THERMAL TRANSFER FOOTWEAR; SOCK OR STOCKING

Abstract

The product relates to a heat-regulating sock (1) with heat-conducting materials in certain areas. In one example embodiment the device may provide a means of conducting heat in and around the foot and leg. Heat can be intentionally transferred from one area of the foot to another, from an area of the leg to an area of the foot, from an area of leg to an area of the foot, from the foot to the localized atmosphere, or from the localized atmosphere to the foot. To this end, the inventive sock has at least one thermally conductive material (2) touching a portion of the foot or leg, in one or multiple locations, and conducting heat towards other regions of the foot or away from the contacted area of the foot with one or more additional materials insulating the conductive material.

Claims

1. A thermally-conductive sock having a foot portion with sole, an intermediate portion extending therefrom, and a band at the top thereof, comprising: a conductive material provided in predetermined areas especially for use in various environments where the foot may become cooler than the localized environment wherein the wearer wishes to utilize the temperature differential between regions of the sock and foot and a thermally conductive material and an insulating material knit and wound together with the thermally conductive material making direct contact with the foot. 1.1. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is formed as a thread. 1.2. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of up to about 3,300 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K). 1.3. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of at least 100 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K). 1.4. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 1 location. 1.5. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 2 locations and out of contact with the wearers foot in at least 1 location. 1.6. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is constructed with at least one thermally insulating material. 1.7. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is woven above, below and between one or more thermally insulating material. 1.8. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, an elastic yarn or thread is interwoven with other portions of the sock.

2. A thermally-conductive sock having a foot portion with sole, an intermediate portion extending therefrom, and a band at the top thereof, comprising: a conductive material provided in predetermined areas especially for use in various environments where the foot may become warmer than the localized environment wherein the wearer wishes to utilize the temperature differential between regions of the sock and foot, and temperature differentials between the localized environment and the sock. a thermally conductive material and an insulating material knit and wound together with the thermally conductive material making direct contact with the foot. 2.1. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is formed as a thread. 2.2. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of up to about 3,300 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K). 2.3. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of at least 100 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K). 2.4. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 1 location. 2.5. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 2 locations and out of contact with the wearers foot in at least 1 location. 2.6. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is exposed to environmental conditions in at least one location. 2.7. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is constructed with at least one thermally insulating material placed between the wearer's epidermis and the thermally conductive material. 2.8. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is woven above, below and between one or more thermally insulating material. 2.9. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that, an elastic yarn or thread is interwoven with other portions of the sock.

Description

[0017] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present design, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, and where:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side, perspective view of a typical sock, illustrating the configuration and differing knits as found in a typical sock according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the sock design where the leg portion of the sock is of an alternative design having less contact with the lower portion of the leg, according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side, perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present design illustrating the placement of the conductive material placements and the folding over of a portion of the sock according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side, perspective view of an embodiment of the present design illustrating the folding of the cuff and construction of the conductive thread on the inside of the sock according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an embodiment of the design where a typical construction of a three or greater number of layers of sock construction according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an embodiment of the design where the typical construction of the sock is of two layers according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present design illustrating the conductive layer located on the inner part of lower section of the sock and a conductive layer located on the external portion of the upper portion of the sock according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a side, perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present design illustrating the insulate layer located on the inner part of lower section, the folding over of a portion of the upper part of the sock, and a conductive portion of the sock in the folded over portion according to one embodiment.

[0026] As may be seen in FIG. 1, the socks as preferably used with the present design is of a thick, cushioned type, typically associated with athletics socks and the like. Such a sock typically can include a mixture of two primary types of knitsa smooth, cushioning knit and a courser knit having elastic properties for compressing the upper area above the ankle and sometimes including the ankle.

[0027] Typically, the upper area of the socks made so by the inclusion of cotton knit or the like, configured for facilitating a desirable, conforming fit, in which the sock is prevented from sliding down the leg of the user, remaining secure in place even during significant movements.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the upper, lower leg enveloping portion 1 of the illustrated socks forms that portion covering the ankle and low leg of the wearer according to one embodiment.

[0029] In a configuration where heat is transferred from one portion of the foot or lower leg to another portion of the foot or lower leg. The sock in accordance with the design, which is designated as a whole by (1), has a conductive material (2) proceeding from the lower portion of the foot, and extends up to the band (3), and is formed of thermal conducting material. Through this conductive material (2), thermal energy is drawn off one area of the foot/leg and transferred (4) through the conductive material to another portion of the foot/leg, as depicted in FIGS. 1-4 according to one embodiment.

[0030] The thermally conductive material (2) may be arranged in such a way that it is bordered on multiple sides by a thermally insulating material (5), as show in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment.

[0031] In a configuration where heat is transferred away one portion of the foot or lower leg to the surrounding ambient environment. The sock in accordance with the design, which is designated as a whole by (1), has a conductive material (2) proceeding from the lower portion of the foot, and extends up to the band (3), and is formed of thermal conducting material. Through this conductive material (2), thermal energy is drawn off one area of the foot/leg and transferred (4) through the conductive material to an area insulated from the foot of the wearer, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 according to one embodiment.

[0032] The thermally conductive material (2) may be arranged in such a way that it is bordered on one side by a thermally insulating material (5), as show in FIG. 6 according to one embodiment.

[0033] The embodiments described herein in detail for exemplary purposes are of course subject to many different variations in structure, design, application, materials and methodology. Thus, the sock can be formed as a left/right sock, the configuration of a conductive layer can diverge from the one depicted here, and the like. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein disclosed, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.wh