Sock with elastic heel

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for impeding a downward travel of a leg section of a sock by the use of a retainer provided about at least one of a heel of the sock and a heel opening, defined by a heel opening perimeter, of the sock, wherein the retainer impedes the downward travel of the leg section of the sock. A method is provided for the use of the retainer to impede the downward travel of the leg section of the sock.

Claims

1. A sock positionable over a leg, a heel and a foot, the sock comprising: a leg section, an ankle section, and a foot section; the leg section connected with the ankle section at an ankle section first end; the foot section connected with the ankle section at an ankle section second end; the foot section having a toe section opposite the ankle section second end; the ankle section having a heel section positioned between the ankle section first end and the ankle section second end, wherein the heel section is configured to house at least one of the leg or the foot, wherein the leg section, foot section, and ankle section are made of the same material as the heel section; an elastic material in seamed communication with the sock at the heel section by stitching; the elastic material defining an annular perimeter about the heel section in close proximity to the heel; and wherein the elastic material provides for a compressive force about the annular perimeter and the compressive force impedes a downward travel of the leg section.

2. The sock of claim 1, further comprising the annular perimeter is at least one of a continuous perimeter or a discontinuous perimeter.

3. The sock of claim 1, further comprising the at least one elastic material comprising at least one of a first region of compressive force or a second region of compressive force.

4. The sock of claim 1, further comprising the annular perimeter connected with the heel and a foot section bottom.

5. The sock of claim 1, further comprising the at least one elastic material in at least one of affixed or removably connected with the sock.

6. A method of using a sock positionable over a leg, a heel and a foot, the sock having: a leg section, an ankle section, and a foot section; the leg section connected with the ankle section at an ankle section first end; the foot section connected with the ankle section at an ankle section second end; the ankle section having a heel section positioned between the ankle section first end and the ankle section second end; wherein the leg section, the foot section, and the ankle section are made of the same material as the heel section; an elastic material in seamed communication with the sock at the heel section by stitching; the method comprising: the elastic material defining an annular perimeter about the heel section in close proximity to the heel; the elastic material placing a compressive force about the annular perimeter; the leg section traveling in a direction of the heel section; and the elastic material impeding a downward travel of the leg section.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the leg section traveling down a body appendage in the direction of the heel section.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the leg section ceasing the downward travel.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising placing the body appendage in the sock, wherein the heel section is configured to house at least one of the leg or the foot.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising the impeding the downward travel of the leg section in close proximity to the heel section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is to a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is to a side view of the first embodiment of the invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is to a rear view of the first embodiment of the invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is to a bottom view of the first embodiment of the invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is to a side view of the second embodiment of the invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is to a rear view of the second embodiment of the invention.

(7) FIG. 7 is to a bottom view of the second embodiment of the invention.

(8) FIG. 8 is a side view of a method for applying the invention illustrating the invention prior to movement.

(9) FIG. 9 is the side view of the method for applying the invention illustrating the invention during movement.

(10) FIG. 10 is the side view of the method for applying the invention illustrating the downward movement of a leg section of the invention.

(11) FIG. 11 is flowchart of the method for applying the invention.

(12) FIG. 12 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention illustrating a discontinuous perimeter.

(13) FIG. 13 is to a side view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrating a discontinuous perimeter.

(14) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention illustrating at least one of a first region of compressive force and a second region of compressive force.

(15) FIG. 15 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention.

(16) FIG. 16 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrating a perimeter of an at least one retainer in at least partial communication with a heel opening perimeter.

(17) FIG. 17 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrating the perimeter of the at least one retainer offset from the heel opening perimeter.

(18) FIG. 18 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(19) Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

(20) With respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The invention comprises a sock 10. The sock 10 comprises a leg section 12, an ankle section 16 and a foot section 14. The leg section 12 comprises a leg section first end 17 and an oppositely opposed leg section second end 19. A leg section tubular section 21 resides between the leg section first end 17 and the leg section second end 19. The leg section first end 17 provides for an opening 18. The opening 18 is defined by an opening rim 20. The opening rim 20 preferably defines the perimeter of the opening 18. The opening 18 preferably comprises at least substantially all of the leg section first end 17. Alternatively, the opening 18 may comprise less than substantially all of the leg section first end 17. The opening 18 is defined wherein a body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, may be inserted in the opening 18.

(21) As illustrated in FIG. 2, a side view of the first embodiment of the invention, the leg section tubular section 21 is defined by a leg section front 28, a leg section back 30, and an at least one leg section side 32 separating the leg section front 28 from the leg section back 30. The leg section front 28, the leg section back 30, and the at least one leg section sides 32 are oriented to create the leg section tubular section 21 defined by the leg section first end 17 and the leg section second end 19. Wherein upon the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, being inserted in the opening 18, the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, travels within the leg section tubular section 21 to the leg section second end 19.

(22) The leg section second end 19 is in communication with the ankle section 16. The ankle section comprises an ankle section first end 45 and an oppositely opposed ankle section second end 46. An ankle section tubular section 48 resides between the ankle section first end 45 and the ankle section second end 46. The ankle section first end 45 provides for an ankle section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures). The ankle section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures) is in communication with a leg section second end opening (not illustrated in the figures) where the leg section second end 19 communicates with the ankle section first end 45. It is noted, the communication between the leg section second end 19 and the ankle section first end 45 may be may vary in location on the sock 10.

(23) The ankle section tubular section 48 is defined by an ankle section front 47, a heel 22, an at least one ankle section first side 40, and an at least one ankle section second side 42. The at least one ankle section first side 40 and the at least one ankle section second side 42 provide for separation between the ankle section front 47 and the heel 22. The ankle section front 47, the heel 22, the at least one ankle section first side 40 and the at least one ankle section second side 42 are oriented to create the ankle section tubular section 48. The ankle section tubular section 48 is defined by the ankle section first end 45 and the ankle section second end 46.

(24) As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the ankle section 16 and the leg section 12 are positioned such that the leg section back 30 is adjoined to the heel 22. The ankle section 16 and the leg section 12 are positioned such that the leg section front 28 is adjoined to the ankle section front 47. The ankle section 16 and the leg section 12 are positioned such that the at least one leg section side 32 is adjoined to the ankle section first side 40. The ankle section 16 and the leg section 12 are positioned such that the at least one leg section side 32 is adjoined to the ankle section second side 42. Where in a tubular section (not illustrated in the figures) is defined by the communication between the leg section 12 and the ankle section 16. Wherein upon the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, travels beyond the leg section second end 19, thru the ankle section tubular section 48 to the ankle section second end 42.

(25) As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the foot section 14 comprises a foot section first end 52 and an oppositely opposed toe section 15. The toe section 15 may be a closed toe section 23. A foot section tubular section 54 resides between and is defined by the foot section first end 52 and the toe section 15. A foot section tubular section 54 resides between the foot section first end 52 and the toe section 15. The toe section first end 52 provides for a toe section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures). The toe section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures) is in communication with an ankle section second end opening (not illustrated in the figures) where the ankle section second end 46 communicates with the toe section first end 52. It is noted, the communication between the ankle section second end 46 and the toe section first end 52 may be may vary in location on the sock 10.

(26) The foot section tubular section 54 is defined by a foot section top 24, a foot section bottom 26, and at least one foot section side 34. The at least one foot section side 34 provides for separation between the foot section top 24 and the foot section bottom 26. The foot section top 24, the foot section bottom 26, and the at least one foot section side 34 are oriented to create the foot section tubular section 54.

(27) The ankle section 16 and the foot section 14 are positioned such that the ankle section front 47 is adjoined to the foot section top 24. The ankle section 16 and the foot section 14 are positioned such that the heel 22 is adjoined to the foot section bottom 26. The ankle section 16 and the foot section 14 are positioned such that the at least one foot section side 34 is adjoined to the ankle section first side 40. The ankle section 16 and the foot section 14 are positioned such that the at least one foot section side 34 is adjoined to the ankle section second side 42. Where in a tubular section (not illustrated in the figures) is defined by the communication between the ankle section 16 and the foot section 14. Wherein upon the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, travels beyond the ankle section second end 46, thru the foot section tubular section 54 to the toe section 15. Wherein, an appendage heel 50 rests in the heel 22 of the sock 10.

(28) As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 14, and 15, in proximity to the heel 22 of the sock 10, an at least one retainer 38 comprises a perimeter 62 about the heel 22. The at least one retainer 38 preferably comprises the perimeter 62 which is a continuous perimeter 64 about the heel 22. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the at least one retainer 38 may comprise the perimeter 62 which is a discontinuous perimeter 70 about the heel 22. At least one of the at least one retainer 38 preferably provides for a compressive force 88 about the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, in substantial proximity to the perimeter 62. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the compressive force 88 is preferably provide from at least substantially all the at least one retainer 38. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may provide for a first region of compressive force 72, about the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, in substantial proximity to the perimeter 62 and extending towards a heel end 68. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may provide for a second region of compressive force 74, about the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, in substantial proximity to the perimeter 62 and extending towards, and in substantial proximity to, the heel end 68. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the case of the at least one retainer 38 providing for the first region of compressive force 72 or the second region of compressive force 74, the compressive force 88 is preferably provided on at least substantially all of the first region of compressive force 72 or at least substantially all of the second region of compressive force 74.

(29) The at least one retainer 38 has a location 60 such that the perimeter 62 of the at least one retainer 38 is preferably in communication with the heel 22. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the at least one retainer 38 has a location 60 such that the perimeter 62 of the at least one retainer 38 may be in communication with at least one of the heel 22 and the foot section bottom 26. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 15, at least one of the at least one retainer 38 may have a location 60 such that the perimeter 62 of the at least one retainer 38 may be in communication with a combination of at least one of the heel 22, the leg section second end 19, the leg section back 30, the at least one leg section side 32, the leg section tubular section 21, the ankle section first end 45, the ankle section second end 46, the ankle section first side 40, the ankle section second side 42, the ankle section tubular section 48, the foot section first end 52, the foot section bottom 26, the at least one foot section side 34, and the foot section tubular section 54.

(30) The at least one retainer 38 preferably comprises elastic material. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may comprise non-elastic material. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may comprise at least one of elastic material and non-elastic material.

(31) The at least one retainer 38 is preferably in fixed communication 78 with the sock 10. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may be in removable communication 80 with the sock 10.

(32) The at least one retainer 38 is preferably in seamed communication 82 with the sock 10, for example stitching. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may be in welded communication 84 with the sock 10. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may be in hook-and-loop communication 86 with the sock 10.

(33) Wherein, the compressive force 88 of the retainer 38 impedes the downward progression of the leg section 12 of the sock 10.

(34) With respect to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The invention comprises a sock 110. The sock 110 comprises a leg section 112, an ankle section 116 and a foot section 114. The leg section 112 comprises a leg section first end 117 and an oppositely opposed leg section second end 119. A leg section tubular section 121 resides between the leg section first end 117 and the leg section second end 119. The leg section first end 117 provides for an opening 118. The opening 118 is defined by an opening rim 120. The opening rim 120 preferably defines the perimeter of the opening 118. The opening 118 preferably comprises at least substantially all of the leg section first end 117. Alternatively, the opening 118 may comprise less than substantially all of the leg section first end 117. The opening 118 is defined wherein a body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, may be inserted in the opening 118.

(35) As illustrated in FIG. 5, a side view of the second embodiment of the invention, the leg section tubular section 121 is defined by a leg section front 128, a leg section back 130, and an at least one leg section side 132 separating the leg section front 28 from the leg section back 130. The leg section front 128, the leg section back 130, and the at least one leg section sides 132 are oriented to create the leg section tubular section 121 defined by the leg section first end 117 and the leg section second end 119. Wherein upon the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, being inserted in the opening 118, the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, travels within the leg section tubular section 121 to the leg section second end 119.

(36) The leg section second end 119 is in communication with the ankle section 116. The ankle section comprises an ankle section first end 145 and an oppositely opposed ankle section second end 146. An ankle section tubular section 148 resides between the ankle section first end 145 and the ankle section second end 146. The ankle section first end 145 provides for an ankle section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures). The ankle section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures) is in communication with a leg section second end opening (not illustrated in the figures) where the leg section second end 119 communicates with the ankle section first end 145. It is noted, the communication between the leg section second end 119 and the ankle section first end 145 may be may vary in location on the sock 110.

(37) The ankle section tubular section 148 is defined by an ankle section front 147, a heel opening 133, heel opening perimeter 137, an at least one ankle section first side 140, and an at least one ankle section second side 142. The heel opening 133 is defined by the heel opening perimeter 137. The at least one ankle section first side 140 and the at least one ankle section second side 142 provide for separation between the ankle section front 147 and the heel opening perimeter 137. The ankle section front 147, the heel opening perimeter 137, the heel opening 133, the at least one ankle section first side 140 and the at least one ankle section second side 142 are oriented to create the ankle section tubular section 148. The ankle section tubular section 148 is defined by the ankle section first end 145 and the ankle section second end 146.

(38) As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ankle section 116 and the leg section 112 are positioned such that the leg section back 130 is adjoined to the heel opening perimeter 137. The ankle section 116 and the leg-section 112 are positioned such that the leg section front 128 is adjoined to the ankle section front 147. The ankle section 116 and the leg section 112 are positioned such that the at least one leg section side 132 is adjoined to the ankle section first side 140. The ankle section 116 and the leg section 112 are positioned such that the at least one leg section side 132 is adjoined to the ankle section second side 142. Where in a tubular section (not illustrated in the figures) is defined by the communication between the leg section 112 and the ankle section 116. Wherein upon the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, travels beyond the leg section second end 119, thru the ankle section tubular section 148 to the ankle section second end 142.

(39) As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the foot section 114 comprises a foot section first end 152 and an oppositely opposed toe section 115. The toe section 115 may be a closed toe section 123. A foot section tubular section 154 resides between and is defined by the foot section first end 152 and the toe section 115. A foot section tubular section 154 resides between the foot section first end 152 and the toe section 115. The toe section first end 152 provides for a toe section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures). The toe section first end opening (not illustrated in the figures) is in communication with an ankle section second end opening (not illustrated in the figures) where the ankle section second end 146 communicates with the toe section first end 152. It is noted, the communication between the ankle section second end 146 and the toe section first end 152 may be may vary in location on the sock 110.

(40) The foot section tubular section 154 is defined by a foot section top 124, a foot section bottom 126, and at least one foot section side 134. The at least one foot section side 134 provides for separation between the foot section top 24 and the foot section bottom 126. The foot section top 124, the foot section bottom 126, and the at least one foot section side 134 are oriented to create the foot section tubular section 154.

(41) The ankle section 116 and the foot section 114 are positioned such that the ankle section front 147 is adjoined to the foot section top 124. The ankle section 116 and the foot section 114 are positioned such that the heel opening perimeter 137 is adjoined to the foot section bottom 126. The ankle section 116 and the foot section 114 are positioned such that the at least one foot section side 134 is adjoined to the ankle section first side 140. The ankle section 116 and the foot section 114 are positioned such that the at least one foot section side 134 is adjoined to the ankle section second side 142. Where in a tubular section. (not illustrated in the figures) is defined by the communication between the ankle section 116 and the foot section 114. Wherein upon the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, travels beyond the ankle section second end 146, thru the foot section tubular section 154 to the toe section 115. Wherein, an appendage heel 50 rests in the heel opening 133 of the sock 110.

(42) As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 13, 16, 17 and 18, in proximity to the heel opening perimeter 137 of the sock 110, an at least one retainer 138 comprises a perimeter 162 about the heel opening perimeter 137. The at least one retainer 138 preferably comprises the perimeter 162 which is a continuous perimeter 164 about the heel opening perimeter 137. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the at least one retainer 138 may comprise the perimeter 162 which is a discontinuous perimeter 170 about the heel opening perimeter 133. The at least one retainer 138 preferably provides for a compressive force 188 about the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, in substantial proximity to the perimeter 162. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the compressive force 188 is preferably provided from at least substantially all the at least one retainer 138.

(43) The at least one retainer 138 has a location 160 such that the perimeter 162 of the at least one retainer 138 is preferably in substantial communication with the heel opening perimeter 137. Alternatively, as illustrate in FIG. 16, at least one of the at least one retainer 138 has a location 160 such that the perimeter 162 of the at least one retainer 138 may be in at least partial communication with the heel opening perimeter 137. Alternatively, as illustrate in FIG. 17, at least one of the at least one retainer 138 has a location 160 such that the perimeter 162 of the at least one retainer 138 may be offset from the heel opening perimeter 137.

(44) In such orientations, the at least one retainer 138 has a location 160 such that the perimeter 162 of the at least one retainer 138 is preferably in substantial communication with the heel opening perimeter 137. Alternatively, at least one of the at least one retainer 138 may have a location 160 such that the perimeter 162 of the at least one retainer 138 may be in communication with the heel opening perimeter 137 and the foot section bottom 126. Alternatively, as illustrate in FIG. 18, at least one of the at least one retainer 138 may have a location 160 such that the perimeter 162 of the at least one retainer 138 may be in communication with a combination of at least one of the heel opening 133, heel opening perimeter 137, the leg section second end 119, the leg section back 130, the at least one leg section side 132, the leg section tubular section 121, the ankle section first end 145, the ankle section second end 146, the ankle section side 140, the ankle section second side 142, the ankle section tubular section 148, the foot section first end 152, the foot section bottom 126, the at least one foot section side 134, and the foot section tubular section 154.

(45) The at least one retainer 138 preferably comprises elastic material. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 138 may comprise non-elastic material. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 138 may comprise at least one of elastic material and non-elastic material.

(46) The at least one retainer 138 is preferably in fixed communication 178 with the sock 110. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 38 may be in removable communication 180 with the sock 110.

(47) The at least one retainer 138 is preferably in seamed communication 182 with the sock 110, for example stitching. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 138 may be in welded communication 184 with the sock 110. Alternatively, the at least one retainer 138 may be in hook-and-loop communication 86 with the sock 110.

(48) Wherein, the compressive force 188 of the retainer 138 impedes the downward progression of the leg section 112 of the sock 110. The invention provides an intended benefit of an apparatus to restrain the downward movement of leg sections (112, 112) of socks (10, 110), in particular tube socks. The invention provides an intended benefit which is an apparatus that provides functional gripping about a body appendage to restrain downward movement of socks, in particular tube socks.

(49) With respect to FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, a method of operating the invention for a sock (10, 138) with a retainer (38, 138) comprises the following. A body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, is preferably placed into an opening (18, 118) of the leg section first end (12, 112) of the sock (10, 110). The body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27 traverses through the tubular section 91 created by the communication of the log section (12, 112), ankle section (16, 116), and foot section (14, 114) of the sock (10, 110). The travel the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, halts when a portion of the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27 is in substantial proximity to the toe section (15, 115). At this point, the heel appendage 50 of the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27, resides within at least one of the heel 22 and the heel opening 133 defined by the heel opening perimeter 137, 90. The retainer (38, 138) of the sock (10, 110) places a compressive force (88, 188) on a predetermined location of the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27.

(50) A combination 99 comprising the sock 10, 110 and body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27 is placed into a shoe 52 as known in the art, 92, creating a combination 98 of the sock (10, 110), body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27 and the shoe 52. The combination comprises the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27 contained by the sock (10, 110) and the shoe 52.

(51) The combination 98 of the sock (10, 110), body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27 and the shoe 52 travels, 93. The leg section (12, 112) of the sock (10, 110) travels down the body appendage, such as a foot and/or leg 27 in the direction 89 of and towards the shoe 52, 95 and towards at least one of the heel 22 and the heel opening 133 defined by the heel opening perimeter 137. The leg section (12, 112) of the sock (10, 110) cease the downward travel 95, because the compressive force (88, 188) of the retainer (38, 138) impedes the downward travel 95 of the leg section (12, 112) of the sock (10, 110). The downward travel 95 of the leg section (12, 112) of the sock (10, 110) preferably ends in close proximity to a top 99 of the shoe 52, 96. Alternatively, the downward travel 95 of the leg section (12, 112) of the sock (10, 110) may end in close proximity to the retainer (38, 138), 96. The invention provides an intended benefit of a method which restrains downward movement of leg sections (12, 112) of socks (10, 110), particularly tube socks.

(52) The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.