U.S. patent application number 17/415904 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-05 for holding device for socks.
This patent application is currently assigned to MIRBRE UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRANKT). The applicant listed for this patent is MIRBRE UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRANKT). Invention is credited to MIRKO BREITHOLZ.
Application Number | 20220132993 17/415904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006138896 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220132993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BREITHOLZ; MIRKO |
May 5, 2022 |
HOLDING DEVICE FOR SOCKS
Abstract
A holding device for socks, includes a flexible, particularly
elastic, and essentially strip-shaped body, which can be inserted
into the heel region of a shoe in such a way that the body rests
against the heel of a foot located in the shoe at least in a
lateral region of the foot and is supported on an inner sole and/or
insole of the shoe, wherein the sock of the shoe wearer can be
separably connected or is permanently connected to the body,
particularly in an upper edge region of the body, or that the body
is integrated into the sock in such a way that slipping of the sock
off the heel of the foot within the shoe is restricted, wherein the
body is in the worn state arranged entirely within the shoe.
Inventors: |
BREITHOLZ; MIRKO; (BUCHHOLZ
IN DER NORDHEIDE, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MIRBRE UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRANKT) |
Buchholz in der Nordheide |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MIRBRE UG
(HAFTUNGSBESCHRANKT)
BUCHHOLZ IN DER NORDHEIDE
DE
|
Family ID: |
1000006138896 |
Appl. No.: |
17/415904 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
June 25, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/067953 |
371 Date: |
June 18, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/28 20130101;
A41B 11/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/28 20060101
A43B023/28; A41B 11/10 20060101 A41B011/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 24, 2019 |
DE |
10 2019 119 983.2 |
Oct 24, 2019 |
DE |
10 2019 128 701.4 |
Claims
1. A holding device for socks, comprising a flexible, particularly
elastic, and essentially strip-shaped body, which can be inserted
into the heel region of a shoe in such a way that the body rests
against the heel of a foot located in the shoe at least in a
lateral region of the foot and is supported on an inner sole and/or
insole of the shoe, wherein the sock of the shoe wearer can be
separably connected or is permanently connected to the body,
particularly in an upper edge region of the body, or that the body
is integrated into the sock in such a way that slipping of the sock
off the heel of the foot within the shoe is restricted, wherein the
body is in the worn state arranged entirely within the shoe.
2. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body can be
separably connected to the sock by means of a fastening device.
3. The holding device according to claim 2, wherein the fastening
device comprises at least one body-side fastening element that is
arranged on the body, and in that the fastening device comprises at
least one sock-side fastening element that is arranged on the sock,
wherein the at least one body-side fastening element can be fixed
on the at least one sock-side fastening element.
4. The holding device according to claim 3, wherein the fastening
device comprises a Velcro connection or is realized in the form of
a Velcro connection, wherein the at least one body-side fastening
element comprises at least one first Velcro element, and wherein
the at least one sock-side fastening element comprises a second
Velcro element that can be fixed on the first Velcro element.
5. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sock can be
fixed on the body by folding the upper sock edge over an edge of
the body that faces away from the inner sole of the shoe.
6. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body has a
recess, which is arranged in the center of the body referred to a
longitudinal extent (L) of the body.
7. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body
comprises or consists of a plastic material, particularly a PP or
PE or PET material, and/or a biodegradable material, particularly a
bamboo, palm leaf, sugar cane, maize or PLA material.
8. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body has at
least one recess, preferably two recesses, wherein one respective
recess is arranged on one of the respective end regions of the
body.
9. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the holding
device respectively has a slot on a first and on a second end
region, wherein said slot extends perpendicular to the lower edge
of the body and is open toward the bottom in the worn state of the
holding device.
10. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body is
realized in such a way that the coefficient of friction of the body
in the worn state between body and sock at least corresponds to the
coefficient of friction of the pairing sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe,
wherein the coefficient of friction of the body in the worn state
between body and sock preferably is increased by 30%, particularly
by 70%, especially by 100%, in comparison with the coefficient of
friction of the pairing sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe.
11. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein part of or the
entire surface of the body undergoes a friction-enhancing surface
treatment, particularly a roughening process, and/or has a
friction-enhancing structure, particularly fine barbs, and/or
wherein part of or the entire surface of the body has a
friction-enhancing coating, particularly a coat of lacquer or a
rubber coating, and/or wherein the body consists partially or
entirely of a friction-enhancing material, particularly leather
and/or cork and/or textile.
12. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body is at
least sectionally or entirely made of a material that is permeable
to air and/or moisture and/or a moisture-regulating material.
13. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the holding
device has a sole element, which is connected to the body.
14. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the holding
device has a tab, which is connected to the body on the upper edge
or in the region of the upper edge of the body.
15. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body
comprises or consists of a printable material.
16. A sock, wherein the sock is designed for being separably
fastened on a holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sock
comprises the at least one second fastening element, or in that the
sock is permanently connected to a holding device according to one
of the preceding claims.
17. The sock according to claim 16, wherein the sock is connected
to the holding device by means of a seam or a bonded joint or by
means of an integration of the holding device into the sock fabric.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a national stage of International
Application No. PCT/EP2020/067953, filed on Jun. 25, 2020, which
claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102019119983.2
filed on Jul. 24, 2019 and German Patent Application No.
102019128701.4, filed on Oct. 24, 2019, all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0002] The present invention pertains to a holding device for
socks, as well as to a sock that is designed for being separably
fastened on such a holding device or is permanently connected to
the holding device or permanently integrates the holding
device.
PRIOR ART
[0003] Until now, stockings or socks usually are prevented from
slipping down on the leg/foot of the wearer while they are worn by
their customary anatomical shape, by elastic material or by elastic
bands that are sewn into or applied onto the sock. It is also known
to use suspender belts that comprise an elastic band, which is
fastened on the leg of the wearer on the one hand and on the
stocking or sock on the other hand, in order to hold the stocking
or the sock on the leg. However, such suspender belts have to be
fastened around the leg of the wearer in a sufficiently firm
manner, which is frequently perceived as uncomfortable by the
wearer. In addition, suspender belts typically are only suitable
for knee socks and the suspender belt is in the worn state visible
from outside above the shoe.
[0004] The above-described measures are primarily aimed at holding
the sock on the leg in a crease-free and tensioned manner, but not
at explicitly preventing the sock from slipping over the heel.
[0005] It is furthermore known to use non-slip or slip-resistant
inserts, e.g. of silicone. The silicone inserts are incorporated
into the inner side of the heel of the stocking. However, the
stocking is not reliably prevented from slipping down if the
adherence between the skin and the silicon strip is reduced by
moisture, e.g. due to sweat or creams.
[0006] For example, GB 154,987 discloses a sock holder that is worn
in the sock and has one or more a button and loop fasteners. The
sock holder extends along the leg of the wearer.
[0007] Furthermore, JPS 59-76502 discloses a sock holder that is
fastened on the sock on the one hand and fastened on the heel
region of the shoe on the outer side on the other hand.
[0008] The disadvantages of solutions known from the prior art can
be seen in that the suspender belts are visible from outside when
clothing that exposes the ankle is worn, and that said solutions
frequently are designed for long socks with long leg sections,
wherein no reliable solutions, which prevent the sock from slipping
in the shoe and at the same time are not visible from outside above
the shoe, exist for short socks that have a short leg section or no
leg section at all and are designed, for example, for being worn in
athletic shoes such as sneakers.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION: OBJECTIVE, SOLUTION, ADVANTAGES
[0009] The present invention is based on the objective of making
available a holding device for socks that reliably restricts
slipping of the sock over the heel, particularly a sock with short
leg section or no leg section or alternatively a sock with long leg
section, wherein the holding device essentially is not visible from
outside and therefore not visually objectionable in the worn state
in the shoe.
[0010] This objective is attained with a holding device for socks
that has a flexible and essentially strip-shaped body, which
nestles around the heel of the foot and can be inserted into the
heel region of a shoe such that the body rests against the heel of
a foot located in the shoe at least in a lateral region of the foot
and is supported on an inner sole and/or insole of the shoe.
[0011] A sock of the shoe wearer can be separably connected or is
permanently connected to the body, particularly in an upper edge
region of the body, in such a way that slipping of the sock within
the shoe, particularly rolling of the sock off the heel, is
restricted, preferably prevented, wherein the body is in the worn
state arranged entirely within the shoe. Alternatively, the body is
integrated into the sock in such a way that slipping of the sock
within the shoe, particularly rolling of the sock off the heel, is
restricted, wherein the body is in the worn state arranged entirely
within the shoe.
[0012] The application of the holding device is realized by putting
on the sock and, if the holding device is not permanently connected
to or integrated into the sock, subsequently nestling the holding
device around the heel and fastening the holding device on the
sock, as well as by ultimately stepping into the shoe. The
insertion of the holding device therefore takes place while the
holding device is already arranged on the stock or on the foot,
respectively.
[0013] If the holding device and the sock are two units, the
holding device is alternatively nestled into the shoe. The user
subsequently steps into the shoe while wearing the sock. The
holding device then connects to the fastening element (e.g.
Velcro).
[0014] A width of the strip-shaped body is chosen in such a way
that the width is not greater than the height of the shoe viewed
from the inner sole of the shoe up to the opening edge of the shoe
and the body therefore is not visible from outside.
[0015] The body is supported on the inner sole of the shoe on at
least three points of the body. One supporting point is
respectively arranged on the end regions of the body such that the
body is supported on the inner sole in both opposite regions
laterally of the foot and vertical slipping of the body is
restricted when the sock with the holding device worn on the foot
is located in the shoe. A third supporting point is arranged
centrally between the two end regions such that the body is in the
worn state supported on the inner sole in the region of the heel of
the foot and horizontal slipping of the body is restricted by the
foot.
[0016] The body is made of a flexible material such that it adapts
to the shape of the foot in its heel region and the holding device
can be comfortably worn on different foot shapes. This flexibility
also prevents chafing of the holding device on the foot. However,
the body is at the same time sufficiently rigid for being supported
on the inner sole when the sock is fastened on the body and for
thereby preventing the body from folding over or slipping in the
shoe.
[0017] The body is realized in an essentially strip-shaped manner,
wherein the flat regions of the body rest against the foot in the
worn state. In this case, a lower edge of the body rests at least
partially on the inner sole and a sock is permanently or separably
connected to the body in the region of an upper edge such that
slipping of the sock in the shoe, particularly slipping down of the
sock off the heel, is restricted. The body essentially has the
shape of a strip, which means that recesses may be additionally
provided, in particular, in the longitudinal edges of the
strip.
[0018] When the foot slightly moves out of the shoe during a
walking motion, the sock remains in position due to friction on the
shoe and therefore slightly moves downward on the heel of the foot.
When the shoe contacts the ground again, however, the sock is once
again pushed into the original correct position because the body is
supported on the inner sole while the foot moves back in the
direction of the inner sole. The sock is thereby raised again
because the body and the stocking are connected.
[0019] The term inner region of the shoe refers to the region of
the shoe that is delimited by an inlet opening for the foot.
[0020] The inventive holding device preferably is suitable for
short socks that have a short leg section or no leg section at all.
Socks of this type typically are not visible or only barely visible
from outside when they are worn. Accordingly, a holding device,
which likewise is not visible or at least only barely visible from
outside, is particularly advantageous for such a sock. However, the
inventive holding device basically is suitable for any type of
stocking or sock with long or short leg section. Alternatively, the
holding device preferably is also used on socks that have a long
leg section. In this case, the holding device may have a greater
height (e.g. hand's width height with cutout for the ankle).
Slipping of stockings over the heel and bunching up in the sole
region are very realistic, particularly in rubber boots, but also,
e.g., in hiking boots or ski boots.
[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the body can be
separably fastened on the sock by means of a fastening device. The
fastening device preferably is arranged in the upper edge region of
the body. It is particularly preferred to provide two fastening
devices, wherein one respective fastening device is arranged in the
end regions of the essentially strip-shaped body such that the
fastening devices are located in the respective lateral region of
the foot when the holding device is inserted into the shoe together
with the sock and the foot.
[0022] The body preferably has an upper edge and a lower edge
referred to the state, in which the body is inserted into the shoe,
wherein the lower edge can rest on the inner sole of the shoe at
least partially, preferably in its entirety.
[0023] The fastening device preferably comprises at least one
body-side fastening element that is arranged on the body, wherein
the fastening device preferably comprises at least one sock-side
fastening element that is arranged on the sock, and wherein the at
least one body-side fastening element can be fixed on or is
permanently connected to the at least one sock-side fastening
element or is integrated into the sock, respectively.
[0024] The body-side fastening element preferably is arranged in
the upper edge region of the body. The sock-side fastening element
is arranged on the sock in such a way that the sock-side fastening
element lies opposite of the body-side fastening element and the
two fastening elements can be connected to one another in order to
hold the sock in the shoe in an essentially fixed position relative
to the holding device and to prevent the sock from respectively
slipping or rolling off the heel. In this context, it is possible
that the sock slightly slips down on the heel during a running
motion when the foot slightly moves out of the shoe or lifts off
the sole while running. However, the holding device ensures that
the sock once again reaches its original position on the foot when
the shoe contacts the ground again.
[0025] The at least one body-side fastening element and the at
least one sock-side fastening element respectively have contact
surfaces that at least sectionally contact one another in order to
fasten the two fastening elements on one another. The contact
surface of the sock-side fastening element preferably is larger
than the contact surface of the body-side fastening element.
Alternatively, the contact surface of the body-side fastening
element preferably can be larger than the contact surface of the
sock-side fastening element. Since one of the two contact surfaces
is larger, the positioning of one contact surface on the other
contact surface is simplified and a certain flexibility with
respect to different foot anatomies is realized.
[0026] The two fastening elements preferably have a respective
length, wherein the body-side fastening element is longer than the
sock-side fastening element. Alternatively, the sock-side fastening
element preferably can be longer than the body-side fastening
element.
[0027] The two fastening elements preferably are realized in a flat
and/or strip-shaped and/or circular and/or triangular and/or
flexible and/or elastic manner.
[0028] The fastening device preferably comprises a Velcro
connection, wherein the at least one body-side fastening element
comprises at least one first Velcro element, and wherein the at
least one sock-side fastening element comprises a second Velcro
element that can be connected to the first Velcro element. The
Velcro connection advantageously makes it possible to fasten the
sock on the body in a particularly simple manner. Due to the
flexibility of the Velcro elements, the fastening elements are not
bothersome while the holding device is worn and the comfort is not
negatively affected by the holding device.
[0029] It would be conceivable to provide other connecting
mechanisms for fastening the sock on the body, e.g. a connection by
means of (snap) buttons or hooks, alternatively or additionally to
the Velcro connection.
[0030] The sock preferably can be fixed on the body by folding the
upper sock edge over an edge of the body that faces away from the
inner sole of the shoe. The fastening of the sock by means of
folding may be realized alternatively or additionally to the
fastening by means of the fastening device. The sock folded over
the edge of the body preferably can be additionally fixed on the
edge, e.g. by means of a clamping mechanism.
[0031] In order to fasten the sock on the body, the upper edge of
the body, over which the sock is folded, preferably can be provided
with tabs and/or projections that are formed, for example, by
recesses in the upper edge of the body. Furthermore, the sock edge
of the sock preferably can have pockets, into which the tabs on the
upper edge of the body are placed in order to fasten the sock on
the body.
[0032] The sock preferably can be realized with pockets or loops,
on which the body is supported on the sock and thereby holds the
sock in position.
[0033] A permanent connection between the body and the sock
preferably is produced, e.g. by means of a seam or a bonded joint
or by means of an incorporation into the sock fabric.
[0034] The size of the body preferably can vary in dependence on
the shoe size, for which the holding device is intended. For
example, the length of the body may vary in dependence on the shoe
size. Due to its simple structure and holding principle, however, a
holding device with a fixed size can also be used for a broad range
of shoe sizes.
[0035] The size of the body preferably can vary in dependence on
the sock model, for which the holding device is intended, e.g.
socks for a gym shoes, for sneakers, for high heels, for ballet
flats or for boots of all sorts.
[0036] The body preferably has a recess that is arranged in the
center of the body referred to its longitudinal extent. The recess
preferably is realized in the form of a depression along the upper
edge of the body referred to the worn state such that the width of
the body is reduced in the region of the recess. This recess in the
body advantageously prevents chafing of the body on the foot in the
heel region.
[0037] The recess preferably extends along the upper edge of the
body from a first end region of the body to a second end region of
the body, particularly up to a respective point on the respective
end regions, at which the fastening device associated with the
respective end region is arranged.
[0038] The body preferably comprises a plastic material,
particularly a PP or PE or PET material, and/or a biodegradable
material, particularly a bamboo, palm leaf, sugar cane, maize or
PLA material. The material of the body is chosen in such a way that
the body is on the one hand flexible in order to optimally adapt to
different foot shapes and on the other hand sufficiently rigid for
being adequately supported on the inner sole of the shoe in order
to prevent the sock from slipping down. The body preferably can
have a soft coating in order to additionally enhance the wearing
comfort.
[0039] The body preferably is realized in such a way that its
surface has an increased coefficient of friction upon contact with
the surrounding materials, particularly with the sock and/or with
the foot. The body specifically is realized in such a way that the
coefficient of friction of the body in the worn state between body
and sock at least corresponds to the coefficient of friction of the
pairing sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe. The coefficient of friction of
the body in the worn state between body and sock preferably at
least corresponds to the coefficient of friction of the pairing
sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe. The coefficient of friction of the body
in the worn state between body and sock particularly is increased
by 30%, preferably by 70%, especially by 100%, in comparison with
the coefficient of friction of the pairing sock-shoe and
skin-shoe.
[0040] To this end, the surface of the body preferably is treated,
particularly by means of a roughening process and/or by producing a
structure such as fine barbs in the surface of the body.
[0041] Furthermore, a rubber coating preferably can be applied onto
the body. In addition, the surface of the body may be realized in
the form of a so-called "soft touch" surface, i.e. a coating,
particularly of plastic, is applied onto the surface and renders
the surface soft and/or slightly adherent in order to increase the
coefficient of friction.
[0042] Furthermore, friction-enhancing lacquers preferably can be
applied onto the surface of the body. According to another
advantageous embodiment, it is proposed to apply textiles onto the
body.
[0043] The above-described surface treatments and surface coatings
preferably can be realized either on the entire surface of the body
or only on a partial region or multiple partial regions of the body
surface. The portion of the body surface realized with a
corresponding surface treatment and/or surface coating particularly
is sufficiently large for achieving an adequate adherence between
the holding device and the sock such that slipping of the sock off
the heel is prevented or at least reduced.
[0044] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is
proposed that the body consists entirely or partially of a material
with high friction, e.g. of leather, cork or textile. Furthermore,
materials of this type can be provided on the surface of a body
consisting of a different material.
[0045] It is furthermore preferred that any combinations of the
above-described measures for increasing the coefficient of friction
between the body and the sock, particularly surface treatment,
surface coating and choice of body material, basically can be
realized. For example, partial regions of the body may undergo a
surface treatment whereas other partial regions of the same body
have a surface coating. Furthermore, different combinations of
friction-enhancing materials are respectively possible in or on a
body. Even a combination of partial regions of a material with
enhanced friction and partial regions with a surface treatment
and/or surface coating is advantageously conceivable.
[0046] The body preferably comprises or consists of a printable
material.
[0047] The body preferably is realized colorfully. Furthermore,
shades between white and black preferably are provided. This
enhances the visual appeal of the body for the user. In addition,
the holding device may be color-coded with respect to different
design variations, e.g. with respect to the (shoe) size or the
shape, such that the wearer can easily distinguish between
different models of holding devices. The body preferably is
realized transparently. It therefore acts universally inconspicuous
for all sock colors.
[0048] The body preferably has at least one recess, particularly a
plurality of recesses. The at least one recess may be a
through-opening in the body or a recess on the edge of the body.
The at least one recess improves the ventilation in the shoe and
reduces an accumulation of heat and moisture.
[0049] In addition, the body preferably can be fastened on the
shoe, e.g. on the shoelace, through a recess in order to secure the
body against loss when it is not worn.
[0050] Multiple recesses preferably can be provided as long as a
sufficient stability of the body with respect to its holding
properties is still realized.
[0051] It is preferred to respectively provide at least one recess,
particularly a through-opening, in the end regions of the body. The
body preferably is realized in such a way that the body has three
sections, which directly transition into one another, i.e. three
directly adjacent sections. A first section and a second section
are respectively formed by the two end regions of the body. It is
preferred that the recess, particularly the through-opening, is
respectively provided in these end regions.
[0052] A third section, particularly a central region of the body,
is arranged between the two end regions and preferably connects the
first and the second section or the end regions of the body to one
another. The third section preferably has a smaller width than the
respective end regions along a longitudinal extent of the body such
that the third section forms a recess in the body. The third
section preferably has a constant and a varying width along the
longitudinal extent of the body.
[0053] This design advantageously makes it possible to realize the
body in a particularly material-saving manner. In addition, the
wearing comfort of the holding device is advantageously enhanced
because the heel region of the holding device has on the one hand a
narrow design and the formation of moisture in this region is on
the other hand reduced.
[0054] The body-side fastening elements preferably are arranged in
an upper edge region of the respective end regions of the body.
[0055] The body preferably is at least sectionally or entirely made
of a material that is permeable to air and/or moisture and/or a
moisture-regulating material. Inserts of a material that is
permeable to air and/or moisture and/or a moisture-regulating
material preferably can also be provided in the recesses.
[0056] The holding device preferably has a sole element that is
connected to the body. The sole element advantageously increases
the stability of the holding device. The sole element can cover the
entire surface of the region of the inner sole, in which the
holding device is arranged, i.e. preferably the region of the heel.
The sole element preferably can be realized in the form of a mere
strip that connects the two end regions of the strip-shaped body to
one another.
[0057] The body preferably has at least one sole tab element that
extends parallel to the shoe sole starting from a lower edge of the
body, which in the worn state faces the shoe sole. The sole tab
element preferably extends along the first and/or the second end
region of the body, particularly in a continuous manner. It is
preferred to arrange one respective sole tab element in the first
and the second end region of the body.
[0058] The sole tab element preferably is arranged at an
essentially right angle to the surface of the body, particularly
the surface of the body in the end regions. The sole tab element
preferably is realized integrally with the body and forms a region
that is bent relative to the body. The width of the sole tab
element preferably is significantly smaller than its longitudinal
extent along the lower edge of the body.
[0059] The sole tab element advantageously makes it possible to
reduce or prevent slipping of the body underneath the sole of the
foot.
[0060] The holding device preferably can be connected to an insole
that can be inserted into the shoe. To this end, the holding device
preferably has a slot on the first and on the second end region,
wherein said slot extends perpendicular to the lower edge and is
open toward the bottom in the worn state of the holding device.
These two slots make it possible to attach the holding device to a
protruding edge of the insole and to thereby fix the holding device
on this insole. The slots serve for positioning the body in
portions behind the insole and in portions in front of the insole.
In this way, the body can be supported on the insole such that the
body is prevented from slipping down into the sole region.
[0061] It is preferred to respectively arrange the slots at a
distance of 1 cm, preferably 1.2 cm, particularly 1.5 cm, from the
respective ends of the body. Consequently, the two slots lie
opposite of one another in the worn state of the holding device and
are respectively arranged laterally on the foot such that the
holding device is optimally held in the shoe.
[0062] The holding device preferably has a tab element that is
fastened on the body, preferably in the upper edge region. The tab
element preferably is realized in a printable manner. The tab
element advantageously makes it possible to simplify the
positioning of the holding device in the shoe. While the holding
device is worn, the tab element can either be concealed within the
shoe or worn such that it protrudes out of the shoe.
[0063] Messages, images, logos, drawings, jewelry such as
rhinestones or luminous elements preferably can be applied onto or
suspended from the tab element.
[0064] At least a few or all corners and/or edges of the body of
the holding device preferably are realized in a rounded manner in
order to enhance the wearing comfort of the holding device and to
prevent chafing of the body on the foot and/or on the sock and/or
on the shoe.
[0065] The invention furthermore pertains to a sock that is
designed for being separably or permanently fastened on an
above-described holding device, wherein the sock comprises the at
least one second fastening element.
[0066] The body preferably is permanently connected to the sock,
e.g. by means of a seam or a bonded joint or by means of an
incorporation into the sock fabric.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0067] The present invention is described in greater detail below
with reference to the figures. In these figures:
[0068] FIG. 1 shows a representation of the body of the holding
device,
[0069] FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of the body of the
holding device in the bent state, in which it is adapted to the
shape of a foot,
[0070] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation through a shoe
in the form of a top view of the shoe, wherein a foot with a sock
held by the holding device is arranged in the shoe,
[0071] FIG. 4 shows a lateral cross-sectional representation of the
holding device in the worn state,
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a representation of another embodiment of the
body of the holding device,
[0073] FIG. 6 shows a representation of the body in the worn state,
in which it is arranged in the shoe,
[0074] FIG. 7a shows a representation of another embodiment of the
body of the holding device, and
[0075] FIG. 7b shows another representation of the embodiment of
the body of the holding device according to FIG. 7a.
[0076] FIG. 1 shows a representation of the body (10) of the
holding device (100). The body (10) essentially is realized in a
strip-shaped manner and has a longitudinal extent (L), which
extends along a length of the strip shape of the body (10). The
holding device (100) has a fastening device (17), which is fastened
on the body (10) in an upper edge region (16) of the body (10). The
body (10) has two end regions (18a, 18c) and a central region
(18b), wherein the fastening device (17, 17a) is respectively
arranged in the end regions (18a, 18c). The fastening device (17,
17a) comprises two body-side fastening elements (17a), wherein one
respective body-side fastening element (17a) is arranged in one of
the end regions (18a, 18c) of the body (10). The body-side
fastening elements (17a) make it possible to fasten the body (10)
on sock-side fastening elements (17a), which are arranged on the
sock (15) and not illustrated in the figure.
[0077] The two end regions (18a, 18c) have a width (B1) that is
greater than a width (B2) of the central region (18b). Since the
width (B2) is smaller than the width (B1), a recess (21) is formed
in the central region (18b). The recess (21) is in the worn state
of the holding device (100) arranged in the heel region (11) of the
foot (13) such that chafing of the upper edge region (16) is
advantageously prevented while the holding device is worn.
[0078] At least the corners of the body (10), which are formed in
the upper edge region (16) or border on the upper edge region (16),
are realized in a rounded manner in order to additionally prevent
chafing of the body (10) while the holding device (100) is
worn.
[0079] FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of the body (10)
of the holding device (100) in a bent state, in which it is adapted
to the shape of the foot (13) or the shape of the heel region (11)
of the foot (13), respectively. In this state, the end regions
(18a, 18c) of the body (10), as well as the body-side fastening
elements (17a), are arranged such that they lie opposite of one
another. In the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the body (10) can be
fastened on the sock (15) in its heel region (11).
[0080] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation through a shoe
(12) in the form of a top view of the shoe (12), wherein a foot
(13) with a sock (15) held by the holding device (100) is arranged
in the shoe (12) such that slipping down of the sock (15) off the
heel of the foot (13) is restricted.
[0081] The body (10) is fastened on the sock (15) by means of the
fastening device (17). A body-side fastening element (17a) is
respectively arranged in the two end regions (18a, 18c) of the body
(10), wherein the two body-side fastening elements (17a) are
respectively fastened on a sock-side fastening element (17b). The
body-side fastening elements (17a) may be respectively realized,
for example, in the form of a first Velcro element such as a hook
band, wherein said body-side fastening elements are fastened on the
sock-side fastening elements (17b), which are respectively realized
in the form of a second Velcro element such as a loop band, by
means of a Velcro connection. Alternatively, the first Velcro
element may also be realized in the form of a loop band and the
second Velcro element may be realized in the form of a hook
band.
[0082] The holding device (100) or the body (10) of the holding
device (100) respectively has a U-shape in the worn state. Since
the body (10) is made of a flexible material, particularly an
elastic material, the body (10) advantageously can adapt itself to
different foot shapes and the respective flexibility or elasticity
of the body (10) prevents chafing of the body (10) on the foot of
the wearer.
[0083] The body (10) rests and is supported on the inner sole (14)
of the shoe (12) with its lower edge region (19). In this way, the
body (10) of the holding device (100) is reliably held in its
position on the foot such that the sock (15) fastened on the body
(10) is prevented from slipping down off the heel of the foot (13)
and into the front region of the shoe (12). In this case, the sock
may in fact temporarily slip down on the foot or the heel together
with the holding device when the foot slightly moves out of the
shoe while running. However, the holding device ensures that the
sock once again reaches its original position on the foot once the
shoe contacts the ground again.
[0084] According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower edge region (19) is
realized in such a way that the body (10) rests on the inner sole
(14) of the shoe (12) with its entire lower edge. At least three
supporting points are required in the lower edge region (19) in
order to firmly hold the sock (13) in its position in the shoe
(12), wherein one supporting point is respectively arranged in the
end regions (18a, 18c) and an additional supporting point is
arranged in the central region (18b).
[0085] FIG. 4 shows a lateral cross-sectional representation of the
holding device (100) in the worn state in a shoe (12). The holding
device (100) is arranged in the heel region (11) of the foot (13)
and encloses the heel in its entirety. The width of the holding
device (100) or the body (10) is respectively chosen in such a way
that the holding device (100) is arranged entirely in the interior
of the shoe (12). This particularly means that the holding device
(100) does not protrude beyond an upper edge (20) of the shoe (12).
In this way, the holding device (100) is advantageously not
perceived as visually objectionable.
[0086] The length and the width of the body (10) can be chosen in
dependence on the shoe size. For example, the body (10) may have an
overall length between 10 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 12 cm
and 18 cm, particularly 15 cm, along its longitudinal extent
(L).
[0087] For example, the two end regions (18a, 18c) may have a width
B1 between 2 cm and 6 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm,
particularly 4 cm, and the central region (18b) may have a width B2
between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm, preferably between 0.7 cm and 1.3 cm,
particularly 1 cm. The width B1 amounts, for example, to between
15% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 26%, particularly 23%, of
the overall length of the body (10). The width B2 amounts, for
example, to between 14% and 42%, preferably between 20% and 37%,
particularly 28%, of the width B1.
[0088] For example, the recess (21) may have a length between 2 cm
and 6 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm, particularly 4 cm,
along the longitudinal extent (L) of the body (10). The length of
the recess (21) amounts, for example, to between 13% and 40%,
preferably between 20% and 33%, particularly 27%, of the overall
length of the body (10).
[0089] The body preferably has a maximum thickness between 0.1 mm
and, 1 mm, particularly between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, especially 0.4
mm. The thickness of the body preferably is constant at any point
of the body. The thickness of the body may alternatively be chosen
differently at different points in order to reinforce particularly
stressed regions without having to increase the thickness of the
entire body.
[0090] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the holding device (100)
comprising the body (10), wherein the body (10) has two end regions
(18a, 18c) and a central region (18b). In this case, the width (B2)
of the body (10) in the central region (18b) is smaller,
particularly about 50% smaller, than the width (B1) of the end
regions (18a, 18c). Rectangular recesses in the form of
through-openings (22) are provided in the end regions (18a, 18c) of
the body (10). The recesses may also have shapes other than the
rectangular shape shown, e.g. a circular or oval shape.
[0091] The lower edge region (19) of the body (10) respectively has
a sole tab element (23) in the two end regions (18a, 18c). This
sole tab element advantageously serves for preventing or at least
reducing slipping of the body (10) underneath the sole of the foot.
The sole tab element (23) may be a section of the body (10) that is
bent over in such a way that it is arranged parallel to the shoe
sole in the worn state of the holding device (100). A body-side
fastening element (17a), e.g. a hook band for producing a Velcro
connection with a sock-side loop band, is respectively arranged in
the end regions (18a, 18c) in the region of the upper edge (20) of
the body (10).
[0092] FIG. 5 furthermore shows the body (10) in the flat state,
i.e. in the unbent state, wherein the sole tab elements (23) are
likewise not bent over. The central region (18b) not only has a
first recess (21) in the upper edge region (19a), but also a second
recess (21a) in the lower edge region (19) of the body (10),
wherein the depth of this second recess is reduced in comparison
with the first recess (21).
[0093] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the holding device (100)
according to FIG. 5 in the worn state in the shoe. The body (10) of
the holding device (100) is nestled around the heel of the wearer.
The two end regions (18a, 18c) of the body (10) are respectively
arranged laterally on the foot of the wearer. In this case, the
sock (15) essentially is fastened on the holding device (100)
solely by means of the two fastening elements (17b) arranged in the
end regions (18a, 18c) of the body (10).
[0094] FIGS. 7a shows another embodiment of the holding device
(100), as well as an insole (25), against which the body is
nestled. The holding device (100) comprises the body (10), wherein
the body (10) has two end regions (18a, 18c) and a central region
(18b). In this case, the width (B2) of the body (10) in the central
region (18b) is smaller, particularly about 25% smaller, than the
width (B1) of the end regions (18a, 18c). Five circular recesses in
the form of through-openings (22) are respectively provided in the
end regions (18a, 18c) of the body (10). The recesses may also have
shapes other than the circular shape shown, e.g. an oval or
rectangular shape.
[0095] The lower edge region (19) of the body (10) respectively has
a sole tab element (23) and a slot (24a, 24b) in the two end
regions (18a, 18c). The slot (24a, 24b) serves for positioning the
body (10) partially in front of the insole and partially behind the
insole. In this way, the body is reliably supported on the insole
(25) and slipping down of the body is respectively prevented or
reduced. A body-side fastening element (17a), e.g. a hook band for
producing a Velcro connection with a sock-side loop band, is
respectively arranged in the end regions (18a, 18c) in the region
of the upper edge (20) of the body (10).
[0096] FIG. 7b furthermore shows the body (10) in the flat state,
i.e. in the unbent state, wherein the sole tab elements (23) are
likewise not bent over. The slots (24a, 24b) are arranged adjacent
to the sole tab elements (23). The central region (18b) not only
has a first recess (21) in the upper edge region (19a), but also a
second recess (21a) in the lower edge region (19) of the body (10),
wherein the depth of this second recess is reduced in comparison
with the first recess (21).
* * * * *