ANTI-SLIP SOCK OR SHOE COVER WITH ANTIMICROBIAL ACTION

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sock or shoe cover having grip features comprising at least one antimicrobial agent. The plurality of grip features are arranged on a plantar surface contact face. Optionally, a plurality of antimicrobial dorsal grip features are arranged about a dorsal face of the sock or shoe cover. In certain embodiments, a sock body of the sock or shoe cover also has antimicrobial qualities. In a second aspect, a method of reducing or eliminating the transportation of microbes from footwear is provided.

Claims

1. A sock or shoe cover comprising: a tubular sock body comprising a body forming a perimeter around a foot-receiving cavity, the sock body comprising, when donned, a closed end, an opposing end in communication with the foot-receiving cavity, a dorsal face, and a surface contact face; a longitudinal axis that extends from the closed end to the opposing end and a transverse axis that extends between a medial side and a lateral side of the sock body, wherein the transverse axis intersects the longitudinal axis, at least one grip feature presented on at least the surface contact face; and at least one antimicrobial agent associated with at least some of the at least one grip feature.

2. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one grip feature comprises one grip feature or a plurality of grip features.

3. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, further comprising at least one grip feature presented on the dorsal face.

4. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one grip feature is bonded to the surface contact face.

5. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one grip feature is presented on at least one of a heel portion, a plantar portion, and a lateral portion of the sock body when donned.

6. The sock or shoe cover of claim 5, wherein the at least one grip feature is presented on the heel portion exceeds the plurality of grip features presented on the plantar portion of the sock body when donned.

7. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one antimicrobial agent is a gram positive or gram negative bactericide.

8. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one antimicrobial agent is selected from silver, copper, tin, nickel, zinc, sodium, or their cations.

9. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one antimicrobial agent comprises a zeolite carrier comprising silver, copper, tin, nickel, zinc, sodium, or their cations.

10. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one antimicrobial agent is distributed, dispersed, or dissolved in the at least one grip feature.

11. The sock or shoe cover of claim 10, wherein the grip feature is selected from homopolymers or copolymers comprising poly ethylene vinyl acetate, poly vinyl chloride, polyurethane, synthetic or natural rubber, styrene-butadiene, and isoprene.

12. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one antimicrobial agent is a polymer or copolymers consisting of or comprising: 4-amino-N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazoly)benzenesulfonamide, (N-tri-n-butyltin)maleimide, m-acryloylamino-(tri-n-butyltinbenzoate), (benzimidazol-2-yl)thio groups, (5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio groups, acrylated quinolone, m-2-benzimidazolecarbamoyl moieties, norfloxacin, 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, acrylated 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, N-halamine derivatives of 1-acryloyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidin-4-one; phosphonium salts, sulfonium salts, methacryloyl-oxy-dodecylpyridinium bromide, 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane quaternary ammonium moieties, iodine containing quaternary amine methacrylate, N-halamine siloxane quaternary ammonium salts, and phosphonium salts with quaternary ammonium groups.

13. The sock or shoe cover of claim 1, further comprising a sock body antimicrobial agent, the sock body antimicrobial agent being integral with a material forming the tubular sock body.

14. A sock or shoe cover comprising: a sock body comprising a tubular body forming a perimeter around a foot-receiving cavity, the sock body comprising a toe end, a heel area, and a foot opening in communication with the foot-receiving cavity, the sock body including a longitudinal axis that extends from the toe end to the foot opening and a transverse axis that extends between a medial side and a lateral side of the sock body, wherein the transverse axis intersects the longitudinal axis, a first grip portion of a plurality of grip features; and at least one antimicrobial agent associated with at least some of the plurality of grip features.

15. A method of reducing or eliminating the transportation of microbes, the method comprising: providing a sock body comprising a tubular body forming a perimeter around a foot-receiving cavity, the sock body comprising a toe end, a heel area, and a foot opening in communication with the foot-receiving cavity, the sock body including a longitudinal axis that extends from the toe end to the foot opening and a transverse axis that extends between a medial side and a lateral side of the sock body, wherein the transverse axis intersects the longitudinal axis; providing a plurality of grip features to the sock body, wherein at least at least some of the plurality of grip features comprise at least one antimicrobial agent; and reducing or eliminating microbe transportation from footwear.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the sock body is a knitted article.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one antimicrobial agent is a polymer or copolymers consisting of or comprising: 4-amino-N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazoly)benzenesulfonamide, (N-tri-n-butyltin)maleimide, m-acryloylamino-(tri-n-butyltinbenzoate), (benzimidazol-2-yl)thio groups, (5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio groups, acrylated quinolone, m-2-benzimidazolecarbamoyl moieties, norfloxacin, 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, acrylated 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, N-halamine derivatives of 1-acryloyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidin-4-one; phosphonium salts, sulfonium salts, methacryloyl-oxy-dodecylpyridinium bromide, 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane quaternary ammonium moieties, iodine containing quaternary amine methacrylate, N-halamine siloxane quaternary ammonium salts, and phosphonium salts with quaternary ammonium groups.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising topical administration of at least one antimicrobial agent to the sock body and/or the plurality of grip features.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of grip features comprise poly ethylene vinyl acetate, poly vinyl chloride, polyurethane, synthetic or natural rubber, styrene-butadiene, and isoprene.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one grip feature is presented on at least one of a heel portion, a plantar portion, and a lateral portion of the sock body when donned.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to understand and to see how the present disclosure may be carried out in practice, examples will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is an example embodiment of a knit sock having a plurality of grip features on the contact surface face worn on a foot.

[0022] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate example patterns of a plurality of grip features disposed on the plantar contact face.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an example embodiment of the knit sock having a plurality of grip features on the contact surface face and the dorsal surface face worn on a foot.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an example embodiment of a knit sock having an antimicrobial agent integral with the tubular body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure provides for incorporating one or more antimicrobial agents into a sock or shoe cover. The present disclosure provides attenuation of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that would otherwise or inevitably come into contact with a donned sock or shoe. Additionally, the present disclosure attenuates the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that would otherwise or inevitably come into contact with a donned sock or shoe.

[0026] Positional terms as used herein such as medial, lateral, toe-end, heel area, ball front, back interior surface, exterior surface, plantar, dorsal, mid-foot, instep, and the like, are with a sock or shoe cover being donned or worn as intended (e.g., by a wearer standing in anatomical position). Thus, a medial portion is positioned adjacent to a medial side of the wearer's foot, and the lateral portion is positioned adjacent to a lateral side of the wearer's foot. The toe-end is positioned adjacent to the toes of the wearer's foot, and the heel area is positioned adjacent to the heel of the wearer's foot. The dorsal portion is positioned adjacent to the dorsum of the wearer's foot, and the plantar portion is positioned adjacent to the sole of the wearer's foot. The back or ball is positioned adjacent to an Achilles tendon/calf area of the wearer. An interior surface is configured to face toward a skin surface of the wearer or a shoe exterior, respectively, and the exterior surface is configured to face away from the skin surface of the wearer (distal from the interior surface) or away from the shoe exterior.

[0027] The term knitted course as described herein is a predominantly horizontal row of knitted loops (in an upright fabric as knit) produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The knitted course may comprise one or more stitch types such as a loop stitch, a held stitch, a float stitch, a tuck stitch, a transfer stitch, and the like as these terms are known in the art of knitting. In one example, a circular knitting device is used to construct the tubular body of the present disclosure.

[0028] The term integrally knit or contiguous as used herein relates to a textile or fabric having a yarn from one or more knitted courses being interlooped with one or more knitted courses of another area. For example, a knit course from a grip feature configured as a strip may be integrally knit with a knit course from a non-grip area if a yarn from the grip strip knit course is interlooped with a knit course in the non-grip area. In another example, a first end of a grip feature configured as a strip may be contiguous with a second end of the grip strip if a yarn from the first end is interlooped with a yarn from the second end of the grip strip.

[0029] The term plating as used herein means a knit construction where a body yarn and a plating yarn are knitted in the same knit stitch using, for instance, a body yarn feeder and a plating yarn feeder.

[0030] The term elastomeric as used herein relates to a yarn type that provides a maximum stretch greater than about 150% under load prior to returning to its non-stretched state when the load is removed. Some elastomeric yarns suitable for the sock/shoe cover of the present disclosure provide a maximum stretch of about 400%, for example, LYCRA, elastane, spandex, rubber, and the like.

[0031] The term microbes as used herein means one or more microscopic organism. Types of microbes include bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites (including multi-cellular parasites), and the like. Where reference is made to reducing and/or eliminating microbes, such reduction or elimination may be narrowly directed to a single type of microbe or more broadly directed to multiple types of microbes.

[0032] The term polymeric carrier as used herein means any polymer or combination of polymers in which an antimicrobial agent may be distributed, dispersed, dissolved or otherwise mixed for the purpose of delivering and/or applying such antimicrobial agent to a surface.

[0033] The term about used when, for instance, describing numbers or numerical ranges means within 10% of a designated value unless indicated otherwise. Unless indicated otherwise, all measurements provided herein are taken at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and the test article is in a resting state (e.g., an unstretched state).

Sock or Shoe Cover Antimicrobial Grip Features

[0034] One or more aspects herein are directed to sock or shoe cover having grip features comprising one or more antimicrobial agents. One or more of the grip features comprising one or more antimicrobial agents may have a varied width along its length to provide more or less grip in a particular area about the sock or shoe cover.

[0035] The sock or shoe cover can be used to reduce or eliminate the transportation of bacteria on footwear as it enables a level of sterility during a finite time interval, thereby protecting a wearer from contaminated substances on a contacting surface.

[0036] The socks described herein include various styles, types, and heights. For example, crew-socks, tube socks, ankle socks, toe socks, and the like. Alternatively, the socks may be a shoe liner that is either separate from or formed integrally with a shoe. Further, each of the sock described herein and the shoe cover described herein may be worn with or without footwear.

[0037] In embodiments where the antimicrobial grip features described herein are used with a glove, the glove may be of a variety of styles. For example, the glove may be designed to fully cover each finger of a user or alternatively, the glove may only partially cover one or more of the user's fingers (e.g, where the glove is a finger-less glove). In some examples, the glove is a mitten. Further, the gloves described herein may be used in various settings for example, in a healthcare setting. In certain embodiments, the gloves have additional uses and purposes. For example, certain embodiments of the glove have sports-related purposes (e.g., a weight-lifting glove), work glove, etc., and may include insulation qualities, and/or the like.

[0038] In aspects, the antimicrobial grip features are added to an exterior surface of the sock or shoe cover using manual, printing, silk screening, masking, spray, dip, or slit die techniques. In one example, the grip features are comprised of a polymer such as silicone, PVC, rubber, and the like. In one example, the grip features comprise one or more antimicrobial agents before being added to the exterior of the sock or shoe cover. In another example, the grip features are added to the exterior of the sock and one or more antimicrobial agents are impregnated, coated, or infused therein. In one example the grip feature comprises a gradient concentration of one or more antimicrobial agents through the thickness of the grip feature, for example, a greater concentration of the one or more antimicrobial agents distal from the sock surface from which the grip feature is attached. Such gradient concentration of the one or more antimicrobial agents can be linear or non-linear throughout the thickness of the grip feature, have different gradient concentrations for each of the one or more antimicrobial agents throughout the thickness of the grip feature, or have stepped or sequential concentration gradients for each of the one or more antimicrobial agents throughout the thickness of the grip feature.

[0039] In one example, an extrusion step may be used to form an antimicrobial layer on a surface of a tubular body, or to form an anti-microbial layer containing polymeric material with suitable grip feature characteristics on a fabric comprising an antimicrobial yarn. In one example, an anti-microbial layer is co-extruded with a layer of polymeric material with suitable grip feature characteristics to provide a co-extruded film or tape that can be adhesively attached to at least a portion of the tubular body.

[0040] In embodiments where the antimicrobial agent is a polymeric carrier, the antimicrobial agent can comprise silver, copper, nickel, zinc, sodium, or their cations. In some such aspects, the polymeric carrier is selected from homopolymers or copolymers comprising chitosan, poly ethylene vinyl acetate, poly vinyl chloride, polyurethane, synthetic or natural rubber, styrene-butadiene, and isoprene.

[0041] In one example, the polymer carrier material of the grip feature with the one or more antimicrobial agents has a hardness and modulus as well as medium to high shear strength under high shear loading conditions within a defined range so as to provide a sufficient coefficient of friction (COF) of about 0.4 or greater, and resiliency to respond to common flooring surfaces during walking or running at ambient conditions typical of a healthcare facility or home. In one example the polymer carrier of the present disclosure is resistant to becoming coated with dust, dirt particles, and other fine airborne particulates over time so as to avoid loss of anti-slip characteristics. Thus, in one example, a low elastic modulus, high tensile and high elongation, soft rubbery polymer carrier is chosen for the grip features, e.g., polymer materials having resiliency (e.g., the ability to elastically deform with elongation without yield or failure). In one example, the polymer grip are low modulus, high shear strength, high tensile yield elongation, resilient, and have relatively high coefficient of friction without being tacky. Such polymers can be plasticized, blended, or chemically modified to provide desired COF and other properties (e.g., antimicrobial compatibility/blooming, wear life, cost, and manufacturability).

[0042] In one example a method of applying the grip features in a pattern (e.g., a skid-resistant pattern) to the tubular body is provided. The method comprises applying a liquid polymer emulsion formulation or melted polymer composition (unsolidified) containing at least one antimicrobial at a desired coating weight, thickness in a skid resistant pattern by, for example, actuated nozzles or a rotary screen transfer roll or other known coating methods such as slot die coating of molten material. In some examples, the unsolidified liquid may comprise two or more distinct materials and be applied such that one distinct material is in contact with the tubular body and another distinct material faces outward such that it, when worn, it will contact external surfaces (e.g., flooring). The unsolidified liquid pattern on tubular body can be subsequent cured, if needed, at an elevated temperature under controlled conditions of time and temperature, or otherwise allow to cool and transition from a molten state to a solid state. Additionally or alternatively, the unsolidified liquid pattern may be cured using an ultraviolet (UV) process. Additionally or alternatively, the grip features may be pre-formed on a transfer surface (for example, a paper surface) and then transferred to the socks using either directly or using specialized machinery. In some examples, the grip features are applied using glue.

[0043] Beyond a certain pattern density, the lateral surface of the tubular body reaches saturation, and reverts to almost continuous smooth, and thus, surface skid resistance performance may be reduced. In one example, the maximum average height of the grip features are between 0.01 mm to 2.0 mm. The pattern of polymer elements can be discontinuous or interconnected, wholly or in part, and can form a pattern of any shape. In one example, the pattern is comprised of distinct regions of discontinuous or interconnected grip features having a surface density range of about 1 per 100 square centimeters to about 3000 per square centimeter.

[0044] In one example, the loading (weight percent) of the at least one antimicrobial in the carrier can be about 0.1% to about 50%, provided that the amount of total antimicrobial weight does not significantly affect the tensile or COF properties of the carrier. In one example, the loading (weight percent) of the at least one antimicrobial in the carrier is determined based on a desired disinfection or biocidal rate, which can be within seconds, minutes, or up to 2 hours.

[0045] In aspects, the antimicrobial agent is a gram positive or gram negative bactericide. Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial agent can comprise silver, copper, tin, nickel, zinc, sodium, or their cations. Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial agent can comprise a zeolite carrier comprising silver, copper, tin, nickel, zinc, sodium, or their cations.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a polymer or copolymers consisting of or comprising: 4-amino-N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazoly)benzenesulfonamide, (N-tri-n-butyltin)maleimide, m-acryloylamino-(tri-n-butyltinbenzoate), (benzimidazol-2-yl)thio groups, (5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio groups, acrylated quinolone, m-2-benzimidazolecarbamoyl moieties, norfloxacin, 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, acrylated 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, N-halamine derivatives of 1-acryloyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidin-4-one; phosphonium salts, sulfonium salts, methacryloy-loxydodecylpyridinium bromide, 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane quaternary ammonium moieties, iodine containing quaternary amine methacrylate, N-halamine siloxane quaternary ammonium salts, and phosphonium salts with quaternary ammonium groups. In still other aspects, the at least one antimicrobial agent is selected from 2-phenylphenol, quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium pyridinethione, bithionol, and 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties.

[0047] Further to the above-listed materials, the antimicrobial agent can comprise any antimicrobial materials known in the art.

Grip Features on the Contact Surface

[0048] With reference to FIG. 1, a knit sock 100 donned on a foot is depicted. The knit sock having a closed end 101 and an opposing end 102. The opposing end is open to define a perimeter around a foot-receiving cavity. The knit sock has a plurality of grip features 103 presented on its contact surface 104.

[0049] The contact surface is the exterior plantar surface of the sock (i.e., that portion of the sock or shoe cover that would come into contact with flooring, carpeting, tile, stone, concrete, furniture and the like) when the sock or shoe cover is worn. In one example, the flooring, carpeting, tile, stone, concrete, or furniture is contaminated with one or microbials. In one example, the surface can be flooring, carpeting, tile, stone, concrete, or furniture in a medical facility, such as a hospital, emergency care, triage, and the like.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, plantar perspectives of exemplary shaping and patterns of the grip features presented on the contact surface are depicted. In aspects, the plurality of grip features are each bonded to the surface contact face. In some examples, the grip features are extruded and melt bonded to the surface of the contact face. In one example, the grip features are bonded to the surface of the contact face using a heat and/or UV curing process. In one example, the grip features are transfer-bonded to the surface of the contact face using an adhesive. In one example, the grip features are bonded to the surface of the contact face using a sonic or solvent welding process. In still another example, the grip features are bonded to the surface of the contact face using a silk screening process optionally incorporating a curing agent. In some examples, the grip features are pre-formed on a transfer surface and then transferred to the surface contact face. In some embodiments, the plurality of grip features are strategically disposed on the contact surface. Any dimension, e.g., height, width, length and shape of the of the grip features may vary, including a gradual increase or decrease in any such dimension as the grip feature extends about the plantar portion.

[0051] In aspects, the plurality of grip features are arranged randomly about the surface contact face. In another aspect, the plurality of grip features are arranged semi-randomly about the surface contact face. A greater or lesser number of the grip features may be presented on each of the ball, mid-foot, or heel portion of contact surface in order to facilitate improved gripping and antimicrobial characteristics. In aspects, at least one grip feature is present on the toe-portion of the sock. In one embodiment where the socks are toe-socks, at least one feature is present on one or more of toe-receiving cavities of the toe sock.

[0052] In aspects, the plurality of grip features are arranged in a pattern about the surface contact face. The pattern of the grip features about the contact surface face may be a striped pattern or a dotted pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the pattern of the grip features about the surface contact face may be a geometric pattern, for example, a square pattern, a circular pattern, a triangular pattern, a truncated frustoconical pattern, a diamond pattern, or any other polygonal pattern and the like (or any combination of the foregoing).

[0053] The grip features disclosed herein are configured for use with a variety of articles, such as for use with a glove, an arm sleeve, a leg sleeve, or a cut-and-sew fabric. In examples where the grip features are used with a glove, the grip features may be present on the glove's contact surface (i.e., the palm) and/or on the opposing face (i.e., the exterior portion on the back of the wearer's hand).

Antimicrobial Grip Features on the Dorsal Face

[0054] In one embodiment, the sock or shoe cover comprises grip features on its dorsal face in addition or alternatively to grip features on the contact surface. FIG. 3 depicts a knit sock or shoe covering having a second plurality of grip features 301 presented on its dorsal face 302 in addition to the grip features 103 presented on its contact surface 104. The grip features presented on the dorsal face further reduce and/or eliminate the transportation of bacteria on footwear by inhibiting growth of microbes, viruses, fungus and the like on the top portion of the sock or shoe cover. In embodiments where the grip features are presented on the dorsal face of a sock that is to be positioned within a shoe, the second plurality of grip features may further serve to reduce movement of the sock within the shoe.

[0055] As with the grip features presented on the contact surface, in certain embodiments, the second plurality of grip features are strategically disposed on the dorsal face. The shape, height, width, and shape of the of the grip features may vary.

[0056] In aspects, the plurality of grip features are arranged randomly about the surface contact face. In another aspect, the plurality of grip features are arranged semi-randomly about the surface contact face. A greater or lesser number of the grip features may be presented on various portions of the dorsal face.

[0057] In aspects, the plurality of grip features are arranged in a pattern about the dorsal face. The pattern of the grip features about the contact surface face may be a striped pattern or a dotted pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the pattern of the grip features about the dorsal face may be a geometric pattern, for example, a square pattern, a circular pattern, a triangular pattern, a truncated frustoconical pattern, a diamond pattern, or any other polygonal pattern and the like (or any combination of the foregoing).

Antimicrobial Agent Integral with Tubular Body

[0058] With reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary sock 400 having grip features 401 that are integrally knit with the sock or shoe cover is depicted. Notably, the sock 400 has grip features on both the contact surface and the dorsal surface. As noted above, the grip features may be present on only one of the contact surface and the dorsal surface.

[0059] In some examples, the grip features are used with a knit fabric. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the integrally-formed grip features and/or antimicrobial agent disclosed herein are configured for use with a variety of articles, such as for use with a glove, an arm sleeve, a leg sleeve, or a cut-and-sew fabric.

[0060] In one example, one or more yarns of the knit used to prepare the grip features comprise one or more antimicrobial agents. The one or more antimicrobial agents can be the same or different in some or all of the yarns used. The one or more antimicrobial agents can be present in some or all of the yarns used. The one or more antimicrobial agents can be present in one type of yarn and combined (knitted) with yarn with no antimicrobial agent. The one or more antimicrobial agents can be present in a first type of yarn and combined (knitted) with a second type of yarn with more antimicrobial agent, where the first type of yarn and the second type of yarn can be the same or different denier and/or yarn compositions (synthetic or natural, elastic or non-elastic, etc.).

[0061] In other examples, additional antimicrobial agents are included as an additive or coating, exemplary additional antimicrobials are chlorohexidine, triclosan, and others. These additives and coatings and their method of addition to these types of material are well known by those skilled in the art. In one example, the article comprises knitted or woven natural or synthetic polymer yarn presenting at least one inorganic antimicrobial agent on the surface, and at least one antimicrobial agent or coating that is an additional antimicrobial, wherein the additional antimicrobial agent is an organic antimicrobial.

[0062] Likewise, the sock/shoe cover may include portions that are entirely formed from grip features comprising yarns with more antimicrobial agent as opposed to having grip yarn strips. For instance, the plantar portion of the sock/shoe cover may comprise continuous grip feature areas in the toe end of the sock, where this area is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least the ball of the wearer's foot when the sock is worn. The ball area of the wearer's foot is typically subject to a high amount of force (impact forces, acceleration forces, turning forces, planting forces, and the like) and a high amount of grip in this area helps to prevent the forefoot portion of the sock and shoe from shifting against the wearer's skin surface during movement.

[0063] In one example, the integrally knit grip features comprising one or more antimicrobial agents have varying widths, for example, a strip may be formed from one or more interlooped knit courses that are knit using a grip yarn. In some examples, the first grip portion includes tow or more areas having different interloped knit courses. In some examples, the grip yarn is a silicone grip yarn (e.g., a mono-filament silicone grip yarn or a multi-filament silicone grip yarn). In some such examples, the grip yarn has linear density between about 600 and about 1800 decitex. In one example, the grip yarn has a linear density of about 1600 decitex or greater. A first area of the grip strip may comprise a first number of knit courses knit with the grip yarn, and a second area of the grip strip may comprise a second number of knit courses knit with the grip yarn where the second number of knit courses is different from the first number of knit courses. Areas of the grip strip having a greater number of knit courses would thus be wider than areas of the grip strip having a fewer number of knit courses.

[0064] In one example, adjacent grip features comprising one or more antimicrobial agents are separated by one or more knit courses formed using a non-grip yarn. These non-grip yarn courses are interlooped with the knit courses that form the grip features. The non-grip yarn courses may be moisture-wicking features and/or impart a soft hand. In one example, the non-grip yarn courses comprise one or more antimicrobial agents.

[0065] In one example, a high filament elastomeric yarn is used for providing the grip features. In one example, the grip yarn comprises a spandex yarn.

[0066] Different knit stitch type may be used to knit the grip yarn knit courses that form the grip strip. In aspects, the grip yarn knit courses may be present on both the technical face and the technical back of the tubular body (i.e., a single knit construction) such that the grip features are present on both the inner-facing surface of the tubular body and the outer-facing surface of the tubular body to provide a grip surface between the sock a wearer's skin surface and a grip surface between the sock and a wearer's shoe.

[0067] In one example aspect, a grip yarn is plated with an additional yarn. In one example, the additional yarn has no gripping properties and when plated with the grip yarn provides a discontinuous gripping surface of the knitted article. In one example aspect, the plating yarn may include an elastomeric yarn to provide additional stretch characteristics to the sock or shoe cover. For example, the plating yarn may comprise a spandex yarn covered with two ends or strands of greater denier polyester. Other plating yarns and plating configurations can be used.

[0068] In one example, one or more antimicrobial agents can be pre-compounded with a suitable organic or inorganic carrier or matrix to provide a yarn for inclusion in the tubular body. In one example, one or more antimicrobial agents can be pre-compounded with a suitable organic or inorganic carrier or matrix to provide a continuous or non-continuous coating, film, layer, or pattern on or about the tubular body.

[0069] The one or more antimicrobial agents may include a bactericide/fungicide agent. In one example, the one or more antimicrobial agents are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) approved. In some examples, the one or more antimicrobial agents comprise a bactericide/fungicide agent under the trade name zinc OMADINE or zinc pyrithione or pyrithione. In one example, the one or more antimicrobial agents can be compounded with thermoplastic polymers. In some examples, the one or more antimicrobial agents can be compounded with thermoplastic polymers to produce grip yarn or non-grip yarn. In one example, the one or more antimicrobial agents are compounded with thermoplastic polymers at or below 240 C. or combined with an inorganic carrier. In one example, a total antimicrobial agent concentration of about 3000 ppm, 5000 ppm, 10000 ppm, or more is used.

[0070] In one example, zinc Omadine or zinc pyrithione or a pyrithione derivative is used so as to provide inhibition of the growth of algae, mold, mildew and bacteria including E-Coli and Salmonella, as well as other microorganisms. Zinc OMADINE bactericide-fungicide is a derivative of pyrithione. Pyrithione derivatives include 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide; 1-hydroxpyridine-2-thione, 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide (CAS No. 1121-31-9) or 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethione (CAS No. 121-30-8). Other antimicrobials that are suitable for use in the present disclosure include, for example, 4-amino-N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazoly)benzenesulfonamide, (N-tri-n-butyltin)maleimide, m-acryloylamino-(tri-n-butyltinbenzoate), (benzimidazol-2-yl)thio groups, (5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio groups, acrylated quinolone, m-2-benzimidazolecarbamoyl moieties, norfloxacin, 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, acrylated 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl-ether, N-halamine derivatives of 1-acryloyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidin-4-one; phosphonium salts, sulfonium salts, methacryloy-loxydodecylpyridinium bromide, 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane quaternary ammonium moieties, iodine containing quaternary amine methacrylate, N-halamine siloxane quaternary ammonium salts, and phosphonium salts with quaternary ammonium groups. Other antimicrobials that are suitable for use in the present disclosure include, for example, dibromonitrilopropionamide, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride, polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate, dichloroisocyanurate sodium, benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium bromide, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine digluconate, and glutaraldehyde. Other antimicrobials that are suitable for use in the present disclosure include, for example, nano- and microparticles of metallic silver, copper, magnesium, zinc, iridium, tin, titanium, and/or their oxides and hydroxides.