Abstract: The flat, topless sock is are re-usable, machine washable/dryable, sock/stocking alternative that is inserted into a shoe or sandal, adhering to the shoe's insole so it can be worn in place of traditional socks to give the wearer the “no-sock” look while providing the benefits of wearing a sock. The preferred embodiment of the flat, topless sock consists of a soft, durable, absorbent surface in contact with the skin on the bottom of the foot and an adhesive/anti-slip surface on the opposite side which is in contact with/adheres to the insole of the shoe or sandal. Optional features may include but are not limited to: the addition of extra layer(s) for added comfort, shock and/or sweat absorption; the addition of an anti-microbial agent; a design modification to allow for use in a thong sandal; and an unlimited variety of decorative material designs, colors, textures, stitching patterns or appliqués.

Abstract: A method of making a sock having a leg portion, a gusset, a foot and a toe includes knitting a tubular member having a cylindrical body with a closed end, using, preferably a conventional circular knitting machine. The circular body is shaped to look like a sock and then subjected to heat and/pressure causing the fibers of the body to set. The circular body is knit from standard fiber yarns, including yarns made from natural and artificial fibers.

Abstract: Footwear hosiery is provided, which includes a first layer defining a front portion, an arch portion and a rear portion. A second layer is connected with at least one of the arch portion and the front portion in a configuration to define a receptacle having an opening. A pad is configured for removable disposal within the receptacle. The first layer may be a fabric material. The second layer may be fabricated from a flexible material.

Abstract: Garments are provided that include feltable fibers in selected areas to provide high durability. Garments are manufactured with feltable fibers is selected areas, such as high wear or high impact areas, and are then subjected to the felting (or fulling) process to produce a garment having partially felted fibers on the selected areas. Such a garment may be a sock with felted areas selected in the heel and toe areas. Such socks have enhanced resistance to wear in these high wear areas, and therefore are useable for longer periods of time for the user of the sock.

Abstract: The plantar flexion prevention device is an elastic sock. The sock extends over a foot to a calf area above the foot. A heel portion has a first attachment mechanism positioned near a plantar surface of a heel of the foot. There is an inverted Y-shaped inelastic strap that has two members securely attached to the elastic sock near the plantar surface of a metatarsalphalangeal joint region of the foot. A third member has a second attachment mechanism positioned in a middle portion of the third member. There is an inelastic toe strap that extends from a toe portion of the sock. A separate adjustable cuff with a third attachment mechanism is positioned above the calf area of the leg. The inelastic toe strap attaches to the second attachment mechanism of the inverted Y-shaped strap for toe extension, and can attach to the first attachment mechanism for toe flexion.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a legging and a sock into one clothing article. The fabrics and sock legging attachment mechanisms can be varied for specialized uses ranging from fire-safety clothing to medical patient wear to recreational uses.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable waterproof sock includes a cylindrical main body including a cloth having vapor permeability and that is waterproof. The vapor-permeable waterproof sock covers a range from a foot tip portion to a crus portion. The cylindrical main body includes a plurality of cloth areas, each of which expands and contacts more easily in one direction as compared with other directions. The plurality of cloth areas are joined together, and include a crus cloth area expanding and contracting more easily in a circumferential direction of the crus portion as compared with in a longitudinal direction of the crus portion, the crus cloth area covering the crus portion; and a planta portion cloth area expanding and contacting more easily in a longitudinal direction of the planta portion as compared with a width direction of the planta portion.

Abstract: A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.

Abstract: A tube of material comprising a decorative portion with an inner layer having an attachment member(s) inserted therein. The attachment member(s) is connected to the rim of a boot through user interaction with the boot. Various jewelry items have connection member(s) attached to the inner layer. Each of the connection member(s) is attached to another connection member and or to a decorative jewelry item. A tube comprising a decorative portion; an inner layer sewn at its border to the decorative portion; and a sock sewn to a top side of the sewn border so that it folds inwards into the sock. A connection member(s) is attached to the inner layer. Each of the connection member(s) is further attached to another connection member and or to a decorative jewelry item. The connection member(s) is from the group of: a spring activated jeweler's lock, a keychain ring and a strip of material.

Abstract: An athletic garment including a panel designed to reduce frictional and pressure drag around an appendage of an athlete competing in a high-speed event, such as running and cycling. The panel is positioned to encircle the appendage, and is provided with regions having different surface texture roughnesses. The leading edge of the panel includes texture designed to enhance the laminar boundary layer, while the adjacent portion of the panel includes texture intended to trip the boundary layer to turbulent flow. The drag-reducing panel may be the cuff of a sock, a sleeve, wristband, a headband, or the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sock for use in sports activities. The sock, includes cushioning in the area of the Achilles tendon for absorbing frictional and impact stresses without force being applied to the Achilles tendon. In one embodiment, the cushioning comprises elongated vertically spaced apart cushions that are in a bent shape. In another embodiment the cushioning comprises vertically spaced apart cushions that are divided by a vertically oriented ridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wearable socks, and related methods of manufacturing such socks, having selected areas of substantially greater stretchability as compared to the remaining portions of the sock that that resists removal by the wearer. In one exemplary embodiment, a sock constructed according to the disclosed principles may comprise first portions of the sock comprising a material having a first overall stretchability, and second portions of the sock comprising a material having a second overall stretchability. Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments, the second stretchability is substantially greater than the first stretchability such that one or more of the second portions are configured to continue to stretch in response to a removal force applied to the sock while adjacent one or more first portions reach their maximum stretchable length which thereby allows the removal force to overcome a compressive force of the one or more first portions.

Abstract: A hockey sock is provided, constructed as a tube. The tube includes an outer textile layer and an inner lining including an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene yarn that confers cut-resistance to the hockey sock. The inner lining may be configured as a knit half-cardigan fabric that is disposed generally in a floating relationship with the outer textile layer such that the two are connected only at their respective top and bottom, and/or a select number of locations such as point connections, seams, or other connections that permit a sliding relationship between the layers.

Abstract: A safety stocking (10) in the form of a sock (11) includes an elastic, stretchable fabric portion (12) and a patterned anti-skid tread (13). The foot section (14) has a top surface (19) and a bottom surface (20). Both the top surface and the bottom surface are joined to the anti-skid tread. The anti-skid tread pattern extends continuously and symmetrically from a first point (23) adjacent the toes of a wearer to a second point (24) adjacent the heal of a wearer.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to an apparel band system for attaching clothing items together during cleaning or storage. The apparel band may also be used to provide athletic support. The material for the apparel band is a flexible, comfortable material that stretches, and preferably matches the color of the clothing article it is attached thereon. Attachment to the clothing article may be fixed or removable. The apparel band may be attached to any portion of the clothing article. Preferably the apparel band is attached such that it can be hidden or placed inside the clothing article. In addition, there may be more than one apparel band attached to a single clothing article. In another embodiment the sock band may be inherently formed in the sock such as in the form of a slot.

Abstract: The present invention is related to articles of clothing that can be used to lessen the symptoms of particular diseases and/or skin conditions, designs of the clothing, and methods and tools for commercializing and marketing the clothing. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an article of clothing. The article of clothing includes at least a first coating. The first coating decreases the wicking or absorbance of water as compared to clothing that does not include the coating.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: Footwear hosiery is provided, which includes a first layer defining a front portion, an arch portion and a rear portion. A second layer is connected with at least one of the arch portion and the front portion in a configuration to define a receptacle having an opening. A pad is configured for removable disposal within the receptacle. The first layer may be a fabric material. The second layer may be fabricated from a flexible material.

Abstract: A greeting card having a pair of nested textile foot-coverings, a rigid planar insert and a graphic insert for including a message to a recipient. Alternatively, said card may be enclosed in an envelope or clear plastic packaging.

Abstract: An athletic garment including a panel designed to reduce frictional and pressure drag around an appendage of an athlete competing in a high-speed event, such as running and cycling. The panel is positioned to encircle the appendage, and is provided with regions having different surface texture roughnesses. The leading edge of the panel includes texture designed to enhance the laminar boundary layer, while the adjacent portion of the panel includes texture intended to trip the boundary layer to turbulent flow. The drag-reducing panel may be the cuff of a sock, a sleeve, wristband, a headband, or the like.

Abstract: Sock structure that is especially useful in applying a cold pack to a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and a method of applying a cold pack to a wearer (e.g. a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment), using the sock structure. The sock structure comprises a sock body that includes (i) a foot portion configured to cover substantially all of the wearer's foot, (ii) a leg portion configured to cover a portion of the wearer's ankle and leg, and (iii) a turned heel that provides an angular (turned) junction between the foot and leg portions. Moreover, the sock structure comprises a pocket integral with the sock body and located along predetermined portions of the bottom of the foot portion and the turned heel.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for use in playing sports, the system capable of reducing knee injuries to the wearer. The system includes a sock, where the sock is configured to cover the foot, the lower leg and the knee of a user. The system also includes a knee pad. The knee pad is configured to cover the knee of the user and attach to the sock.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for conditioning a foot surface by contacting a foot surface with an article designed to contact foot surfaces for the purpose of abrading, moisturizing and otherwise conditioning a foot surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sock with graduated compression and pads. The pads are on the leg section of the sock and are adapted to increase protection of the wearer, particularly, in sports applications. The pads can be aligned with the wearer's shin, which is a relatively unprotected during many athletic contests. Pads can also be positioned on the side of the sock. These pads may help protect the wearer's ankle or the side of the leg.

Abstract: An athletic sock formed from a yarn comprising Coolmax® polyester fibers, cotton fibers and Lycra® polyurethane-polyurea copolymer fiber. The sock has a toe portion, at least one compression portion, a heel and ankle portion, and an upper band at the top portion of the sock.

Abstract: Embodiments of socks having heel padding are disclosed herein. A heel padding can be attached to the heel pocket area of a sock, preferably in the top half of the heel pocket area. Such socks can be particularly advantageous in improving the comfort, as well as the fit of shoes on a person's feet.

Abstract: Included are bonded laminate constructions that have a modulus which approaches the sum of the modulus of the individual components of the laminate. By reducing variation in the modulus, the stretch or elasticity of the bonded or laminated fabric or garment is maximized. The bonded laminates include a bonding component that may be an elastomeric film, an adhesive, or a combination of a film with adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to socks and related items and specifically, toe socks that are breathable but include a thin protective barrier on the sole to guard against most types of penetration. The invention comprises a five toed sock that includes a thin elastomer protective layer, preferably natural latex rubber or nitrile, generally located on the exterior portions of the heel, arch, pad, and toes sections.

Abstract: A system for carrying out a pedicure wherein a conventional pedicure is closely simulated while protecting the foot from microbial infection and harsh chemicals. The foot is encased in a waterproof sock containing appropriate liquid conditioners for softening the skin. The encased foot is placed in a warm, recirculating water bath for a period of time. The foot is then removed from the bath, the sock is removed from the foot and discarded, and a conventional pedicure trimming process is carried out. The skin of the foot is thus protected from any contact with the water bath, while the soothing, stimulative, and otherwise pleasurable effects of the recirculating warm water are provided as in a conventional pedicure process.

Abstract: The socks with pouch for insoles provide a device for stabilizing insoles and include a pouch for receiving and removably retaining the insole therein. The pouch is fabricated from a soft, moisture-absorbing, washable liner, such as terry cloth or the like. The sock may be manufactured in various colors and lengths (anklet, calf, knee, etc.) to accommodate aesthetic tastes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cushioned socks or stockings particularly adapted for use with high heel footwear. The disclosed socks or stockings include a cushioning pad that is positioned below the metatarsal region of the foot, also known as the ball of the foot, and may extend under all or a part of the toes. Socks or stockings according to the present disclosure may be toe socks designed for dress shoes, ankle high, calf high, or longer. The disclosed cushioning pad stocking adapts and adjusts to different shoes (e.g., different height heels). The disclosed cushioned pad sock also adapts and adjusts to the foot as the wearer walks or otherwise shifts their weight on their feet.

Abstract: A protective half sock for use in multi-stage recovery includes a sock body constructed of a rib knit with Terry cushion, and a knitted posterior welt configured with the sock body and defining a rear opening for insertion of a limb. The sock body may be constructed of a 3×1 rib knit with Terry cushion. The knitted posterior welt may be formed by a 1×1 rib knit. The half-sock includes wool fibers, polyester-coated elastomeric fibers, polyester fibers, and nylon fibers. The cross stretch of the welt is less than the cross stretch of the body.

Abstract: A pantyhose garment, comprising: a topband portion having a top end, a bottom end, inside and outside, wherein the width between the top end and the bottom end is between 2 and 5 inches; a hose portion having a top portion and two leg portions, wherein the hose portion is connected along the top edge of the top portion at a connection point above the bottom end of the topband portion by a seam that gathers the topband portion and creates frills from said seam when unworn such that the top end of the topband portion flares out; wherein the inside of the topband portion is a slip-resistant material.

Abstract: A system comprises at least one foot component comprising fabric being configured with a first style as a foot portion of a stocking. The foot component further comprises a toe portion, an ankle portion, and an ankle bonding area on the ankle portion. At least one calf component comprising fabric is configured with a second style as a calf portion of a stocking. The calf component further comprises a bottom portion, a top portion, a bottom bonding area on the bottom portion being configured for joining with the ankle bonding area, and a top bonding area on the top portion. A first joining mechanism is configured for joining the ankle bonding area and the bottom bonding area in which the at least one foot component being joined to the at least one calf component forms a custom stocking.

Abstract: Porous adaptive membrane structures having movable membranes are provided. The structures can be made to change their gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications include protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: A patch for a performance garment including a sheet of fabric and an elastomeric adhesive adhered to one side of the sheet such that the sheet may be applied to the garment, wherein at least one of the sheet and the elastomeric adhesive have an independent stretch greater than the stretch of the garment. Embodiments of the invention further include methods of repairing an opening in or reinforcing a garment using the patch, repair kits for containing the patch, and methods of making the patch.

Abstract: A combination sock and shoe includes a shoe sole, an exterior sock that is secured to the shoe sole, an intermediate sock positioned inside the exterior sock, and an interior sock positioned inside the exterior sock and inside the intermediate sock. The intermediate sock is constructed as an anklet having an elastic ankle opening. The exterior and interior socks conceal the intermediate sock from view by sandwiching the intermediate sock between them. When a wearer's foot is inserted into the combination sock and shoe, the elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely engages around the ankle of the wearer's foot and holds the wearer's foot to the shoe sole, thereby preventing the shoe sole from separating away from the heel of the wearer's foot during walking.

Abstract: A sock for a foot, including toe compartments that can receive a toe of the foot. Each of the toe compartments is connected at a position along its length to an adjacent one of the toe compartments.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising nitric oxide gas producing component.

Abstract: A leg garment according to the present invention includes a body portion covering at least an instep, a sole and an ankle of a leg. The leg garment includes a support strip exerting a tightening force larger than that of a portion of the leg garment around the support strip. The support strip is arranged in the shape of an inwardly-wound helix extending from the instep to the ankle through the sole. The support strip includes: a first tightening portion arranged so as to medially extend from the instep to the sole; and a second tightening portion arranged so as to extend obliquely upward from a lateral side to a medial side of a ventral ankle, the second tightening portion compressing the ventral ankle via a surface thereof.

Abstract: To provide a functional area partially within the toe area on the sole side of the sock. Providing a needle-lowering area 1a which is knit by needle-lowering knitting and a needle-raising area 2 which is knit by needle-raising knitting at a specified position within the toe area 4 on the sole side of sock S, these being aligned in the course direction, and providing a first functional area 1 in which the needle-lowering area 1a and/or the needle-raising area 2 is knit with a functional yarn which differs from the yarn used in knitting the other areas 11 within the toe area 4 on the sole side. A first functional member 1 can be provided within a specified portion of the toe area 4 on the sole side. If the first functional member 1 is knit with a functional yarn having high frictional resistance, it becomes possible to increase the gripping force only of that specified portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a footwear system comprising a sock (10) having a pocket (24) formed within the wall (18) of the sock upper (16). The pocket (24) extends from the upper rim (20) towards the heel portion (14). An aperture (30) is formed in the sock upper (16) providing access to the pocket (24). The aperture (30) is narrower than the width of the pocket (24). A removable pad (32) is sized to fit snugly in the pocket (24).

Abstract: A garment that includes a body portion and a plurality of leg portions to be worn by a user. The garment further includes an optional extended crotch portion formed within a bottom portion of the body portion, and a plurality of thigh portions, integrally combined with or disposed a predetermined distance from, the extended crotch portion. Each thigh portion extends vertically along a respective inner thigh area of the garment and are formed of a material different from that of the leg portions.

Abstract: The shin covering athletic apparel of the current invention is a sock, or tube of sock material, made of an elastic or stretchy material that forms to the leg, with a top cuff, where the top cuff is a band that keeps the sock from sliding down the leg of the user, that is used to secure athletic equipment to the leg of a user. Below the top cuff is a slit in the sock that that is closed preferably by means of a zipper. The slit is preferably slightly smaller than the length of a standard shin guard. In one embodiment, there is another band below the slit intended to help hold the shin guard in place. In another embodiment, there is a pouch on the inside of the sock where the bottom of the shin guard can rest.

Abstract: A sock and a method of knitting the same. Generally described, the present application relates to a sock. More specifically, the present application relates to a sock having a revolutionary design. In one illustrative embodiment, a stretchable foot sock made of Lycra® is provided. The foot sock can include an open leg end having soft ribbing for receiving a foot, toes, and at least a portion of a leg of a wearer. The foot sock can include a leg section for receiving at least a portion of the leg of the wearer. The foot sock can also include a foot section for receiving a foot of the wearer. Typically, the leg and foot sections include a top and bottom portion wherein the top portion includes a mesh structure and the bottom portion includes extra padding. Each of the sections can be seamlessly integrated.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to performance footwear, such as socks, for the prevention of bruising, blisters, irritation and moisture accumulation. In some embodiments, dynamic cushion socks are provided that may include independent cushioning segments in the midfoot region that allow for improved impact cushioning, while also reducing weight and improving ventilation. Some embodiments also include a medial tab for protecting the ankle bone (e.g., the malleolus) from scrapes, abrasions, friction, and/or impact.

Abstract: A combination sock and shoe includes a shoe sole, an exterior sock that is secured to the shoe sole, an intermediate sock positioned inside the exterior sock, and an interior sock positioned inside the exterior sock and inside the intermediate sock. The intermediate sock is constructed as an anklet having an elastic ankle opening. The exterior and interior socks conceal the intermediate sock from view by sandwiching the intermediate sock between them. When a wearer's foot is inserted into the combination sock and shoe, the elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely engages around the ankle of the wearer's foot and holds the wearer's foot to the shoe sole, thereby preventing the shoe sole from separating away from the heel of the wearer's foot during walking.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: Porous adaptive membrane structures having movable membranes are provided. The structures can be made to change their gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications includes protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: An anatomic dry athletic toe sock includes a sock shaft section with a shaft support section to encircle a lower part of a leg of a wearer and to maintain the sock in proper orientation upon a wearer's leg, and a closed foot section adapted to receive the foot of the wearer. The closed foot section includes a heel section adapted to receive a heel of the wearer therein, an arch section having an arch support section to encircle the foot of the wearer in the arch of the wearer's foot and to prevent the arch section from moving relative to the wearer's foot, and a plurality of separated, closed toe sections to receive toes of the foot of the wearer. The toe sections are joined by nested, overlapping material portions. The sock is also made at least partially of an air-permeable hydrophobic fiber material.