U.S. patent application number 12/707609 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-18 for double loop sock.
Invention is credited to Jon Stevenson.
Application Number | 20110197343 12/707609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44368563 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110197343 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevenson; Jon |
August 18, 2011 |
Double Loop Sock
Abstract
The invention provides a sock for the foot comprising a main
body having a bottom portion that covers the bottom of the foot, a
toe portion that covers the toes of the foot, and a heel portion
that covers the heel of the foot. There is a strap that is sized to
pass around the front portion of the ankle that has two opposing
ends that attach to the main body.
Inventors: |
Stevenson; Jon; (Sacramento,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44368563 |
Appl. No.: |
12/707609 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20130101;
A41B 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/241 |
International
Class: |
A43B 17/00 20060101
A43B017/00 |
Claims
1. A sock comprising a main body having a bottom portion covering
the bottom of the foot, a toe portion covering the toes of the
foot, and a heel portion covering the heel of the foot; and a strap
having opposing ends attached to the main body, said strap sized
for passing around the front portion of the ankle.
2. The sock of claim 1 wherein said main body is of woven
material.
3. The sock of claim 1 wherein said main body includes two side
portions covering at least a part of each side of the foot.
4. The sock of claim 3 wherein each of said two opposing ends of
said strap are attached to each of said side portions of said main
body.
5. The sock of claim 1 wherein said main body is substantially open
at the top of the foot.
6. The sock of claim 1 wherein said main body has a portion
covering the top of the foot having a different color than the
other portions of the main body.
7. The sock of claim 1 wherein said main body has a portion
covering the top of the foot of a material that differs from the
material of the other portions of the main body.
8. The sock of claim 1 wherein said strap is elasticized.
9. The sock of claim 8 wherein said main body and said strap form a
continuous elasticized strip that encircles the ankle and maintains
said heel portion in place over the heel.
10. The sock of claim 97 wherein said main body and said strap form
a continuous elasticized strip that maintains said toe portion in
place over the toes of the foot and said side portions in place
over a part of each side of the foot.
11. The sock of claim 8 wherein said main body and said strap form
a continuous elasticized strip that maintains said toe portion in
place over the toes of the foot and said side portions in place
over a part of each side of the foot.
12. The sock of claim 11 wherein said main body and said strap form
a continuous elasticized strip that encircles the ankle and
maintains said heel portion in place over the heel.
13. The sock of claim 1 wherein said bottom portion is
reinforced.
14. The sock of claim 1 wherein said bottom portion further
comprises a slip resistant material applied to the outside
surface.
15. The sock of claim 1 wherein said main body and said strap
incorporate a continuous decorative edge that encircles the
ankle.
16. A children's sock of claim 1.
17. A sock having a main body comprising a closed toed end and an
open end for surrounding a wearer's ankle, wherein said main body
further comprises a resilient loop formed over the top of the foot
between said closed end and said open end.
18. The sock of claim 17 further comprising resilient material at
said open end.
19. The sock of claim 17 wherein said resilient loop defines an
oval in said main body.
20. The sock of claim 17 wherein said resilient loop is formed by
stitching.
21. The sock of claim 17 wherein said resilient loop is a formed of
resilient material sewn into said main body.
22. The sock of claim 17 wherein said resilient loop contains
fabric.
23. The sock of claim 17 wherein said resilient loop forms an
opening in said main body.
24. The sock of claim 17 wherein said resilient loop has sufficient
elasticity to urge the toe end and the ankle end together.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files and records, but otherwise
reserves all other copyright rights.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to footwear for children
and, specifically, socks that may be used with or without
shoes.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Parents of infants and toddlers face significant challenges
in providing footwear for their children. Such challenges include
the need for footwear that may be easily put on and taken off, but
that also stays on given an infant's and child's rigorous
activities. Another challenge is finding footwear that is
appropriate for the temperature, that is, footwear that keeps feet
warm in cold temperatures and cool in warm temperatures. Possibly
the biggest challenge faced by the parent is the continuously
changing size of a child's feet, causing undue expense if the
footwear is not able to accommodate at least some change in foot
size. Finally, from a marketing perspective, it is desirable that
children's footwear be of a design that is aesthetically appealing
to the parent.
[0006] Conventional shoes, while they may be sized for small
children, have significant disadvantages. Conventional shoes are
difficult to put on and take off and usually require socks to
provide a cushion and proper hygiene to avoid injury to young feet.
Shoes do not readily accommodate the constantly changing size of a
child's feet. In addition, the foot protection and durability
provided by conventional shoes, while necessary for an adult, is
not necessary for a toddler who does not spend a significant amount
of time walking outdoors. A better solution for child's footwear is
a one-piece non-shoe item of footwear that may be worn alone or
with shoes where they are deemed necessary.
[0007] The relevant literature demonstrates that there have been no
non-shoe designs that provide a satisfactory solution to the
previously described challenges associated with children's
footwear. For example, United States Design Patent No. Des 213,001
to Clayton, titled "Footlet," discloses an ornamental design for an
article of non-shoe footwear constituting a round portion of fabric
edged with elastic that is intended to be placed over the lower
portion of the foot. This design does not include any means of
securing the footwear in place, such as a strap passing over the
top of the foot, and, therefore, is not sufficiently fastened to
the foot so as to be suitable for use as child's footwear. It is
also unclear if the disclosure of Clayton is intended to be used
without shoes, is merely a sock to be worn with shoes, or is
intended for use over shoes.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,946 to Laskin et al., titled "Foot
Covering," discloses an article of non-shoe footwear that covers
the lower portion of the foot. The invention of Laskin, however, is
directed toward disposable foot coverings and, specifically, foot
coverings such as those for customers of shoe stores who wish to
try on shoes, but do not have socks. Laskin states that the foot
coverings disclosed are made of non-woven materials, so as not to
allow perspiration to contaminate the new shoes. Foot coverings of
non-woven materials do not breath, are uncomfortable when worn for
long periods, cause perspiration, and are difficult to wash and,
therefore, not hygienic. For all of these reasons, the disclosure
of Laskin is unsuitable for use as children's footwear.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,698 B1 to Freeman, titled "Split Sock,"
discloses a "slipper sock" that covers the entire foot, as well as
a portion of the calf and has a slit over the top of the foot that
may be drawn back to easily access the foot. The disclosure of
Freeman is directed to a situation where there is a foot injury and
the putting on and taking off of a sock would aggravate that
injury. Other than the ability to access the foot easily, the
disclosure is merely a sock and addresses none of the challenges
faced by parents seeking footwear for children.
[0010] Finally, United States Publication No. 20050144703 to
Holbert, titled "Slip-Resistant Stocking," discloses a stocking of
the type worn by hospital patients for walking on smooth hospital
floors that utilizes slip resistant material, such as rubber, on
the outside surface. Although this disclosure provides footwear
that stays on and may be utilized without shoes, the disclosure
provides no structural variations that provide for differences in
temperature. Moreover, the design is not aesthetically pleasing as
is needed in the competitive children's clothing market.
[0011] As demonstrated by the foregoing discussion, none of the
prior approaches have been able to provide an item of footwear for
a child that is simultaneously aesthetically pleasing to adults,
stays on, is largely able to adjust in size as the child grows, is
easily washed, has sufficient design variations allowing it to be
cool in warm weather or warm in cool weather, and may be worn with
or without shoes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This invention provides a sock for the foot comprising a
main body having a bottom portion that covers the bottom of the
foot, a toe portion that covers the toes of the foot, and a heel
portion that covers the heel of the foot. There is a strap that is
sized to pass around the front portion of the ankle that has two
opposing ends that attach to the main body.
[0013] In various embodiments, the sock may be of woven material,
may be substantially open at the top of the foot or may have two
side portions of the main body, each covering a part of each side
of the foot. Where there are side portions, the two opposing ends
of the strap may attach to those side portions.
[0014] The strap may be elasticized and where so elasticized, it
and the main body may form a continuous elasticized strip that
encircles the ankle and maintains the heel portion in place over
the heel. Likewise, the elasticized strap and main body may form a
continuous elasticized strip that maintains the toe portion in
place over the toes of the foot and the side portions in place over
each side of the foot. The afore-mentioned two configurations may
also be combined.
[0015] Different embodiments may have a top portion that covers the
top of the foot. In such embodiments, that top portion could be of
a different color or a different material from the main body. The
main body and strap could also incorporate a continuous decorative
edge that encircles the ankle. Other embodiments include those in
which the bottom portion of the sock is reinforced for use without
shoes or where the bottom portion has a slip resistant material
applied to its outside surface. The invention also contemplates an
embodiment wherein the sock is sized to fit children younger than
nine years old.
[0016] In further alternative embodiments, the sock has a main body
comprised of a closed toed end and an open end that surrounds the
wearer's ankle. In addition, the sock has a resilient loop formed
over the top of the foot between the closed end and the open end.
In alternative further refinements of this embodiment, the open end
may be comprised of resilient material, the resilient loop may
define an oval, the resilient loop may be formed by stitching, the
resilient loop may be formed of resilient material sewn into the
main body, the resilient loop may contain fabric, the resilient
loop may form an opening in the main body, or the resilient loop
may have sufficient elasticity to urge the toe end and the ankle
end together.
[0017] These and other features and advantages of this invention
are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed
description of various exemplary embodiments of the product
according to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] A more complete understanding of the present invention and
the attendant features and advantages thereof may be had by
reference to the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective of the double loop sock, showing
how the sock fits on the wearer's foot.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of a sock of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the sock of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front view of the sock of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the sock of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the sock of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of
the sock, showing how the sock fits on the wearer's foot.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a bottom-up view of another embodiment of the
sock.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of
the sock, showing how the sock fits on the wearer's foot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention is an item of child's footwear that
may be worn with or without shoes, that may be easily put on and
taken off by the parent, but that may also be securely fastened to
the feet, that is somewhat flexible so as to adjust in size as the
child grows, that is easily washed and, therefore, hygienic, that
is designed it to be cool in warm weather and, in other
embodiments, to be warm in cool weather and that is aesthetically
pleasing to adults so as to allow success in the competitive
children's clothing market.
[0029] Before the present invention is described in greater detail,
it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It
is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention
will be limited only by the appended claims.
[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can
also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention,
the preferred materials are now described.
[0031] All publications and patents cited in this specification are
herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication
or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference
to disclose and describe the materials in connection with which the
publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its
disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as
an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate
such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates
of publication provided may be different from the actual
publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.
[0032] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an", and "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is
further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any
optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as
antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as "solely,"
"only" and the like in connection with the recitation of claim
elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.
[0033] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments
described and illustrated herein has discrete components and
features which may be readily separated from or combined with the
features of any of the other several embodiments without departing
from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
[0034] In this description, the term "woven material" is intended
to be broadly construed and includes material of any composition
that is formed by intertwining strands.
[0035] By "elasticized" is meant any material of any composition
that may be stretched and, thereafter, tends to resume its original
shape.
[0036] By "slip resistant material" is meant material of any
composition, the application of which results in increased
traction.
[0037] By "reinforced" is meant any structural difference between
the reinforced portion and the non-reinforced portion that results
in greater structural strength including, but not limited to,
increased thickness of material, multiple layers of fabric,
increased stitching or use of stronger thread and the like.
[0038] By "resilient" is meant having the capability to recover
size and shape after deformation.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the double loop sock is comprised
of a main body 110 of woven material. Such woven material, which
may be of cotton or other natural fibers, breathes and is easily
washed and, therefore, hygienic. The woven material may also be of
a composition that has some elasticity, so that it may accommodate
the constantly changing size of a child's foot. Such elasticity
also allows the sock to be easily put on and taken off.
[0040] FIGS. 1 and 2 also show that the main body 110 includes a
toe portion 114 covering the toes of the foot, side portions 124,
126 covering at least a part of each side of the foot, and a heel
portion 116 covering the heel of the foot. As will be apparent from
these figures, the double loop sock also includes a strap 118 the
ends of which 120, 122 are attached to each of the side portions of
the main body. In various embodiments, this strap 118 may be of
various widths and may extend up a portion of the ankle or shin.
The strap 118 may also be entirely or partially of elastic. In this
embodiment the opposing ends 120, 122 of the strap 118 are affixed
to the side portions 124, 126 of the main body 110, but in other
embodiments the ends 120, 122 may be attached at other parts of the
main body 110 of the sock. Such variations allow for a design that
is aesthetically pleasing to adults so as to allow success in
marketing. In combination, the various portions of the main body
110 with the strap 118 secure the footwear to the foot and insure
that the footwear stays on, even given a child's or infant's
rigorous activities.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the top edge of the toe portion 114
and side portions 124, 126 of the main body as well as the bottom
edge of the strap 118 incorporate an elasticized strip. This strip
serves to hold the toe portion 114 and side portions 124, 126 of
the main body 110 in place on the foot and the strap 118 snugly
against the top of the foot. In this embodiment, the inside of the
first loop created by this elasticized strip is open, allowing the
top of the foot to be substantially uncovered and, therefore,
making the sock cool in warm weather.
[0042] In FIGS. 1-5 may be seen the rear portion of the double loop
sock, in which the top edge of the heel portion 116 of the main
body 110 and the top edge of the strap 118 incorporate an
elasticized strip that encircles the ankle. This strip serves to
hold the heel portion 116 in place on the foot and the strap 118
snugly against the ankle region. In alternative embodiments, the
elasticized strip may not be on the top edge of these structures
but incorporated anywhere therein. FIGS. 1-5 also show that the top
edges of the strap 118 and heel portion 116 also incorporate a
decorative edge 132.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 110 includes a bottom
portion 112 covering the bottom of the foot. In this embodiment the
bottom portion 112 is similar in construction to that of the main
body 110 but, in alternative embodiments, the bottom portion 112
may be reinforced so as allow the sock to stand up to use without
shoes. The invention has the added benefit that even with such
reinforcement, the sock is intended to be usable with or without
shoes.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, in a second embodiment, the interior of
the loop created by the elasticized strip that holds in place the
toe 214 and side portions 224, 226 of the main body 210 may include
fabric 232. This fabric 232 covers the top of the foot, thereby
making the sock warm in cool weather. In various embodiments, the
material 232 within the loop may be similar to that of the main
body 210, but could also be of a color, texture, weave or material
that differs from that of the main body 210 and, therefore, allows
for aesthetically pleasing design variations. FIG. 7 also shows a
design variation in which the width of the strap 218 is wider than
in the first embodiment and it and the heel portion 216 of the main
body extend up the leg.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, in a second embodiment, the bottom
portion 212 of the main body includes slip resistant material 234
applied to its outside surface. In this case, the slip resistant
material 234 is a rubber applique, but other slip resistant
materials may be utilized. The slip resistant material 234 allows
the sock to have a better grip on smooth surfaces such as hardwood
floors and is especially useful for toddlers and young children who
may not have yet developed good walking proficiency. Such slip
resistant material 234 may be configured in various aesthetically
pleasing designs.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment, the sock comprises a main body 310 having a closed end
at the toes 312 and an open end that surrounds the wearer's ankle
314. The main body 310 includes a resilient loop 316 that is formed
over the top of the foot between the closed end 312 and the open
end 314. The loop 316 is in an oval configuration and is formed of
resilient material sewn into the main body. In an alternative to
this embodiment, the resilient loop 316 may be formed by stitching.
In the embodiment shown, the resilient loop 316 contains fabric
318, but in alternative embodiments it may not and, therefore, may
form an opening in the main body. The resilient loop 316 of this
embodiment has sufficient elasticity to urge the toe end 312 and
the ankle end 314 together. In addition, the open end 314 of the
main body is also composed of resilient material 320 causing it to
fit snugly about the ankle.
[0047] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of
the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of this invention.
* * * * *