METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROTECTING THE HUMAN BODY FROM FOOTSTRIKE SHOCK

Abstract

A shock-absorbing sock is shown and described. In one embodiment, the sock is a shock-absorbing athletic sock generally conforming to the shape of a human foot that includes a heel portion, a mid-foot portion and a shock absorbing assembly. The shock absorbing assembly may include a cavity assembly and a shock absorbing material. In other embodiments, the sock may include a slip-avoidance system.

Claims

1. In a sock having a heel portion, a mid-foot portion and a shock absorbing assembly, said sock comprising: (a) a cavity assembly; and (b) a shock absorbing material secured in said cavity.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an inner wall and an outer wall define said cavity.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said inner wall and said outer wall are stitched together, whereby said stitching is an elastic stitching adapted to allow flexibility and movement of said inner wall and outer wall about one another.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cavity wicks moisture away from a user's foot.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sock including at least one layer secured adjacent to said cavity chosen from a wicking layer, a protective layer and an adhesive layer.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cavity has sufficient memory to hold said cavity in place.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said shock absorbing material is a gel.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said shock absorbing material is a visco-elastic polymeric gel.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said shock absorbing material is adapted to flow and absorb shock under a load.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said shock absorbing material is adapted to mimic an elasticity of a human flesh.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said shock absorbing material absorbs greater than about 94 percent of impact shock.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said shock absorbing assembly cushions a human foot from foot-strike shock while said mid-foot portion allows tactility in said ball area and toes.

13. A shock-absorbing athletic sock comprising: (a) a heel portion; (b) a mid-foot portion; and (c) a shock absorbing assembly including (i) a cavity assembly and (ii) a visco elastic polymeric shock absorbing material adapted to absorb greater than about 94 percent of impact shock.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the disclosure will be better understood by a reading of the Description of Embodiments along with a review of the drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of a half-foot sock embodiment with cuffs at the ankle and mid-foot and placement of shock absorbing material, shown in the dotted line, in a heel portion;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the half-foot sock of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the half-foot sock of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a top-view of a shock absorbing material prior to installation within the footwear with adhesive covering intact;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a top-view of a shock absorbing material prior to installation within the footwear with adhesive covering partially removed;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of FIG. 5 showing various layers of a shock absorbing material including a moisture wicking layer;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a side-view of an ankle-with-open-forefoot sock embodiment with separate shock absorbing material in the heel portion and forefoot portion;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the FIG. 7 ankle-with-open-forefoot sock embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a side-view of the ankle-with-open-forefoot sock embodiment of FIG. 7 with shock absorbing material running from heel to forefoot;

[0030] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the ankle-with-open-forefoot sock embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0031] FIG. 11 is a side view of a three-quarter foot sock embodiment with shock absorption running from heel to the ball portion of the forefoot;

[0032] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the FIG. 11 three-quarter foot sock embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 13 is a side view of a calf sock embodiment with elongated upper ankle/calf portion;

[0034] FIG. 14 is a cross-section of the calf sock embodiment of FIG. 13 showing layers, including a wicking layer;

[0035] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the calf sock embodiment of FIG. 13 showing stitching and shock absorbing material within the sock;

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the full foot sock shock absorbing material with wicking portion separated from shock absorbing portion of the calf sock embodiment of FIG. 13; and

[0037] FIG. 17 is a side view of an elongated legging sock embodiment with elongated upper ankle/calf portion.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0038] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as forward, rearward, left, right, upwardly, downwardly, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0039] Referring now to the drawings in general and FIGS. 1, 7, 9, 11 and 13 in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure or any inventions thereto. As shown in these figures, the foot-strike shock socks are generally configured to protect and/or rehabilitate a wearer from bodily injury, particularly during athletic activity. For instance, the socks may help absorb shock and protect a users' heel section, ball area, i.e. the portion of the sole of the foot between the toes and the arch, and a combination thereof when the weight of the body strikes or moves on a surface, while wicking away moisture. However, it is within the sprit of this disclosure for foot-strike shock sock embodiments to be used in other non-athletic situations, for example where risk of bodily injury is apparent or during other bodily rehabilitation.

[0040] Embodiments of the socks include a variety of covering for the human foot, for instance a covering for the whole foot or a covering for only a portion of the foot. For example, embodiments of the sock may include a covering for the foot that reaches below the ankle, while other embodiments include a covering that reaches between the ankle and the foot. Further, in some embodiments, the socks may be donned without additional foot covering, i.e. without shoes or the like, as discussed herein. However, other embodiments of the socks may be worn with additional foot coverings, such as shoes, cleats, skates, rehabilitation coverings and other athletic footwear.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates half-foot sock 1, which is representative of one embodiment of a foot-strike shock sock discussed herein. In this example, half-foot sock 1 has a shape generally conforming to the shape of the human foot and includes heel shock absorbing assembly 10. Half-foot sock is generally secured to the human foot with ankle cuff 4 and mid-foot cuff 5. Typically, as shown in FIG. 11, heel shock absorbing assembly may include a cavity assembly, heel shock absorbing material 2 and a plurality of slip avoidance grooves 9 to provide tactility and wick away moisture from the human foot.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cavity assembly may be defined by an inner wall 15 and an outer wall 16. Inner wall 15 and outer wall 16 may be stitched together, and in particular examples, inner wall 15 and outer wall 16 may be stitched together with elastic stitching to allow flexibility and movement of inner wall 15 about and outer wall 16. Inner wall 15 and outer wall 16 may also be constructed of a variety of donning apparel materials that provide sufficient compression to retain the sock during activity, while maintaining tactility and wicking away moisture. In examples hereinafter, the inner wall and the outer wall may include a composition of nylon, cotton and lycra. In a specific example, the composition includes about fifty-one percent nylon, about forty-seven percent cotton-elastic and about two percent lycra. Other examples include a variety of compositions that provide compressibility and tactility, while wicking moisture away from the human foot.

[0043] Typically, inner wall 15 and outer wall 16 have a shape generally conforming to the shape of the human foot. Throughout the various examples of socks herein, each inner wall and outer wall may be single layered or double layered, and can be composed of a variety combinations to match a specific intended usage. However, many of such embodiments are generally stretchable and, therefore, typically hug tightly to the foot when donned.

[0044] Further, the cavity assembly may include a variety of additional layers for enhanced performance of the sock, particularly during athletic activity. For instance, the sock may include a wicking material layer 19, an adhesive layer 18, an additional protective material layer and a combination thereof.

[0045] In examples herein, wicking material layer 19 may draw moisture from the human foot away from sock 10 or to outer layers. Wicking layer 19 may be a synthetic material, such as a microfiber and polyester based fabric to transfer moisture. For instance, the capillary action of wicking layer 19 may move moisture away from the skin into nonabsorbent materials with greater surface area for improved evaporation. The wicking layer 19 may therefore improve tactility and performance of the sock, while improving the wearer's comfort. Further, other embodiments may include anti-bacterial agents to help reduce odors and extend the sock's product life.

[0046] In other examples herein, adhesive layer 18 may help bond the multiple layers of the sock. In yet other examples, an additional protective material layer is positioned in one or all ground touching portions of the sole portion of the sock. In such examples, the protective material layer may be positioned on the sole portion which typically contacts a floor, beam or the like surface during upright standing and/or during traditional athletic activity, for instance such as running or gymnastics. The protective layer may be a layer of leather, such as a thin layer of leather similar to the bottom of ballet shoes. Such a thin layer of leather may be particularly advantageous in embodiments that can be used for running and other outdoor repetitive activities, particular those activities that often subject the outer wall of the sock to tearing and wearing away.

[0047] The heel shock absorbing material 2 is representative of one embodiment of absorbing materials discussed herein. Generally, the shock absorbing materials may vary from example to example and embodiment to embodiment. Shock absorbing material may be positioned adjacent to the inner wall in a variety of positions and can be attached directly to the inner wall such as by gluing, stitching or the like. Typically, shock absorbing material acts to dampen, or eliminate, shock generated during activity causing foot strike concerns. Shock absorbing material may be chosen from a variety of materials or constructions. For example, shock absorbing material may include a gel, and in particular a visco-elastic gel.

[0048] Typically, the shock absorbing material may compress in stages subject to different controlling pressure factors. For instance, the shock absorbing material may compress in a first phase during which the shock absorbing material is distorted when the user puts weight on a defined point during athletic movement, e.g. a gymnastic movement or the like, until the shock absorbing material distorts to a s second phase during a constant pressure, e.g. the user balancing weight in a normal standing position. The first phase compression of the shock absorbing material may depend on various factors. For instance, the size of the shock absorbing material will tend to impact the load bearing and load redirection.

[0049] The shock absorbing material of any of the embodiments herein may comprise of SORBOTHANE (SORBOTHANE is a registered trademark of Sorobthane, Inc. Kent, Ohio) visco-elastic gel. SORBOTHANE is a highly-damped, visco-elastic polymer. Typically, the visco-elastic material combines the properties of a viscrose liquid and an elastic solid. In particular examples, the shock absorbing material includes liquid-solid properties that flow, similar to a liquid, under a predetermined load. Simultaneously, SORBOTHANE shock absorbing material absorbs shock and vibration energy. The shock absorbing material partially collapses under compressive pressure and rebounds when the compressive pressure is removed.

[0050] Other embodiments of shock absorbing material include materials with similar visco-elastic properties to SORBOTHANE. As illustrated in 1, 7, 9, 11 and 13, the placement and size of the shock absorbing material in proportion to the surface area of sock between the human foot and a surface on which the weight of the body rests vary from embodiment to embodiment, depending on the use. In some embodiments, shock absorbing material may be located on specific placements along the foot, while other embodiments include shock absorbing material spanning up to the whole foot bottom. Typically, the shock absorbing material protects and cushions any of the heel, ball and/or inner portions of the arch of the user's foot, thereby reducing the shock normally imparted to the heel, ball and inner portions of the arch of the foot so that normal articulation of the bones in the feet takes place when the wearer is conducting physical activity, and gymnastics in general. Therefore, certain embodiments herein need not necessarily conform to the whole bottom of the foot, insofar as the whole bottom area of the foot may not benefit from shock protection during specific applications.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 1, half-foot sock 1 includes heel shock absorbing material 2 that is positioned within the cavity of heel shock absorbing assembly 10. In this example, heel shock absorbing material 2 is secured within the cavity defined by inner wall 15 and outer wall 16. In this particular embodiment, shock absorbing material is provided only in the heel area of half-foot sock 1. Here, forefoot 11, including ball of foot 12 and toes 13, are shown exposed with shock absorbing material 2 secured in the heel 10 area. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for athletes, including gymnasts, which may benefit from having the ball area free of additional material to allow maximum tactility in the ball and toe areas, while still absorbing harmful heel shock and wicking moisture away from the human foot.

[0052] Other embodiments of the half-foot sock 1 include an elongated forefoot area, where shock absorbing material is secured in the ball area of the sock. In these embodiments, the shock absorbing material may be secured within a cavity assembly in the forefoot having a similar inner wall and outer wall as seen in the heel cavity assembly described above.

[0053] Shock absorbing material 2 may also include slip-avoidance grooves 9, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Typically, slip-avoidance grooves 9 formed in the shock absorbing material provide for flexibility, for example to minimize, or prevent, slippage against inner wall 15. Slip-avoidance grooves 9 also maintain a specific compression across the face of shock absorbing material 2 during the change in load phases discussed above, for instance during load-bearing movements of athletics. Slip-avoidance grooves 9 may also encourage the passage of air through predetermined channels to enhance user comfort. Further, slip-avoidance grooves 9 may channel and wick moisture away from the human foot.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 1, half-foot sock 1 further includes an ankle cuff 4 on its distal end that is adapted to prevent slippage of the sock from the human foot. Ankle cuff 4 may include a fastener to further secure half-foot sock 1 to a human foot, particularly during athletic activity. Similarly, half-foot sock 1 includes a mid-foot cuff 5 on its proximate end that is adapted to prevent slippage from a user's mid-foot. The mid-foot cuff 5 may also include a fastener to further secure half-foot sock 1 to a user's forefoot, particularly during athletic activity.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows optional wicking layer 6 secured above inner wall 15 to additionally draw moisture from the human foot away toward the outer layers, i.e. heel shock absorbing material 10 and/or outer wall 16. As indicated above, wicking layer 6 may therefore improve tactility and performance of the sock, while improving the wearer's comfort.

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of the half-foot sock 1, wherein stitching 7 secures shock absorbing material 2 to the cavity assembly. Further, stitching 7 may secure inner wall 15 and outer wall 16. In other examples, a stick pad 8 may assist securing shock absorbing material 2 in place to provide enhanced adhesion to inner wall of sock 15. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of heel shock absorbing material 10 prior to installation within the cavity assembly, with the adhesive covering of stick pad 8 intact. FIG. 5 illustrates shock absorbing material 10 prior to installation within the cavity assembly, but with the adhesive covering of stick pad 8 partially removed.

[0057] FIG. 6 is an isolated view of the various elements of shock absorbing assembly 10, including slip-avoidance grooves 9 and optional wicking layer 6.

[0058] FIGS. 7-8 show another embodiment of the sock: an ankle-with-closed-forefoot sock 20. In this particular example, ankle-with-closed-forefoot sock 20 includes a closed forefoot 23. As indicated in FIG. 7, ankle-with-closed-forefoot sock 20 includes both ball-of-foot shock absorbing assembly 21 and heel shock absorbing assembly 10, both positioned within their corresponding cavities. As explained above, the corresponding cavity assemblies may be defined by an inner wall and an outer wall. The ball-of-foot shock absorbing assembly 21 and heel shock absorbing assembly 10 may include slip-avoidance grooves 9.

[0059] Ankle-with-closed-forefoot sock 20 further includes ankle cuff 4 on its distal end that is adapted to prevent slippage of the sock from the human foot. Ankle cuff 4 may include a fastener to further secure half-foot sock 1 to a human foot, particularly during athletic activity. Optionally, ankle-with-closed-forefoot sock 20 may include a wicking layer that is secured above the inner wall of the cavities to additionally draw moisture from the human foot away from sock 20 to the outer layers.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows one example of the ankle-with-closed-forefoot sock 20, wherein stitching 7 secures shock absorbing material 22 within ball-of-foot shock absorbing assembly 21 and heel shock absorbing assembly 10. Further, a stick pad 8 may be secured within ball-of-foot shock absorbing assembly 21 and within heel shock absorbing assembly 10, to assist in securing forefoot shock absorbing material 22 and heel shock absorbing material 2 in place to provide enhanced adhesion to the respective inner walls.

[0061] FIGS. 9-10 show yet another embodiment of the sock: an ankle-with-open-toe sock 30. In this particular example, ankle-with-open-toe sock 30 includes an open toe 24 for enhanced tactility, particularly during athletic activity. As indicated in FIG. 9, ankle-with-open-toe sock 30 includes a heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing assembly 32 within a cavity running from about the heel to about the toe. The cavity may be defined by an inner wall and an outer wall. The heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing assembly 32 may include heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing material 31. The heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing material 31 may include slip-avoidance grooves 9.

[0062] Ankle-with-open-toe sock 30 further includes ankle cuff 4 on its distal end that is adapted to prevent slippage of the sock from the human foot. Ankle cuff 4 may include a fastener to further secure ankle-with-open-toe sock 30 to a human foot, particularly during athletic activity. Optionally, ankle-with-open-toe sock 30 may include a wicking layer that is secured above the inner wall of the cavities to additionally draw moisture from the human foot and toward outer layers.

[0063] FIG. 10 shows one example of the ankle-with-open-toe sock 30, wherein stitching 7 secures heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing material 31 within heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing assembly 32. Further, a stick pad 8 may be secured heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing assembly 32 to assist in securing heel-to-toe foot shock absorbing material 31 within its respective cavity, particularly against its inner walls.

[0064] FIGS. 11-12 show another embodiment of the sock: three-quarter foot sock 40. In this particular example, three-quarter foot sock 40 includes an open toe 24 and partial open forefoot for enhanced tactility, particularly during athletic activity. As indicated in FIG. 11, three-quarter foot sock 40 includes a three-quarter foot shock absorbing assembly 42 within a three-quarter foot cavity assembly running from about the heel to about the forefoot. The cavity may be defined by an inner wall and an outer wall. The three-quarter foot shock absorbing assembly 42 may include three-quarter foot shock absorbing material 41. The three-quarter shock absorbing material 41 may include slip-avoidance grooves 9.

[0065] Three-quarter foot sock 40 further includes ankle cuff 4 on its distal end that is adapted to prevent slippage of the sock from the human foot. Ankle cuff 4 may include a fastener to further secure three-quarter foot sock 40 to a human foot, particularly during athletic activity. Similarly, three-quarter foot sock 40 includes three-quarter foot cuff 25 on its proximate end that is adapted to prevent slippage from a user's mid-foot. The three-quarter foot cuff 25 may also include a fastener to further secure three-quarter foot sock 40 to a user's forefoot, particularly during athletic activity.

[0066] Optionally, three-quarter foot sock 40 may include a wicking layer that is secured above the inner wall to additionally draw moisture from the human foot toward outer layers.

[0067] FIG. 12 shows one example of the three-quarter foot sock 40, wherein stitching 7 secures three-quarter foot shock absorbing material 41 to three-quarter foot sock 40. Further, a stick pad 8 may be secured to three-quarter foot shock absorbing assembly 42 to assist in securing three-quarter foot shock absorbing material 41 to its respective cavity, particularly against its inner walls.

[0068] FIGS. 13-17 show a further embodiment of the sock: calf sock 50. As shown in FIG. 13, calf sock 50 encloses the forefoot, toes and at least a portion of the user's calf. As indicated in FIG. 13, calf sock 50 may include full foot shock absorbing assembly 52 within a full foot cavity assembly. The cavity may be defined by an inner wall 15 and an outer wall 6, as shown in FIG. 14. The full foot shock absorbing assembly 52 may include full foot sock shock absorbing material 51. The full foot sock shock absorbing material 51 may include slip-avoidance grooves 9.

[0069] Calf sock 50 may further include calf cuff 26 on its distal end that is adapted to prevent slippage of the sock from the human foot, and from wear's calf in particular. Calf cuff 26 may include a fastener to further secure calf sock 50 to a human foot, particularly during athletic activity.

[0070] FIG. 15 shows one example of the calf sock 50, wherein stitching 7 secures full foot sock shock absorbing material 51 within full foot shock absorbing assembly 52. Further, as introduced in FIG. 16, calf sock 50 may include a wicking material layer 19 that is substantially the size of the wear's foot and/or an adhesive layer 18. Alternatively an adhesive layer can be used, or a combination of adhesive, such as glue, and stitching. FIG. 16 also shows the full foot shock absorbing assembly 52 with wicking portion 19 separated from shock absorbing material 51.

[0071] FIG. 17 illustrates a further embodiment of the sock: a legging sock 60. In this particular example, legging sock 60 encloses the forefoot, toes and at least a portion of the user's leg approaching a knee. Legging sock 60 includes full foot shock absorbing assembly 62 within a full foot cavity assembly. The cavity may be defined by an inner wall and an outer wall, as described above. The full foot shock absorbing assembly 62 may include full foot sock shock absorbing material 61. As previously described, the full foot sock shock absorbing material 61 may include slip-avoidance grooves.

[0072] Although shown in the context of the full foot embodiments, the various sock layers, including shock absorbing material, wicking material layers, inner and outer walls, cuffs, stitching and adhesive layer can be usefully employed in the legging sock 60 embodiments.

[0073] In other embodiments, the disclosure includes a sock retrofit kit. In this embodiment, the kit may comprise a shock absorbing material, e.g. any of the shock absorbing materials previously shown or described. Further, the kit may include a plurality of cuffs, e.g. any of the cuffs shown or described. Most typically, each shock absorbing material may replace a worn-out, or the like, shock absorbing material, for example within an existing cavity assembly, e.g. any of the cavity assemblies previously shown or described.

[0074] In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for absorbing foot-strike shock includes donning a foot-strike absorbing sock, e.g. any of the socks previously shown or described, and compressing the sock. In parituclar embodiments, the method includes donning the sock during athletic activities, for instance gymnastics, running, hockey, skating, or the like, or in other circumstances where foot strike shock is apparent or rehabilitation is advantageous.

[0075] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. Many of the novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed. It is further noted that, as used in this application, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.