KNEE AND ANKLE PAIN MANAGEMENT NIGHTTIME SOCK

Abstract

A thigh-high sock for managing knee and ankle pain during sleep includes a sock body extending from a foot area to an upper thigh area. A first stuffing-filled pocket may be positioned near a knee area, located behind and on an inner leg side. A second stuffing-filled pocket may be positioned near an ankle area, located on a front and inner leg side. Rubber slip-strips may be positioned on an inner surface to maintain positioning during sleep movements. The pockets may include zippered closures for stuffing adjustment. The sock may accommodate various sleep positions while providing targeted cushioning support. A method includes adjusting stuffing materials and wearing the sock during sleep. A system may include left and right socks with distinct configurations for comprehensive lower extremity pain management during sleep periods.

Claims

1. A thigh-high sock for managing knee and ankle pain during sleep, comprising: a sock body extending from a foot area to an upper thigh area; a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area of the sock body, the first pocket being located behind and on an inner leg side of the knee area; a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area of the sock body, the second pocket being located on a front and inner leg side of the ankle area; and one or more rubber slip-strips positioned on an inner surface of the sock body near a top of the thigh area and above the ankle area.

2. The sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body comprises a loose-knit construction configured to promote air circulation during extended wear periods.

3. The sock of claim 1, wherein the first and second stuffing-filled pockets each include a zippered closure configured to provide access for adjusting stuffing materials.

4. A method of managing knee and ankle pain during sleep, comprising: providing a thigh-high sock having a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area and a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area; adjusting an amount of stuffing material in at least one of the first and second pockets according to individual comfort preferences; and wearing the sock during a sleep period in at least one of a stomach position, a side position, and a back position.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising adjusting the stuffing material to accommodate different sleep positions during a single sleep period.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the stuffing material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of loose cotton-like filler and memory foam.

7. A system for managing knee and ankle pain during sleep, comprising: a left thigh-high sock having a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area and a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area; a right thigh-high sock having a first stuffing-filled pocket positioned near a knee area and a second stuffing-filled pocket positioned near an ankle area; and wherein each sock includes one or more rubber slip-strips positioned on an inner surface to maintain positioning during sleep movements.

8. The sock of claim 1, wherein the one or more rubber slip-strips contain cooling gel configured to provide temperature regulation during extended wear.

9. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a Plantar Fasciitis splint strap configured to provide additional foot and ankle support.

10. The sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body has a compression level intermediate between a traditional compression sock and a loose-fitting sock.

11. The sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body includes specific fabric weaving and stitching patterns configured to provide functional support during use.

12. The sock of claim 11, wherein the stitching patterns in the knee area are configured to add resistance to leg straightening movements.

13. The sock of claim 1, wherein stuffing materials in the first and second pockets are independently adjustable to provide customized support levels.

14. The method of claim 4, wherein the sock is configured to accommodate natural sleep movements while maintaining consistent support to knee and ankle areas.

15. The method of claim 4, further comprising using the sock to manage pain associated with Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS).

16. The system of claim 7, wherein the left and right socks have distinct configurations to accommodate anatomical differences between legs.

17. The system of claim 7, further comprising instructions for adjusting stuffing materials in the first and second pockets of each sock.

18. The sock of claim 1, wherein the first pocket is configured to provide cushioning support during knee flexion and extension movements.

19. The sock of claim 1, wherein the second pocket is configured to prevent direct bone-to-bone contact during side sleeping positions.

20. The system of claim 7, wherein the system is configured to eliminate the need for multiple separate support devices during sleep periods.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] An understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure may be utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a knee and ankle pain management nighttime sock, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a knee and ankle pain management nighttime sock configured for multiple sleep positions, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the use of similar digits. For example, 100 may reference element 00 in FIG. 1, and a similar element may be referenced as 200 in FIG. 2.

[0026] Elements shown in the various figures herein may be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and may not be taken in a limiting sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure and the examples included therein. In the following specification and the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

[0028] Before the present articles, systems, devices, and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described.

[0029] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0030] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0031] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a pocket includes two or more such pockets, and the like.

[0032] Ranges can be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as about that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value 10 is disclosed, then about 10 is also disclosed.

[0033] As used herein, the terms optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0034] As used herein, the term at least one of is intended to be synonymous with one or more of. For example, at least one of A, B and C explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

[0035] Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the disclosed compositions as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these compounds cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the disclosed compositions. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0036] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0037] The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions, or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0038] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for clarity.

[0039] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as open terms (for example, the term including should be interpreted as including but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes but is not limited to, etc.). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of comprising various components or steps (interpreted as meaning including, but not limited to), the compositions, methods, and devices can also consist essentially of or consist of the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.

[0040] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of two recitations, without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C, etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, a system having at least one of A, B, and C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, or C, etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, a system having at least one of A, B, or C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase A or B will be understood to include the possibilities of A or B or A and B.

[0041] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0042] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as up to, at least, and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a knee and ankle pain management nighttime sock 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The sock 100 may comprise a thigh-high construction that may extend from a foot area to an upper thigh area. The sock 100 may include specialized support features that may be configured to provide targeted pain relief during sleep periods.

[0044] The sock 100 may include an ankle zippered stuffing filled pocket 205 that may be positioned near an ankle area of the sock body. The ankle pocket 205 may be positioned on a front and inner leg side of the ankle area to provide targeted cushioning support. The pocket 205 may include a zippered closure that may allow access for adjusting stuffing materials according to individual comfort preferences.

[0045] A knee zippered stuffing filled pocket 210 may be positioned near a knee area of the sock 100. The knee pocket 210 may be positioned behind and on an inner leg side of the knee area to provide cushioning support during knee flexion and extension movements. The pocket 210 may include a zippered closure that may allow users to customize the amount and type of stuffing material.

[0046] The sock 100 may be constructed from a loose-knit material that may promote air circulation during extended wear periods. This construction may help prevent overheating and moisture accumulation that could interfere with sleep comfort. The sock 100 may have a compression level that may be intermediate between traditional compression socks and loose-fitting socks.

[0047] The sock 100 may include one or more rubber slip-strips positioned on an inner surface of the sock body. These slip-strips may help maintain the sock's position during sleep movements and position changes. The slip-strips may be positioned near a top of the thigh area and above the ankle area to provide optimal positioning stability.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of the knee and ankle pain management nighttime sock 100 configured for multiple sleep positions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The sock 100 may include the ankle zippered stuffing filled pocket 205 and the knee zippered stuffing filled pocket 210 as previously described.

[0049] The sock 100 may be configured to accommodate various sleep positions including an upright leg position 200B, a right side lying position 200A, and a left side lying position 200C. The side lying positions may also be beneficial for stomach sleepers who may position their legs in similar configurations.

[0050] In the right side lying position 200A, the sock 100 may provide cushioning support between the knees and ankles when the legs are positioned together. The stuffing-filled pockets 205 and 210 may prevent direct bone-to-bone contact that could cause discomfort or pain during side sleeping.

[0051] In the upright leg position 200B, the sock 100 may accommodate a bent knee configuration while maintaining support to both the knee and ankle areas. This position may be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer to sleep with elevated or bent legs. A zipper 215 may be visible near the ankle area, providing access to the ankle pocket 205 for stuffing adjustments.

[0052] In the left side lying position 200C, the sock 100 may provide similar support benefits as the right side lying position but may accommodate the opposite leg orientation. The positioning of the stuffing-filled pockets may provide consistent support regardless of which side the user prefers for sleeping.

[0053] The sock 100 may be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) or other knee and ankle pain conditions. The combination of knee and ankle support in a single garment may provide comprehensive pain management that may not be achievable with separate support devices.

[0054] In various embodiments, the stuffing materials in pockets 205 and 210 may comprise different compositions according to user preferences and pain management needs. Materials may range from loose cotton-like filler to memory foam compositions. The adjustable nature of the stuffing may allow users to customize the support level for different sleep sessions or as their condition changes over time.

[0055] The sock 100 may include specific fabric weaving and stitching patterns that may aid in proper use and operation. For example, certain stitching in the knee area may add resistance to leg straightening movements, which may be beneficial for individuals who need to maintain a bent knee position during sleep.

[0056] In some embodiments, the rubber slip-strips may be filled with cooling gel to provide additional comfort during extended wear periods. This feature may be particularly beneficial for users who experience heat buildup or night sweats that could interfere with sleep quality.

[0057] The sock 100 may be provided as part of a system that includes both left and right socks with distinct configurations. The left and right socks may have different pocket positioning or stuffing arrangements to accommodate anatomical differences between legs or asymmetric pain conditions.

[0058] A method of managing knee and ankle pain during sleep may comprise wearing the sock 100 during sleep periods. The method may include adjusting the amount of stuffing in the pockets 205 and 210 according to individual comfort needs and pain levels. Users may experiment with different stuffing amounts and materials to achieve optimal pain relief and sleep comfort.

[0059] The method may include wearing the sock 100 in various sleep positions including stomach, side, and back positions. The sock 100 may accommodate natural sleep movements and position changes while maintaining consistent support to the knee and ankle areas throughout the sleep period.

[0060] In some embodiments, the sock 100 may include additional features such as a Plantar Fasciitis splint strap that may provide additional foot and ankle support. This feature may be particularly beneficial for users who experience multiple lower extremity pain conditions simultaneously.

[0061] The sock 100 may provide a novel approach to nighttime pain management by combining knee and ankle support in a single wearable device. This integrated approach may eliminate the need for multiple separate support devices and may provide more consistent and comfortable support throughout sleep periods.

[0062] The sock 100 may be manufactured using various textile materials and construction techniques to achieve the desired therapeutic properties. The loose-knit construction may be achieved through specific knitting patterns that may create controlled air gaps between fibers. These air gaps may allow for enhanced breathability while maintaining structural integrity of the sock body.

[0063] The sock body may extend continuously from the foot area to the upper thigh area without seams or joints that could create pressure points during extended wear. The material selection may include cotton blends, synthetic fibers, or hybrid compositions that may provide durability and comfort characteristics suitable for nighttime use. The fabric weight may be selected to provide sufficient support without excessive bulk that could interfere with sleep comfort.

[0064] The ankle zippered stuffing filled pocket 205 may be constructed as an integral part of the sock body or may be attached as a separate component during manufacturing. The pocket 205 may include reinforced stitching around the perimeter to prevent tearing or separation during use. The zipper mechanism may include a fabric pull tab that may be easily grasped and operated by users with limited dexterity.

[0065] The stuffing material within pocket 205 may be contained within a removable liner or may be directly inserted into the pocket cavity. The liner construction may allow for easy removal and replacement of stuffing materials without compromising the integrity of the pocket structure. Various stuffing densities may be achieved through different material compositions and packing techniques.

[0066] The knee zippered stuffing filled pocket 210 may be positioned to align with the natural curvature of the knee joint when the leg is in a bent position. The pocket 210 may include internal baffles or compartments that may distribute stuffing material evenly across the support area. These internal structures may prevent stuffing migration that could reduce support effectiveness over time.

[0067] The pocket 210 may be sized to accommodate the range of knee positions encountered during typical sleep movements. The pocket dimensions may be optimized to provide support without creating excessive bulk that could interfere with natural leg positioning. The zipper closure for pocket 210 may be positioned to allow easy access while minimizing interference with the support function.

[0068] The rubber slip-strips may be manufactured from medical-grade silicone or rubber compounds that may provide appropriate friction characteristics without causing skin irritation. The slip-strips may be applied to the inner surface of the sock body using adhesive bonding, thermal welding, or mechanical attachment methods. The width and thickness of the slip-strips may be optimized to provide retention force without creating uncomfortable pressure concentrations.

[0069] The positioning of the slip-strips near the top of the thigh area may correspond to anatomical locations where the sock body may experience the greatest tendency to migrate during sleep movements. The slip-strips above the ankle area may provide additional retention support to maintain proper positioning of the ankle pocket 205. The slip-strip material may include surface texturing or patterns that may enhance grip characteristics.

[0070] The compression characteristics of the sock 100 may be achieved through controlled stretch properties of the fabric construction. The compression level may be graduated along the length of the sock body to accommodate different anatomical requirements at various locations. The thigh area may have lower compression to prevent circulation restriction, while the ankle area may have higher compression for improved retention.

[0071] The fabric weaving patterns may include directional reinforcement elements that may provide controlled resistance to specific movements. The stitching patterns in the knee area may include bias-oriented threads that may create preferential bending characteristics. These patterns may encourage proper knee positioning while allowing natural movement within therapeutic ranges.

[0072] The sock 100 may include size variations to accommodate different leg dimensions and anatomical proportions. The sizing system may account for variations in thigh circumference, leg length, and foot size to ensure proper fit and function. Custom sizing options may be available for users with atypical anatomical dimensions or specific medical requirements.

[0073] The cooling gel variant of the slip-strips may include encapsulated gel materials that may maintain temperature regulation properties throughout extended wear periods. The gel composition may be selected to provide cooling sensation without freezing or hardening at typical sleep temperatures. The encapsulation material may prevent gel leakage while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

[0074] The Plantar Fasciitis splint strap may be integrated into the foot portion of the sock 100 or may be provided as a detachable accessory. The strap may include adjustable tension mechanisms that may allow users to customize the level of arch support and dorsiflexion assistance. The strap material may be selected for durability and comfort during extended wear periods.

[0075] The left and right sock configurations may include mirror-image pocket positioning or may incorporate asymmetric features to accommodate anatomical differences between legs. The left sock may include features optimized for left leg anatomy and typical left-side sleeping positions. The right sock may include corresponding features for right leg anatomy and right-side sleeping positions.

[0076] The system may include user instruction materials that may provide guidance for proper fitting, adjustment, and maintenance of the socks. The instructions may include diagrams showing optimal stuffing levels for different pain conditions and sleep positions. Maintenance instructions may cover cleaning procedures and stuffing material replacement guidelines.

[0077] Various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure but rather to illustrate various aspects of the disclosure.