Hosiery system and method therefor

Abstract

A hosiery system and method wherein a foot covering for covering at least one foot is provided. The foot covering having an upper edge portion. A leg covering is also provided for providing thigh support. The leg covering has a lower edge portion, wherein the lower edge portion of the leg covering is coupled to the upper edge portion of the foot covering.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is claiming the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application having an application number of 60/466,453, filed Apr. 28, 2003, in the name of Marilyn Tams and entitled “HOSIERY SYSTEM”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a hosiery system and, more specifically, to a hosiery system wherein a sock is integrated with the pantyhose for the combined comfort, fit, ease of use, and selection that has the advantages that both pantyhose and socks provide.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Pantyhose serve a wide variety of medical, athletic, and aesthetic functions. Pantyhose are generally made of a sheer, pigmented, usually knit or woven, material that serves an aesthetic function to hide blemishes and other imperfections found on the wearer's legs and lower torso. These types of pantyhose, commonly worn by women, can also include elastic material in their leg and torso portions to allow the pantyhose to simultaneously function as a girdle and support hose.

[0006] Typically, the hosiery industry dictates what is available for purchase, and in turn, what is ultimately worn by the consumer. Unfortunately, many women have problems with current pantyhose designs. Present pantyhose designs are extremely uncomfortable to wear. Because of the material used and the snug fit, most women find pantyhose very uncomfortable. This is especially true in warmer weather. Furthermore, pantyhose provide very little protection or comfort to the feet area of the wearer.

[0007] Many women prefer the comfort and fashion of socks in footwear, especially when wearing pants or slacks. Socks provide more protection/cushion in the foot region. However, these same women may also prefer the sleek look and convenience of pantyhose underneath the pants or slacks. In order to accomplish this combination, it has been necessary for the consumer to purchase and wear both the pantyhose and the socks. This combination of hosiery is not always the most comfortable or convenient to wear.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved hosiery system that overcomes the above problems. The improved hosiery system will integrate the pantyhose with a pair of socks. Currently, the hosiery industry has not made available to consumers, an integrated unit that has the benefits that both pantyhose and socks offer the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hosiery system.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved hosiery system that will integrate a pair of pantyhose with a pair of socks.

[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved hosiery system that will integrate a pair of pantyhose with a pair of socks that has the benefits that both pantyhose and socks offer the wearer.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved hosiery system that also provides thigh-high stockings and socks in an integrated unit.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide the consumer of such improved hosiery the ability to select preferred pantyhose-like hosiery or thigh-high stockings and preferred socks for integration.

[0014] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a hosiery system is disclosed. The hosiery system has a foot covering for covering at least one foot wherein the foot covering has an upper edge portion. A leg covering is provided for providing thigh support. The leg cover has a lower edge portion, wherein the lower edge portion of the leg covering is coupled to the upper edge portion of the foot covering.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing a fashion choice of differing foot cover and thigh support is disclosed. The method comprising: selecting at least one user-selected foot cover having an upper edge portion; selecting at least one user-selected thigh support having a lower edge portion; and coupling the upper edge portion of the user-selected foot cover to the lower edge portion of the user-selected thigh support.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial section of the hosiery system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hosiery system of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a sectional view trough the section 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the hosiery system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 wherein like numerals and symbols represent like elements, a hosiery system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hosiery system 100 is comprised of two main sections: a sock portion 104 and a thigh-support portion 106. As shown, the sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 is preferably attached directly to the thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 by seam 108. Additionally, as shown, preferably the sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 extends up the leg of the wearer high enough such that when the slacks 102 are raised, such as when the wearer crosses her leg, that only the sock portion of the hosiery system 104 is visible. Therefore, the continuous fashion of the sock portion of the hosiery system 104 is preferably always seen by anyone other than the wearer.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hosiery system of FIG. 1. As shown, preferably the sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 extends between the ankle and the knee of the wearer. The sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 preferably consists of a standard type sock that is available in different materials, as well as sizes and fashions.

[0025] Additionally, as shown, the thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 is preferably pantyhose-like, one-piece undergarment that consists of hosiery made with a panty-style top, extending to the wearer's waist. The thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 preferably consists of standard pantyhose-like hosiery, including tights, that is available in different materials, as well as sizes, colors, and fashions.

[0026] With both the sock portion 104 and the thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 being available in different materials, as well as sizes and fashions the present invention offers the wearer a multitude of selections. For example, the wearer or consumer could choose to integrate the hosiery system 100 as follows: have the sock portion 104 of the hosiery system to be red, heavy cotton, toe socks, and the thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 to be black, opaque tights.

[0027] A wearer or consumer may make these different possible selections through an internet website or through a paper brochure showing the different selections for both the sock portion 104 and the thigh support portion 106 of the hosiery system. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as available selections, current fashion, etc., other methods of making selections, for example, mail-order, phone-order, etc., may suffice.

[0028] Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing the fashion choice of differing foot cover and thigh support. The method has a buyer selecting at least one user-selected foot cover comprising at least one upper edge portion. The user then selects at least one user-selected thigh support comprising at least one lower edge portion. The hosiery system is then attached such that the at least one upper edge portion of the at least one user-selected foot cover is coupled to the at least one lower edge portion of the at least one user-selected thigh support. Such method preferably includes the user selecting at least one sock of a given size and fashion and the user selecting pantyhose of a given size and fashion. Alternately, such method preferably includes the user selecting at least one sock of a given size and fashion and the user selecting at least one thigh-high stocking of a given size and fashion. Such selecting may preferably occur on a user interface of at least one Internet website. Alternatively, as stated above, one may make the selection via a catalog or the like.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the section 3-3 of FIG. 2. As shown, preferably the upper edge 110 of sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 and the lower edge 112 of thigh support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 are joined or attached at seam 108. Both the sock portion 104 and the thigh support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 are preferably single layers, where the sock portion 104 is preferably not interwoven within the sock area of the thigh support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100. Thus, minimizing unwanted bunching or layering of either the sock portion 104 or the thigh support potion 106.

[0030] Preferably, seam 108 is formed by sewing the upper edge 110 of the sock portion 104 to the lower edge 112 of the thigh support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100. The upper edge 110 of the sock portion 104 is preferably a minimal area of the entire sock portion 104. Additionally, the lower edge 112 of the thigh support portion 106 is preferably a minimal area of the entire thigh support portion. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as strength, cost of production, durability, etc., other seam arrangements, such as, for example, weaving, bonding, etc., may suffice.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the hosiery system 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, preferably the sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 extends between the ankle and the knee of the wearer. Additionally, as shown, the thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 is preferably thigh-high stocking like, extending to the wearer's upper thigh area.

[0032] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hosiery system, comprising:

a foot covering for covering at least one foot wherein the foot covering has an upper edge portion; and

a leg covering for providing thigh support, comprising at least one lower edge portion, wherein the lower edge portion of the leg covering is coupled to the upper edge portion of the foot covering.

2. A hosiery system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising attachment device for attaching the at least one upper edge portion of the foot covering to the at least one lower edge portion of the leg covering.

3. The hosiery system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one upper edge portion of the foot covering is substantially located between the ankle and the knee of a wearer.

4. The hosiery system according to claim 1 wherein the attachment device comprises stitching.

5. The hosiery system according to claim 1 wherein the foot covering comprises at least one sock.

6. The hosiery system according to claim 1 wherein the leg covering comprises pantyhose.

7. The hosiery system according to claim 1 wherein the leg covering comprises at least one thigh-high stocking.

8. A hosiery system, comprising:

a foot cover to cover at least one foot and having at least one upper edge portion;

thigh support adapted to support at least one thigh and having at least one lower edge portion; and

at least one attacher adapted to attach the at least one upper edge portion of the foot cover to the at least one lower edge portion of the at least one thigh support.

9. The hosiery system according to claim 8 wherein the at least one upper edge portion of the foot cover is substantially located between the ankle and the knee.

10. The hosiery system according to claim 8 wherein the at least one attacher comprises stitching.

11. The hosiery system according to claim 9 wherein the foot cover is a sock.

12. The hosiery system according to claim 8 wherein the thigh support is pantyhose.

13. The hosiery system according to claim 8 wherein the thigh support is a thigh-high stocking.

14. A method for providing a fashion choice of differing foot cover and thigh support, comprising:

selecting at least one user-selected foot cover having an upper edge portion;

selecting at least one user-selected thigh support having a lower edge portion; and

coupling the upper edge portion of the user-selected foot cover to the lower edge portion of the user-selected thigh support.

15. A method for providing the fashion choice of differing foot cover and thigh support according to claim 14 further comprising:

user selecting at least one sock of a given size and fashion as the foot cover; and

user selecting pantyhose of a given size and fashion as the thigh support.

16. A method for providing the fashion choice of differing foot cover and thigh support according to claim 14 further comprising:

user selecting at least one sock of a given size and fashion as the foot cover; and

user selecting at least one thigh-high stocking of a given size and fashion as the thigh support.

17. A method for providing the fashion choice of differing foot cover and thigh support according to claim 14 wherein such selecting occurs on a user interface of at least one internet website.