An expansion sock includes one or more expansion zones formed of a different type of knitted fabric than adjacent zones. The expansion zones permit the sock to be used on a person's bandaged foot because the bandaged portions of the foot can be accommodated without either increased pressure on the bandages while minimizing excess, bunched material adjacent thereto.

The present invention relates generally to a sock having one or more support assemblages for providing structural support to one or more regions of the foot of the wearer. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an arch support assemblage that is adapted to cover an arch of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an Achilles support assemblage that is adapted to cover the Achilles tendon of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an ankle support assemblage that is adapted to cover a portion of the ankle of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, the sock may comprise multiple support assemblages to provide structural support to different regions of the foot of the wearer. Typically, a support assemblage will have an elasticity coefficient that is lower than an elasticity coefficient of the other areas of the sock.

Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.

Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.

A protective sock that integrates a protective padding to provide a unitary garment is disclosed. As such, a wearer's need to frequently adjust the position of the protective equipment is likely reduced. An integrated and flexible protective padding also limits the amount of equipment required by the wearer. The padding also conforms to the wearer's body, and thus likely increases the athlete's wearer's comfort. A protective sock that integrates a high friction surface to restrict the movement of any secondary equipment is also disclosed. Such a restriction prevents the exposure of a wearer's body to potential injury. Movement of the secondary equipment may also be distracting to the wearer. As such, the integrated high friction surface likely provides the athlete wearer with a performance advantage. The sock may integrate the protective padding and/or the high friction surface.

Sensing devices including sensors such as flexible and stretchable fabric-based pressure sensors, may be associated with or incorporated in garments, such as socks, intended to be worn against a body surface (directly or indirectly). Specific manifestations of a sensing system incorporated in a sock substrate are described in detail. Dedicated electronic devices interface electrically with sensors through intermediate conductive traces, optional conductive bridges, conductive contacts provided in a mounting tab.

Sensing devices including sensors such as flexible and stretchable fabric-based pressure sensors, may be associated with or incorporated in garments, such as socks, intended to be worn against a body surface (directly or indirectly). Specific manifestations of a sensing system incorporated in a sock substrate are described in detail. Dedicated electronic devices interface electrically with sensors through intermediate conductive traces, optional conductive bridges, conductive contacts provided in a mounting tab.

A massaging system including a boot assembly, a sock assembly, a hydrotherapy assembly and a remote assembly is disclosed. The boot assembly includes a boot with a reservoir for water that is filled through a valve and sealed with a valve cap. Within the boot is a cavity to suspend a sock of the sock assembly within. Along the perimeter of the cavity are jet nozzles to spray water from the reservoir to the sock to provide hydrotherapy to a foot of a user received within the sock. Openings are also located about the perimeter of the cavity allowing water to be returned to the reservoir for continued use. The hydrotherapy assembly includes a water pump and a water heater that cooperate with the jet nozzles to control the settings thereof. The user is able to control the jet nozzles with a remote to customize the hydrotherapy received.

A massaging system including a boot assembly, a sock assembly, a hydrotherapy assembly and a remote assembly is disclosed. The boot assembly includes a boot with a reservoir for water that is filled through a valve and sealed with a valve cap. Within the boot is a cavity to suspend a sock of the sock assembly within. Along the perimeter of the cavity are jet nozzles to spray water from the reservoir to the sock to provide hydrotherapy to a foot of a user received within the sock. Openings are also located about the perimeter of the cavity allowing water to be returned to the reservoir for continued use. The hydrotherapy assembly includes a water pump and a water heater that cooperate with the jet nozzles to control the settings thereof. The user is able to control the jet nozzles with a remote to customize the hydrotherapy received.

A multilayer fabric for selectively blocking or transmitting particular wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, such solar radiation, and far infrared (FIR) radiation. The multilayer fabric may include a microporous water vapor permeable layer that selectively filters particular wavelengths depending on the size of its pores. In some embodiments, the multilayer fabric may include a nanostructured layer that selectively filters particular wavelengths.