71. Sock according to claim 70, wherein the percentage of rayon
ranges from 2-7%.
72. Sock according to claim 42, also comprising an anti-bacterial
and/or anti-microbial coating on the internal surface of the sock
facing with the user's foot.
73. Sock according to claim 72, wherein the anti-bacterial coating
is secured to the inner surface by an adhesion agent comprising the
same material as the anti-slipping island is made from, e.g. PVC or
silicon.
74. Sock according to claim 72, wherein the anti-bacterial coating
comprises copper, silver or zinc, or mixtures thereof.
75. Sock according to claim 74, wherein the copper, silver or zinc
are in the form of a metallic powder.
76. Sock according to claim 42, comprising at least one flexion cut
positioned at the instep of the user's foot, in order to reduce the
crease of the fabric, from which it is made.
77. Sock according to claim 42, further comprising an ankle band
delimiting the opening for the foot insertion.
78. Sock according to claim 77, wherein the ankle band is suitable
for preventing accidental falling off of the sock.
79. Sock according to claim 77, wherein the ankle band comprises a
double layer of fabric.
80. Sock according to claim 77, wherein the ankle band has a
different textile manufacture from the rest of the sock.
81. Sock according to claim 77, wherein the ankle band further
comprises at least one gripping portion able to be gripped for
pulling the sock on/off.
82. Sock according to claim 81, wherein the gripping portion
extends above a part of the free edge of the ankle band.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-slipping sock,
preferably suitable for being worn in the performance of gymnastic
activities, in gym or in aquatic environments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] In the art socks called "Japanese" or "tabi" socks are
known, comprising two separate bays, one containing the big toe
alone and another, separate bay, for the remaining toes. These
garments are usually used so that it is possible to wear sandals or
footwear of the thong type, which in order to be correctly worn
require free access to the hollow between the big toe and second
toe.
[0003] It is also known to provide these socks with a continuous
rubber sole, in order to increase the friction resistance and,
therefore, to lengthen their useful life.
[0004] However, the known technique presents some drawbacks.
[0005] In particular, the presence of a continuous sole under the
foot's sole makes the sock considerably rigid and reduces the
movement freedom of the foot.
[0006] In fact, there are some gymnastic activities, such as for
example yoga or stretching, which one the one hand require the
possibility of gripping the toe (for example reference is made to
the "mahamudra" position in yoga) and, on the other hand, require a
high freedom of movement/twisting of the foot and its sole.
[0007] The sock of the present invention sets out to resolve the
drawbacks of the known technique and, specifically, those mentioned
above.
[0008] Such purpose is achieved by a sock according to claim 1.
[0009] Further advantages may also be achieved through the
additional features of the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The sock of the present invention will now be described in
detail, with the help of the attached drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the sock of the present
invention according to a possible embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a view from below of the sock of the present
invention according to a further embodiment, during a possible
use;
[0013] FIGS. 3a to 5b show three possible variations of the loom or
cliche usable for the fabrication of a sock according to the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] With reference to the mentioned drawings, reference numeral
1 globally indicates a sock suitable for being worn in the
performance of gymnastic activities, in gym or in aquatic
environments.
[0015] These activities comprise, merely as an example but not
exclusively, surfing, yoga, stretching, pilates, free exercise and
apparatus work, gentle exercise, pre-childbirth exercise,
rehabilitation exercise, floor exercises, and exercises for senior
citizens, martial arts, combat sports, watergym, waterbike,
swimming and underwater activities.
[0016] The sock 1 comprises a plantar surface 4 restable on the
walking surfaces, such as floorings or similar, a first bay 2 for
containing the user's big toe and at least a second bay 3 for
containing the other toes of the user.
[0017] In other words, the sock 1 can be of the "tabi" type or,
alternatively, each toe can be contained in a separate bay.
[0018] The sock 1 also comprises anti-slipping means situated on
the plantar surface 4 and suitable for reducing the slipping risk
of the user on the walking surfaces.
[0019] Furthermore, the anti-slipping means comprise at least one
anti-slipping island 5, that occupies a partial surface smaller
than the total plantar surface 4.
[0020] In other words, on the plantar surface 4 there is not a
continuous sole but an island (or, as we will see soon, a plurality
of them) so that it does not to limit the movement freedom of the
foot and of the toes, at but the same time does prevent accidental
slipping and the risk of falling.
[0021] Preferably, the sock 1 comprises a plurality of
anti-slipping islands 5 spaced from each other in order to follow
the natural movement of the foot, for example during gymnastic
exercises.
[0022] Even more preferably, the partial surface occupied by the
anti-slipping island 5, or by the plurality of islands 5, is
approximately 25-85% and, preferably, 30-65% of the total surface
of the plantar surface 4.
[0023] Depending on the possible uses of the sock 1, it will have a
grater/smaller number of anti-slipping islands 5 and a different
distribution thereof over the plantar surface 4. For example, for
aquatic applications, such as for example the swimming-pool, the
islands will be more concentrated over the heel and over the toes,
as illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 5a.
[0024] Instead, for use in the gym, the surface of the heel is
preferably less occupied by islands, with the benefit of the
possibility of twisting the foot, as for example shown in FIG.
3b.
[0025] According to a possible embodiment, the anti-slipping island
5 extends over the heel, the sole and/or toes, when the sock 1 is
worn according to the right size.
[0026] In other words, when the sock 1 is worn according to the
right size the anti-slipping island 5 is positioned in the points
of greatest pressure of the foot on the walking surface.
[0027] The material, from which the anti-slipping island is made,
may be chosen on depending on the nature of the surface on which
the sock 1 will be used or on the intended use.
[0028] In fact, according to possible embodiments, the
anti-slipping island 5 is made of a material comprising leather, or
faux leather, polyester, flock (the features of whom will be later
described in detail), natural rubber, caoutchouc polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) and/or silicon.
[0029] For example, an island in PVC is versatile on most walking
surfaces, while the use of silicon is particularly effective on dry
surfaces.
[0030] To finish the use of flock is preferable on wet surfaces,
such as the bottom surfaces of swimming-pools, both of rubber and
tiled.
[0031] The so-called "flock" is essentially a combination of
textile fibres, of a length ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 mm and,
preferably, from approximately 0.4 to 0.6 mm, that are glued
together.
[0032] Preferably, the fibres composing the flock comprise viscose
and/or polyester.
[0033] Furthermore, the sock 1 may comprise alternate islands of
different types, for example both in PVC and in silicon or in
leather, so that they permit a more versatile use on different
surfaces without having to replace the sock.
[0034] Preferably, the anti-slipping island 5 is 0.01-6 mm
thick.
[0035] Even more preferably, the thickness of the anti-slipping
island 5 is chosen in relation to the material it is made of. For
example the ideal thickness for PVC and silicon is from 0.1 to 5
mm, while for flock and leather it is from approximately 0.03 to 2
mm.
[0036] According possible embodiments, the anti-slipping island 5
is also suitable for reducing contact strain of the foot with the
flooring and/or for thermally insulating the foot from the walking
surface.
[0037] According to possible embodiments, the anti-slipping island
5 has a surface hardness between 700 and 1000 Shore A and,
preferably, between approximately 850 and 950 Shore A.
[0038] According to a possible variation, the sock 1 further
comprises a dorsal surface 6 essentially parallel to the back of
the user's foot, when the sock 1 is worn according to the right
size
[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the anti-slipping means
are also positioned on the dorsal surface 6.
[0040] This feature proves especially beneficial for example in the
waterbike exercises, wherein the foot is inserted inside a pedal
holder or fixed thereto by means of a strap. This way, on the one
hand the foot is prevented from sliding out of the pedal holder and
on the other the strap is prevented from exerting excessive
pressure on the foot. As said above, in fact, the anti-slipping
islands also explicate the function of reducing strain.
[0041] According to a further embodiment, the sock 1 also comprises
a lateral surface 7 joining the plantar surface 4 and the dorsal
surface 6.
[0042] Preferably, the anti-slipping means are also positioned on
the lateral surface 7.
[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sock 1 further
comprises an anti-rotational insert 9 positioned in an region of
the dorsal surface 6 bordering the lateral surface 7 and suitable
for preventing the rotation of the sock around a prevalent
extension axis of the foot.
[0044] In other words, the anti-rotational insert 9, that may for
example comprise an anti-slipping island of large dimensions, acts
as a brake to the free rotation of the sock during gymnastic
activities.
[0045] According to an embodiment, the anti-slipping means of the
dorsal surface 6 and/or of the lateral surface 7 have a reduced
thickness compared to those positioned on the plantar surface
4.
[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the anti-slipping
islands 5 extend from the fabric or textile material constituting
the sock 1, which is preferably elastic.
[0047] In other words, the anti-slipping islands 5 are deposited on
the surface of the sock 1 in such a way that each island is
separated from the adjacent ones by a portion of fabric.
[0048] The method for applying the flock to the sock foresees an
initial step in which a thermoplastic glue is applied to the
surface of the sock to be coated or, as an alternative, to the
surface of the flock intended to be applied to the sock.
[0049] In a subsequent step, the flock is die-cut to give it the
shape corresponding to the region it will occupy once applied to
the sock.
[0050] Preferably, during die-cutting the superficial decoration of
the flock is also impressed, such as for example the undulated
profile illustrated in FIG. 5a.
[0051] In a subsequent step, the sock and the flock are put into
contact with each other, with the thermoplastic glue between them,
and pressure and heat are applied simultaneously for a definite
time.
[0052] The pressure applied is from approximately 1 to 7
atmospheres and, preferably, from approximately 3 to 5 atmospheres,
the temperature applied is from approximately 150.degree. C. to
210.degree. C. and, preferably, from approximately 170.degree. C.
to 190.degree. C., while the time of this operation is from
approximately 5 to 35 seconds, and preferably, from approximately
15 to 25 seconds.
[0053] Lastly, after the whole has cooled, the portion of flock
exceeding the surface of the sock to be coated and, if applicable,
exceeding the inner surface of the sock to be decorated, is peeled
off.
[0054] The method through which an anti-slipping material other
than flock is deposited on the sock comprises the positioning of a
silk-screen printing system on the surface of the sock to be
coated.
[0055] Depending on the different materials, from which the
anti-slipping island may be made, this system comprises a cliche or
perforated plate, for example for depositing silicon, or a loom
fitted with a canvas with micro-perforated areas, for example, for
PVC.
[0056] Preferably, the micro-perforated areas of the canvas are
composed of a 10-thread mesh fabric.
[0057] In particular, the perforations of the perforated plate or
the micro perforations of the canvas correspond to the areas of the
sock which will be occupied by the anti-slipping material. Examples
of some embodiment of cliche or looms which may be used are shown
in FIGS. 3a to 4b and 5b.
[0058] Subsequently, the anti-slipping material is poured into an
appropriate silk-screen printing system in such a way that it flows
through the (micro-) perforations and comes in contact with the
sock.
[0059] In a subsequent step, the excess of cast material is
removed, for example using a scraper, and the material contained in
the perforations is left solidifying.
[0060] During this solidification step, the anti-slipping material
adheres firmly to the surface of the sock.
[0061] Preferably, the sock 1 is made from a chlorine-resistant
material.
[0062] According to a possible embodiment, the textile material
comprises nylon fibres in a percentage from 85-96% and, preferably,
from 90-95%. In addition, it is possible to use only one type of
nylon or a mixture of different nylons, for example conventional
nylon mixed with the more valuable nylon commercially known by the
name Tactel.RTM., for example in the ratio of 35% of the former and
60% of the latter.
[0063] According to a further embodiment, the textile material
comprises synthetic elastomer fibres with continuous filament
composed at least 85% in mass, of segmented polyurethane, or
elastam. Elastam is also better known by its commercial name
Lycra.RTM..
[0064] For example, the percentage of elastam ranges from 2-8% and,
preferably, from 3-6%.
[0065] According to yet a further variation, the textile material
comprises regenerated cellulose fibres, or rayon. Also rayon is
better known by its commercial name Cordura.RTM..
[0066] For example, the percentage of rayon ranges from 2-7% and,
preferably, from 2-4%.
[0067] In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the
regions most subjected to wear, such as for example the forefoot
12, are composed mainly of Cordura.RTM., which is a material known
for its resistance to rubbing and cutting.
[0068] In addition, it is possible to use a greater or lesser
percentage of Lycra.RTM. in the middle part 13 of the foot
depending on whether greater adherence (such as, for example in
watergym) or less adherence (such as, for example in yoga) is
required.
[0069] However, the residual textile material is made of a
permeable material, suitable on the one hand to promote the escape
of the water (for the aquatic applications) or the transpiration of
the foot.
[0070] Preferably, the sock 1 comprises in addition an
anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial coating on the internal
surface of the sock 1 facing the user's foot.
[0071] According to possible embodiments, the anti-bacterial
coating comprises copper, silver or zinc or mixtures thereof.
[0072] Preferably, the anti-bacterial coating is fixed to the inner
surface by an adhesion agent comprising the same material as the
anti-slipping island 5 is made from, for example PVC or
silicon.
[0073] Obviously, for materials such as leather, in which the
adhesion of the anti-bacterial coating to the anti-slipping
material is impossible, an alternative material between those
mentioned above may be used.
[0074] For example, being the adhesion of an anti-bacterial coating
with leather impossible, the adhesive agent used may be chosen
between PVC, silicon, or polyester.
[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the copper, silver or
zinc are in the form of a metallic powder.
[0076] Preferably, the sock 1 comprises in addition at least one
flexion cut 10 positioned at the instep of the user's foot, in
order to reduce the crease of the fabric, from which it is
made.
[0077] According to a possible embodiment, the sock 1 also
comprises an ankle band 8 delimiting the opening for the foot
insertion.
[0078] Preferably, the ankle band 8 is suitable for preventing
accidental falling off of the sock 1, without obstructing the flow
of blood to the foot.
[0079] According to possible embodiments, the ankle band 8
comprises a double layer of fabric and/or has a different textile
manufacture from the rest of the sock 1.
[0080] Preferably, the ankle band 8 also comprises at least one
gripping portion 11 suitable for being gripped for pulling the sock
1 on/off.
[0081] According to a possible embodiment, the gripping portion 11
extends above a part of the free edge of the ankle band 8.
[0082] In other words, the rear portion of the ankle band 8, i.e.
the part located at the user's Achilles tendon, protrudes above the
front portion. Such protruding section constitutes the gripping
portion 11.
[0083] Innovatively, the sock of the present invention allows the
toes to be contained in separate bays, so that it allows gripping
them separately, whilst providing excellent adherence to the
walking surfaces and extreme movement freedom of the foot.
[0084] Advantageously, the sock of the present invention allows to
deposit various types of anti-slipping materials, even
contemporaneously, so that it is made suitable for walking surfaces
of various types.
[0085] Advantageously, the sock of the present invention allows to
distribute the islands according to specific criteria for the water
or gym sport practiced.
[0086] Advantageously, the sock of the present invention has an
inner coating comprising an anti-bacterial substance, suitable to
prevent the formation of verrucae and make it healthier.
[0087] Advantageously, the sock of the present invention is
composed of a mixture of fibres that guarantee comfort, resistance
to rubbing, wear and chlorine.
[0088] Advantageously, the sock of the present invention permits a
graduated compression of the foot so that it does not obstruct
circulation, but at the same time prevents the sock from falling
off.
[0089] Advantageously, the sock of the present invention permits to
improve user's performances in the mentioned gymnastic activities,
also permitting improved execution of the same.
[0090] It is clear that a technician skilled in this area may make
modifications, adjustments and replacements of elements with others
functionally equivalent, to the sock described above so as to
satisfy specific requirements, while remaining within the scope of
the following claims.
[0091] Each of the features described as belonging to a possible
embodiment may be performed independently form the other
embodiments described.
* * * * *