Sock or the like comprising sock structure with biomechanical effects particularly suitable for football. cycling and similar sports

Abstract

A sock includes a foot part and a leg part extending up to below the knee and has, in one or more areas of its surface extension, one or more structural modification elements of a layer of mesh forming the wall of the sock. Those structural modification elements may be printed, for example, screen-printed, intertwined, and/or incorporated in the structure of the mesh, and are configured to respect the functionality of the leg and foot according to biomechanical, circulatory and neurological aspects to harmonize those effects with each other and obtain therapeutic, preventive and performance-enhancing efficacy. Two embodiments are specifically configured for activities that require rapid changes of direction, such as football, rugby, basketball, tennis, or paddle, and for activities that require the transmission of intense thrusts such as cycling or golf.

Claims

1. A sock comprising: a foot part; and a leg part, the foot part being configured to overlap a foot of a user and the leg part being configured to overlap at least one part or an entire part of the leg up to below a knee, optionally the foot part being closed by a toe part, said sock presenting in one or more areas of a surface extension thereof one or more structural modification elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) of at least one layer of knitting which forms a wall of said sock, the one or more structural modification elements are being applied, incorporated, and/or intertwined on or in a structure of said knitting, wherein the structural modification elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) consist of one or more layers of material applied to the wall of the sock which are distributed along different areas of the sock configured to overlap anatomical parts of the foot in a worn condition with specific functions during use, and wherein the structural modification elements have alternatively or together and in combination with a specific area, a function of support element of an anatomical part and/or a function of an element for increasing friction between the sock and a shoe and/or between the sock and the foot in order to stabilize a relative position between the foot and the shoe during execution of pushing actions and/or to support a function of other anatomical parts of the foot in carrying out typical movements of the foot.

2. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the structural modification elements have differently configured distribution patterns and/or are configured as differently shaped modification elements also within one of the different distribution patterns, and wherein the differently shaped structural modification elements are provided at different areas of the foot and the distribution patterns and a design of the modification elements is generated according to a direction of movement and/or a mechanical action executed by an area of the foot.

3. The sock according to claim 1, wherein different design of the structural modification elements consist at least in a different thickness of some structural modification elements from other structural modification elements at different local areas of the foot, the thickness being a dimension of the structural modification elements in a direction perpendicular or incident to a surface of the sock.

4. The sock according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural modification elements applied to the sock consists of an anti-slip element having increased friction with respect to the knitting of the sock relative to a material of the shoe with which the sock is in contact, and said anti-slip element extends from an end of the first toe up along part or the entire first metatarsus, or up to a root (base) of the first metatarsus.

5. The sock according to claim 1, wherein one of the structural modification elements (1) applied to the sock extends into an area of the plantar arch and/or of the metatarsal heads and has an anti-slip function.

6. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising an element (5) modifying a sock structure which is applied in an area of the plantar arch and consisting of a layer of a material with a function of mechanical support of the plantar arch.

7. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising an element (10) of a thermoplastic material and/or PVC, and/or silicone, applied to a material of the sock, which extends in an overlapping area of roots of the metatarsal heads.

8. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising an element (4) applied to a material of the sock with a spiral shape in an area of a pivot point of the foot and configured to have an anti-slip function.

9. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising elements (2, 3; 51, 52) applied to the sock in an area overlapping a root of the fifth metatarsal and of the first metatarsal and made of layers of material having different thicknesses.

10. The sock according to one or more of the preceding claim 1, further comprising an element (7) applied in an area of the sock configured to overlap an ankle area and constituting a reinforcing element for stabilizing the ankle.

11. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising a thickening element (5) applied to a heel area and extending along at least an initial part of a calf, said thickening element being constituted by a layer of reinforcing material with kinesiotape effect.

12. The sock according to claim 11, wherein said thickening element (5) has a length sufficient to overlap a calf part ending below the knee, and wherein said thickening element extends, optionally without interruption, toward the and in an opposite direction up to an arch area of the foot passing around the heel.

13. The sock according to claim 11, wherein said thickening element (5) consists of a continuous band or strip of material having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness, said band extending seamlessly from a front end of an arch of the foot up to an opposite end up to a calf area and/or along the calf area, the band or strip being made of a material having a lower extensibility than a extensibility of a remaining wall of the sock.

14. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitting is one or more of: an elasticized fabric and/or a knitting configured to obtain a compression effect; or a knitting having different types of weaves distributed on an extension of the knitting that locally modify thickness and/or stiffness of the knitting, the knitting having extensibility, shape memory, an elastic return force in a condition not subjected to extension tension, or a knitting pattern that generates a breathable effect.

15. The sock according to claim 13, wherein the one or more structural modification elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), the band or strip of material, and/or a knitted fabric of the sock, have a perforated or micro-perforated structure that allows transpiration.

16. The sock according to claim 13, wherein the one or more structural modification elements (5), or the band or strip, is provided with at least one lateral extension (51, 52) towards an inner and/or outer side of the foot and in a plantar arch area.

17. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising additional elements associated to a part of the knitting which forms the wall of the sock in an area of the sole of the foot, the additional elements modifying a structure of said wall and being distributed according to a predetermined pattern, the additional elements having effects differentiated from each other in order to reproduce and support a foot helical movement during running and walking, the additional elements being made alternatively or in combination of one or more of the following elements: at least one thickening element of the wall of the sock corresponding to and coinciding with an area of the fifth metatarsal; at least one non-slip thickening element with a higher friction coefficient than the knitting of the sock to increase a grip with the shoe; or non-slip elements with greater friction than the knitting of the sock in an area of the first metatarsal, between a terminal end of the at least one thickening element coinciding with a plantar arch and phalanges; the at least one thickening element being made with a design being positioned to favor an anti-slip or greater grip action between the sock and the shoe and a helical movement of the foot during running or walking.

18. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitting forming the sock has a different structure in different areas of the sock associated with predetermined anatomical areas of a leg or the foot, the different structure being obtained by applying by printing a material according to different designs, distributions, and densities to obtain an area of greater thickness and/or of greater mechanical resistance to traction, and a greater elastic force of return to a condition not subjected to the traction and/or shock absorbing.

19. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising, applied to an external face of the knitting of the sock, a combination of elements for modifying mechanical properties of the sock, the combination of elements being provided for harmonizing a dynamic behavior of the sock in relation to biomechanics of the foot during activities that require rapid changes of direction with football, rugby, tennis, basketball, or pickleball, the modification elements being structured like the structural modification elements and consisting of: a first anti-slip modification element with increased grip function between the sock and the shoe, the first anti-slip modification element extending up to a first metatarsal area in order to increase thrust and acceleration due to the first toe; a second anti-slip modification element with increased grip function between the sock and the shoe, the second anti-slip modification element extending into the sole of the foot to protect against a fall of the plantar arch and metatarsal heads; a third modification element consisting of a layer applied by screen printing and having a circular or spiral shape centered with a pivot or rotation point of the foot and made of an anti-slip material to increase grip between the sock and the shoe during a change of direction; a fourth modification element with a function of generating a plantar compression, the fourth modification elementconsisting of a tape of material with reduced elasticity compared to an elasticity of a sock material; elements of different thickness in a root area of the first and fifth metatarsal which are made of material applied by screen printing, a thickness of the two root areas being differentiated in order to favor a breech helix; a modification of a weave of the knitting and a fifth element applied by screen printing to the ankle area to generate a stabilization and massage function of the fifth element; a thickening element that extends into the Achilles tendon and/or a calf area with a kinesiotape effect to support a functionality of the soleus and protect a tendon; or a sixth element applied by screen printing on a back of the sock at a level of the tibia and/or an instep provided externally and/or internally by the wall of the sock, the sixth element being made of a material with an increased coefficient of friction to increase the grip of the sock relative to the leg and/or in relation to a shin guard that can be inserted between the leg and the sock, wherein the modification elements are applied to the fabric of the knitting of the sock.

20. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising, applied to an outer face of the knitting of the sock a combination of modification elements for modifying mechanical properties of the sock, the modification elements being provided for harmonizing a dynamic behavior of the sock relative to biomechanics of the foot during activities that require a transmission of a thrust and include cycling, golf, or pickleball, the modification elements being structured like the structural modification elements and consisting of: a first modification element with an anti-slip or increased grip function towards a material of the shoe, the modification consisting of a layer of material with a higher friction coefficient compared to the knitting of the sock, the first modification element extending over an entire sole of the foot and providing a function of optimization of the thrust avoiding dissipation of force transmission due to slipping between the foot and a shoe; a cushion element of a thermoplastic material, PCV, and/or silicone in an area of roots of metatarsal heads which coincides with a position of the shoe cleats and which protects said heads and improves the thrust of the foot on a pedal; a second modification element with an increased coefficient of friction towards the shoe with respect to a material coefficient of the knitting of the sock, which element extends into the area of the first metatarsal; a compression element in a meso-foot-area consisting of a band of material applied externally to a knitting wall of the sock; a third modification element for an arch support applied by screen printing in an arch area; a thickening element that extends into the Achilles tendon and/or calf area with a kinesiotape effect to support a functionality of the soleus and protect a tendon; or a fourth modification element applied by screen printing on a back of the sock that is made up of a material with an increased coefficient of friction to increase the grip of the sock relative to the shoe so as to increase a transmission of the thrust, wherein the modification elements are applied to a knitting of the sock.

Description

[0155] The invention will be disclosed more clearly in the following description of some non-limiting executive examples illustrated in the attached figures, in which:

[0156] The FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of a pair of right and left socks and respectively a rear and a front view of the type of socks without heel and configured in a particular way for sports which requests rapid changes of direction.

[0157] The FIG. 3 shows a view on a left sock and respectively on the front and rear side of said sock in worn condition.

[0158] FIGS. 4 to 7 show with different views the various details of structural modification elements of the knitted fabric wall of the sock according to the previous figures.

[0159] The FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show similarly to FIGS. 1 and 2 a sock according to an embodiment particularly suitable for use in cycling.

[0160] FIG. 10 shows the sock according to FIGS. 8 and 9 in a worn condition in a similar way as to FIG. 3.

[0161] FIGS. 11 to 13 show different details of the sock according to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0162] FIGS. 14 and 15 are anatomical tables of the foot extracted from Bones of the foot, Netter illustration from www.netterimages.com. Copyright of Elsevier Inc. and serves only in order to clearly define the anatomy of the foot, the terminology used in the present description and claims.

[0163] The two illustrated exemplary embodiments are not to be considered limitative of the protective scope, but show how the inventive concept can be applied in the context of two different specific applications demonstrating the extreme adaptability of the measures and the inventive teaching described and claimed.

[0164] By following the same biomechanical principle as in the examples illustrated, it is possible to generate executive variants suitable for use in other specific conditions.

[0165] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a pair of socks according to the present invention respectively from the side corresponding to the front side of the foot and the leg and from that side corresponding to the rear/lower side of the foot and of the leg and in the unworn condition of the sock.

[0166] Without constituting any limitation to the inventive concept, the illustrated socks are of the so-called tubular or heelless type and in FIGS. 1 and 2 they are shown in the flattened condition, i.e. with the rear side and the front side of the sock arranged on the same plane and in contact with each other.

[0167] FIG. 1 shows the rear side of the sock, i.e. the one intended to overlap the sole of the foot, the heel and the rear side of the leg, i.e. the area of the Achilles tendon and the calf. FIG. 1 shows the right and left sock in a side-by-side condition.

[0168] As is evident on the extension of the wall of the sock made up of the knitted fabric, areas are made which are also highlighted by graphic effects consisting of elements in the shape of stripes or dots or areas with other shapes, which areas are provided with an element of modification of the mechanical characteristics of the knitted wall of the stocking and in which the modification element can be an inserted element, for example applied by various methods in the form of a layer of material superimposed on the knitted fabric of the sock or said element is also constituted by a variation of the type of knitted weave of the corresponding area.

[0169] The various elements provided in combination with each other and having different modification functions of the knitted fabric that forms the wall of the sock, as well as the different distributions are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 to 7 in which the sock of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in the worn condition on a mannequin. In FIGS. 4 to 7, the various areas are inscribed or highlighted by a rectangular or round frame.

[0170] Reference 1 indicates a modification element which coincides with the area of the first metatarsal and extends towards the sole of the foot and which modification element consists of a layer of material having greater friction functionality than the material of the shoe.

[0171] According to one characteristic, the said layer is applied to the external surface of the sock, that is, the one facing the shoe.

[0172] According to a further feature, the said layer can extend without interruption in the area of the first metatarsal and/or up to the said area of the first metatarsal or it can be distributed in delimited areas if separated from each other, i.e. it can be applied discontinuously on the surface of the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock, in the area thereof intended to overlap said anatomical area.

[0173] An element consisting of a continuous or discontinuous layer of material with increased friction can also be provided coinciding with the part of the sock that is intended to overlap the sole of the foot as indicated with 2 and 3. These elements can be separated from element 1 described above or only one of these elements or both are connected to the element 1 being parts of a single continuous or discontinuous layer of the same material.

[0174] According to another feature, the sock according to this embodiment has a modification element which is constituted by a layer of material with a spiral shape which is foreseen to coincide with the so-called pivot point of the foot, i.e. with the pivot point of the foot in the execution of changes of direction. This element is indicated by the reference number 4. At this point the foot exercises a supporting action during changes of direction.

[0175] This spiral-shaped element consists of a layer of material with a high coefficient of friction with the shoe to increase the grip between the sock and the shoe.

[0176] According to one embodiment, this spiral-shaped material layer is applied by means of a screen printing process.

[0177] The example illustrated relates to an embodiment of the sock specifically configured to optimize the biomechanical behavior in the context of an activity that requires frequent and rapid changes of direction, such as in football, tennis, rugby or basketball. or other similar sports.

[0178] In relation to the modification elements 1, 2, 3 and 4, these areas are constituted by a material with a high coefficient of friction, preferably applied by means of a screen printing process to the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock. Said material can be selected, for example, from materials such as rubber, silicone or similar plastics.

[0179] According to another feature, the sock has a thickening element in the form of a band or a tape of material, preferably applied by screen printing and indicated with 5, it has a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness, and said band of material preferably extends without interruption from the anterior end of the arch of the foot, i.e. the end towards the metatarsals, up to the opposite end crossing the entire arch of the foot, passing around the heel and in correspondence with the insertion area of the Achilles tendon and reaching beyond the calf area.

[0180] In this case, the thickening element according to the present invention is formed by a band or a strip of material associated with the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock, in the area intended to overlap the anatomical areas previously described, that is, the arch of the foot, or the Lejart insole and/or the triangle of the vault, the area of insertion of the Achilles tendon and possibly the calf, the material of which band has a lower extensibility than the extensibility of the remaining wall of the stocking.

[0181] According to a still further features, said band or strip is made of plastic material, preferably silicone and especially silicone with memory or other elastically flexible and/or deformable material, preferably provided with shape memory. Other possible materials are made of polyurethane, PVC, or a fabric.

[0182] Still according to one feature, the overall width of the band or strip is between 1 cm and 8 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm, to ensure correct support and support for the ankle joints and its soft tissues.

[0183] Preferably, each support strip has a thickness of at least 50 m to ensure optimal support, without being too rigid at the same time.

[0184] By way of example and without limitation, the thickness of said band can vary from about one mm to a few tens of microns and is preferably between 30 and 70 micrometers, in particular of about 50 micrometers.

[0185] The illustrated sock can be made as already described above using any manufacturing process known or to be developed in the future.

[0186] In a non-limiting but preferred way, in the illustrated embodiment the sock is made in the form of a tubular garment, i.e. without a pre-shaping of the heel part in an unworn condition.

[0187] According to yet another feature, in order to obtain a transpiring effect, the thickening element, or the band or strip of material, can have a perforated or micro-perforated structure that allows correct transpiration. These holes or micro-holes can be provided in the material of the band or strip that forms the thickening element and possibly also in the fabric forming the wall of the sock.

[0188] According to a further embodiment, the aforementioned thickening element or the band or strip that constitutes it, can be provided with at least one lateral extension 51 towards the inner side of the foot and in correspondence with the plantar arch area. A variant embodiment provides that this lateral extension is provided in the median area of the longitudinal extension of the plantar arch.

[0189] This extension may have a different or identical thickness to that of the remaining part of the thickening element and/or can also optionally be made of an identical or different material.

[0190] In a further embodiment which can be provided in combination with one or more of the previous embodiments and variants, the said thickening element is provided with at least one lateral extension towards the external side of the foot indicated with 52.

[0191] A variant embodiment provides that said extension is provided to coincide substantially with the root of the fifth metatarsal and/or in a substantially opposite position and possibly substantially aligned along a lateral-lateral axis of the foot.

[0192] Thanks to the above features, the sock according to the present invention allows to maximize the localized compression on the Lejart insole and on the triangle of the vault, improving the effect on circulation.

[0193] Thanks to its mechanical features, the thickening element also confers an effect similar to that of the so-called taping or elastic therapeutic tape otherwise also known as Kinesiotape. (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastictherapeutictap e; https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taping).

[0194] In particular, the taping effect gives protection to the plantar aponeurosis and stimulates it upwards, increasing the squeezing effect of the vault itself.

[0195] The aforementioned extension 51 on the inner side of the foot generates further support of the plantar arch, while the aforementioned extension 52 on the inner side of the foot generates a support effect of the V metatarsal root.

[0196] The thickening element at the insertion area of the Achilles tendon has the advantageous function of minimizing the vibrations due to the contact of the foot with the ground.

[0197] In addition, the modification element through thickening with a kinesiotape effect stabilizes the calf and the Achilles tendon during the race, avoiding the annoying problems known in this area. It supports the work of the soleus by preventing injuries. In case of direct trauma to the tendon, it offers greater protection than any other sock.

[0198] It should be noted that the aforementioned elements with different functions and obtained by application by screen printing can overlap each other as appears from the figure since the area of adhesion of the thickening element with kinesiotape function coincides in the area of the plantar arch with a modification element with anti-slip effect which is constituted by the transverse oblique bands.

[0199] In addition, the elements described above, 2 and 3, occupy areas side by side at the end of said thickening element 5 in the area of the arch of the foot.

[0200] At the area of the fifth metatarsal, and in lateral opposition, i.e. on the opposite side of the foot, a further modification element 6 is provided which has the function of supporting the fifth metatarsal, providing an action to increase the grip towards the shoe and to provide for a localized thickening in the said area of the fifth metatarsal.

[0201] In this case, the thickness of the said element 6 is different from that of the element on the opposite side 4 and the said difference is configured to differentiate the thickness at the fifth and first metatarsal from each other, generating an effect of favoring the development of the helical movement of the foot.

[0202] According to a further feature, at the ankle area and as shown in greater detail in FIG. 5, a further element for modifying the dynamic behavior of the sock is provided which is in the form of a layer of screen-printed material, possibly combined with a different intertwining of the knitted fabric of the sock. This element indicated with 7 generates a compression and an elastic action of localized narrowing that stabilizes the ankle and has a massage effect during movement.

[0203] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, in the front part of the sock intended to overlap the back of the foot and the area of the shin and tibia, the sock has a further modification element which consists of a layer of material with a high coefficient of friction in order to generate an increased grip effect between sock and shoe.

[0204] Said element indicated with 8 is applied to areas adjacent to each other and according to a design which introduces discontinuities in said layer of material and which in this embodiment have an inverted V-shaped shape. A further similar element is provided on the back of the foot and is indicated by 9.

[0205] Advantageously in the tibial area where the element 8 is provided, this can be applied advantageously also or only on the inner side of the sock, that is, the side of contact with the leg itself and has the function of increasing the grip towards a shin guard.

[0206] These shin guards are known in the state of the art and are made of rigid, semi-rigid or compressible material having a predetermined thickness intended to be inserted inside the sock being held in position by the elasticity of the sock itself.

[0207] In order to effectively maintain the position during the run, it is advantageous to provide said element 8 on the inner face of the sock, that is the one facing the leg with a material that has an increased friction coefficient compared to the material typically used for shin guards in the different embodiments of the same. These are normally made up of a plastic material that is configured according to a concept of optimization between mechanical resistance to impact and elastic deformability, i.e. flexibility to be able to adapt to the anatomy of the leg.

[0208] According to a further aspect of the present invention, in combination with one or more of the preceding characteristics, the sock is formed by a knitted fabric, the weave of which can vary in the areas intended to overlap different anatomical parts of the foot and leg, in order to exert a greater elastic compression or a lower resistance to extensibility or even to present a greater thickness in order to generate a protective cushion effect. The yarn used can be of any type consisting of one or more natural fibers, one or more synthetic fibers and a combination of said natural and synthetic fibers.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment, the thread used is of plastic material obtained from the recycling of plastic material.

[0210] According to yet another variant embodiment, the modification elements applied to the sock can be configured in a different way with respect to their shape and their distribution so as to vary both the grip effect according to a predetermined direction and/or so as to also calibrate the grip strength between sock and shoe in the different anatomical areas of the foot.

[0211] Thus, in some areas the element intended to provide greater grip is formed by parallel and oblique strips and in other areas it can have different shapes such as dots or other distributed as for the strips with different densities and having different sizes.

[0212] It appears evident that in the exemplary embodiment, the different modification elements described can be provided to coincide with each other so as to operate at least partially on the same part of the foot or are provided in different areas. In this way, when the elements of different nature and with different biomechanical effect are coincident, their functions are added together in said anatomical zone, when the specific functions of said elements are not coincident with each other they are associated with the different anatomical zones of the foot and optimize the dynamic behavior of these areas of the foot in the execution of the movements of the same.

[0213] As is evident, for example in the case of the helical movement of the foot, different areas have different modifying elements of the sock which, however, cooperate synergistically with each other to ensure the optimization of the overall behavior of the foot.

[0214] As regards the method of applying the elements to the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock, it is possible to provide any method of chemical/physical adhesion and/or sewing, preferably by molding and in particular by screen printing on the corresponding area of the material of the knitted fabric that forms the wall of the sock is generally on the outer face of said fabric, that is, the face opposite to that of contact with the foot and the leg. In some cases, such as that relating to the retention of the shin guards in position, the element can be provided on the inner face of the sock, that is, the one facing the leg.

[0215] According to a possible variant embodiment, the thickness and/or width of said band 1 can vary along its extension both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction in order to generate mechanical responses that are diversified by application areas, i.e. overlapping a part of the foot or leg.

[0216] According to a still further possible variant, in addition to silicone, it is possible to use one or more of the plastics materials described above and/or combinations, or mixtures thereof.

[0217] Still according to possible variant embodiments, the overall width of the band or strip is between 1 cm and 8 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm to ensure correct support and support for the ankle joints and its soft tissues.

[0218] As already anticipated in the previous description, the combination of the action of the areas of greater thickness, i.e. of the thickening areas of the sock wall obtained by means of the thickening elements constituted by said band, allow to produce different biomechanical, vascular and neurological effects that have both therapeutic efficacy, and preparatory efficacy in preserving the foot and leg against damage from work stress, and a further efficacy to increase and/or optimize the mechanical and/or physiological functions of the foot and leg allowing to obtain better performance.

[0219] FIGS. 8 to 13 show a second exemplary embodiment of the sock, in which the combination of the different modification elements of the physical and mechanical characteristics and of the material of the sock are made and distributed on the anatomical areas of the foot in order to assist, support and/or protect the limb, i.e. the foot and also the calf part and the tibial area, during the activity of said limb in the performance of the sport of cycling.

[0220] The following description is made with reference to that of the previous embodiment and will highlight the identical features and those of diversification, indicating identical parts or parts having identical function with identical reference numbers as in the description and in the figures of the previous embodiment.

[0221] As is evident from the figures, in this embodiment an element for modifying the biomechanical behavior of the sock is provided which consists of a thickening element in the form of a layer of tape of the kinesiotape type. This element is analogous to the element 5 of the previous exemplary embodiment and has, similarly to the previous exemplary embodiment, two lateral enlargements towards the external side and towards the internal side of the foot also indicated here with 51, 52 and having the same functions and the same position as the one described in the previous example.

[0222] In particular, said element 5, in this embodiment, is configured with respect to the thickness and type of material in such a way as to exert a compression in the meso foot area.

[0223] The configuration of said element 5 in said area is such that in one embodiment the compression is of the order of magnitude of about 15 to 25, preferably of 20 to 22 mm of Hg.

[0224] This feature allows an improvement in venous return even on a bicycle, so that a good cardiac output is ensured and consequently the metabolic system is not forced to raise the heartbeat. Therefore, this allows those who are bradycardic to retain their benefits.

[0225] In the area of the plantar arch in combination with the said element 5 the silk-screened elements 1 operate which overlap the said element 5, increasing the support of the plantar arch and giving greater grip with the shoe. A well-formed and elastic foot arch allows the elastic reuse of the structures of the foot itself in the thrust, improving the expression of power on the pedals.

[0226] Furthermore, the element 5, similarly to what has already been described for the previous example, exerts a tape effect on the heel and on the Achilles tendon, the said layer also extending in the area of the sock destined to overlap the heel and reaching the area of the sock destined to overlap on the calf.

[0227] In cycling, the use of the ankle in flexion and extension is very important during pedaling, therefore the combination of the aforementioned elements constitutes a dynamic system that works as a proprioceptive means, informing the subject of his movements in this area. In addition, the elastic movement of the system itself gently massages the area.

[0228] Along the sole of the foot and up to the area of the first metatarsal there is the modification element 1 which is made up of non-slip material, or a layer of material that has a high coefficient of friction relative to the shoe. Similarly to what has been described above, said material can consist of a layer of natural or synthetic rubber, silicone or other plastic materials which have a high coefficient of friction.

[0229] Again similarly to one or more of the variants described for the said element 1, this partly overlaps the element 5 in the arch area of the foot.

[0230] In one embodiment, said element 1 can be applied in the form of a continuous layer or on separate and distributed zones in the desired anatomical region which have a relatively large surface extension.

[0231] Alternatively, said element 1 consists of a distribution over a plurality of separate areas covering said application area and which can have any shapes and any density, even variable along the extension of the application area (in this case the plan of the foot and the area of the first metatarsal).

[0232] The illustrated embodiment shows a distribution of said element 1 on a series of substantially rectilinear and equidistant strips which are oriented parallel to each other and in an oblique direction with respect to the antero-posterior direction of the foot.

[0233] Alternatively or in combination on different adjacent areas of the area of application of the element 1, in at least some areas the said element 1 with a high coefficient of friction can consist of small points of predetermined surface extension whose surface density and/or extension can be variable as shown in the figures.

[0234] This configuration allows to obtain biodynamic advantages thanks to the guaranteed grip between sock and shoe which consist in the fact of optimizing the thrust, avoiding the annoying slipping between the foot and the shoe and avoiding the cyclist having to tighten the shoe too much, creating annoying compressions and paresthesias in the foot and supporting and assisting the biomechanical role of the thrust exerted by the first toe which has also proved to be important in the dynamics of the foot relating to cycling.

[0235] Differently from the present embodiment, elements 2 and 3 and element 4 are not provided here as the biodynamic stresses and efforts exerted by the foot do not require it.

[0236] However, in this executive example, a cushioning and protection element is applied to the sock indicated by 10 which is provided in the area of the sock intended to overlap the area of thrust of the foot on the pedals which coincides with the area of the roots of the metatarsal heads and at the same time coinciding during the wearing of the cycling sock and footwear with the cleats of the system for coupling the shoe to the pedal as envisaged for specific cycling footwear and pedals.

[0237] In this case, the modification element with a cushioning and protection effect is made up of a layer of relatively rigid thermoplastic material, but flexible enough to allow a morphological adaptation to the foot.

[0238] This element 10 can be applied in any way and is preferably applied by screen printing.

[0239] Thanks to this element 10, the area called metatarsal heads is protected and shielded by the means for coupling the shoe to the pedal, allowing a better transmission of the thrust and protecting the foot from direct contact with the rigid part of the shoe.

[0240] According to yet another feature, the sock according to this embodiment also has an anti-slip element in the dorsal area. Also in this case this anti-slip element is made up of a layer of material with a high coefficient of friction which guarantees a better grip with the shoe. It can be made according to one or more of the variants previously described for element 1 in relation to the materials and methods of application, as well as in relation to the distribution design on the application area.

[0241] In the case of the cycling sock, however, said sock does not need to have shin guards, so that the area of application of said element with a high coefficient of friction is limited to the dorsal area of the foot as shown in the figures and indicated with 9 similarly to the sock of the first executive example.

[0242] The functional effect is to further secure the shoe to the sock and therefore to the foot, avoiding having to tighten the shoe too much and improving the ability to transmit the thrust from the foot to the pedal.

[0243] According to a further feature that can be provided in both embodiments and in each of the possible embodiments following adaptation to other particular types of podalic activity, the modification elements can present, especially when they consist of continuous layers of material, areas with holes through which the wall of the sock made of the knitted fabric is put in communication with the outside environment, thus allowing for a certain transpiring action also in the areas where said elements are applied.

[0244] These openings can vary in shape, size and density of distribution between element and element or between different areas of the same element.

[0245] From the foregoing it is evident that the stocking according to the present invention differs substantially from the generic stockings present in the state of the art which apply only some of the principles and measures set out and present in combination in the present invention, since this application is entirely generic and not aimed at obtaining a biomechanical effect harmonized with the effects on circulatory and neurological functions thanks to the provision of a combined and functionally harmonized operation of the said devices.

[0246] Furthermore, the two exemplary embodiments clearly show how it is possible to better calibrate the dynamic response of the sock with biodynamic behavior of the foot required for the performance of a specific activity by arranging the various modification elements substantially consisting of elements of thickening and/or protection, elements of material with a support effect of the kinesiotape type, elements for increasing elasticity, elements for increasing friction towards the shoe material and/or inserts such as shin guards or similar to be housed between the sock and the limb and/or elements of differentiated thickening of the areas involved in the execution of specific movements.

[0247] In fact, it appears evident that in the two embodiments the elements of modification of the mechanical features of the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock have pre-established and standardizable functions that are used in a modular way in the different anatomical areas to obtain various dynamic responses of the sock adapted to the biodynamics of the foot movements.

[0248] Therefore, with a minimum of different types of elements it is possible to combine support and protection effects with solidarity effects of the sock to the shoe, for example anti-slip effects, with holding effects in position also in relation to rotations and with protection and shielding effects, as well as supportive effects on the muscular and/or skeletal structure and tendons.