Sock
The invention relates to a sock, especially a sock which is used in sports activities. The sole has rounded step area (13). The rounded step area (13) is advantageously dome shaped (131).
The present application is based upon PCT/DE2004/000130 having an International Filing Date of Jan. 29, 2004 and German Patent Application No. 203 01 812.5 filed Feb. 5, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a sock, especially a sock which is used in sports activities.
2. Description of the Prior Art
People frequently wear solid footwear on their feet. This is particularly the case if they move much and rapidly, for example, in sports activities, particularly if the movement processes involve frequent rolling of the feet; for example, during power walking, that is when people walk for a longer duration at increased speed, the foot is exposed to high stresses, which are concentrated particularly in the area of the balls of the feet and the heel, because the sole of the foot is arched upwards. The inward arch of the sole of the foot is here directed precisely opposite the rolling motion of the foot during walking or running. The middle area of the foot, as a result of an insufficiently large application surface, or absence of an application surface, is under constant stress, which often leads to cramping. In addition, because of the uneven distribution of the load, the tendons and ligaments can be exposed to increasing stress.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe purpose of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks. The invention is based on the problem of providing a sock which provides an uneven distribution of the loads that occur in sports activities, over the entire surface area of the sole of the foot, for example, during power walking. According to the invention, the problem is solved by the fact that the sole presents a rounded stepping area.
The invention provides a sock, especially a sock which is used in sports activities, such as power walking, which provides an even distribution of the loads over the entire surface of the sole of the foot. By providing a rounded stepping area, the natural curvature of the middle of the foot is compensated and as a result a continuous application surface is achieved. Consequently, cramping in the middle area of the foot is prevented, and early fatigue of the foot is counteracted. In addition, shuffling while walking is counteracted.
In a variant of the invention, the rounded stepping area is designed in the shape of an arch. The arch is preferably directed outward. As a result, the typical rolling motion of the foot is supported during walking, particularly power walking.
In an embodiment of the invention, a climate channel is provided in the stepping area of the sock. As a result, it is possible to remove any humidity which develops in the area of the sole of the foot directly through the climate channel away from the area of the sole of the foot. The humidity can then escape through ventilation holes in the shoe.
In a variant of the invention, the application area of the sock presents a central climate channel, from which additional climate channels branch off toward the external area of the sock. As a result, a uniform climate in the stepping area is achieved. In addition, a pressure balance between the channels is achieved, which leads to a uniform dehumidification when a load is applied. In addition, the arrangement causes a pleasant sensation when stepping.
In another embodiment of the invention, the climate channel is curved or wavy. As a result, the effective channel length is increased, which results in an increase of the transport capacity, and also increases the cooling surface area in the stepping area.
In another embodiment of the invention, the channels in the stepping area are tapered. As a result of the partial tapering of the channel paths, the air moves more rapidly, which in turn accelerates the removal of the humidity from the stepping area and produces an increase in the cooling performance in this area.
It is preferred to provide an air channel on the inner and/or outer side of the leg of the sock, as desired, where the air channel in the stepping area is connected with the climate channel. As a result, an additional path is provided to remove sweat from the area of the sole of the foot. In the case of air channels on the inner and external area of the leg, the interconnection of the air channels results in additional air circulation in the shoe.
In another embodiment of the invention, the sock presents pads. The pads can be located in different places of the sock. Their purpose is, on the one hand, to prevent skin abrasion, and, on the other hand, the risk of high pressure areas developing on the foot.
The sock is advantageously equipped with an X-Cross bandage. The X-Cross bandage supports the bone in the transition area between the leg and the foot.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGThere is shown in the attached drawing presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein like numerals in the various views refer to like elements and wherein:
The sock which is chosen as an embodiment example (
The sock presents a rounded stepping area 13 (
The arch 131 can be produced in different manners. It is possible to produce it by padding. For this purpose, padding of different thickness can be used. In this case, thicker padding which are thinning at the ends are placed in the middle area. Depending on the number of padding with different thickness, it is possible to choose gradations of thickness ranging from fine to less fine. It is also possible to use yarns of different thickness, where the thickest yarns are sewn in the area of the maximum extent of the arch. Furthermore, the arch can be created by including a larger number of threads by knitting, where the number of threads, starting from the heel to approximately the middle of the stepping area 13, increases, and then decreases from there in the direction towards the toes. It is conceivable to produce the arch 131 in another manner.
The shaft 2 is provided on its end, which is turned toward the foot part 1, with a band 21. In the area of the calf, the shaft 2 is provided with pads 22, where stab padding is used in the represented example; other forms of pads are possible. In the lower area of the shin, in the area of transition to the instep of the foot part, pads 23 are arranged. The arrangement of pads in the area of the Achilles heel is also possible.
In general, the pads are manufactured from synthetic yarns or compound fabrics or yarns, or similar materials. In the embodiment example, the paddings of the sock are made from hollow chamber fibers, around which wool or cotton is spun. Hollow chamber synthetic yarns have a particularly strong shock and pressure absorbing effect. The stepping area 13 can be manufactured from a micro fiber knitted material, which helps to reduce abrasion. In the toe and heel area, the foot support is also made of micro fibers, as needed.
In addition, the sock is equipped with an X-Cross bandage 24, which is formed from an elastic climate regulating fabric. The X-Cross bandage 24 provides support to the bone in the transitional area between the leg and the foot.
In the embodiment example, an air channel 25, which starts from the band 21, reaches the stepping area 13 and it is formed from a climate regulating cross knitted fabric. The air channel 25 contributes to the removal of humidity from the stepping area. Such an air channel 25 can also be provided on the inner side of the leg or on both sides of the sock.
Three climate channels 26 are arranged in the embodiment example according to
In the embodiment example according to
In the embodiment example according to
In the embodiment example according to
In the embodiment example according to
In addition to the embodiment example represented in the figures, other possibilities exist for the distribution and orientation of the climate channels 26 in the stepping area 13. When the term sock is used in the description and in the claims, it is not intended to limit the invention only to socks; rather, the term is also used as a general reference for stockings, panty-hose, and similar items to which the invention also relates.
Claims
1. Sock, especially for use in sports activities, characterized in that the sole presents a rounded stepping area (13).
2. Sock according to claim 1, characterized in that the rounded stepping area (13) is designed in the shape of an arch (131).
3. Sock according to claim 2, characterized in that the arch (131) is directed outward.
4. Sock according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one climate channel (26) is provided in the stepping area (13).
5. Sock according to claim 4, characterized in that the air channels (25) are provided on the inner side of the leg and/or on the outer side of the leg of the sock.
6. Sock according to claim 5, characterized in that the air channels (25) in the stepping area (13) are connected with at least one climate channel (26).
7. Sock according to claim 6, characterized in that the climate channels (26) in the stepping area (13) present an arc-shaped pattern.
8. Sock according to claim 7, characterized in that the climate channels (26) present partial narrowings (261).
9. Sock according to claim 8, characterized in that the climate channels (26) present a substantially circular cross section.
10. Sock according to claim 9, characterized in that the climate channels (26) are interconnected by a central channel (262).
11. Sock according to claim 10, characterized in that air channels (25) and the climate channels (26) are made of the same material.
12. Sock according to claim 11, characterized in that the air channel (25) consists of a climate regulating cross knitted fabric.
13. Sock according to claim 12, characterized in that the climate channel (26) consists of a climate regulating cross knitted fabric.
14. Sock according to claim 13, characterized in that sock is fitted with an X-Cross bandage (24).
15. Sock according to claim 14, characterized in that the sock presents pads (22, 23).
16. Sock according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one climate channel (26) is provided in the stepping area (13).
17. Sock according to claim 2, characterized in that the air channels (25) are provided on the inner side of the leg and/or on the outer side of the leg of the sock.
18. Sock according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one climate channel (26) is provided in the stepping area (13).
19. Sock according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one climate channel (26) is provided in the stepping area (13).
20. Sock according to claim 19, characterized in that the air channels (25) in the stepping area (13) are connected with at least one climate channel (26).
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 29, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 22, 2006
Inventor: Bodo Lambertz (Pfaffikon)
Application Number: 10/544,127
International Classification: A41B 11/00 (20060101);