Abstract: An improved sock with a circumferential flap secured thereto which when worn in combination with footwear, prevents the introduction of foreign particulate such as pebbles into the hiking boots and other footwear. The sock is made from cotton, wool, synthetic material or a combination thereof. The flap is preferably made from a material that is liquid impermeable and is vapor permeable. The flap is secured to the sock by looming, stitching, buttons, or by complimentary materials on both the flap and the sock. In operation, the flap is lowered to a position where it circumferentially covers the top of the shoe or hiking boot thereby preventing environmental hazards from entering therein. In some embodiments, additional means are used to secure the flap to the footwear such as VELCRO, buttons, and a drawstring.

Abstract: A sock and its associated method of manufacture. The sock is a knit sock, knit as a continuous tubular structure from a closed toe end to an open top end. At some point between the closed toe end of the sock and the open top end of the sock, at least a four inch section of the tubular structure is sewn from a combination of yarns that contain elastic. After the tubular structure is knit, the top end and the bottom end of the central elastic section are folded together and joined along a common seam. As the top end and the bottom end of the central elastic section are joined together, the material of the central elastic section loops over and radially extends as a flare from the tubular structure of the sock. The flare is made from the combination of yarns that include elastic. As such, the flare has elastic properties and can be stretched over the open top of a shoe. Once pulled over the shoe, the flare of the sock prevents foreign material from getting into the shoe in between the sock and the shoe.

Abstract: An athletic sock for insertion into a shoe, the sock defining a generally tubular body having a mouth at one end, the mouth for engagement by the foot of a person, a first portion of the tubular body including a resilient elastomeric compound, at least a fraction of the first portion of tubular body destined to be exposed out from the shoe during use, the first portion defining an external surface having a fine grain, and a high resolution printed design layout being mounted to the external surface of the first sock portion integral thereto.

Abstract: An improved sock wherein moisture distribution, wicking, evaporation and other phases of control are all managed by the sock construction. The moisture management sock has a toe portion knit of predominantly of hydrophilic yarn; a heel portion knit of predominantly of hydrophilic yarn; and alternating rings of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarn located between said toe portion and said heel portion. Moisture absorbed from the wearer's foot by the hydrophilic yarn is transferred by wicking action into the hydrophobic rings and then to the leg portion to be evaporated therefrom.

Abstract: A concealed sock (1) for wearing with boat shoes (12) having a frontal section (2) and heel section (3) connected by an intermediate section (4 and 5). An elastomeric band runs around the top of the heel and intermediate sections to keep the sock concealed within the shoe. A second elastomeric band runs along the top front of the foot opening (13) in the intermediate section to keep the sock from rising up above the shoe. Pressure relief openings (9) on each end of the second elastomeric band further keep the sock concealed.

Abstract: An infant sock for crawling infants includes a generally tubular sock member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a toe surface forming a closed end, and an open end. An elastic band is attached at the open end receiving an infant's foot. A gripper member covers at least a portion of the upper surface, the lower surface and the toe surface and has an increased coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An article of apparel for a foot that covers the forward portion of the foot only does not show above the tops of shoes and enhances fit and comfort of wearing shoes. Such a partial sock, or half sock, is advantageous for uses including wearing with shoes that cover the forward portion of the foot only, such as open-heel and clog-type shoes.

Abstract: A sock for preventing athlete's foot includes sheaths at the toe portion of the foot that can reach, cover, and fit into areas between toes. The sheaths can absorb moist, greasy and other secretions between toes and keep skins in the area dry. This prevents microscopic fungi from thriving between toes. The sheath portion remains integral with the rest of the sock that may also include a foot body, heel, ankle, and leg engaging portion.

Abstract: A pair of socks and/or sock bands each incorporating knee pads to protect an infant's knees and feet from being scratched, rug burned, and scarred when crawling on a rug or floor's surface. The first embodiment incorporates knee pads into a pair of long socks having a one piece body including a leg portion with a knee region and a foot portion having a sole and toe region extending from the leg portion. The second embodiment incorporates knee pads into a sock band whereby each knee pad is sewn between the fabric used in each sock band. Each sock band can be made of a single sheet of fabric or made of two sheets of fabric sewn to snugly fit around the leg whereby the knee pad covers the patella of an infant.

Abstract: A body warmer for use in footwear is disclosed which is prevented from slipping in footwear and is capable of warming a desired portion accurately, and which includes an exothermic composition capable of generating heat in the presence of air, an air-permeable bag accommodating the composition, and an air-tight bag sealingly enveloping the air-permeable bag, the air-permeable bag being formed with a non-slip layer in at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A pantyhose undergarment having a crotch flap to facilitate urination without lowering the undergarment. A crotch area of the undergarment has an opening which is removably closed with a crotch flap permanently secured to a front of the undergarment and releasably secured about the opening. The crotch flap may be removed to a forward position in which it is not wetted.

Abstract: An improved sock or slipper sock comprising a toe portion for covering the toes of a foot, a continuous calf portion for surrounding a calf, and a slit, slot or opening located between the toe portion and the calf portion is disclosed. The slot terminates, at one end, adjacent to the toe portion and terminates at the other end, adjacent to the calf portion. In a preferred embodiment, the slit is buttonhole stitched for durability. When the sock is first put on a foot, the calf portion is held open and gently slid over the toes, the foot and up the calf where it is released and gently grips the calf. The toe portion is then manipulated to cover the toes of the foot. The slit opens, as necessary, to accommodate any dressing that might be anywhere on the foot. When the dressing needs to be changed, the calf portion remains in its position around the calf, or is adjusted downwardly somewhat, and the toe portion of the sock is removed from toes, leaving the sock attached to the person, about his or her calf.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pile sock which can lighten a sense of tiredness and has improved air permeability. A sole portion of the pile sock is knitted almost thoroughly in pile stitches. The sock is excellent in the cushioning properties and able to reduce load to a foot. It also has good sweat-absorption characteristics. A toe-side section of the pile sock works effectively to prevent slippage. An arch region of the sole portion has a smaller area of the pile stitch segments than an area of the plain stitch segments in comparison with a ground contact region of the sole portion. Arranging the plain stitch segments and the pile stitch segments in a lattice pattern allows a sense of stimulation and air permeability to be uniformly provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking fabric in a permanent or semipermanent manner includes a plurality of foam markers which are compressible to a smaller size. Upon release of external pressure, the foam markers expand to their original shape and volume. An insertion tool is provided for inserting the foam markers into fabric. The insertion tool comprises an elongate tubular member which has a marker receiving opening on a first end. A pointed tip is located on the second end of the insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the tool between the threads of the fabric being marked. A marker may be compressed by rolling the marker between a thumb and finger. The compressed marker is then partially inserted into the opening of the insertion tool so that a portion of the marker protrudes from the end of the insertion tool. The tip of the insertion tool is then inserted through the fabric at a desired location.

Abstract: A device for ensuring self-massaging of the foot when walking. The device includes a foot engaging surface comprising a base having raised prints incorporated thereon. The foot engaging surface is one of a standard type, a medical type, and a paramedical type. The foot engaging surface is one of a stocking, a tight, a sock and a foot pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compression hose made of elastic textile base material for the treatment of leg conditions, a rhombic lattice being integrated into the base material, with diagonals of the rhombuses lying in the longitudinal direction of the hose, and with intersecting strips which extend hexically and continuously obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the hose and form the rhombic lattice, the elasticity of these strips being less than the base material enclosed by the strips, and the length of the hose in each case defined by longitudinal stretching of the hose determining its compression pressure.

Abstract: A sock for managing moisture and reducing friction includes a blend of natural mohair wool fibers and acrylic fibers. Hydrophobic mohair wool wicks moisture away, from the foot of a wearer, and hydrophilic acrylic yarn absorbs moisture wicked from the foot by mohair yarn and holds the moisture away from the skin. As a result, undesirable friction-promoting effects of moisture on a foot are decreased. Mohair wool yarn is disposed on the inner surface of a sock for contact with skin, while acrylic yarn is disposed on the outer surface of the sock away from the skin. A blend of mohair wool and acrylic is placed in areas of a sock likely to have the greatest moisture build-up and the most friction of a foot against the sock and shoe.

Abstract: Elastic panty hose are modified to have a shallow notch in the toe portion for accepting the thong of a thong style sandal or shoe. When the foot and panty hose are inserted into the thong style sandal or shoe, the notch is stretched thereby smoothing the contour of the panty hose around the toes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pile sock which can lighten a sense of tiredness and improve the air permeability. Said pile sock is further provided with a function for preventing slippage as well as excellent cushioning properties.

Abstract: The intention of this current and improved invention relates to podiatry/orthopedic (entire foot/toe area, heel, ankle, lower and upper part of the leg) for providing the patient with a protective covering. The loose fit sock provides protection, flexibility, comfort, and adjustability during the rehabilitation/treatment process. In most cases (foot/toe area) after a procedure is done, an open surgical shoe is required to be worn by the patient. For the arm/hand area—when braces, casts, splints, fixtures, bandages and medicated patches (e.g.) are used after procedures, the components and variations are an asset. In addition, with both the foot/leg, and hand/arm coverings, the variations, components and materials are practical, safe, washable and reusable, and the manufacturing cost is minimal.

Abstract: A sock with reinforced toe and heel areas, and a tread area located between these areas. The tread area is reinforced between the toe and heel areas. A sock comprising: a reinforced toe region; a reinforced heel region; and a reinforced sole region between the toe and heel regions, wherein the reinforced sole region substantially corresponds to a degree of reinforcement of the toe and heel regions, and wherein the reinforced sole region is of a contour corresponding to a foot sole surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-regulating sock (1) with padding in certain areas, worn especially for leisure sports such as jogging, in line skating, skiing and similar. The aim of the invention is to especially provide a means of conducting sweat out of the shoe, to the outside. To this end, the inventive sock has at least one integrated airway (3) extending from the sole (2) to the top of the sock, said airway (3) consisting of heat-regulating netted fabric.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening a pair of clothing together, comprises two complementary securing elements to be secured to a said pair of clothing. One fastening element has at least one fastening projection in a center region, while the other one has at least one opening for receiving the fastening projection. The center region is connected to at least one elongated securing surface which protrudes away from it. Each securing surface includes at least one strip of textile material which extends beyond the respective center region. The strip of textile material has a cut-out for allowing the fastening projection(s) to penetrate.

Abstract: A sock sorting and storage device comprising two clamping elements: the first having identifying indicia on its base and a plurality of solid posts extending therefrom, and the second having a corresponding plurality of internally hollow posts extending from a common base and each ending into sharp closed pointed ends. The interiors of the hollow posts comprise locking channels that are open at the base, extending through said base, and sealed at the closed pointed ends. In use, the solid posts are received and permanently and fixedly secured in their corresponding locking channels using fastening means provided on the lateral surfaces of the solid posts and the lateral interior surfaces of the internally hollow posts.

Abstract: A gel-cushion socks for lessening the impact force on the foot of a user while running. The gel-cushion socks includes an ankle portion integrally coupled to foot portion. The foot portion has a heal, an instep, a sole and toe. The foot and ankle portions comprises a generally flexible material having an inner wall and an outer wall having lumen therebetween. The material is generally water impervious. A gel is positioned in the lumen such that the gel may dampen impact on the lumen.

Abstract: A circularly knit tubular hosiery blank and a garment formed therefrom, the blank having panty, thigh, knee, ankle and foot portions separated from each other by increasing and decreasing diameter graduation portions and a constant number of wales throughout. The blank is thereby configured to conform to the natural shape of a female leg with gradually increasing and decreasing diameters to avoid abrupt diameter changes and maintain the integrity of the blank fabric's appearance.

Abstract: A foot protector which is comprised of at least about 80 weight percent of a fabric material. The fabric material is comprised of at least 50 weight percent of stretch fabric, it is made from a two sheets of fabric, and a space between the two sheets of fabric is adapted to receive volatilizable material. A hole extends through the first sheet of fabric, and the hole has a diameter of less than about 0.3 inches. A volatilizable material is disposed within the space disposed between the two sheets of fabric.

Abstract: An infant sock capable of being securely attached to an infant's clothing to prevent loss includes a piece of material that extends past the cuff of the sock and is fastened to the infant's clothing in one of several ways. When infant clothing is selected that has snaps for easy diaper access, then the present invention makes use of these snaps for securing the material. One way to attach the sock is to shape the material extension into a loop and place the loop around the snap on the inside leg of the infant's clothing such that the male and female members of the snap are closed and the loop is securely sandwiched between the snap. Alternatively, the piece of material extension can be fitted with a male and female member of a snap sewn on opposite sides. These snap members are then secured to the infant garment by mating the snaps from the garment with the snaps of the sock extension.

Abstract: A compressive elastic-tights orthosis with an abdominal portion, or compressive knit, having a waist, front, back and, and groin, and adjoining two leg portions of compressive knit, the abdominal portion having a substantially triangular starched front region extending inward from the waist to the groin and having little deformability by providing high-pressure elasticity in both lateral and vertical directions, whereby, when the orthosis is worn, the front region exerts substantially constant pressure against the abdomen, in opposition to deformation of the abdomen, and the two leg portions exert vascular pressure on the lower limbs.

Abstract: A clip assembly for joining two matching socks to prevent the matching socks from being separated when laundered or stored includes a pair of panels each of which are attached to the exterior surface of a sock. The panels include mating tongues and grooves allowing the panels to be quickly and conveniently joined by sliding the tongues on each panel into the grooves on the other. The assembly also includes an ornament display panel having tongues and grooves on an inwardly facing side for interengaging the tongues and grooves on either panel allowing a user to display ornaments on the socks while the socks are being worn.

Abstract: A fastener for a shin guard mounted on the leg of an athlete including upper and lower bands connected at their ends by diagonal bands, fork bands connecting the outer ends of the upper and lower bands to each other, a band of pile fabric extending outwardly from one of the fork bands, and a band of hook fabric extending outwardly from the other of the fork bands. A combined shin guard and fastener wherein the upper and lower bands are secured to the shin cover. A shin guard fastener consisting of an elongated flexible and resilient band having a central portion with a first attachment member for attaching the central portion to a sock or shin cover, and second and third attachment members on the end portions of the band for attaching the end portions to each other.

Abstract: A hosiery garment, for example, a stocking, having two openings in a portion thereof that covers the foot of a wearer of the hosiery garment, these two openings in combination defining a thong member, the thong member being selectively positionable between any two toes on the foot of the wearer, and the openings being designed so that, when the hosiery garment is worn, the two openings expose not only the toes of the foot of the wearer, but also other parts of the same foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A support stocking having an elastic compression force on the calf greater than the compression force on the ankle and foot of a person. The compressive forces of the support stocking aid in venous recovery after physical exertion, such as in sports or athletics. The support stocking's design also aids in delaying problematic venous conditions such as venous insufficiency, even in non-athletes.

Abstract: An assembly for removably attaching an ornament to a sock. The assembly includes a first means for attaching, the first attaching means being affixed to the sock, an ornament, and second means for attaching the ornament to the sock. The second attaching means is affixed to the ornament, and the second attaching means is configured so as to cooperate with and removably attach to the first attaching means to removably attach the ornament to the sock. As broadly described herein, the first and second attaching means may include a variety of attaching means including, for example, snap fasteners, buttons and corresponding buttonholes, hook and loop fasteners, hook-and-eye fasteners, and clasps.

Abstract: A pair of sock bands or covers to be used in conjunction with an ordinary pair of socks which are tubular-shaped and made of a woven elastic material which can be slid onto the top of a sock. The sock bands may include a fastener which is disposed around the inner surface of the sock band. The outer surface of each sock bands may contain indicia such as a logo or name of a team or organization.

Abstract: A sock with pocket for storing items. The sock with pocket includes a foot portion and a leg portion extending from the foot portion. A pocket flap is coupled to the leg portion and forms a pocket between the flap and the leg portion. A cover flap is coupled to the leg portion and folds over an upper edge of the pocket flap for closing the pocket. The cover flap is detachably couplable to the pocket flap.

Abstract: There exists many different devices for connecting articles of clothing together. The present invention is such a device for attaching articles of clothing together. The present invention utilizes paired fasteners on each of the two articles of clothing to be attached together. This allows the two articles to either be attached together or turned inside out and folded upon themselves and attached to themselves. In this folded-down state, the fasteners are hidden from view.

Abstract: Socks having a rib top part, a leg part, a heel part, a foot part and a toe part which are knitted in order wherein first gore lines extending obliquely downwardly from upper portions of the heel part to rear portions of the heel part are formed on the heel part next to the leg part from first and second trapezoidal knit fabrics whose top sides are common to each other, and a third trapezoidal knit fabric having a top side whose length is equal to the length of a bottom side of the second trapezoidal knit fabric at portions of the first gore lines rather near to the toe part is knitted next to the second trapezoidal knit fabric. Further, a fourth trapezoidal knit fabric is knitted continuously to the bottom side of the third trapezoidal knit fabric, and second gore lines are formed between the bottom side of the third trapezoidal knit fabric and inclined sides of the fourth trapezoidal knit fabric of the socks.

Abstract: A method of heat-setting garments by boarding the garment and subjecting it to preselected temperatures that are different for different parts of the garment and an apparatus for carrying out this method are provided.

Abstract: A support/sport sock for enhancing athletic performance and method of use. The sock includes a sock body of an elastomeric material which exhibits a pressure gradient against the calf of the leg which varies from a maximum proximate the foot portion of the sock to a minimum at the top end. The sock may include a padded portion extending along the plantar surface and a wicking material. The sock is used to enhance athletic performance.

Abstract: A tubular knitted body portion, first and second opposed band portions, each of the first and second band portions formed from a segment of respective tubular knitted band portions containing at least some elastic yarns. First and second seams close respective edges of the first and second opposed band portions to each other to define a single band having an elongated shape for being fitted in a stretched condition onto and hugging only the lower portion of the foot with the joined first and second bands positioned on the asymmetrical portion of the foot below the ankle. One of the seams extends along the top of the foot in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the toes. The other of the seams extends along the back of the heel substantially along the longitudinal axis of the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: The seams for joining together, along the crotch, the pieces of fabric making up the article and/or for closing the toes of the legs, are made with two needle threads (F1, F2) and one looper thread (F3) that forms a chain stitch, all of them forming long stitches, in such a way that, under the stretching of the garment as it is put on, the seams become essentially “flat”, that is to say very thin and certainly much thinner than they are wide.

Abstract: A double layer sock is formed on a circular knitting machine so that the inner layer and the outer layer are connected by knit stitches adjacent the toe portion and the inner and outer layer wales adjacent such connection are aligned. A section of knit courses is formed beyond the connected toe portion of both the inner and outer layer as an inner guide segment, an inner clip, an outer guide segment, and an outer clip, with each guide segment formed at a lower stitch density than either the toe portion or the clip that border the guide segment.

Abstract: The highly stretchable, seamless sock conforms to the underlying portion of the body when donned so that there are no undesirable wrinkles or thicknesses in fabric (e.g., ribs, seams, etc) which might cause focal pressure on the foot or leg. The sock comprises a receptacle having an open upper end an opposite, closed toe end. The receptacle includes a toe section that projects from the toe end and is configured to receive the toes of the wearer, a leg section that is adjacent the leg end and is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the leg of the wearer, a foot section extending between the leg section and toe section of the receptacle, and a heel section extending partly around the circumference of the receptacle between the foot and leg sections. These sections of the receptacle are knitted of a common high-stretch corespun yarn and are configured to cause the yarn to stretch when the sock is donned.

Abstract: A sock with improved comfort includes a stocking sole (2) having a plurality of resilient projections (3) on at least one of its surfaces for protecting and cure the foot of the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composite sock which consists of an inner stretchable fabric envelope, a bag-like barrier component which is liquid water impermeable, and water vapour permeable, and a second or outer stretchable fabric envelope. The inner envelope is attached to the barrier component, the barrier component is attached to the outer envelope, the arrangement being such as to allow circumferential stretching of the composite sock. The inner stretchable fabric envelope or the outer stretchable fabric envelope or both is a circular knitted sock. The composite sock has elastic properties such that it can be stretched at least in the X direction to at least 50% extension, and such that when a sample taken from the leg of the composite sock just above the ankle, the sample being 5 cm by 10 cm with the 10 cm dimension aligned in the X direction is extended on a tensometer at 100 mm per minute to 15 cms length (i.e.

Abstract: A compression hose having a extremity covering portion and an injured area covering portion. The injured area covering portion further includes an opening that is positioned over the patient's injured area. A number of fastening straps are fixedly attached to one side of the opening and are sized to extend across the opening and secured to a fastener receiver. A locking strap having a longer length than inner fastening straps is positioned at the outer edge of the hose and is sized to extend across the opening and lock the hose in place on the patient's extremity.

Abstract: A method for producing stockings, particularly of the pop-sock type or the like, with a form-fitting shape, and a stocking obtained with the method comprising: a first step, during which the stocking portion that corresponds to the leg region located above the calf is formed; a second step, during which the stocking portion corresponding to the intermediate region of the leg is formed; and a third step, during which the stocking portion that corresponds to the leg region located below the calf is formed. During the second step the length of the loops of knitting located in the rear region of the stocking is increased with respect to the length of the loops of knitting located in the front region, in order to obtain, on the rear region of the stocking, an extra portion with respect to the front region; the extra portion has to contain the calf.

Abstract: An anti-embolism stocking used to inhibit the development of thrombophlebitis. The present invention is directed to a system and method for applying compressive forces to parts of the body to stimulate fluid flow through the parts of the body. In particular the present invention relates to a stocking that is capable of being placed on a portion of the body and then having a stimulus applied thereto to stimulate blood flow within the region of the body upon which the stocking is placed. The stocking includes polymer materials which, when a selected stimulus is applied thereto, causes constriction of the polymer, thereby causing the compressive forces. The stocking may be designed such that the compressive forces may be generated sequentially along the length of the stocking to gradually stimulate fluid flow, such as blood, to and from the preselected body portion.

Abstract: A sock and its associated method of manufacture, wherein the sock reduces chafing experienced by the foot. The sock includes an inner sock layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner sock layer is fabricated from at least one first thread made from a conventional garment material and a second thread made from a fluoropolymer material, wherein the conventional garment material is predominant on the interior surface of the inner sock layer and the fluoropolymer material is predominant on the exterior surface of the inner sock layer. The sock also includes an outer sock layer that surrounds the inner sock layer. The outer sock layer also has an interior surface and an exterior surface.