MULTIPURPOSE OPEN-TOED STOCKING

Abstract

An open toe stocking is provided. The stocking includes a body with a foot engaging portion having a heel area. The body also includes an open toe area disposed in front of the heel area of the foot engaging portion and a bottom area extending from the heel area of the foot engaging portion to the open toe area of the foot engaging portion. A leg engaging portion is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion. The stocking also includes an elastic circumferential band encircling a lip of the open toe area of the foot engaging portion so as to allow the open toe area of the foot engaging portion to engage the foot of the wearer when the toes of the wearer are passed therethrough. A retention strap extends through the open-toed area of the foot engaging portion so as to engage between a pair of adjacent toes of the wearer. The retention end has a first end secured to the bottom area of the foot engaging portion and a second end secured to a top area of the foot engaging portion.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/610,298, filed Oct. 31, 2009, entitled “Multipurpose Open-Toed Stocking”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/895,804, filed Aug. 27, 2007, entitled “Multipurpose Open-Toed Stocking”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 60/840,546, filed Aug. 28, 2006, entitled “Pedicure Sock” and 60/840,545, filed Aug. 28, 2006, entitled “Pedicure Sock With Separate Toe Cover”. Each of the prior applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a stocking such as a sock or the like, and more particularly to an open-toed stocking that exposes the toes during a pedicure or other procedure and which can also be used for a variety of purposes such as athletics, maternity wear, sleepwear, and extended wear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain situations require that the toes of a person be exposed while the remainder of the foot is covered. For example, in pedicure applications, it is necessary to have access to the toes of the customer while allowing the customer to walk while the polish is drying. Other examples include use with open toe shoes, and for medical procedures of the foot, such as, inter alia, the removal of bunions and ingrown toenails or the like, to name just a few. Such socks may also be used for fashion, sportswear, maternity wear and sleepwear and could also be used to provide comfort when worn for extended periods of time such as during an airplane flight or for use with flip flops as one proceeds through airport security checkpoints. When used with flip-flops, the flip-flops can be easily removed and the open toe sock will still cover the majority of one's feet. Currently, when receiving a pedicure, people generally either wear a paper disposable slipper or open-toed shoes (i.e. flip-flops) while the toes are being painted. A principal drawback to these coverings is that they do not keep the user's foot warm while walking outside in cold weather, or, even keep the user comfortable in a pedicure salon during the winter months when exposed feet are likely to be cold. It is undesirable to place freshly manicured toe nails into a sock or a shoe, since the fresh polish is likely to be marred and the sock or shoe may be stained or coated by the polish, thus requiring the use of solvents to remove the polish from the shoe or the sock, which in turn risks ruining the shoe or sock by application of the solvent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an open toe stocking is provided. The stocking includes a body with a foot engaging portion having a heel area. The body also includes an open toe area disposed in front of the heel area of the foot engaging portion and a bottom area extending from the heel area of the foot engaging portion to the open toe area of the foot engaging portion. A leg engaging portion is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion. The stocking also includes an elastic circumferential band encircling a lip of the open toe area of the foot engaging portion so as to allow the open toe area of the foot engaging portion to engage the foot of the wearer when the toes of the wearer are passed therethrough. A tapered retention strap extends through the open-toed area of the foot engaging portion so as to engage between a pair of adjacent toes of the wearer. The retention end has a first end secured to the bottom area of the foot engaging portion and a second end secured to a top area of the foot engaging portion

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a skid resistant material may extend inside the stocking along the heel, sole and or foot engaging portion, or any part thereof.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the skid resistant material may include a gel lining.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the retention strap may be positioned to engage between first and second toes of the wearer.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a second elastic circumferential band may encircle a lip of the leg engaging portion of the body so as to allow the leg engaging portion to engage the leg of the wearer when the foot of the wearer is passed through the body.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cap may be provided to selectively fit over the open toe area of the body so that the toes of the wearer are selectively covered.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cap may be a removable cap.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cap may include an elastic band to enhance securement of the cap over the open toe area.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a pocket may be secured to the leg engaging portion of the body for storing the cap when not in use.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a retaining mechanism may be provided for securing the cap when not in use.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cap may be fixedly secured to the open toe area of the body so as to be selectively foldable back on an upper portion of the body to thereby expose the toes of the wearer.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fastening mechanism may be located on the upper portion of the body to selectively secure the cap to the upper portion of the body when folded back thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one example of a stocking constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2-3 shows alternative embodiments of a stocking constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 3 in which the cap is shown in place over the open-toed area of the stocking

FIGS. 5-6 show yet another alternative embodiment of the invention in which the the cap shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is secured to the body of the stocking

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the stocking having a tapered retention strap.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the retention strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As detailed below, a stocking is provided that can be worn while receiving a pedicure or the like. The stocking exposes the toes while it is being worn so that the foot can be kept warm and clean during and after the pedicure, both while at the salon and upon leaving the salon. The stocking also helps to lock in moisture by the sheer fact of having material surrounding the foot and protecting it from the elements. In addition to providing warmth in colder weather months, in the warmer weather months an open toed sock provides protection from dirt and dust adhering to freshly oiled and massaged feet, which can cause a ring of dirt to form around the sole of the foot as the foot slips on the surface of a flip flop. The open-toed sock also provides an inherent safety feature when the freshly oiled foot slips into a rubber flip flop since it can help avoid twisting ones ankles.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1, a stocking 10 according to the present invention is formed from a stretchable material, such as yarns of nylon, cotton blends, wool, cashmere, silk, polyester, modal, synthetics and the like, which are conventional materials used to form stockings. Reference to stockings throughout this application includes, without limitation, knee high stockings, full leg stockings, pantyhose, socks (e.g., crew, mid-calf, high-calf, knee-high, ped-like) and the like, which are intended to cover the foot and at least a portion of the ankle, calf, knee or leg of the person. In this regard, the length of stocking 10 will vary depending upon the type of stocking It will be appreciated that the present invention will be applied to stockings 10 for both feet.

In additional to the aforementioned materials, the stocking 10 may also be fabricated from wicking yarns, such as Comfortrel™ and Coolmax™, for example. Coolmax, for instance produces Fresh FX™ which also incorporates fibers that promote antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Such high-performance fibers promote dryness, comfort, freshness and coolness. Opened toed stocking fabricated from these high performance fibers may be especially appreciated by an athlete after running for an extended period of time. For example, the open-toed feature will allow blistered toes to breath and could be worn with a comfortable pair of flip flops. As another example, an open-toed stocking formed from a wicking yarn could be worn after a spin class, after surfing, or after spending the day aggressively engaged in water sports, backpacking, hiking and the like. Additional comfort may be achieved by adding a gel liner to the stocking to promote moisturizing. Some stocking may also have a lavender and aloe wash to provide additional moisture and to promote relaxation with aromatherapy properties.

The stocking 10 includes a foot engaging portion 18 and a leg engaging portion 20 that is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion 18, as with a conventional stocking The foot engaging portion 18 replaceably and comfortably engages the wearer's foot while the leg engaging portion 20 replaceably and comfortably engages the wearer's leg.

The foot engaging portion 18 has a heel area 22, an open toe area 24 that is disposed in front of the heel area 22, and a bottom area 26 that extends from the open toe area 24 to the heel area 22. In addition, ribbing may be provided which wraps around the arch of the foot, just below the ball of the foot. The ribbing, which may be configured as a band 1.5-2 inches in width, helps to pull the stocking back a little so it does not close in and creep over the toes. The ribbing also provides arch support for stressed, tired feet from one being on his or her feet over an extensive amount of time or an intensive period.

The stocking 10 further includes a thin resilient circumferential band 28 that encircles the lip of the open toe area 24 of the foot engaging portion 18. That is, the circumferential band surrounds the periphery of the body in the open toe area 24. The circumferential band 28 allows the entire lip of the open toe area 24 to engage with the base of the wear's toes 16 when the foot is passed through the foot engaging portion 18. The band 28 may include trim such as lace, sequence or fur, for example, and may be patterned to trace the welting in the open-toed area 24. In some cases the trim would not go completely around the circumference of the band 28, but would terminate at the locations on either side of the foot where the foot contacts the ground. The circumferential band 28 may be formed from an elastic material to help keep the stocking in place around the ball of the foot. The elastic material may be formed, for example, by integrating elastic fibers (natural, synthetic or a combination thereof) into the yarn or other material that forms the body of the stocking 10. Elastic fibers that are employed will vary depending upon the particular type of yarn used for the body of the stocking 10 and the width of the band 28 that is desired. For example, in some stockings the band 28 may be about 1-2 inches wide and may therefore exhibit more elasticity. In other cases the band may be only about a quarter inch wide and therefore may exhibit less elasticity.

The circumferential band 28 may be in the texture and style of a general welting that is sewn into the body of the stocking 10 or it may be seamlessly integrated into the body of the stocking 10. In some embodiments of the invention the circumferential band 28 may be formed from a material such as a rubberized or silicon material, for example, that repels pedicure products such as polish or the like from sticking thereto when the stocking is used in a pedicure application. It should be noted that the cap or cover 40, discussed below, may also be formed with such rubberized or silicon or other non-sticking materials.

A second circumferential band 30 may encircle the lip of the leg engaging portion 20 to help hold the stocking 10 in place around the leg. The second circumferential band 30 may be formed from the same material as the circumferential band 28 or from a different material.

The bottom area 26 of the stocking 10 may include a thin non-slip material that is configured in any desired pattern such as a solid uninterrupted sheet, a grouping of separate spaced beads, a series of separate spaced rows or even an artistic form such as a logo or other graphic display that can serve as a branding mechanism. The material may be formed from a skid resistant substance to prevent slipping. In some embodiments a gel lining may be applied to the interior of the stocking to encourage moisture retention after the pedicure or other procedure is performed. The gel lining may be applied within the stocking along the entire length of the bottom area 26 or only along a portion of it. For instance, the gel lining may be applied only in the heel area 22. In addition, a pad may be incorporated in one or more portions of the bottom area 26 of the stocking For example, a pad may be incorporated into the bottom area 26 near the ball of the foot to provide cushioning when walking.

A retention strap or anchor 32 is provided for engaging between a pair of adjacent toes of the foot, preferably between the first and second toes. The retention strap 32 has a first end secured to a bottom portion of the stocking 10 in the open toe area 24 and a second end secured to a top portion of the stocking in the open toe area 24. The ends of the retention strap 32 may be secured to the body of the stocking 10 or the circumferential band 28. The retention strap 32 serves as an anchor to hold the stocking 10 in place around the ball of the foot and helps prevent the stocking from sliding on the foot when a shoe, sandal or the like is worn over the stocking 10. The retention strap 32 may be formed from any suitable material that may or may not be the same as the material from which the body of the stocking is formed. Significantly, while the retention strap 32 serves to hold the stocking 10 in place, it does so without separating the adjacent toes from one another to any significant degree.

The retention strap or anchor 32 may be formed in a number of different ways. For example, the strap 32 may be integrally formed with the stocking by, for example, cutting two opening, one for the four toes and one for the big toe. In this case there will be no welting around the toes and the retention strap would simply be an extension of the yarns used to form the body of the sock. This could also be facilitated by allowing the foot engaging portion of the sock material to extend after manufacturing, after which “cut & sew” methods may be employed to hem the edges to allow for a larger hole for the four toes and a smaller hole for the larger toe. Thus, there would be a seam on the narrow retention strap between the 1^st and the 2^nd toe whereby the top part of the sock material would join the top part. Alternatively, the retention strap 32 may be formed as an “extended clip”. The extended clip is simply the material that is trimmed when the welting around the open-toed end sewn. In the case of an “extended clip”, the material is not trimmed and allowed to remain loosely extending from the seam of the welting on the open-toed end. From this remaining extending material a retention strap is then cut and sewn, so that there is a narrow piece of material extending between the first and second toes. In yet another alternative, the retention strap 32 may be formed from a piece of material that is completely separate from the body of the stocking, and which will then need to be sewn separately.

Another embodiment of the retention strap 32 is shown in FIGS. 7-8. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the stocking with a foot already in place. In this embodiment the retention strap 32 is tapered, with the wider end being secured to the bottom of the circumferential band 28 and the narrower portion being secured to the top of the circumferential band 28. Of course, it should be emphasized that as noted above in some embodiments the retention strap 32 may be integrally formed with the body of the stocking.

The taper that is imposed on the retention strap 32 may have a wide variety of different configurations. For instance, the example of the retention strap 32 shown in FIGS. 7-8 has an overall shape generally resembling a cross-section of a funnel with a conical mouth secured to the bottom of the circumferential band 28 and a narrow stem that is secured to the top of the circumferential band 28. More particularly, FIG. 8 shows the retention strap 32 as having a narrow top edge 72 that is secured to the top of the circumferential band 28 and a wider bottom edge 74 that is secured to the bottom of the circumferential band 28. The narrow top edge 72 terminates a narrow top portion 76 (i.e., the “stem”) of the retention strap 32 and the wide bottom edge 74 terminates a wide bottom portion (i.e., “the conical mouth”) 78 of the retention strap 32. When a foot is placed in the stocking the narrow top portion 76 of the strap 32 extends between adjacent toes, generally between the first and second toes.

As indicated in FIG. 7, in some embodiments the width of the bottom edge 74 may be sufficient to extend along a substantial portion of the bottom of the circumferential band 28. For instance, in some embodiments, the width of the bottom edge 74 of the retention strap 28 may extend along a majority of the length of the bottom of the circumferential band 28, and in some cases the bottom edge 28 may extend along substantially all of the bottom of the circumferential band 28.

Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments the narrow top portion 76 of the retention strap 32 may be off-center with respect to the bottom portion 78 of the retention strap 32. That is, the retention strap 32 may be asymmetric with respect to its vertical axis in FIG. 8. In particular, the narrow top portion 76 may be offset toward the second toe. The retention strap 32, which may be single ply or two ply, may be fabricated from any of the previously mentioned fabrics.

Among its other advantages, the retention strap 32 shown in FIGS. 7-8 reduces movement of the stocking towards the arch of the foot. That is, the retention strap 32 allows the circumferential band 28 to stay near the toes and not move back towards the arch of the foot. Therefore, the stocking does not bunch up under the arch and become uncomfortable when walking in flip flops, open-toed shoes or with just the stocking alone. Additionally, the taper prevents the top and bottom edges of the stocking adjacent to the open toe area 24 from becoming “pinched” together. Rather, the retention strap 32 serves to bridges the top and bottom edges while leaving space between them. Because a taper is employed, the retention strap 32 does not significantly separate the toes since it fits into the wider space between the toes at their base, where the toes are joined. In contrast, many conventional stocking have individual fabric channels or tunnels that each accommodate one of the toes, in which case the fabric extends up the length of the toes and, in addition, separates the toes.

As seen in FIG. 2, in some cases trim 34 may be provided around the lip of the stocking 10 in the vicinity of the open-toe area 24. The trim 34 may or may not be co-extensive with the circumferential band 28. Similarly, in some cases trim 36 may also be provided around the lip of the stocking 10 in the vicinity of the leg engaging portion 20. The trim 36 may or may not be co-extensive with the second circumferential band 30.

In some embodiments of the invention the yarn or other material that forms the body of the stocking 10 may be treated with a scented chemical that provides an aromatic characteristic to the stocking Different stockings may be treated with different scents so as to appeal to different individuals. Additionally, as previously mentioned, wicking fibers may be employed which have fibers with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a cap or cover 40 is provided, which offers additional environmental protection and also provides flexibility for the wearer to wear the stocking with close toed shoes when the hat is worn. For example, a woman may get a pedicure while the stocking is being worn, with the cap 40 flipped back on top of the wearer's foot so that her toes are exposed. The wearer can wear flip flops with the cap 40 secured to the top of the foot so she can run errands, say during a lunch break, and let her toes dry. Then after the toes are dry, she can flip the cap 40 back over her toes and put on clogs, closed-toed shoes or sneakers to wear back to work. The cap 40, which may be removable from the body of the stocking 10, fits over the open-toe area 24 (including the retention strap 32) of the stocking body. The cap 40 may be configured in a dome-like or other shape with one open end for receiving the toes of the wearer. The cap 40 may be formed from a flexible, stretchable material that may or may not be the same material that forms the body of the stocking 10. An elastic band 45 may extend around the lip of the open end of the cap 40. The elastic band 45 facilitates securement of the cap 40 over the open-toe area 24 of the sock body when the sock is in use. The elastic band 45 may be formed from any suitable material, including, for example, the aforementioned materials of which the circumferential band 28 is formed. In some particular embodiments of the invention, the width of the elastic band 45 will vary between an ⅛^th of an inch and 1.5 inches, depending upon the fibers used to construct the cap 40.

When used in the context of a pedicure, the cap 40 can be slipped over the customer's toes after the nail polish has dried (see FIG. 4). The color and pattern of the cap 40 may be the same as or similar to that of the body of the stocking 10. However, in some cases the cap 40 may have a different color and/or pattern that complements the body of the stocking In addition, the cap 40 may have a non-stick lining that is weaved, sprayed or otherwise applied to its inner surface to help prevent wet toe nails from sticking Alternatively, instead of using a non-stick lining, the cap 40 may be formed from yarns that themselves are formed from non-stick element such as silicon fibers, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a pocket 50 may be provided on the outer surface of the leg engaging portion 20 of the stocking 10. The cap 40 can be stored in the pocket 50 when not in use. The pocket 50 can be sewn directly into the body of the stocking 10 or otherwise integrally formed with the stocking 10. Alternatively, the pocket 50 can be removably secured to the leg engaging portion using any suitable means such as hook and pile fasteners (e.g., Velcro™), for example. In some embodiments the pocket 50 could even be eliminated and the cap 40 itself can be directly secured to the leg engaging portion 20 of the stocking 10 using a removable securing means.

While in the embodiments discussed above cap 40 is removable from the body of the stocking 10, in other embodiments the cap 40 may be permanently secured to the stocking 10. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 a portion of the lip of the cap 40 can be sewn to the body of the stocking 10 along the top of the open toe area 24. The remaining lip portion of the cap 40 remains permanently detached from the stocking 10 so that it can removably cover the toes. In FIG. 5 the cap 40 is completely folded back or otherwise retracted over the dorsal portion of the foot so that the toes are exposed when performing the pedicure or other procedure or when the stocking is worn for any purpose, including but not limited to athletic wear, maternity wear, sleepwear and the like. The cap 40 is shown at an intermediate position in FIG. 6, either while the cap 40 is being folded back to expose the toes or folded over the toes to protect them.

A fastening mechanism may be provided to selectively secure the cap 40 to the top of the stocking 10 when the cap 40 is folded back to expose the toes. In FIG. 6 the fastening mechanism includes an eye hook 60 and loop 62. Other fastening mechanisms that can be employed include, without limitation, a button and loop, a gripper snap or a hook and pile fastener (e.g., Velcro™). The fastening mechanism may alternatively secure the cap 40 to other portions of stocking For example, the cap 40 may be fastened around the ball of the foot when in the closed position, thus covering the toes.

Claims

1. An open toe stocking, comprising:

a body that includes:

a foot engaging portion having a heel area, an open toe area being disposed in front of said heel area of said foot engaging portion, and a bottom area extending from said heel area of said foot engaging portion to said open toe area of said foot engaging portion;

a leg engaging portion being integrally formed with, and extending generally perpendicularly upwardly from, said foot engaging portion;

an elastic circumferential band encircling a lip of said open toe area of said foot engaging portion so as to allow said open toe area of said foot engaging portion to engage the foot of the wearer when the toes of the wearer are passed therethrough; and

a tapered retention strap extending through the open-toed area of the foot engaging portion so as to engage between a first toe and a second toe of the wearer, said retention strap having a wide first end secured to the bottom area of the foot engaging portion and a narrower second end secured to a top area of the foot engaging portion, said wide first end having a first side with a concave curvature facing a first toe of the wearer and a second side with a concave curvature facing the remaining toes of the wearer to thereby expose a first portion of a bottom of a foot when worn by the wearer between the tapered retention strap and a base of the first toe and a second portion of the bottom of the foot between the tapered retention strap and a base of the remaining toes of the wearer.

2. The open-toed stocking of claim 1 further comprising a skid resistant material extending along at least a portion of said bottom area of said foot engaging portion of the body.

3. The open-toed stocking of claim 2 wherein at least an interior surface portion of the foot engaging portion includes a gel lining.

4. The open-toed stocking of claim 1 further comprising a second elastic circumferential band encircling a lip of the leg engaging portion of the body so as to allow said leg engaging portion to engage the leg of the wearer when the foot of the wearer is passed through the body.

5. The open-toed stocking of claim 1 further comprising a cap to selectively fit over the open toe area of the body so that the toes of the wearer are selectively covered.

6. The open-toed stocking of claim 5 wherein the cap is a removable cap.

8. The open-toed stocking of claim 5 wherein the cap includes an elastic band to enhance securement of the cap over the open toe area.

9. The open-toed stocking of claim 6 further comprising a pocket secured to the leg engaging portion of the body for storing the cap when not in use.

10. The open-toed stocking of claim 6 further comprising a retaining mechanism for securing the cap when not in use.

11. The open-toed stocking of claim 5 wherein the cap is fixedly secured to open toe area of the body so as to be selectively foldable back on an upper portion of the body to thereby expose the toes of the wearer.

12. The open-toed stocking of claim 10 further comprising a fastening mechanism located on the upper portion of the body to selectively secure the cap to the upper portion of the body when folded back thereon.

13. The open-toed stocking of claim 1 wherein the tapered retention strap is funnel-shaped.

14. The open-toed stocking of claim 12 wherein the tapered retention strap has a stem portion and a conical portion, wherein the stem portion is configured to extend between adjacent toes.

15. The open-toed stocking of claim 13 wherein the retention strap is asymmetric with the stem portion being offset with respect to the conical portion.

16. The open-toed stocking of claim 1 wherein the retention strap is integrally formed with the body.

17. The open-toed stocking of claim 1 wherein the elastic circumferential band is configured to remain in place around a ball of a foot of the wearer.