Patent Publication Number: US-2011061149-A1

Title: Fitness Sock

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an anti-slipping sock, preferably suitable for being worn in the performance of gymnastic activities, in gym or in aquatic environments. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     In the art socks called “Japanese” or “tabi” socks are known, comprising two separate bays, one containing the big toe alone and another, separate bay, for the remaining toes. These garments are usually used so that it is possible to wear sandals or footwear of the thong type, which in order to be correctly worn require free access to the hollow between the big toe and second toe. 
     It is also known to provide these socks with a continuous rubber sole, in order to increase the friction resistance and, therefore, to lengthen their useful life. 
     However, the known technique presents some drawbacks. 
     In particular, the presence of a continuous sole under the foot&#39;s sole makes the sock considerably rigid and reduces the movement freedom of the foot. 
     In fact, there are some gymnastic activities, such as for example yoga or stretching, which one the one hand require the possibility of gripping the toe (for example reference is made to the “mahamudra” position in yoga) and, on the other hand, require a high freedom of movement/twisting of the foot and its sole. 
     The sock of the present invention sets out to resolve the drawbacks of the known technique and, specifically, those mentioned above. 
     Such purpose is achieved by a sock according to claim  1 . 
     Further advantages may also be achieved through the additional features of the dependent claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The sock of the present invention will now be described in detail, with the help of the attached drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the sock of the present invention according to a possible embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a view from below of the sock of the present invention according to a further embodiment, during a possible use; 
         FIGS. 3   a  to  5   b  show three possible variations of the loom or cliché usable for the fabrication of a sock according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the mentioned drawings, reference numeral  1  globally indicates a sock suitable for being worn in the performance of gymnastic activities, in gym or in aquatic environments. 
     These activities comprise, merely as an example but not exclusively, surfing, yoga, stretching, pilates, free exercise and apparatus work, gentle exercise, pre-childbirth exercise, rehabilitation exercise, floor exercises, and exercises for senior citizens, martial arts, combat sports, watergym, waterbike, swimming and underwater activities. 
     The sock  1  comprises a plantar surface  4  restable on the walking surfaces, such as floorings or similar, a first bay  2  for containing the user&#39;s big toe and at least a second bay  3  for containing the other toes of the user. 
     In other words, the sock  1  can be of the “tabi” type or, alternatively, each toe can be contained in a separate bay. 
     The sock  1  also comprises anti-slipping means situated on the plantar surface  4  and suitable for reducing the slipping risk of the user on the walking surfaces. 
     Furthermore, the anti-slipping means comprise at least one anti-slipping island  5 , that occupies a partial surface smaller than the total plantar surface  4 . 
     In other words, on the plantar surface  4  there is not a continuous sole but an island (or, as we will see soon, a plurality of them) so that it does not to limit the movement freedom of the foot and of the toes, at but the same time does prevent accidental slipping and the risk of falling. 
     Preferably, the sock  1  comprises a plurality of anti-slipping islands  5  spaced from each other in order to follow the natural movement of the foot, for example during gymnastic exercises. 
     Even more preferably, the partial surface occupied by the anti-slipping island  5 , or by the plurality of islands  5 , is approximately 25-85% and, preferably, 30-65% of the total surface of the plantar surface  4 . 
     Depending on the possible uses of the sock  1 , it will have a grater/smaller number of anti-slipping islands  5  and a different distribution thereof over the plantar surface  4 . For example, for aquatic applications, such as for example the swimming-pool, the islands will be more concentrated over the heel and over the toes, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4   b  and  5   a.    
     Instead, for use in the gym, the surface of the heel is preferably less occupied by islands, with the benefit of the possibility of twisting the foot, as for example shown in  FIG. 3   b.    
     According to a possible embodiment, the anti-slipping island  5  extends over the heel, the sole and/or toes, when the sock  1  is worn according to the right size. 
     In other words, when the sock  1  is worn according to the right size the anti-slipping island  5  is positioned in the points of greatest pressure of the foot on the walking surface. 
     The material, from which the anti-slipping island is made, may be chosen on depending on the nature of the surface on which the sock  1  will be used or on the intended use. 
     In fact, according to possible embodiments, the anti-slipping island  5  is made of a material comprising leather, or faux leather, polyester, flock (the features of whom will be later described in detail), natural rubber, caoutchouc polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or silicon. 
     For example, an island in PVC is versatile on most walking surfaces, while the use of silicon is particularly effective on dry surfaces. 
     To finish the use of flock is preferable on wet surfaces, such as the bottom surfaces of swimming-pools, both of rubber and tiled. 
     The so-called “flock” is essentially a combination of textile fibres, of a length ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 mm and, preferably, from approximately 0.4 to 0.6 mm, that are glued together. 
     Preferably, the fibres composing the flock comprise viscose and/or polyester. 
     Furthermore, the sock  1  may comprise alternate islands of different types, for example both in PVC and in silicon or in leather, so that they permit a more versatile use on different surfaces without having to replace the sock. 
     Preferably, the anti-slipping island  5  is 0.01-6 mm thick. 
     Even more preferably, the thickness of the anti-slipping island  5  is chosen in relation to the material it is made of. For example the ideal thickness for PVC and silicon is from 0.1 to 5 mm, while for flock and leather it is from approximately 0.03 to 2 mm. 
     According possible embodiments, the anti-slipping island  5  is also suitable for reducing contact strain of the foot with the flooring and/or for thermally insulating the foot from the walking surface. 
     According to possible embodiments, the anti-slipping island  5  has a surface hardness between 700 and 1000 Shore A and, preferably, between approximately 850 and 950 Shore A. 
     According to a possible variation, the sock  1  further comprises a dorsal surface  6  essentially parallel to the back of the user&#39;s foot, when the sock  1  is worn according to the right size 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the anti-slipping means are also positioned on the dorsal surface  6 . 
     This feature proves especially beneficial for example in the waterbike exercises, wherein the foot is inserted inside a pedal holder or fixed thereto by means of a strap. This way, on the one hand the foot is prevented from sliding out of the pedal holder and on the other the strap is prevented from exerting excessive pressure on the foot. As said above, in fact, the anti-slipping islands also explicate the function of reducing strain. 
     According to a further embodiment, the sock  1  also comprises a lateral surface  7  joining the plantar surface  4  and the dorsal surface  6 . 
     Preferably, the anti-slipping means are also positioned on the lateral surface  7 . 
     According to an advantageous embodiment, the sock  1  further comprises an anti-rotational insert  9  positioned in an region of the dorsal surface  6  bordering the lateral surface  7  and suitable for preventing the rotation of the sock around a prevalent extension axis of the foot. 
     In other words, the anti-rotational insert  9 , that may for example comprise an anti-slipping island of large dimensions, acts as a brake to the free rotation of the sock during gymnastic activities. 
     According to an embodiment, the anti-slipping means of the dorsal surface  6  and/or of the lateral surface  7  have a reduced thickness compared to those positioned on the plantar surface  4 . 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the anti-slipping islands  5  extend from the fabric or textile material constituting the sock  1 , which is preferably elastic. 
     In other words, the anti-slipping islands  5  are deposited on the surface of the sock  1  in such a way that each island is separated from the adjacent ones by a portion of fabric. 
     The method for applying the flock to the sock foresees an initial step in which a thermoplastic glue is applied to the surface of the sock to be coated or, as an alternative, to the surface of the flock intended to be applied to the sock. 
     In a subsequent step, the flock is die-cut to give it the shape corresponding to the region it will occupy once applied to the sock. 
     Preferably, during die-cutting the superficial decoration of the flock is also impressed, such as for example the undulated profile illustrated in  FIG. 5   a.    
     In a subsequent step, the sock and the flock are put into contact with each other, with the thermoplastic glue between them, and pressure and heat are applied simultaneously for a definite time. 
     The pressure applied is from approximately 1 to 7 atmospheres and, preferably, from approximately 3 to 5 atmospheres, the temperature applied is from approximately 150° C. to 210° C. and, preferably, from approximately 170° C. to 190° C., while the time of this operation is from approximately 5 to 35 seconds, and preferably, from approximately 15 to 25 seconds. 
     Lastly, after the whole has cooled, the portion of flock exceeding the surface of the sock to be coated and, if applicable, exceeding the inner surface of the sock to be decorated, is peeled off. 
     The method through which an anti-slipping material other than flock is deposited on the sock comprises the positioning of a silk-screen printing system on the surface of the sock to be coated. 
     Depending on the different materials, from which the anti-slipping island may be made, this system comprises a cliché or perforated plate, for example for depositing silicon, or a loom fitted with a canvas with micro-perforated areas, for example, for PVC. 
     Preferably, the micro-perforated areas of the canvas are composed of a 10-thread mesh fabric. 
     In particular, the perforations of the perforated plate or the micro perforations of the canvas correspond to the areas of the sock which will be occupied by the anti-slipping material. Examples of some embodiment of cliché or looms which may be used are shown in  FIGS. 3   a  to  4   b  and  5   b.    
     Subsequently, the anti-slipping material is poured into an appropriate silk-screen printing system in such a way that it flows through the (micro-) perforations and comes in contact with the sock. 
     In a subsequent step, the excess of cast material is removed, for example using a scraper, and the material contained in the perforations is left solidifying. 
     During this solidification step, the anti-slipping material adheres firmly to the surface of the sock. 
     Preferably, the sock  1  is made from a chlorine-resistant material. 
     According to a possible embodiment, the textile material comprises nylon fibres in a percentage from 85-96% and, preferably, from 90-95%. In addition, it is possible to use only one type of nylon or a mixture of different nylons, for example conventional nylon mixed with the more valuable nylon commercially known by the name Tactel®, for example in the ratio of 35% of the former and 60% of the latter. 
     According to a further embodiment, the textile material comprises synthetic elastomer fibres with continuous filament composed at least 85% in mass, of segmented polyurethane, or elastam. Elastam is also better known by its commercial name Lycra®. 
     For example, the percentage of elastam ranges from 2-8% and, preferably, from 3-6%. 
     According to yet a further variation, the textile material comprises regenerated cellulose fibres, or rayon. Also rayon is better known by its commercial name Cordura®. 
     For example, the percentage of rayon ranges from 2-7% and, preferably, from 2-4%. 
     In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the regions most subjected to wear, such as for example the forefoot  12 , are composed mainly of Cordura®, which is a material known for its resistance to rubbing and cutting. 
     In addition, it is possible to use a greater or lesser percentage of Lycra® in the middle part  13  of the foot depending on whether greater adherence (such as, for example in watergym) or less adherence (such as, for example in yoga) is required. 
     However, the residual textile material is made of a permeable material, suitable on the one hand to promote the escape of the water (for the aquatic applications) or the transpiration of the foot. 
     Preferably, the sock  1  comprises in addition an anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial coating on the internal surface of the sock  1  facing the user&#39;s foot. 
     According to possible embodiments, the anti-bacterial coating comprises copper, silver or zinc or mixtures thereof. 
     Preferably, the anti-bacterial coating is fixed to the inner surface by an adhesion agent comprising the same material as the anti-slipping island  5  is made from, for example PVC or silicon. 
     Obviously, for materials such as leather, in which the adhesion of the anti-bacterial coating to the anti-slipping material is impossible, an alternative material between those mentioned above may be used. 
     For example, being the adhesion of an anti-bacterial coating with leather impossible, the adhesive agent used may be chosen between PVC, silicon, or polyester. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the copper, silver or zinc are in the form of a metallic powder. 
     Preferably, the sock  1  comprises in addition at least one flexion cut  10  positioned at the instep of the user&#39;s foot, in order to reduce the crease of the fabric, from which it is made. 
     According to a possible embodiment, the sock  1  also comprises an ankle band  8  delimiting the opening for the foot insertion. 
     Preferably, the ankle band  8  is suitable for preventing accidental falling off of the sock  1 , without obstructing the flow of blood to the foot. 
     According to possible embodiments, the ankle band  8  comprises a double layer of fabric and/or has a different textile manufacture from the rest of the sock  1 . 
     Preferably, the ankle band  8  also comprises at least one gripping portion  11  suitable for being gripped for pulling the sock  1  on/off. 
     According to a possible embodiment, the gripping portion  11  extends above a part of the free edge of the ankle band  8 . 
     In other words, the rear portion of the ankle band  8 , i.e. the part located at the user&#39;s Achilles tendon, protrudes above the front portion. Such protruding section constitutes the gripping portion  11 . 
     Innovatively, the sock of the present invention allows the toes to be contained in separate bays, so that it allows gripping them separately, whilst providing excellent adherence to the walking surfaces and extreme movement freedom of the foot. 
     Advantageously, the sock of the present invention allows to deposit various types of anti-slipping materials, even contemporaneously, so that it is made suitable for walking surfaces of various types. 
     Advantageously, the sock of the present invention allows to distribute the islands according to specific criteria for the water or gym sport practiced. 
     Advantageously, the sock of the present invention has an inner coating comprising an anti-bacterial substance, suitable to prevent the formation of verrucae and make it healthier. 
     Advantageously, the sock of the present invention is composed of a mixture of fibres that guarantee comfort, resistance to rubbing, wear and chlorine. 
     Advantageously, the sock of the present invention permits a graduated compression of the foot so that it does not obstruct circulation, but at the same time prevents the sock from falling off. 
     Advantageously, the sock of the present invention permits to improve user&#39;s performances in the mentioned gymnastic activities, also permitting improved execution of the same. 
     It is clear that a technician skilled in this area may make modifications, adjustments and replacements of elements with others functionally equivalent, to the sock described above so as to satisfy specific requirements, while remaining within the scope of the following claims. 
     Each of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be performed independently form the other embodiments described.