U.S. patent application number 12/905842 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-19 for sole coated toe sock.
Invention is credited to Ben Brown.
Application Number | 20120090077 12/905842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45932798 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120090077 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Ben |
April 19, 2012 |
Sole Coated Toe Sock
Abstract
The present invention relates to socks and related items and
specifically, toe socks that are breathable but include a thin
protective barrier on the sole to guard against most types of
penetration. The invention comprises a five toed sock that includes
a thin elastomer protective layer, preferably natural latex rubber
or nitrile, generally located on the exterior portions of the heel,
arch, pad, and toes sections.
Inventors: |
Brown; Ben; (Pleasanton,
CA) |
Family ID: |
45932798 |
Appl. No.: |
12/905842 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/004 20130101;
A41B 11/007 20130101; A63B 71/1225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/239 |
International
Class: |
A43B 17/00 20060101
A43B017/00 |
Claims
1. A sock, said sock comprising: a. An interior and an exterior
shaft, heel, arch, pad, and toes section; b. Wherein the shaft
section includes an open end through which the foot of the wearer
is inserted when the sock is put on, the sock shaft section
including a shaft support section to encircle a lower part of a leg
or ankle of a wearer and to maintain the sock in proper orientation
upon the leg or ankle; the closed foot section adapted to receive
the foot of the wearer, and includes the heel, arch, pad, and toe
sections; c. the toes section comprising: i. five individual toe
cavities configured to receive, retain, and allow independent
articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in
the footwear; ii. each toe cavity comprising a top side and an
under side; and iii. at least one layer of elastomer coating
generally located on the exterior portions of the heel, arch, pad,
and toe sections.
2. The sock of claim 1, wherein the elastomer protective coating is
formed from one or more selected from a group consisting of: a.
Natural rubber; b. Nitrile.
3. The sock of claim 1, wherein the sock is shaped to fit either a
right foot or a left foot.
4. The sock of claim 1, wherein the interior shaft, heel, arch,
pad, and toes sections are formed from one or more selected from a
group consisting of: a. Nylon; b. Wool; c. Acrylic; and d.
Polyester.
5. The sock of claim 1, wherein the elastomer layer has a thickness
of approximately 0.5 millimeters to approximately 4
millimeters.
6. The sock of claim 1, wherein a pattern is incorporated into the
elastomer coating.
Description
A. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
B. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
[0002] None.
C. REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, ETC
[0003] Not Applicable.
D. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to socks and related items and
specifically, toe socks that are breathable but include a thin
protective barrier on the sole to guard against most types of
penetration.
[0005] There is a growing movement afoot to study the potential
harm done by running shoes. Proponents of barefoot running claim
that it causes less collision force to the feet than running in
cushioned shoes, and that runners who run without shoes usually
land on the balls of their feet (forefoot strike), or sometimes
flat-footed (midfoot strike), compared to runners in shoes, who
tend to land on their heels first (heel strike).
[0006] Proponents of barefoot running believe that cushioned
running shoes, which date back to the 1970s, may seem comfortable
but may actually contribute to a variety of injuries, including
foot, ankle, knee, and hip injuries. By running on the midfoot, or
preferably the forefoot, runners may avoid more forceful impacts,
equivalent to two to three times of body weight, which shod
heel-strikers repeatedly experience. By landing on the middle or
front of the foot, barefoot runners have much less impact collision
than most shod runners generate when they heel-strike.
Barefoot runners tend to point their toes more at landing, reducing
the collision effect. Modern running shoes are designed to make
heel-striking easy and comfortable, while running shoeless forces
the athlete to run in a more ergonomic way, land on their forefoot,
and use shorter strides. That puts less stress on sensitive
joints.
[0007] Further, there are many other beneficial aspects of barefoot
running, including: helping to develop better perception of the
contact with the ground, which allows the athlete to land with
support more efficiently; placing the body weight on the foot more
precisely; and having better timing with the contact with the
ground. Exercising barefoot also develops muscle strength,
particularly in those groups of muscles of the feet, and related
muscles of the legs and hips, much more than when we are in
shoes.
[0008] Proponents of barefoot running also argue that it is
healthier for feet and reduces risk of chronic injuries, notably
repetitive stress injuries due to the impact of heel striking in
padded running shoes, in addition to other purported benefits.
Modern running shoes are typically characterized by thick padded
soles, generally wedge-shaped with more padding at the heel and
less at the forefoot, and, stiff, supportive insoles, which produce
an unnatural gait. Following the evolution of the human foot, human
running was universally barefoot or in thin-soled shoes such as
moccasins, which continues to this day in some parts of the world,
such as Kenya. Many runners have switched to barefoot running for
relief from chronic injuries. The structure of the foot and lower
leg is very efficient at absorbing the shock of landing and turning
the energy of the fall into forward motion, through the springing
action of the foot's natural arch. It is only by placing large
amounts of padding under the heel that humans are able to land on
the heel rather than the ball of the foot. In doing so, the foot's
natural motion is impeded and the arch and lower leg are not able
to absorb the shock of the landing. Instead, the shock is sent up
through the heel, to the knees and hips.
[0009] Proponents also argue that running barefoot is associated
with a substantially lower prevalence of acute injuries of the
ankle and chronic injuries of the lower leg in developing
countries. Running in shoes may increase the risk of ankle sprains,
either by decreasing awareness of foot position or by increasing
the twisting torque on the ankle during a stumble. Running shoes
may also increase the risk of plantar fasciitis and other chronic
injuries of the lower limb by modifying the transfer of shock to
muscles and supporting structures.
[0010] Benefits accrue when performing other activities without
shoes as well, including but not limited to walking, hiking, and
weight lifting. For instance weight lifting performed in shoes
often puts the person into bad posture or incorrect form, since the
elevated heels cause postural compensation. The elevated heel
typically causes the person to lean forward, which then causes the
person to lean back to compensate. This puts an unnatural curve in
their spine and can cause injury.
[0011] However, exercising while barefoot has the potential to
cause problems as a result of the activity. This includes the fact
they provide no protection from outside elements. When a person is
barefoot outside, their feet can be exposed to wet, cold and windy
conditions with no insulation or protective barrier.
[0012] Further, when performing athletic activities barefoot,
toughened, callused areas of skin develop on the bottom of the
feet. The soles of the feet become relatively thick and hard in
response to repeated friction, pressure or other irritation. Over
time the thick layers of skin will start to form on different areas
of the foot that constantly make contact with the ground. When the
calluses form it may cause the athlete's feet to peel, crack, and
become rough, and look unpleasant. To build up calluses, a person
would have to start slowly by running or walking short distances.
This would limit the person's duration of activities for an
extended period of time until they thicken the skin on the sole of
their feet. The bottoms and sides of the person's feet would also
start to turn black with repeated contact on dirty surfaces. The
overall cleanliness of the person's feet is dramatically impacted
when no protection is worn.
[0013] Another negative consequence of barefoot running is that
constant contact with hard ground and rough surfaces, particularly
prior to developing calluses, can cause lacerations, abrasion
burns, blisters and bleeding. This is especially true when running
barefoot on harder surfaces, such as cement and pavement. Further,
there are many natural and manmade objects found on the ground
today that make it unsafe to walk or run on bare feet. Things such
as jagged rocks, thorns, sharp twigs, glass, metals, plastics and
other debris found in urban areas are a major concern to a barefoot
runner. Hazardous materials in liquid or powder form could also
penetrate bare skin with no layer of protection. Lastly, if a
person is barefoot, he or she cannot typically work out at fitness
facilities, walk into most stores or attend certain social events.
It is sometimes frowned upon socially to be barefoot in public.
[0014] Previous attempts to reduce the problems associated with
running shoes have included Injinji (U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,600 and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,348) which claims its products simulate
barefoot running when worn in traditional running shoes. However,
most proponents of barefoot running claim that a foot cannot
function naturally inside of a shoe due to the fact that it is
constricted by the lacing system, elevated on a thick sole cushion,
and is influenced to strike heel first. The feet and leg muscles in
such a situation are still restricted in their development just as
they would be when wearing a normal sock in a traditional shoe.
[0015] Further, the Injinji socks may provide insufficient
protection when worn alone, since they do not offer adequate
protection from the grounds surface or sharp objects. They are
specifically made to be worn in shoes because the fabric on the
bottom of the socks cannot hold up after prolonged contact with the
ground.
[0016] Other attempts to simulate barefoot running include products
such as Vibram Fivefingers. However these products include a sole
insert and a thick rubber bottom layer. These two layers (three if
socks are also worn) create a sole thickness that is too thick to
properly simulate barefoot running, and negatively affect the
user's balance, posture, and running style. Further negatives for
these products include extra weight, and lack of washability, as
well as providing artificial arch support which hinders the foot's
arch from performing its natural function of acting as a spring to
propel the body forward. An arch support restricts the muscles,
tendons and ligaments from developing to their full potential.
[0017] Various types of socks that provide protection are known in
the prior art. One group of socks includes socks made to be worn
with a shoe. These socks are typically made of cotton, wool or
synthetic fibers, and/or blends thereof. Another group of known
socks includes socks made to be worn without a shoe. Some of these
socks have a coating that resists moisture penetration, and
protects the foot from injury by sharp objects, permitting the sock
to be worn outside of the house. However, these socks do not allow
for toe separation, which is critical to simulate barefoot
running.
[0018] There are numerous socks and sock-like items that can
protect the foot from dirt, but are described in the prior art as
having a hard and durable exterior coating and are presented as a
substitute for a shoe. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,585
issued to Fons et al, for a rubber-soled slipper sock, and U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,276,671, 3,383,782 and 266,614. The expressed intent of
all these inventions is to protect the foot. The most common means
for achieving this goal is coating the sock with a thick substance,
typically resin, rubber or a rubber-like derivative such as latex.
All of these inventions state that their socks can be worn in
shoes. Also, by virtue of the chemical properties of the coating
agents, they are typically not air permeable, and therefore may
interrupt the normal respiration/transpiration of the epidermal
cells of the foot. Furthermore, these products are typically not
washable.
[0019] The prior art also includes sock-like items that attempt to
address the problem of drying and cracking of the skin of the foot.
These items allow for the use of an emollient while a sock-like
item is being worn. There is no recommendation that they be worn
with shoes outdoors, and none address the issue of preventing the
penetration of dirt through the sock.
[0020] Therefore, there is a need for a way to enjoy the benefits
of barefoot running and other sports, while eliminating the
negative consequences. A need exists for a sock that provides
comfort, protection, tensile strength, and the durability to
withstand washing, yet resists dirt and other debris from
penetrating into and/or through the sock material.
E. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The invention comprises a five toed sock that includes a
thin elastomer protective layer, preferably natural latex rubber or
nitrile, on the bottom surfaces (sole). When socks have
compartments for individual toes, the toes can move more freely
than in a traditional sock. The feeling is much more akin to being
barefoot.
[0022] A toe sock allows the entire foot to perform naturally,
encouraging the toes to separate and activate the muscles in the
feet. Toe socks increase dexterity and tactile sensitivity and
awareness during any activity. Toe socks help to strengthen the
muscles in the feet, while allowing for overall better circulation,
balance and posture.
[0023] The five toe design reduces friction between toes and
minimizes moisture around the foot. Reduced movement in your socks
means less chance of developing blisters while you exercise.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a
sock that resists movement of dirt or other debris from the outside
inward.
[0024] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a sock that is coated with a protective layer on the sole, the
protective elastomer layer, preferably being natural rubber or
nitrile or a like substance.
[0025] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sock
that has the properties that allow it to be laundered.
[0026] These and related objects of the present invention are
achieved by use of a rubber or nitrile coated sock as described
herein.
[0027] The attainment of the foregoing and related advantages and
features of the invention should be more readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, after review of the following more detailed
description of the invention taken together with the drawings.
F. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the heel area of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a top view of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a bottom exterior view of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the invention.
G. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a sectional view of the invention is
shown that includes a sock material 3 that may be formed in whole
or part of any suitable material, such as nylon, polypropylene, and
others. This sock material 3 will be in direct contact with the
skin of the user. In one embodiment, the sock material 3 comprises
polyester, acrylic, and/or nylon, as these materials have moisture
wicking properties suitable for athletic activities. A shaft
support section 1 is shown directly above and encircling the ankle
that contains an additional amount of elastic to maintain the
position of the sock on the wearer.
[0035] The elastomer coating 4 is shown on the exterior bottom
surfaces of the sock, and extends slightly up the back and sides of
the sock. The elastomer coating 4 is a polymer with the property of
viscoelasticity (colloquially "elasticity"), generally having
notably low Young's modulus and high yield strain compared with
other materials. The term, which is derived from elastic polymer,
is sometimes used interchangeably with the term rubber. Each of the
monomers which link to form the polymer is usually made of carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen and/or silicon. Elastomers are amorphous polymers
that allow for considerable segmental motion. At ambient
temperatures rubbers are thus relatively soft (E.about.3 MPa) and
deformable.
[0036] Examples of elastomers include unsaturated rubbers that can
be cured by sulfur vulcanization: Natural rubber (NR); Synthetic
polyisoprene (IR); Butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and
isoprene, IIR); Halogenated butyl rubbers (chloro butyl rubber:
CIIR; bromo butyl rubber: BIIR); Polybutadiene (BR);
Styrene-butadiene Rubber (copolymer of polystyrene and
polybutadiene, SBR); Nitrile rubber (copolymer of polybutadiene and
acrylonitrile, NBR), also called Buna N rubbers; Hydrogenated
Nitrile Rubbers (HNBR) Therban and Zetpol; Chloroprene rubber (CR),
polychloroprene, Neoprene, and Baypren etc.
[0037] Elastomers may also include saturated rubbers that cannot be
cured by sulfur vulcanization include EPM (ethylene propylene
rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene) and EPDM rubber
(ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene,
propylene and a diene-component); Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO);
Polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR); Silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ);
Fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ); Fluoroelastomers (FKM, and FEPM)
Viton, Tecnoflon, Fluorel, Aflas and Dai-El; Perfluoroelastomers
(FFKM) Tecnoflon PFR, Kalrez, Chemraz, Perlast; Polyether block
amides (PEBA); Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), (Hypalon); and
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
[0038] Various other types of elastomers include: Thermoplastic
elastomers (TPE), for example Elastron, etc.; Thermoplastic
vulcanizates (TPV), for example Santoprene TPV; Thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU); Thermoplastic olefins (TPO); the proteins
resilin and elastin; and polysulfide rubber.
[0039] The protective elastomer coating 4 on the sole (including
the exterior portions of the heel 6, arch 8, pad 10, and toe 12
sections, enumerated in FIG. 6) is preferably very thin. Ideally,
the minimum thickness of the protective coating layer should be
sufficient to withstand repeated contact with ground surfaces. This
minimum thickness may depend on the particular material used,
however will probably be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. The
layer of protective coating preferably does not exceed 4 mm.
Thickness exceeding this depth may tend to provide a sufficient
cushion to encourage unwanted heel strikes. As such, the optimal
thickness of the protective coating is approximately 0.5
millimeters to 4 millimeters.
[0040] Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is a family of unsaturated
copolymers of 2-propenenitrile and various butadiene monomers (1,
2-butadiene and 1, 3-butadiene). Although its physical and chemical
properties vary depending on the polymer's composition of nitrile,
this form of synthetic rubber is generally resistant to oil, fuel,
and other chemicals (the more nitrile within the polymer, the
higher the resistance to oils but the lower the flexibility of the
material).
[0041] Nitrile rubber is more resistant than natural rubber to oils
and acids, but has less strength and flexibility. For those
allergic to natural rubber, nitrile can be a suitable substitute.
It is a synthetic polymer that exhibits rubber-like properties when
vulcanized. The polymer is made in the form of a latex emulsion,
and in latex form can be processed much like natural rubber latex.
Compared to natural rubber latex, however, which is a polyisoprene,
nitrile is typically composed of three monomers: acrylonitrile,
butadiene and carboxylic acid. After vulcanization, the butadiene
component contributes to softness and flexibility, while the
carboxylic acid provides high tensile strength and tear resistance.
In addition, nitrile coating has been shown to withstand cleaning,
including conventional laundering, while retaining its desired
properties. Nitrile has also proven to be air permeable.
[0042] Although a variety of materials could be used as the
protective coating, natural rubber is ideally suited to be used as
the protective layer on the sole. Natural rubber has certain
advantages over other materials, including a greater level of
resistance to abrasions, punctures, cuts, and water. Natural rubber
can be laundered, and can be textured for additional abrasion
resistance and grip.
[0043] In FIG. 2, the protective elastomer coating 4 extends up and
around the exterior of the heel section 6 by approximately 2
inches, forming a cup around the heel. The sock shaft section 14
(enumerated in FIG. 6) includes a shaft support section 1 to
encircle a lower part of a leg of a wearer and maintain the sock in
proper orientation upon the leg. The thickness of the elastomer
coating 4 may vary at different locations on the sock. The sock
could also be `double dipped` in the elastomer coating during the
manufacturing process.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the sock with the protective
elastomer coating extending approximately 1 to 2 inches up and
around the heel section 6 to form a cup surrounding the heel.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a top down view wherein the sock opening 16 is
shown with the shaft support section 1 that comprises an elastic
material to maintain the position of the sock on the lower leg of
the wearer. The protective elastomer coating may also be located on
the sides of the sock to create additional protection to the foot,
but since only the sock material 3 is present on most of the top
portions of the sock, the sock remains breathable and does not
promote excess heat retention or sweating.
[0046] A shaft support section 1 is shown directly above and
encircling the ankle that contains an additional amount of elastic.
In one embodiment, the elastomer coating is applied to the sole and
heel and extends at least 3/4 of an inch up the sides of the shaft.
It should be recognized that the elastomer may extend above or
below this level or be otherwise configured. The elastomer coating
is preferably odorless, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, and
substantially liquid impermeable.
[0047] The five individual toe cavities 12 (together referred to as
the `toes section`) are configured to receive, retain, and allow
independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot
inserted in the footwear. Each toe cavity will have an interior and
an exterior top side and under side, wherein the interior top and
undersides will present sock material 3, such that the wearer's
toes come into contact with the sock material 3 during use. The
external underside of the toe cavities will present the elastomer
coating 4. The exterior of the top side of the toe cavities 12 may
include the elastomer coating 4.
[0048] In FIG. 5, the protective elastomer coating 4 is shown
covering the entirety of the sole. A section of the protective
elastomer coating 4 is magnified in order to show that the coating
can be made with a pattern. The patterns on the coating can vary
widely, and are not limited to the pattern shown in this figure.
The patterning can be functional, in that certain patterns may tend
to provide better traction for certain activities. The color and
texture of the elastomer coating 4 can also be varied.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the invention, including the
sock material 3 located on the interior of the sock, the protective
elastomer coating 4, a shaft section 14, a heel section 6, an arch
section 8, a pad section 10 (generally located at the metatarsal
area of the foot, or the balls of the foot), and the toe section
12. Since FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the sock, it does not
show the toes sections 12 as being separated. However, the toes
section 12 comprises five toe cavities configured to receive,
retain, and allow independent articulation of the corresponding
individual toes of a foot inserted into the footwear. Each toe
cavity has a top side and an under side, and the toe cavities are
separated by trough regions that keep the toes separate.
[0050] An aspect of the invention involves a toe sock shaped to fit
either a right foot or a left foot of a wearer. The toe sock
includes a sock shaft section 14 including an open end 16 (see FIG.
4) through which the foot of the wearer is inserted when the sock
is put on. A closed foot section is adapted to receive the foot of
the wearer and includes a heel section 6, an arch section 8, and
five separated, closed toe sections 12 to receive the toes of the
foot of the wearer.
[0051] The size of the shaft 14, or area of the sock above the
foot, may vary widely, from ankle height to knee height, or other.
The present invention includes socks of any size, though in one
embodiment, a shaft 14 is provided that extends approximately 3
inches above the ankle The shaft may include a portion provided
above the ankle that is ribbed and elasticized.
[0052] While the invention has been described in connection with
specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is
capable of further modification, and this application is intended
to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention and
including departures from the present disclosure as come within
known or customary practice in the art to which the invention
pertains and as may be applied to the essential features herein set
forth, and as fall within the scope of the invention and the limits
of the appended claim.
* * * * *