Patent Publication Number: US-11643761-B2

Title: Knit sock with targeted compression zones, and method for lifting and stretching the plantar fascia

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to knit hosiery, and more particularly to a circularly-knit sock with a targeted compression zones designed to lift and stretch the plantar fascia of the foot. In various exemplary applications, the targeted compression zones of the present sock may also function alone or in combination with other features to “lock” the sock in position on the foot of the wearer during use. In addition to improved fit and comfort, the present sock may enhance a runner&#39;s proprioception, kinesthetic awareness, stamina or endurance, and overall performance. 
     SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
     It is also noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a knit sock including a foot portion having an upper instep area and a lower sole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. The lower sole area defines inner and outer arch regions. The inner arch region comprises a targeted (predefined) compression zone adapted to reside generally adjacent an inner arch of a wearer&#39;s foot. The compression zone comprises axially extending compression ridges of variable length spaced apart from a top of the compression zone to a bottom of the compression zone. When the sock is worn, a compression force applied by the foot portion within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of the foot portion. 
     The term “targeted compression zone” as used herein refers to a predefined area of the sock which is of greater density than directly adjacent areas, and which is fabricated to apply greater compression force against an arch of the foot. 
     In this context of the present disclosure, the term “directly adjacent” means a fabric area located or formed beside or surrounded (in whole or in part) by another fabric area without intervening fabric, parts or other structure. 
     The term “sock” refers broadly herein to any hosiery or other fabric construction designed to cover at least a portion of the wear&#39;s foot or other body part. The sock may be knit in whole or in part (e.g., using conventional circular knitting machinery), and may be specially designed for a variety of uses including running, cycling, hiking, golf, hunting, and other general athletic and every-day wear. The sock may comprise a footsock, tube sock, calf-high sock, mid-calf or over-the calf sock, crew sock, stocking, stretch or support hosiery, foot sleeve, foot wrap, or the like. The present sock may also be integrally formed with other garments, such as pantyhose. In further alternative embodiments, the exemplary “sock” may have opposing open ends, and may comprise or be incorporated in other garments such as arm sleeves, calf sleeves, thigh sleeves, and the like. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zone comprises elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn. Alternatively, the compression zone may be separately formed and separately attached (e.g., by sewing) to parts of the sock. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zone is generally semi-circular. The term “semi-circular” is defined broadly herein to mean any shape having a first side which is generally linear and a second side which is generally arcuate. The compression zone may also be formed in a variety of other shapes including, for example, oval, circular, pyramidal, square, and rectangular. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zone comprises a substantially arcuate side extending between opposite ends of the foot portion, and a substantially linear side opposite the arcuate side. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the arcuate side of the compression zone faces a bottom axial centerline of the foot portion (substantially dividing the lower sole area into inside and outside arch regions). 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the linear side of the compression zone extends proximate an inside axial centerline of the foot portion (substantially dividing the lower sole area and the upper instep area). 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zone comprises a plurality of spaced axial compression ridges. Each compression ridge may be formed by one or more uncut pattern (or accent or other) yarns. The term “uncut” refers to a single length of yarn extending coursewise across each of the axial wales in the compression zone. In other words, a first free end of the uncut yarn may reside outside a first wale of the compression zone, while the opposite free end resides outside the last wale of the compression zone. These uncut yarns may be thicker than the body yarn, and may be integrated into the compression zone in each circumferential course. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression ridges taper (become shorter) in axial length from the linear side of the compression zone towards a center of the arcuate side of the compression zone. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zone comprises double covered elastic yarns. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the size of each double covered elastic yarn is less than 250 denier. In one specific embodiment, the denier range is 90 to 580. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zone has a tighter gauge (or increased stitch density) than directly adjacent areas of the foot portion. The density in the compression zone may be 50%-100% greater than the density in directly adjacent areas of the sock. In one example, the density in the compression zone is about 70% greater than the density in directly adjacent areas of the sock. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression zone has a knit structure distinct from directly adjacent areas of the foot portion. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the foot portion further comprises a heel and a toe. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper instep area of the foot portion comprises an intermediate flat knit region. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the intermediate flat knit region in the upper instep area comprises mock ribbing. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper instep area of the foot portion further comprises first and second mesh knit regions directly adjacent or adjacent (i.e, proximate) opposite sides of the intermediate flat knit region. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the outer arch region of the lower sole area comprises mock ribbing. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a knit sock with a foot portion having an upper instep area and a lower sole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. The lower sole area comprises a generally semi-circular targeted compression zone. A compression force applied by the foot portion within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of the foot portion. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the targeted compression zone has reduced coursewise and walewise stretchability relative to directly adjacent areas of the foot portion. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a knit sock integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales, and comprising a foot portion having a heel and a toe (open or closed), and an ankle portion joined to the foot portion and defining an open leg end of the sock. A first targeted compression zone is formed with the foot portion between the heel and the toe, and comprises spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axially outward from the heel at a first end of the first compression zone to a second end of the first compression zone. Adjacent axial compression ridges have different termination points at the second end of the first compression zone. A second targeted compression zone is formed with the ankle portion between the heel and the open leg end of the sock, and comprises spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axially outward from the heel at a first end of the second compression zone to a second end of the second compression zone. Adjacent axial compression ridges have different termination points at the second end of the second compression zone. A compression force applied by the sock (to the foot of the wearer) within the first and second targeted compression zones is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of the sock. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, each of the compression ridges may be formed by one or more uncut pattern (or accent or other) yarns. As previously described, the term “uncut” refers to a single length of yarn extending coursewise across each of the axial wales in the compression zone. In other words, a first free end of the uncut yarn may reside outside a first wale of the compression zone, while the opposite free end resides outside the last wale of the compression zone. These uncut yarns may be thicker than the body yarn, and may be integrated into the compression zone in each circumferential course. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targeted compression zones comprise elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the first targeted compression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adapted to extend under the foot generally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus of the wearer. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the second targeted compression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adapted to extend around a back of the heel generally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus of the wearer. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the heel of the foot portion comprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocation lines. The first end of the first targeted compression zone is formed at the lower reciprocation line of the heel pocket, and extends axially from the heel pocket in a direction towards the toe of the foot portion. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the heel of the foot portion comprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocation lines. The first end of the second targeted compression zone is formed at the upper reciprocation line of the heel pocket, and extends axially from the heel pocket in a direction towards the open leg end of the sock. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targeted compression zones comprise double covered elastic yarns. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targeted compression zones have an increased density as compared to directly adjacent areas of the sock. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second targeted compression zones have a knit structure distinct from directly adjacent areas of the sock. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a knit sock integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. The sock has a foot portion with a heel and a toe (open or closed), and an ankle portion joined to the foot portion and defining an open leg end of the sock. A targeted compression zone is formed with the ankle portion between the heel and the open leg end, and comprises spaced-apart axial compression ridges. The compression ridges extend axially outward from the heel at a first end of the targeted compression zone to a second end of the targeted compression zone. Adjacent axial compression ridges have different termination points at the second end of the targeted compression zone. A compression force applied by the sock (to the foot of the wearer) within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of the sock. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a knit sock incorporating a targeted compression zone according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the exemplary sock worn on a foot of wearer, and including surface shading to indicate various areas and regions of distinct knit structure; 
         FIG.  3    is an inner arch side view of the exemplary sock; 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom view of the exemplary sock; 
         FIG.  5    is an outer arch side view of the exemplary sock; 
         FIG.  6    is a top perspective view of the exemplary sock; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary sock taken generally along line  7 - 7  of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates an exemplary knit structure of top and bottom margins of the targeted compression zone; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an exemplary knit structure of the targeted compression zone between the top and bottom margins; 
         FIGS.  10 - 13    illustrate a further exemplary embodiment of a knit sock according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an exemplary knit structure of the targeted compression zones in the sock shown in  FIGS.  10 - 13   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE 
     The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. 
     For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. 
     Referring now specifically to the drawings, a knit sock according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The exemplary sock  10  is constructed on a circular hosiery knitting machine, and includes a plurality of yarns formed in needle and sinker loops extending in circumferential courses and axial wales. The sock  10  may be formed throughout of a body yarn and a ground yarn knitted in plated relationship in various stitch constructions described below, and with inlaid elastic yarns and pattern yarns in certain portions, areas, and regions of the sock. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the exemplary sock  10  comprises an integrally-knit raised ankle portion  11  and foot portion  12 . The foot portion  12  includes an upper instep area  14 , a lower sole area  15 , and a reciprocally-knitted heel  16  and toe  17 . The upper instep area  14  and lower sole area  15  are circularly-knit in foot portion  12  and designated by notional center lines ICL and OCL in  FIGS.  3  and  5   , such that an upper half of the foot portion  12  substantially defines the instep area  14  while the lower half substantially defines the sole area  15 . The upper instep area  14  has a front ankle region  21 , an intermediate instep region  22 , and a forward instep region  23 . These regions  21 ,  22 ,  23  are axially divided by notional center line TCL in  FIG.  6   . The lower sole area  15  has inner and outer arch regions  25 ,  26  axially divided by center line BCL in  FIG.  4   , and a forward ball region  27  adjacent the toe  17 . The inner arch region  25  is designed to reside substantially adjacent an inner arch of the wearer&#39;s foot, as best shown in  FIG.  2   , and incorporates a generally semi-circular, anatomically-shaped targeted compression zone  30  comprising elastic yarns, pattern (or accent) yarns, and axially extending compression ridges  32 , discussed further below. When applied to the foot, the compression zone  30  of sock  10  may exert an intensified targeted compression force at the inner arch of the foot which is substantially greater than the compression force applied in other directly adjacent areas of the foot portion  12 . The intensified compression may be as much as 3-4 times greater (or more) in the compression zone  30  of the sock  10 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the compression zone  30  has a substantially linear side  30 A at its top margin  31 A which extends adjacent the inside axial center line ICL of foot portion  12 , and a substantially arcuate side  30 B opposite the linear side  30 A at its bottom margin  31 B, and facing the bottom axial centerline BCL of the foot portion  12 .  FIG.  7    further illustrates quadrants of the circularly-knit foot portion  12  of sock  10 . The quadrants are divided by respective center lines ICL, OCL, TCL, BCL discussed above. As shown, the targeted compression zone  30  may reside substantially entirely within the lower inside quadrant of the foot portion at the inner arch region  25  (substantially between ICL and BCL). The compression ridges  32  are spaced apart circumferentially from a top of the compression zone  30  to the bottom of the compression zone  30 , and taper in axial length within a generally semi-circular shape between top and bottom margins  31 A,  31 B. 
     The remainder of the lower sole area  15  immediately surrounding the targeted compression zone  30  (both axially and circumferentially) comprises a less dense flat knit fabric structure with a one-by-one mock rib. The upper instep area  14  of the sock  10  may comprise a 1×1 mesh knit construction in the divided front ankle and forward instep regions  21 ,  23 . The intermediate instep region  22  may incorporate a 1×1 mock rib construction similar to the fabric area immediately surrounding the compression zone  30 . The heel and toe  16 ,  17  are formed in a conventional manner, and may also comprise mock ribbing. The ankle portion  11  of sock  10  may comprise a mesh knit elastic cuff, and mock ribbing knit in a conventional manner. 
     Exemplary Knit Structure of Compression Zone  30   
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 ,  4 ,  8 , and  9   , in the exemplary embodiment the targeted compression zone  30  of sock  10  is formed of a one-by-one mock rib construction with the elastic yarn (E) laid-in the plaited body yarn (B) on a reverse side of the fabric in each course C 1 -C 12  by tuck and float stitches in needle loops of wales W 1 -W 8 .  FIG.  8    illustrates the knit structure of the compression zone  30  in spaced top and bottom margins  31 A,  31 B—the compression zone  30 , margins  31 A,  31 B, and axial compression ridges  32  being shown  FIGS.  3  and  4   . The axial compression ridges  32  between the margins  31 A,  31 B are formed by the introduction of two pattern yarns (P 1 ) and (P 2 ), shown in  FIG.  9   , integrally knit with the plaited body yarn (B) in each course C 1 -C 12  in a manner using tuck and float stitches, such that the compression ridges  32  (W 2 -W 4  and W 6 -W 8 ) are raised and substantially more dense as compared to directly adjacent areas of the foot portion  12 . For clarity of illustration, the pattern yarns (P 1 ) and (P 2 ) are distinguished in  FIG.  9    by broken-lines and bold lines, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, pattern yarn (P 1 ) is knit in wales W 2 , W 3 , W 6 , and W 7  of the plaited body yarn (B), and floats uncut across wales W 1 , W 4 , W 5 , and W 8 . Pattern yarn (P 2 ) is knit in wales W 4  and W 8  of the plaited body yarn (B), and floats uncut across wales W 1 , W 2 , W 3 , W 5 , W 6  and W 7 . As indicated previously, the compression zone  30  may be knit in a manner resulting in increased stitch density, tighter gauge, and reduced stretchability compared to directly adjacent areas of the foot portion  12 . 
     Exemplary Sock  100   
     A further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in  FIGS.  10 - 14   . The exemplary sock  100  incorporates the same knit structure described above in sock  10 —providing targeted increased compression to the medial arch of the foot, as indicated at zone  30 ′. Compression zone  30 ′ is generally semi-circular and anatomically-shaped, and comprises elastic yarns, pattern (or accent) yarns, and axially extending compression ridges  32 ′ discussed further below. The present sock  100  utilizes this same knit structure to provide additional targeted and increased compression above and below the heel of the foot in the areas (“targeted compression zones”) designated at  101  and  102 , respectively. All other regions of the exemplary sock  100  may be constructed as described above in sock  10 . The targeted compression is located in areas  101 ,  102  to lift and stretch the plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the foot (originating in the heel), and to add compressive support to the Achilles tendon above the heel. 
     Like sock  10 , the exemplary sock  100  is constructed on a circular hosiery knitting machine, and includes a plurality of yarns formed in needle and sinker loops extending in circumferential courses and axial wales. The sock  100  may be formed throughout of a body yarn and a ground yarn knitted in plated relationship in various stitch constructions described herein, and with inlaid elastic yarns and pattern yarns in certain portions, areas, and regions of the sock  100 . The exemplary sock  100  comprises an integrally-knit raised ankle portion  110  and foot portion  112 . The foot portion  112  incorporates same the sock structure described above, including a reciprocally-knitted heel  114  and closed toe  115 . The ankle portion  110  defines an open leg end  116  of the sock  100 . 
     The targeted compression zone  101  is formed with the foot portion  112  of the sock  100  between the heel  114  and the toe  115 , and is adapted to extend under the foot of the wearer (adjacent the plantar fascia) generally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus. Target compression zone  101  incorporates spaced-apart axial compression ridges  32 ′ constructed in the manner previously described above (as compression ridges  32  in sock  10 ). The compression ridges  32 ′ extend axially outward from the heel  114  at a first end of the compression zone  101  to a second end of the compression zone  101 . In one embodiment, the heel  114  of the foot portion  112  comprises a heel pocket defined by lower and upper reciprocation lines  121  and  122 . The first end of the targeted compression zone  101  is formed at the lower reciprocation line  121  of the heel  114 , and extends axially from the heel  114  in a direction towards the toe  115  of the sock  100 . The second end of the targeted compression zone  101  is centrally pointed, such that adjacent compression ridges  32 ′ have different termination points along the foot portion  112 —the compression ridges  32 ′ being shortest at opposite ends of the zone  101  (proximate the maleolae) and progressively increasing in length to the longest center ridge  32 ′. 
     The targeted compression zone  102  is formed with the ankle portion  110  of the sock  100  between the heel  114  and the open leg end  116 , and is adapted to extend around a back of the wear&#39;s heel (adjacent the Achilles tendon) generally from the lateral malleolus to the medial malleolus. Like targeted compression zone  101 , compression zone  102  incorporates spaced-apart axial compression ridges  32 ′ constructed in the manner previously described above. The compression ridges  32 ′ extend axially outward from the heel  114  at a first end of the compression zone  102  to a second end of the compression zone  102 . The first end of the targeted compression zone  102  is formed at the upper reciprocation line  122  of the heel pocket, and extends axially from the heel  114  in a direction towards the open leg end  116  of the sock  100 . The second end of the targeted compression zone  102  is centrally pointed, such that adjacent compression ridges  32 ′ have different termination points along the raised ankle portion  110 . The compression ridges  32 ′ are shortest at opposite ends of the zone  102  (proximate the maleolae), and progressively increase in length to the longest center ridge  32 ′ extending axially upward from the heel  114 . 
     When sock  100  is properly applied to the foot, the targeted compression zones  30 ′,  101 , and  102  exert an intensified targeted compression force at the inner arch of the foot, the plantar fascia tissue (originating in the heel), and the Achilles tendon above the heel. This targeted compression is substantially greater than the compression force applied in other directly adjacent areas of the sock  100 . The intensified compression may be as much as 3-4 times greater (or more) in the compression zones  30 ′,  101 , and  102  of the sock  10 . The remainder of the sock  100  immediately surrounding the targeted compression zones  30 ′,  101 , and  102  (both axially and circumferentially) may comprise a less dense flat or mesh knit fabric structure with a one-by-one mock rib. The heel and toe  114 ,  115  of the sock  100  may be formed in a conventional manner, as described above, and may also comprise mock ribbing. The ankle portion  110  of sock  100  may comprise a mesh knit elastic cuff, and mock ribbing knit in a conventional manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 ,  13  and  14   , in the exemplary embodiment the targeted compression zones  30 ′,  101  and  102  of sock  100  may be constructed in a manner similar to that of compression zone  30  in sock  10 . For example, compression zones  30 ′,  101 , and  102  may be formed of a one-by-one mock rib construction with the elastic yarn (E) laid-in the plaited body yarn (B) on a reverse side of the fabric in each course C 1 -C 12  by tuck and float stitches in needle loops of wales W 1 -W 8 . The courses and wales shown in  FIG.  14    are numbered for reference purposes only and are not intended to designate any specific course or wale in sock  100 . The exemplary compression ridges  32 ′ are formed by the introduction of two pattern yarns (P 1 ) and (P 2 ), shown in  FIG.  14   , integrally knit with the plaited body yarn (B) in each course C 1 -C 12  in a manner using tuck and float stitches, such that the compression ridges  32 ′ (W 2 -W 4  and W 6 -W 8 ) are raised and substantially more dense as compared to directly adjacent areas of the sock  100 . For clarity of illustration, the pattern yarns (P 1 ) and (P 2 ) are distinguished in  FIG.  14    by broken-lines and bold lines, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, pattern yarn (P 1 ) is knit in wales W 2 , W 3 , W 6 , and W 7  of the plaited body yarn (B), and floats uncut across wales W 1 , W 4 , W 5 , and W 8 . Pattern yarn (P 2 ) is knit in wales W 4  and W 8  of the plaited body yarn (B), and floats uncut across wales W 1 , W 2 , W 3 , W 5 , W 6  and W 7 . As indicated previously, the compression zones  30 ′,  101  and  102  may be knit in a manner resulting in increased stitch density, tighter gauge, and reduced stretchability compared to directly adjacent areas of the sock  100 . 
     For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the use of relative terms, such as “substantially”, “generally”, “approximately”, and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. 
     In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular function or step) is recited in the claims, a construction under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) [or 6th paragraph/pre-AIA] is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.