U.S. patent application number 15/466622 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for socks and other footwear with selective friction reducing features.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lee L. Thibodeau. Invention is credited to Lee L. Thibodeau.
Application Number | 20170295851 15/466622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60040187 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170295851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thibodeau; Lee L. |
October 19, 2017 |
SOCKS AND OTHER FOOTWEAR WITH SELECTIVE FRICTION REDUCING
FEATURES
Abstract
A sock and/or outer footwear having one or more portions with
reduced frictional characteristics. One or more of the heel
portion, the arch portion and the ball portion of the sock and/or
interior of the outer footwear is fabricated with one or more
fibers having the reduced frictional characteristics. The reduced
frictional characteristics are established with the one or more
low-friction fibers that are integrated with fibers having
additional complementary characteristics of thermal regulation and
moisture management. The provision of reduced frictional
characteristics in one or more of the heel, arch and ball
facilitates insertion of a foot into footwear.
Inventors: |
Thibodeau; Lee L.;
(Cumberland, ME) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thibodeau; Lee L. |
Cumberland |
ME |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60040187 |
Appl. No.: |
15/466622 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13856980 |
Apr 4, 2013 |
|
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15466622 |
|
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61620077 |
Apr 4, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20130101;
A41B 2400/44 20130101; A43B 5/0405 20130101; A41B 2400/60 20130101;
A43B 3/02 20130101; A41B 2400/80 20130101; A41B 17/005 20130101;
A41B 2400/34 20130101; A43B 23/07 20130101; A41B 2400/82 20130101;
A43B 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00; A43B 3/02 20060101 A43B003/02; A41B 17/00 20060101
A41B017/00; A43B 23/07 20060101 A43B023/07 |
Claims
1. A sock comprising: a leg portion, a heel portion, an instep
portion, a foot portion including a top arch portion, a toe
portion, and a sole portion including a ball portion, wherein the
leg portion, the heel portion, the instep portion, the foot
portion, the toe portion and the sole portion are fabricated of one
or more fibers having thermal regulation and moisture management
characteristics, wherein the heel portion, the top arch portion and
the ball portion further include fibers having reduced-friction
characteristics, wherein the fibers having reduced-friction
characteristics are integrated with the one or more fibers having
thermal regulation and moisture management characteristics and
arranged to establish interstices throughout the sock.
2. The sock of claim 1 wherein the fibers having reduced friction
characteristics are low friction fibers.
3. The sock of claim 2 wherein the low-friction fibers are silicone
fibers.
4. The sock of claim 3 wherein the one or more fibers having
thermal regulation and moisture management characteristics are
fibers made of materials selected from manmade fibers, natural
fibers and blends thereof.
5. The sock of claim 4 wherein the fibers having thermal regulation
and moisture management characteristics are made of materials
selected from: nylon, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, wool,
alpaca and blends thereof.
6. The sock of claim 3 wherein the one or more fibers having
thermal regulation and moisture management characteristics include
hollow fibers.
7. The sock of claim 1 further comprising anti-microbial
reconstruction of elements of Gold and Silver.
8. The sock of claim 6 wherein the anti-microbial reconstruction of
elements of Gold and Silver comprises bonded of Gold and Silver
elements.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part, and claims the
priority benefit of, pending U.S. nonprovisional patent application
Ser. No. 13/856,980, filed Apr. 4, 2013, which is a nonprovisional,
and claims the priority benefit, of U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/620,077 filed Apr. 4, 2012, of the same
title and by the same inventor. The content of the prior
applications is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to footwear. More
particularly, the present invention relates to inner footwear, such
as socks and stockings, as well as outer footwear, such as, for
example, dress shoes, casual shoes, athletic boots, protective
boots, sneakers, orthopedic shoes and the like. Still more
particularly, the present invention relates to footwear configured
with maximum comfort and convenience of use, including selective
friction reducing features to reduce the difficulty of inserting a
foot into outer footwear such as a boot.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0003] People wear outer footwear of different types for a wide
range of reasons. Outer footwear includes shoes and boots
generally, as well as recreational and athletic footwear. Outer
footwear may also include medical products such as protective boots
worn by individuals tending to a particular physical condition.
Some outer footwear covers the foot, while other forms extend above
the ankle and can also cover a substantial part of the leg,
including at or above the knee. Some forms of outer footwear are
easier to place on the foot than others. For example, it can be
difficult to get a boot onto the foot because of resistance or
friction that exists at certain locations of the foot-footwear
interface.
[0004] There are three primary locations of the foot that cause
frictional resistance to placement of outer footwear onto the foot.
They are: 1) the heel; 2) the padded portion of the sole of the
foot covering the metatarsals, commonly referred to as the ball of
the foot; and 3) the bony curves of the top of the instep
comprising the longitudinal and transverse arches, commonly
referred to as the arch of the foot. Everyone has these foot
features. Some are more pronounced than others and so placement of
the foot into outer footwear may be more or less difficult for
particular individuals. Nevertheless, dependent upon the
characteristics of the outer footwear, most every person has some
difficulty in getting his or her foot into certain types of outer
footwear. It is particularly noticeable when the person wishes to
wear a boot.
[0005] People wear outer footwear with and without a covering or
interface between the foot and the outer footwear. The covering is
a form of inner footwear commonly referred to as a sock or
stocking. These coverings come in a wide array of forms from very
thick to very thin and very high (on the leg) to very low (on the
foot). The coverings may or may not reduce the frictional
resistance between the interior of the outer footwear and the skin
of the foot. In general, however, they tend to facilitate passage
of the foot into the outer footwear. While they maybe suitable for
that purpose, coverings are usually used for other primary
purposes, such as keeping the foot warm or as a moisture absorbent.
Foot coverings or inner footwear used as an interface between the
foot and outer footwear will be referred to herein as socks or
stockings, which is intended to identify all forms of such inner
footwear coverings.
[0006] Apart from the almost limitless shapes, sizes and decorative
forms of socks that exist for primarily aesthetic purposes, there
are functional features that have been developed to address
particular concerns. For example, particular materials and
supplemental components are incorporated into socks to enhance
warmth retention or facilitate moisture absorbance or wicking.
Other features have been adopted to improve the feel or comfort of
the sock. Another practical modification has been to add materials
and surface features to the exterior sole of the sock to enhance
frictional engagement of an underlying surface when the sock is not
contained in outer footwear. That modification reduces the
likelihood of a slip but such a sock is not useful in reducing the
difficulty of getting a socked foot into the outer footwear. In
fact, the frictional material on the ball of the foot makes that
effort even more difficult. In addition, efforts to reduce
slipping, as well as efforts to facilitate passage of a foot into
footwear reduce or prevent other desired characteristics of the
sock. For example but not limited thereto, the sock should remain
comfortable to wear, minimize the possibility of blisters occurring
on the foot and maintain desired thermal qualities, whether
suitable ventilation or effective insulation. A sock that provides
effective thermal regulation and moisture management properties
that are contributing factors to comfort, minimizing blistering,
and enhancing thermal retention while also facilitating passage of
the sock into footwear is desired and has not seen in prior sock
configurations.
[0007] Therefore, what is needed is a foot covering; that is, a
sock, that is configured to facilitate rather than hinder placement
of the foot into outer footwear. What is also needed is such a sock
that has other features consistent with other desired features of a
sock including, but not limited to, satisfactory comfort and
appearance as well as such other functional features that may be of
interest without compromising any of the desired features. In
particular, the sock should be comfortable to wear, minimize the
possibility of blisters occurring on the foot and maintain desired
thermal qualities, whether suitable ventilation or effective
insulation. The sock should provide effective thermal regulation
and moisture management properties in that regard. Further, what is
needed is such a sock that may be fabricated in a sufficiently cost
efficient manner. Yet further, what is needed is outer footwear
having one or more interior features that facilitate passage of the
foot into the outer footwear. Such one or more interior features
should be provided for use with, or in place of, a sock having
similar characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a foot
covering; that is, a sock, that is configured to facilitate rather
than hinder placement of the foot into outer footwear. It is also
an object to provide such a sock that has other features consistent
with other desired features of a sock including, but not limited
to, satisfactory comfort and appearance as well as such other
functional features that may be of interest. Further, it is an
object of the invention to provide such a sock that may be
fabricated in a sufficiently cost efficient manner. Yet further, it
is an object of the invention to provide outer footwear having one
or more interior features that facilitate passage of the foot into
the outer footwear. Such one or more interior features can be used
with, or in place of, a sock having similar characteristics.
[0009] These and other objects are achieved with the present
invention, which includes a sock fabricated of one or more
materials selected and configured to provide effective thermal
regulation and moisture management that renders the sock
comfortable, minimizes the possibility of blisters occurring on the
foot and maintains desired thermal qualities, as well as having one
or more friction reducing features at one or more of the three
primary locations where the foot experiences resistance when being
placed into outer footwear. The thermal regulation and moisture
management characteristics are established using yarns formed of
fibers that facilitate wicking and transfer moisture away from the
skin to effect drying. The yarns and/or fibers used to make the
yarns that are used to produce the socks are configured in a way
that results in fiber entanglements that establish tortuous
pathways as interstices that control movement of fluid through the
sock structure and that further provide loft resulting in a
thermally insulative arrangement. The friction reducing features
are established in the sock through one or more of: a) a
low-friction material applied to all or a portion of the exterior
of a sock, e.g., a coating of low-friction material to the exterior
surface of the sock; b) a low-friction material applied to fibers
that are woven or knitted together to form all or a portion of a
sock, e.g., a coating of low-friction material applied to the
fibers that make up the sock rather than being applied on the
surface of the sock itself; c) one or more low-friction fibers
integrated with one or more materials used to make a conventional
sock; d) forming a sock with a reduced thickness of material in one
or more of the primary resistance locations; and e) placing a
supplemental fixed or removable sling or bra of low-friction
material onto the exterior of a sock, wherein the sling is
configured for positioning on the sock at one or more of the three
primary locations described above. One or more of these options may
be selected to enable a reduction in the extent to which the
interior of the outer footwear and the exterior of the sock engage
one another at one or more of the primary resistance locations of
the foot.
[0010] The low-friction material may be a viscoelastic material or
a nonviscoelastic material having a low coefficient of friction.
For example, the material may be silicone. Alternatively, the
low-friction material may be a spray-on material adhered to the
surface of the sock, such as a Teflon.RTM. spray material. The
low-friction material applied to the sock may also be a metallic or
a nonmetallic material selected for a coefficient of friction that
is less than the remainder of the material used to make the sock.
The low-friction material may be applied to the surface of the sock
after the sock has been fabricated. Alternatively, the low-friction
material may be applied to the fibers or yarn used to form a sock.
The sock is then fabricated in a conventional manner using the
treated fibers or yarn. These fibers may be used to make a complete
sock or they may be integrated, that is, interspersed, with other
fibers or weaves of the sock's standard material in one or more of
the primary areas, such as cotton, or they may be used as
replacements for the materials in those areas. In that embodiment,
the low-friction fibers are joined with adjacent conventional
fibers, such as by weaving, rather than by interspersing the
different materials together
[0011] The one or more low-friction fibers may be any manmade or
natural fibers having a coefficient of friction less than the
coefficient of friction of the remainder of the material used to
make the sock. The low-friction fibers may be selected from, but
are not limited to, silicone, nylon, polyethylene and polypropylene
fibers. Other viscoelastic and nonviscoelastic materials may be
selected for that purpose. The fibers may be integrated, that is,
interspersed, with the other fibers or weaves of the sock's
standard material in one or more of the primary area, such as
cotton, or they may be used as replacements for the materials in
those areas. In that embodiment, the low-friction fibers are joined
with adjacent conventional fibers, such as by weaving, rather than
by interspersing the different materials together. The fibers used
to make the socks may include hollow fibers that facilitate the
transport of fluid through the sock as a wicking element. At least
a portion of the fibers used to make the sock include wicking,
liquid transport, drying and/or other characteristics, which at
least a portion of the fibers may be combined with
friction-reducing fibers, such as silicone fibers, as well as
optional anti-microbial elements, such as Gold and Silver
combinations bound together, all of which, when combined together,
produce a sock that is easy to insert into and remove from footwear
such as a boot without compromising other desired sock
characteristics such as thermal regulation and moisture
management.
[0012] The option of reducing the thickness of the material of the
sock in one or more of the primary resistance locations as the
friction reducing solution includes establishing a transition of
conventional material at a given thickness to one or more regions
of material of lesser thickness, wherein the material for the
region of lesser thickness may be formed of the same or a different
material as that of the conventional material. The one or more
regions correspond to the primary locations of greater resistance
previously noted. For example, but not limited thereto, the
thickness of the conventional material may be about 1/16-inch while
the region of reduced thickness may be about 1/32-inch. The
differential of thickness is not limited thereto and may be
selected dependent upon the frictional characteristics of the
conventional material and the material for the thinner region.
There may also be a transition of the thickness change that is
gradual rather than stepped, but a stepped change of thickness is
an option.
[0013] The friction reducing features of the sock of the present
invention may be established in one or more of the indicated
primary locations of resistance. Each location may have the
friction reducing features. Only one location may have the feature.
Any combination of two locations may have the features. Those
locations including the features may all have the same features or
each or groups of locations may have the same or different
features. For example, but not to be limiting, the heel of the foot
area of the sock may include the friction reducing fibers
incorporated with the conventional material of the sock while the
ball of the foot area of the sock may have the reduced material
thickness feature. Other combinations may also be adopted for the
sock.
[0014] The present invention also includes outer footwear having
one or more interior friction reducing features established in
areas corresponding to the primary locations of resistance. The
friction reducing features may be established in the interior areas
of the outer footwear in the manner described with respect to the
sock of the present invention. That is, interior areas where
friction reduction is desired may be modified using one or more of:
a) a low-friction material applied to all or a portion of the
interior, e.g., a coating of low-friction material to the interior
surface of the outer footwear; b) a low-friction material applied
to fibers that are woven or knitted together to form all or a
portion of the interior of the outer footwear, e.g., a coating of
low-friction material applied to the fibers that make up all or a
portion of the interior of the outer footwear rather than being
applied on the surface of the interior itself c) one or more
low-friction fibers integrated with one or more materials used to
make a conventional outer footwear interior; and d) forming the
interior of the outer footwear with a reduced thickness of material
in one or more areas associated with the primary resistance
locations. The various options noted may be incorporated into the
interior of the outer footwear in the manner described with respect
to the implementation of the friction reducing features for the
sock of the present invention.
[0015] For the interior of the outer footwear modification options
noted, each of these options may be selected to enable a reduction
in the extent to which the interior of the outer footwear and the
exterior of the foot or a sock engage one another at one or more of
the primary resistance locations of the foot. Each of the interior
areas may have the friction reducing features. Only one of the
interior areas may have the feature. Any combination of two
interior areas may have the features. Those interior areas
including the features may all have the same features or each or
groups of locations may have the same or different features. For
example, but not to be limiting, the heel of the foot area of the
interior of the outer footwear may include the friction reducing
fibers incorporated with the convention material of the heel of the
outer footwear while the interior sole associated with the location
of the ball of the foot may have the reduced material thickness
feature. Other combinations may also be adopted for the outer
footwear so modified.
[0016] The present invention also includes a tool configured to
facilitate passage of the foot into outer footwear. Unlike a
conventional shoehorn, which is rigid, the tool of the present
invention is formed of a flexible material having relatively low
frictional characteristics and sufficient structural integrity to
withstand the loading experienced at the interface of a foot moving
into outer footwear. The tool is formed with dimensions sufficient
to permit its placement into the interior of the outer footwear
without blocking movement of the foot. The tool may have a width
about the same as the width of the interior of the heel of the
outer footwear, or it may be narrower or wider. If narrower, it
should remain wide enough to cover about one-half of the width of
the heel. If wider, it should be narrow enough that it does not
curl on itself and act as an impediment to foot passage into the
outer footwear. The tool may be made of a tough, flexible and
low-friction material, such as Mylar.RTM., supplied by DuPont, but
not limited thereto. The tool includes a primary body structure
formed of a material sufficiently difficult to tear when used
between the foot, whether or not covered by a sock, and the
interior of the footwear and with frictional resistance lower than
frictional characteristics of either or both of a foot/sock and the
interior of the footwear.
[0017] The sock, sling and/or outer footwear of the present
invention with one or more selective friction reducing features, as
well as the optional tool, enable a person to get his or her foot
into footwear more easily than is possible with existing foot
coverings. This is helpful to children who may have difficulty
getting their snow boots on, the elder who may have difficulty
getting a shoe on, and the active who wish to put a ski boot on.
This and other advantages of the present invention will be more
fully understood upon review of the following detailed description,
the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sock of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sock of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of the sock of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the sock of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the sock of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sling of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the outer footwear of
the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the outer footwear of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0026] A sock 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-5. As
with most socks, the sock 10 includes a leg portion 12, a heel
portion 14, an instep portion 16, a foot portion 18, a toe portion
20 and a sole portion 22. The foot portion 18 includes a top arch
portion 24 and the sole portion 22 includes a ball portion 26. The
heel portion 14 covers the heel of the foot of a person wearing the
sock 10. The arch portion 24 covers the longitudinal and transverse
arches of the foot of a person wearing the sock 10. The ball
portion 26 covers the metatarsals of the foot of a person wearing
the sock 10.
[0027] The sock 10 of the present invention includes modifications
to one or more of the heel portion 14, the arch portion 24 and the
ball portion 26. In particular, one or more of those portions of
the sock 10 include a friction reducing feature or configuration
that facilitates the passage of a foot covered by the sock 10 into
footwear. It is to be understood that the sock 10 shown in FIGS.
1-5 is a representative illustration and is not intended to limit
the sock 10 to the relative dimensions shown. For example, the leg
portion 12 may be shorter or longer than illustrated without
deviating from the relevant features of the invention. The sock 10
is fabricated of materials selected to enhance all features of the
sock 10, not limited to reduced friction in the heel portion 14,
the arch portion 24 and the ball portion 26. Further, the materials
used to make the sock 10 are configured in a way that facilitates
such enhancement. The sock 10 may be formed into shape in a
conventional manner of the type generally used by those skilled in
the art of sock manufacture ordinarily employ, whether manually,
such as by sewing, or by machine, such as by knitting, but not
limited thereto.
[0028] The sock 10 is fabricated using one or more yarns made of
fibers that enhance thermal regulation and moisture management
through wicking, drying, thermal insulation and, optionally,
anti-microbial characteristics, in addition to its fabrication to
reduce friction at least at one or more of the heel portion 14, the
arch portion 24 and the ball portion 26. The fibers that aid in
thermal regulation and moisture management include manmade and
natural fibers, such as polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton,
wool, alpaca and blends thereof. Specifically, the sock 10 is made
with fibers that facilitate wicking, such as hydrophobic fibers,
hollow fibers or a combination of the two, particularly at the
inner surface of the sock 10 where it contacts the skin. The fibers
that facilitate wicking are made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or
a combination thereof. The fibers may also be blends and may
include natural fibers including, but not limited to, cotton. The
fibers may be shaped, textured, or configured with substantial
non-round perimeter features, such as a Y-shaped or an X-shaped
fiber, for example. Anti-microbial elements, such as reconstruction
of Gold and Silver particles that are bound together can be applied
to the fibers and, due to the attraction properties of Gold through
mechanical and molecular bonding to the fibers, aid in moisture
management that minimize contamination of the sock 10. That bonding
of the anti-microbial elements to the sock fibers remains in place
through a plurality of iterations of washing and drying of the sock
10. The sock 10 also includes fibers that facilitate drying after
passage from the inner surface to an interior of the sock, such as
hydrophilic fibers, for example. Hollow fibers can be used to
transport moisture through the sock 10. Further, the fibers of the
sock 10 are either formed or mechanically manipulated to establish
interstices between adjacent ones. The yarns made of the fibers can
also be mechanically manipulated, such as by weaving, peaching,
needling, to establish entanglements of fibers thereof to create
interstices as tortuous pathways that regulate progression of
moisture through the sock 10 and thereby enhance comfort and
minimize liquid contact with the skin of the wearer. These features
of the sock 10 are combined with the friction reducing features as
described herein in an integrated fashion so that the fibers for
all qualities described are interspersed with one another to
provide smooth transitions between regions of the sock 10 and
ensure that desired characteristics are maintained, including after
cleaning of the sock 10. Prior sock configurations that have
applied friction-reducing elements attached to the sock primarily,
as well as treatments to the sock, such as chemical sprays, wear
off after periodic washing and drying. The sock 10 of the present
invention maintains desired qualities through many cycles of
washing and drying because the desired characteristics are in the
fibers themselves as well as the established pathways within sock
10.
[0029] At least one of the heel portion 14, the arch portion 24 and
the ball portion 26 is specifically fabricated with one or more
low-friction fibers forming all or a portion of those regions of
the sock 10. The one or more low-friction fibers may be any manmade
or natural fibers having a coefficient of friction less than the
coefficient of friction of the remainder of the material used to
make the sock 10. The low-friction fibers may be selected from, but
are not limited to, silicone, nylon, polyethylene and polypropylene
fibers. The low-friction fibers form a low-friction yarn, or at
least a portion of a yarn that includes such fibers. As stated
above, the low-friction fibers/yarns are integrated, that is,
interspersed, with the other fibers or yarns of the material(s)
described herein used to establish characteristics of the sock 10
that include the thermal regulation and moisture management
associated with wicking, drying and thermal integrity, as well as
optional anti-microbial functionality. The different areas may be
stitched together or woven together so that they are joined
together in a way that minimizes the possibility of separation.
Mechanical manipulation of the sock 10 components integrated
together before forming the sock shape, such as by needling or
peaching, is used to establish tortuous pathways within the sock 10
that enhance one or more of the characteristics described.
[0030] In an embodiment of the sock 10, at least one of the heel
portion 14, the arch portion 24 and the ball portion 26 is
fabricated to have a material thickness that is less than the
thickness of the material of the sock 10 in the remaining portions
of the sock 10. The reduced thickness feature may be accomplished
by transitioning from the conventional material of the remainder of
the sock 10 in a gradual manner to a selectable reduced thickness
at one or more of the heel portion 14, the arch portion 24 and the
ball portion 26. The material of the reduced thickness portions may
be formed of the same or a different material as that of the
conventional material. In one example of this embodiment of the
sock 10, the leg portion 12, the instep portion 16, the foot
portion 18, the toe portion 20 and the sole portion 22 may be
fabricated with a thickness of about 1/16-inch while one or more of
the heel portion 14, the arch portion 24 and the ball portion 26
may be fabricated with a thickness of about 1/32-inch. The
differential of thickness is not limited thereto and may be
selected dependent upon the frictional characteristics of the
conventional material and the material used to make one or more of
the heel portion 14, the arch portion 24 and the ball portion 26.
As indicated, the transition of the thickness change may be
gradual, but it may alternatively be stepped.
[0031] The present invention may also combine the sock 10 or a
conventional sock with a separate component that may be applied to
a convention sock to reduce the frictional characteristics of the
conventional sock. A sling 50 of the present invention suitable for
that purpose is shown in FIG. 6. The sling 50 includes a heel
section 52, an arch section 54 and a ball section 56. The sling 50
is arranged for placement on a conventional sock. It may be affixed
to the sock or it may be removable from the sock. The heel section
52, the arch section 54 and the ball section 56 are joined together
such as by string, threading, elastic material or the like selected
to enable the sling 50 to be. placed on a foot or on a sock so that
the heel section 52 is aligned with the heel of a person, the arch
section 54 is aligned with the upper arch of a person's foot and
the ball section 56 is aligned with the ball of the foot when
placed on the foot or a sock covering the foot. Tab 58 attached to
the heel section 52 enables the user to manipulate the sling 50,
such as when it is retained inside footwear. The materials used for
the sling 50 sections may be any of those of the friction reducing
portions of the sock 10 identified above. When the sling 50 is
applied to a sock, it will give an appearance similar to that of
the sock 10 of FIGS. 1-5.
[0032] An outer footwear 100 of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8. The outer footwear 100 includes an upper 102, an
outer heel 104, an interior heel 106, an outsole 108, an insole
110, an outer instep portion 112, an interior instep portion 114,
an outer toe portion 116 and an interior toe portion 118. The
interior instep portion 114 includes a top arch portion 120 and the
insole 110 includes a ball portion 122. The interior heel 106
contacts the heel of the foot of a person wearing the outer
footwear 100. The top arch portion 120 contacts the longitudinal
and transverse arches of the foot of a person wearing the footwear
100. The ball portion 122 contacts the metatarsals of the foot of a
person wearing the footwear 100.
[0033] The footwear 100 of the present invention includes
modifications to one or more of the interior heel 106, the top arch
portion 120 and the ball portion 122. In particular, one or more of
those portions of the footwear 100 include a friction reducing
feature or configuration that facilitates the passage of a foot
into the footwear 100. It is to be understood that the footwear 100
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a representative illustration and is not
intended to limit the footwear 100 to the particular configuration
shown. For example, the upper 102 may be shorter or longer than
illustrated without deviating from the relevant features of the
invention. The footwear 100 may be fabricated of a wide range of
materials in a wide range of shapes and sizes with those portions
of the footwear 100 other than at least one of the interior heel
106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball portion 122 fabricated
of one or more conventional materials and in a conventional manner
of the type generally used by those skilled in the art of footwear
manufacture ordinarily employ, whether manually or by machine.
[0034] In a first embodiment of the footwear 100, at least one of
the interior heel 106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball
portion 122 is fabricated with a low-friction material applied to a
portion or substantially all of the surface of such one or more
portions. The low-friction material may be a viscoelastic material
or a non-viscoelastic material having a low coefficient of
friction. For example, the material may be silicone. Alternatively,
the low-friction material may be a spray-on material adhered to the
interior surface of the footwear 100 at one or more of the interior
heel 106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball portion 122. The
spray-on material may be a Teflon.RTM. spray material but not
limited thereto. The low-friction material may also come in a tape
form that may be attached to the interior of the footwear 100 at
one or more desired locations. The low-friction material applied to
the interior of the footwear 100 at one or more of the indicated
portions may also be a metallic or a nonmetallic material selected
for a coefficient of friction that is less than the remainder of
the material used to make the interior of the footwear 100.
[0035] In a second embodiment of the footwear 100, at least one of
the interior heel 106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball
portion 122 is fabricated with one or more fibers coated with a
low-friction material applied to a portion or substantially all of
the outer surface of such fibers. The low-friction material may be
a viscoelastic material or a non-viscoelastic material having a low
coefficient of friction. For example, the material may be silicone.
The fibers that are coated may be any manmade or natural fibers.
The fibers may be selected from, but are not limited to, cotton and
wool. The fibers may also be silicone fibers. The coated fibers may
be integrated, that is, interspersed, with the other materials used
to make the interior of the footwear 100 in the areas where the
low-friction coated fibers are located.
[0036] In a third embodiment of the footwear 100, at least one of
the interior heel 106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball
portion 122 is fabricated with one or more low-friction fibers. The
one or more low-friction fibers may be any manmade or natural
fibers having a coefficient of friction less than the coefficient
of friction of the remainder of the material used to make the
interior of the footwear 100. The low-friction fibers may be
selected from, but are not limited to, silicone, nylon,
polyethylene and polypropylene fibers. Other viscoelastic and
non-viscoelastic materials may be selected for that purpose. The
fibers may; be integrated, that is, interspersed, with the
materials used to make the remainder of the interior of the
footwear 100.
[0037] In a fourth embodiment of the footwear 100, at least one of
the interior heel 106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball
portion 122 is fabricated to have a material thickness that is less
than the thickness of the material of the adjacent portions of the
interior of the footwear 100. The reduced thickness feature may be
accomplished by transitioning from the material of the remainder of
the interior of the footwear 100 in a gradual manner to a
selectable reduced thickness at one or more of the interior heel
106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball portion 122. The
material of the reduced thickness portions may be formed of the
same or a different material as that of the conventional material.
In one example of this embodiment of the footwear 100, the insole
110, the interior instep portion and the interior toe portion 118
may be fabricated with a thickness of about 1/16-inch while one or
more of the interior heel 106, the top arch portion 120 and the
ball portion 120 may be fabricated with a thickness of about
1/32-inch. The differential of thickness is not limited thereto and
may be selected dependent upon the frictional characteristics of
the conventional material and the material used to make one or more
of the interior heel 106, the top arch portion 120 and the ball
portion 122. As indicated, the transition of the thickness change
may be gradual, but it may alternatively be stepped.
[0038] It is to be noted that the sock 10 and the footwear 100 may
be used separately or in combination. Further, the sling 50 may be
used with either or both of the sock 10 and the footwear 100.
[0039] The present invention has been described with respect to
various example embodiments. Nevertheless, it is to be understood
that various modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. All equivalents are deemed to
fall within the scope of this description of the invention.
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