Multipurpose Traction Enhancing and Insulating Sock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel protective flexible sock for animals. The sock is designed to appear like a shoe, and protects the lower leg and paws of animals from hot and cold surfaces, debris, road salt, germs and injury without impacting the animal's gait. The sock is made from a washable fabric, as well as weatherproof material coated with plastic including a heat-resistant felt insole and a rubber gripping exterior sole surface. The insole provides insulation to the paws of the animals and the rubber sole provides increased traction and stability. The sock protects pets from injuries and discomfort such as burning of the paws or developing sores, gait issues and mobility issues with their hips/joints without causing discomfort while wearing the socks. The fibers of the insulating insole absorb heat, swelling and thickening to fill the gaps in the sock.

Claims

1. An animal paw protector comprising: a contoured enclosure for an animal's paw and lower leg, wherein said enclosure includes a sock portion and a pad portion; said sock portion includes an opening at a top end, wherein said top end comprises a securement mechanism; said sock portion includes a lower leg section, wherein said lower leg section surrounds a lower leg of the animal; said pad portion includes an insulated interior section and a textured exterior sole section; wherein said sock portion includes a plastic coated weatherproof fabric; and further wherein said textured exterior sole section provides increased traction and a barrier between the animal's paw and the ground therebelow.

2. The animal paw protector of claim 1, wherein said sock portion is waterproof.

3. The animal paw protector of claim 1, wherein said securement mechanism is an elastic band for securing around the lower leg of the animal.

4. The animal paw protector of claim 1, wherein said elastic band includes a reflective strip.

5. The animal paw protector of claim 1, wherein said securement mechanism is a hook and loop fastener for securing around the lower leg of the animal.

6. The animal paw protector of claim 1, wherein said textured exterior sole section includes a material selected from a group consisting of a synthetic rubber, a resin rubber, and a polyurethane for providing tactile feeling to the pet's paw.

7. The animal paw protector of claim 6, wherein said textured exterior sole section includes a front toe area forming a toe cap for extending over and around the toes of the animal's paw.

8. The animal paw protector of claim 1, wherein said insulated interior section includes a heat-resistant insole layer positioned inside said sock portion.

9. The animal paw protector of claim 8, wherein said insulated interior section includes a cold-resistant insole layer positioned inside said sock portion.

10. The animal paw protector of claim 8, wherein said pad portion includes a three-layered structure having said heat-resistant insole layer, a fabric middle layer, and said textured exterior sole section layer.

11. An animal paw protector comprising: a contoured enclosure for an animal's paw and lower leg, wherein said enclosure includes a sock portion and a pad portion; said sock portion includes an opening at a top end, wherein said top end comprises a securement mechanism; said sock portion includes a lower leg section, wherein said lower leg section surrounds a lower leg of the animal; said pad portion includes an insulated interior section and a textured exterior sole section; wherein said textured exterior sole section provides increased traction and a barrier between the animal's paw and the ground therebelow; and further wherein said textured exterior sole section includes a front area forming a plurality of toe openings for extending around the toes of the animal's paw.

12. The animal paw protector of claim 11, wherein said sock portion includes a plastic coated weatherproof fabric having a transparent front section.

13. The animal paw protector of claim 11, wherein said securement mechanism is an elastic band for securing around the lower leg of the animal.

14. The animal paw protector of claim 13, wherein said elastic band includes a reflective strip.

15. The animal paw protector of claim 11, wherein said securement mechanism is a hook and loop fastener for securing around the lower leg of the animal.

16. The animal paw protector of claim 11, wherein said textured exterior sole section includes a material selected from a group consisting of a synthetic rubber, a resin rubber, and a polyurethane for providing tactile feeling to the pet's paw.

17. The animal paw protector of claim 11, wherein said insulated interior section includes a temperature-resistant insole layer positioned inside said sock portion.

18. The animal paw protector of claim 17, wherein said pad portion includes a three-layered structure having said temperature-resistant insole layer, said sock portion intermediate layer, and said textured exterior sole section layer.

19. An animal paw protector comprising: a contoured enclosure for an animal's paw and lower leg, wherein said enclosure includes a sock portion and a pad portion; said sock portion includes an opening at a top end, wherein said top end comprises a securement mechanism; said sock portion includes a lower leg section, wherein said lower leg section surrounds a lower leg of the animal; said pad portion includes an insulated interior section and a textured exterior sole section; wherein said textured exterior sole section provides increased traction and a barrier between the animal's paw and the ground therebelow; wherein said textured exterior sole section includes a front area forming a plurality of toe openings for extending around the toes of the animal's paw; and further wherein said textured exterior sole section includes a plurality of paw supporting members extending and conforming to the underside of the toes of the animal.

20. The animal paw protector of claim 19, wherein said textured exterior sole section includes a material selected from a group consisting of a synthetic rubber, a resin rubber, and a polyurethane for providing tactile feeling to the pet's paw.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose animal sock of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of an insulating animal paw sock of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the layered structure of the paw portion of the multipurpose animal sock of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of the multipurpose animal paw safety sock of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a dog running with the multipurpose sock of the present invention on a potentially hot surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary method for donning the sock of the present invention on a paw of an animal in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0028] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0029] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an animal sock that protects pets' paws from hot surfaces. There is also a long felt need in the art for an animal sock that protects pets' paws from icy cold surfaces. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an animal sock that increases the traction of paws on any surface. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a sock clothing article that prevents slipping and skidding of animals on slippery surfaces. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an animal sock that maintains comfort for the pet while wearing the socks. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a sock that can match or compliment the outfit worn by the animal. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an animal sock that protects pets from injuries and discomfort, such as burning of the paws or developing sores when walking on any type of ground surface, and prevents slipping and falling by increasing traction.

[0030] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel flexible and insulating sock for covering the paw of an animal and having a shoe like presence and feel is disclosed. The sock comprising a top opening for putting the paw into the sock, a hook fastener positioned around the top opening, a potential loop fastener flap extending from the hook fastener and adapted to wrap around the hook fastener to secure the sock around leg of the animal, an insulating insole for providing insulation to the paw from hot or cold surfaces on which the animal walks, a flexible rubber sole for increasing traction with the surface and providing more stability and support to the animal, and a toe cap for protecting the claws/nails of the animal.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose animal sock 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The multipurpose animal sock 100 of the present invention is designed to be used as an indoor and outdoor sock for cats, dogs and other animals. The sock 100 is configured to be worn outside in extreme temperatures to ensure a pet can still get exercise during inclement weather. More specifically, the sock 100 provides a contoured and secure fit and enclosure for the pet's paw and lower leg and increases traction and stability on the ground. The sock is waterproof to protect the pet's legs, feet and paws, and provide breathability for comfort.

[0032] The sock 100 can be made from a plastic coated weatherproof fabric 102 and includes a lower leg portion 104 and a paw portion 106. The lower leg portion 104 of the sock 100 substantially surrounds the lower leg 4020 of the animal. The lower leg portion 104 is pulled and tugged to help adjust the position and orientation of the paw portion 106. The lower leg portion 104 can include a high-elastic cloth (i.e. cotton cloth). The sock 100 includes a top opening 108 for inserting the paw of an animal. The opening 108 can have an elastic band 110 or alternatively a hook and loop fastener (shown in FIG. 2) for securing around the lower leg of the animal. The elastic band 110 can have reflective strips to help the pet to be visible in low light or dark areas. The sock 100 includes a textured sole 112 along the bottom of the paw portion 106 made from silicon dots material such as resin rubber or polyurethane for providing tactile feeling to the paw of the animal. The sole 112 also provides improved traction with any surface and thus increases the safety of the animal. The rubber sole 112 can be sewn to the bottom of the paw portion 106 to cover the paw pads of the animal. The sole 112 extends to cover the front toe area by forming a toe cap 114 of the sock 100 for providing adequate support to the toe of the animal.

[0033] The sock 100 includes a heat-resistant insole layer 116 positioned inside the sock 100. In use, the paws of an animal are placed on the heat-resistant insole layer 116 which provides insulation and a soft material adjacent to the paws. The insole layer 116 is permanently placed and can be sewn or attached using an adhesive. The insole layer 116 can be manufactured from microfiber nylon material which is both weatherproof and insulating. The fibers on the insole 116 absorb heat, swelling and thickening to fill the gaps in the sock 100.

[0034] The sock 100 is flexible and contours to the size and shape of the leg and paws of the animal. The sock 100 can be used with an animal including, without limitation, a dog, a cat and other animals having a soft foot-like lower leg region of a mammal, generally a quadruped, that has claws. The sock 100 is configured to substantially cover the paw of an animal to protect against heat, debris, snow, ice, road salt, moisture and irritants.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of an insulating animal paw sock of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the sock 200 includes a logo or any other indicia 202 on the exterior surface 204 of the sock 200. The indicia 202 can be used for marketing and branding purposes. The top opening 206 includes a hook fastener 208 and a loop fastener flap 210. The loop fastener flap 210 is configured to wrap around the hook fastener 208 to secure the sock 200 around the leg of an animal in a snug and comfortable fit. This ensures a secure wrapping of the sock 200 around the leg of the animal and prevents the sock 200 from slipping when the animal walks or runs. The loop fastener flap 210 can have a reflective coating 212 for light reflectivity, increased visibility, and safety during nighttime.

[0036] The sock 200 includes a rubber sole 214 for gripping onto any surface, thereby increasing traction and providing stability and support. A toe cap 218 is used for securing the toe of the animal wearing the sock 200, and can be made from rubber having the same or different texture from the rubber sole 214. Further, the sock 200 includes an inner insulating insole 216 for providing insulation from hot or cold surfaces, and a barrier between the pet's paw and the surface therebelow, upon which the animal walks when the sock 100 is donned by the animal. The sock 100 can be made from flexible material that allows the sock 200 to securely fit to both narrow and wide paws.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing another layered structure of the paw portion of the multipurpose animal sock 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Specifically, the paw portion of the sock 100 includes a three-layered structure with the insulating insole 116 as the top or inner layer. The insulating insole 116 is positioned inside the sock 100 and is configured to provide insulation to the paws of a pet from hot or cold surfaces on which the pet is walking or running. The insole 116 also provides a cushion effect to the paws and thus helps the pet in walking comfortably, even on a hard or uneven floor or terrain. The middle layer can include the fabric 102 of the sock 100. The fabric 102 is breathable, weatherproof and comfortable for the paws of the animal. The fabric 102 also includes some insulating properties that help in providing insulation to the paws of the animal wearing the sock 100. The insulating insole 116 can be sewn or permanently attached to the fabric 102 using an adhesive.

[0038] The bottom or outer layer is the textured rubber sole 112 that is used for increasing traction, support, protection, and stability with the surface on which the animal is walking. The sole 112 is also used for providing tactile feel to the paws of the animal. The three-layered structure 116,102,112 of the paw portion can be used in all the embodiments of the present invention and is used for providing effective support, traction and insulation to an animal wearing the sock.

[0039] It should be noted that animals do not resist wearing the socks on their feet and also do not attempt to remove them once worn. Further, the sock 100 is easy to wear and eliminates the need of wearing a separate boot.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of the multipurpose animal paw safety sock of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the sock 400 has an appearance similar to half finger gloves. The sock 400 includes a lower leg portion 402 configured to receive the lower leg 4020 of an animal through the sock opening 410 for wearing the sock 400. The paw portion 404 is used for covering the paws and ankle of the animal. The paw portion 404 includes a plurality of claw and toe openings 408 that are used for the claws and toes of the animal to be exposed to the environment. This is useful for the pets who are uncomfortable in wearing the socks/boots that completely cover the paws of the animal. The claws and at least the tops of the toes of the animal wearing the sock 400 can be exposed by the sock 400.

[0041] For providing traction, support and stability to the paw 416, the paw portion 404 includes a rubber sole 412. Advantageously, individual paw supporting members 414 extend from the sole 412 to protect a portion of the underside part of the paws 416 (i.e. the underside of the toes of the animal). The paw supporting members 414 conform to the shape of the paws and/or toes and protect the claws/nails from physical injury in addition to protecting the paw pads (i.e. toes) from hot or cold surfaces.

[0042] The lower leg portion 402 includes a transparent portion 406 that can be used for viewing skin and a portion of the leg covered by the sock 400 without removing the sock 400. This is useful to view dust, debris or any other irritant present within the sock 400.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a dog running with the multipurpose sock of the present invention on a potentially hot surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the dog 500 is running/walking while wearing the socks 100 on each of the four legs on a potentially hot surface 502. The socks 100 are comfortably and securely fitted to the dog's legs, feet, and paws and protect the dog from the environment with synthetic rubber soles and insulating insoles.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary method for donning the sock of the present invention on a paw of an animal in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, a paw sock is provided with the paw sock having a lower leg portion and a paw portion (Step 602). Then, sliding the paw into the sock from a top opening with the lower leg portion supporting the lower leg and paw portion supporting the paw (Step 604). Thereafter, attaching the hook and loop fastener around the top opening to secure the sock (Step 606).

[0045] It should be appreciated that the socks of various embodiments of the present invention are available in different sizes such as small (S), medium (M), large (L) and extra-large (XL). The socks act as shoes or boots for the animals and protect a pet's feet and paws from hazardous environmental conditions, abrasion, dirt and chemicals, as well as cold and hot weather.

[0046] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “paw sock”, “sock”, “multipurpose sock”, and “multipurpose animal paw safety sock” are interchangeable and refer to the multipurpose animal paw safety sock 100,200,400 of the present invention.

[0047] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multipurpose animal paw safety sock 100,200,400 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the multipurpose animal paw safety sock 100, 200, 400 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose animal paw safety sock 100, 200, 400 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose animal paw safety sock 100, 200, 400 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multipurpose animal paw safety sock 100, 200, 400 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0048] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0049] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.