U.S. patent application number 15/272038 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for moisture-permeable and waterproof sock.
The applicant listed for this patent is Huge Development Limited, Shuang Bang Industrial Corp.. Invention is credited to Chung-Tang Chang, Joseph Lin.
Application Number | 20170295852 15/272038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57851791 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170295852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chang; Chung-Tang ; et
al. |
October 19, 2017 |
Moisture-Permeable and Waterproof Sock
Abstract
A moisture-permeable and waterproof sock includes a sock body
and a moisture-permeable and waterproof layer The sock body is made
of an elastic and stretchable fabric material, and includes an
inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a
receiving space, the outer surface being divided into an uncovered
region that has an opening for insertion of the user's foot into
said receiving space, and a covered region continuously extending
from the uncovered region and away from the opening. The
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer is only formed on the
covered region of the outer surface for preventing water from
entering into the sock body while allowing moisture to escape from
the receiving space of the sock body.
Inventors: |
Chang; Chung-Tang; (Nantou
City, TW) ; Lin; Joseph; (Taichung City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shuang Bang Industrial Corp.
Huge Development Limited |
Nantou City
Hong Kong |
|
TW
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
57851791 |
Appl. No.: |
15/272038 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 2400/34 20130101;
A41B 11/005 20130101; A41B 2500/10 20130101; A41B 2500/30 20130101;
A41B 11/001 20130101; A41B 2400/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00; A41B 11/00 20060101 A41B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 2016 |
TW |
105205441 |
Claims
1. A moisture-permeable and waterproof sock, comprising: a sock
body which is made of an elastic and stretchable fabric material,
and which includes an inner surface and an outer surface that is
opposite to said inner surface, said inner surface defining a
receiving space for receiving a user's foot, said outer surface
being divided into an uncovered region that has an opening for
insertion of the user's foot into said receiving space, and a
covered region continuously extending from said uncovered region
and away from said opening, said covered region having a foot
portion that corresponds in position to the user's foot; and a
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer only formed on said covered
region of said outer surface of said sock body for preventing water
from entering into said sock body while allowing moisture to escape
from said receiving space of said sock body.
2. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a three-dimensional
pattern layer interposed between said outer surface of said sock
body and said moisture-permeable and waterproof layer, and located
at a position corresponding to a sole of the user's foot.
3. The sock of claim 1, wherein said moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer includes a pigment.
4. The sock of claim 1, wherein said moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer has an outer surface opposite to said outer
surface of said sock body.
5. The sock of claim 4, wherein the outer surface of said
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer is a glossy surface.
6. The sock of claim 4, wherein the outer surface of said
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer is a dull finished
surface.
7. The sock of claim 1, wherein the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer is made from a material selected from the group
consisting of polyurethane, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethene,
and polymethylmethacrylate.
8. The sock of claim 1, wherein the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer has a water resistance greater than 2000 mm as
measured by the method in accordance with JIS L-1092B.
9. The sock of claim 1, wherein the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer has a moisture permeability greater than 2000
g/m.sup.2/24 hr as measured by the method in accordance with JIS
L-1099B1.
10. The sock of claim 9, wherein the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer is made from thermoplastic polyurethane.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of Taiwanese Patent
Application No. 105205441 filed on Apr. 19, 2016.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to a sock, more particularly to a
moisture--permeable and waterproof sock.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The foot is among the heaviest producers of sweat in the
body. Therefore, socks are mainly worn to absorb sweat that is
produced by the feet. To improve comfort of use, socks are designed
to absorb the sweat from the skin of a user and deliver the sweat
away from the skin.
[0004] Socks can be made from a wide variety of materials, and are
usually made from knitted fabrics which have breathability and
moisture absorbing properties, but still are not capable of
repelling water. Thus, when the socks are worn in a wet
environment, e.g., during rainy weather, the socks are likely to
become wet and the moisture may enter into the shoes, causing
discomfort or even causing illness, such as athlete's foot.
SUMMARY
[0005] Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide a
moisture-permeable and waterproof sock that can alleviate at least
one of the drawbacks of the prior art.
[0006] According to the disclosure, the moisture-permeable and
waterproof sock includes
[0007] a sock body which is made of an elastic and stretchable
fabric material, and which includes an inner surface and an outer
surface that is opposite to the inner surface, the inner surface
defining a receiving space for receiving a user's foot, the outer
surface being divided into an uncovered region that has an opening
for insertion of the user's foot into the receiving space, and a
covered region continuously extending from the uncovered region and
away from the opening, the covered region having a foot portion
that corresponds in position to the user's foot; and
[0008] a moisture-permeable and waterproof layer only formed on the
covered region of the outer surface of the sock body for preventing
water from entering into the sock body while allowing moisture to
escape from the receiving space of the sock body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Other features and advantages of the disclosure w 11 become
apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiment
with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the first embodiment
of a moisture-permeable and waterproof sock according to the
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a sock body and a
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer of the first
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an outer surface of
the moisture-permeable and waterproof layer of the first embodiment
that is dull finished;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer of the first embodiment
having color appearance;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the second
embodiment of a moisture-permeable and waterproof sock according to
the disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the third embodiment
of a moisture-permeable and waterproof sock according to the
disclosure
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the fourth
embodiment of a moisture-permeable and waterproof sock according to
the disclosure; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Before the disclosure is described in greater detail, it
should be noted that where considered appropriate, reference
numerals or terminal portions of reference numerals have been
repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding analogous
elements, which may optionally have similar characteristics.
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the first embodiment of a
moisture-permeable and waterproof sock that includes a sock body 1
and a moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2. The sock in FIG. 1
is disposed on a shoe tree 4 for maintaining a configuration of the
sock.
[0020] The sock body 1 is made of an elastic and stretchable fabric
material which may be knitted or non-woven, and includes an inner
surface 11 and an outer surface 12 that is opposite to the inner
surface 11. The inner surface 11 defines a receiving space 10 for
receiving a user's foot. The outer surface 12 is divided into an
uncovered region 122 that has the opening 100 for insertion of the
user's foot into the receiving space 10, and a covered region 121
continuously extending from the uncovered region 122 and away from
the opening 100. The covered region 121 has a foot portion 123 that
corresponds in position to the user's foot. The opening 100 is in
spatial communication with the receiving space 10. Therefore, the
user's foot may be inserted into the receiving space 10 through the
opening 100. In this embodiment, the sock is a short sock, and the
sock body 1 is formed with patterns optionally having different
colors.
[0021] The moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 is only formed
on the covered region 121 of the outer surface 12 of the sock body
1 for preventing water from entering into the sock body 1 while
allowing moisture to escape from the receiving space 10 of the sock
body 1. In other words, the moisture-permeable and waterproof layer
2 is not formed on the uncovered region 122. Since the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 is not formed on the
uncovered region. 122 of the outer surface 12 of the sock body 1,
the elasticity and stretchability of the sock body 1 at the opening
100 would not be adversely affected by the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer 2. Thus, it maybe easier for a user to put his/her
foot into the receiving space 10. Moreover, the position
arrangement of the covered region 121 and the uncovered region 122
would provide an aesthetic appearance and visual difference.
[0022] The moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 may be in the
form of a porous membrane or a non-porous membrane. The porous
membrane has a plurality of pores, each of which has a diameter
smaller than that of a water molecule and larger than that of a
water vapor molecule. The porous membrane is waterproof and
moisture-permeable by way of a proper pore size arrangement. The
non-porous membrane is free of pores and has a hydrophilic
functional group-providing side and a hydrophobic functional
group-providing side. When the non-porous membrane serves as the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2, the water vapor
molecules will be adsorbed on the hydrophilic functional
group-providing side, diffused to the hydrophobic functional
group-providing side through capillary action and finally
transpired to the environment.
[0023] In this embodiment, the moisture-permeable and waterproof
layer 2 is transparent so that the patterns of the sock body 1 can
be visible. In this embodiment, the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer 2 has an outer surface 21 opposite to the outer
surface 12 of the sock body 1 and the outer surface 21 of the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 is a glossy surface.
[0024] However, as shown in FIG. 3, the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer 2 can be a dull-finished surface.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer 2 may be made from a material, e.g., polyurethane,
polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE), or
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, also called acrylic). In certain
embodiments, the moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 is made
from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
[0026] In certain embodiments, the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer 2 has a water resistance greater than 2000 mm as
measured by the method in accordance with JIS L-1092B. In certain
embodiments, the moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 has a
moisture permeability greater than 2000 g/m.sup.2/24 hr as measured
by the method in accordance with JIS L-1099B1.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, in certain embodiments, the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 may further include a
pigment and thus have a color appearance. In certain embodiments,
the moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 may further have one
of anti-bacterial and anti-UV functions by virtue of adding an
antibacterial agent and a UV absorber, respectively.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the second embodiment of a
moisture-permeable and waterproof sock according to the disclosure.
The sock of the second embodiment is a stocking. The second
embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that, in the
second embodiment, the uncovered region 122 further has a leg
portion 124 that corresponds in position to the user's leg and that
extends from the foot portion 123 of the covered region 121 to the
opening 100.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates the third embodiment of a
moisture-permeable and waterproof sock according to the disclosure.
The sock of the third embodiment is a stocking. The third
embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that, in the
third embodiment, the covered region 121 further has a leg portion
124 that extends from the foot portion 123 and that corresponds in
position to the user's leg. In other words, the leg portion 124 is
disposed between the foot portion 123 and the uncovered region
122.
[0030] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the fourth embodiment of a
moisture-permeable and waterproof sock according to the disclosure.
The fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except
that, in the fourth embodiment, the sock further includes a
three-dimensional pattern layer 3 interposed between the outer
surface 12 of the sock body 1 and the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer 2, and located at a position corresponding to a
sole of the user's foot. A portion of the moisture-permeable and
waterproof layer 2 that contacts the three-dimensional pattern
layer 3 has a contour corresponding to the three-dimensional
pattern layer 3. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional pattern
layer includes a plurality of protruding dots 31.
[0031] A method of making the moisture-permeable and waterproof
sock according to the disclosure includes the following steps: (a)
sock body-providing step, (b) immersing step, and (c) resin layer
forming step.
[0032] In step (a) the sock body 1 is provided and worn on a shoe
tree 4 for maintaining a configuration of the sock body 1.
[0033] Step (b) includes immersing the sock body 1 along with the
shoe tree 4 into a bath of moisture-permeable and waterproof resin
for a predetermined immersing time to adhere a moisture-permeable
and waterproof resin material onto the outer surface 12 of the sock
body 1 to form a resin layer. Thereafter, the sock body 1 along
with the shoe tree 4 is removed from the bath and is rotated along
the central axis of the shoe tree 4 to form an even resin layer of
the moisture-permeable and waterproof resin on the outer surface 12
of the sock body 1.
[0034] Step (c) is conducted by drying the resin layer to form the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2. In certain embodiments,
step (c) is conducted by placing the sock body 1 in an oven
together with the resin layer at a predetermined heating
temperature for a predetermined heating time. The immersing time,
heating temperature and heating time may be adjusted based on the
thickness of the moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 and the
composition of the resin material. For instance, the immersing time
may range from 5 seconds to 20 seconds, and the heating temperature
and heating time may range from 50.degree. C. to 180.degree. C. and
1 minute to 30 minutes, respectively.
[0035] In steps (a) to (c), the sock body 1 is stretched into the
configuration similar to the one worn by a user. Therefore, when
the moisture-permeable and waterproof sock thus obtained is being
worn, the moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 can also be
evenly formed on the sock body 1, thereby providing good
moisture-permeable and waterproof effects. It should be noted that,
if the sock body 1 is not stretched during forming of the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2, the moisture-permeable
and waterproof layer 2 thus formed may be deformed when the
moisture-permeable and waterproof sock is being stretched, e.g.,
worn by the user.
[0036] In summary, with the moisture-permeable and. waterproof
layer 2, the sock of this disclosure provides good
moisture-permeable and waterproof effects. Moreover, since the
moisture-permeable and waterproof layer 2 is only formed on the
covered region 121 of the outer surface 12 of the sock body 1
(i.e., not formed on the uncovered region 122), the elasticity and
stretchability of the sock body 1 at the opening 100 would not be
adversely affected.
[0037] In the description above, for the purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiment (s). It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other
embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific
details. It should also be appreciated that reference throughout
this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," an
embodiment with an indication of an ordinal number and so forth
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may
be included in the practice of the disclosure. It should be further
appreciated that in the description, various features are sometimes
grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description
thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding
in the understanding of various inventive aspects.
[0038] While the disclosure has been described in connection with
what is (are) considered the exemplary embodiment(s), it is
understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed
embodiment(s) but is intended to cover various arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation
so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent
arrangements.
* * * * *