SOCK WITH ASSISTIVE PULL LOOPS

Abstract

Aspects herein are directed to a sock of a first material having a first elasticity. The sock comprises a welt area forming a collar; a leg portion having a front area and a back area; a heel portion extending below the leg portion; a foot portion extending from heel portion; and a first pull loop comprising a strip adhesively coupled to the sock at the back area, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. App. No. 63/443,641, filed Feb. 6, 2023, and titled “Sock with Assistive Pull Loops.” The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects herein relate to a sock having one or more pull loops that facilitate donning and doffing.

BACKGROUND

Socks are a generally tubular apparel item configured to be worn on the foot and possibly some portion of the lower leg. Socks are therefore typically shaped to correspond generally with the shape and relative dimensions of a foot and lower portion of a leg, with a foot insertion opening at the upper extent of the sock. Some socks have a longer leg portion (such as crew socks, knee high socks, etc.) and others have no leg portion, or only a very small leg portion (e.g., ankle socks, no-show socks). Socks are typically donned by grasping the upper edge, inserting the foot, and pulling. The user can also pinch the fabric at some portion of the sock to pull or otherwise manipulate it along portions of the foot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 1, with certain components in a exploded view, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the sock of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged, exploded view of the encircled region 4 of FIG. 3, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative pull loop configuration, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative pull loop configuration, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7A illustrates a one-piece pull loop construction prior to attachment, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7B illustrates the one-piece pull loop construction of FIG. 7A, shown in the attached configuration, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative, rear perspective view of a sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 8B illustrates a pull loop of the sock of FIG. 8A, shown prior to attachment, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 8C illustrates the pull loop of FIG. 8B moved to an orientation for attachment, in accordance with aspects herein

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative, rear perspective view of a sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative, rear perspective view of a sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of an alternative sock construction, in accordance with aspects herein; and

FIG. 11B illustrates the sock of FIG. 11A in a rear elevation view, in accordance with aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

People with impaired mobility, including impaired hand mobility, often struggle to put on and take off socks, especially socks that have a leg portion such as crew socks. Donning a sock can also be difficult for tight-fitting socks, such as athletic socks or compression socks. Crew socks are traditionally donned by a wearer exerting continued tension on the welt, or collar, of the sock to pull the sock over the foot, heel and leg, until the sock is fully donned. Because the welt of a crew sock is positioned some distance away from, for example, the heel portion of the sock, the tension exerted on the welt may not always be effective to pull the heel portion of the sock over the wearer's heel. The inventors recognize deficiencies in prior socks that attempted to provide some type of pull tab or pull loop by merely stitching a tab to the sock (often positioned at the welt of the sock) and integrally knitting a pull loop into the structure of the sock. But, the stitching of the tab to the sock may fray or weaken upon repeated use, and may still be difficult to effectively grasp. Also, the integrally knit pull loops may become damaged over time, stretch to a greater extent than desired, and may not recover over repeated uses (such as through normal wash and wear cycles).

At a high level, aspects herein contemplate a sock having a leg portion where the sock includes features that facilitate easy donning and doffing, especially for those with impaired mobility. For example, the sock may include one or more pull loops coupled to the sock. In some examples, a pull loop may be positioned closer to the heel portion (away from the welt of the sock). Positioning the loop closer to the heel portion may aid the wearer in more easily pulling the heel portion of the sock over the wearer's heel. As explained further below, the pull loops may be formed from a material having less elasticity than the yarn material of the sock. This allows the loops to maintain the desired shaped and structural integrity over time. In some examples, the loop material is a grosgrain construction of a fabric having a width wider than its thickness to provide a comfortable pull loop for the wearer. The pull loop may be coupled to the sock via an intermediate base, with the base coupled to the sock and the pull loop coupled to the base. The base may provide an enhanced coupling with greater strength and durability. In some examples, the sock may be knit with a landing surface in the area of the base for better adhesion between the base and the sock. In some aspects, a cover may be placed over the material strip forming the loop, capturing the strip between the cover and the base. Further, in some examples, the material strip forming the loop of the pull loop may be additionally stitched to the cover, the base, and the sock with a stitch, such as a bar tack stitch. In some examples, individual loops may be provided and in other examples, the loops may be provided as a series of integrally formed loops.

Positional terms as used herein such as “front,” “back,” “lateral,” “medial,” “superior,” “inferior,” and the like are with respect to a sock being worn as intended by a wearer standing in anatomical position. As such, the front of the sock is configured to at least partially cover a front aspect of a wearer's leg, such as the shin, and the dorsum of the wearer's foot, and the back of the sock is configured to at least partially cover a back aspect of the wearer's calf and the sole of the wearer's foot.

The term “knit course” as used herein is a predominantly horizontal row of knitted loops (in an upright fabric as knit) produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The knit course may comprise one or more stitch types such as a loop stitch, a held stitch, a float stitch, a tuck stitch, a transfer stitch, and the like as these terms are known in the art of knitting. The term “technical back” as used herein refers to the inner side or underside of the fabric or textile as it is being knit. The term “technical back” may also be defined as the side of the fabric or textile that contains back loops or purl loops. The term “technical face” as used herein refers to the outer or upper side of the fabric or textile as it is being knit. The term “technical face” may also be defined as the side of the fabric or textile that contains face loops or weft knit loops. In example aspects, the technical face of the sock described herein is an external-facing surface of the sock, and the technical back of the sock is an internal-facing surface of the sock (the surface configured to be adjacent to a wearer's skin surface). It should be appreciated that the technical back of the sock may include terry loops in particular areas of the sock (e.g., the heel portion) to provide comfort to the wearer's foot. The term “integrally knit” as used herein may mean a textile or fabric having a yarn from one or more knit courses being interlooped with one or more knit courses of another area.

The term “elastic” as used herein generally means a material that may allow a stretch under load prior to return to its non-stretched state when the load is removed. A material is more elastic than another material if it can withstand a greater stretch (i.e. a higher percentage or length of stretch) under load and still return to a non-stretched state. The term “about” used when, for instance, describing numerical ranges means within ±10% of a designated value unless indicated otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a sock 100 as described herein. While the sock 100 is shown in the form of a crew sock, other sock lengths are contemplated herein such as a leg sock, a quarter sock, or an over-the-calf or executive sock. The sock 100 includes a collar or a welt 102 that forms a foot opening for receiving a wearer's foot. In example aspects, a leg portion 104 configured to cover a wearer's calf extends from the welt 102 towards a heel portion 106 configured to receive a wearer's heel. While shown as a continuous material, in some aspects, the sock 100 could be made without a heel portion (such that the wearer's heel is not covered in the heel area of the sock). The sock 100 further comprises a foot portion 108 that extends forwardly from the heel portion 106 to a toe end 110 of the sock 100 and is configured to cover the dorsum and the sole of a wearer's foot. In some aspects, the sock 100 is a knit sock, and in some aspects the sock is knit with an elastic yarn having a first elasticity.

In example aspects, the sock 100 includes a first pull loop 112 coupled to the sock 100 and located at or adjacent the welt 102 and positioned at a back of the sock 100. In other aspects, the sock 100 includes a second pull loop 114 coupled to the sock 100. The second pull loop 114 may be located below the first pull loop 112, between the welt 102 and the heel portion 106 on the back of the sock 100 (e.g., adjacent a wearer's Achilles tendon). As seen in FIG. 3, in some aspects, the sock 100 may further include a third pull loop 116 coupled to the sock 100 and located on the front of the sock 100 at or adjacent the welt 102. Each of pull loop 112, pull loop 114 and pull loop 116 extends away or outward from the technical face of the sock 100.

As seen in FIG. 2, in some aspects, each pull loop may be a multi-component assembly. For example, the first pull loop 112 may include a base 120 that is coupled to the technical face of the sock 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 120 may be generally rectangular in shape. In some aspects, the base 120 may be formed from a two-layer tape consisting of a fabric layer on the top and a backside laminated with adhesive. The adhesive may activated, for example, with heat, pressure or both (although other forms of coupling may also be used). As one example, the base 120 may a stretch-woven seam reinforcement tape (SRT) such as the BEMIS™ SRT5000RC tape from (Bemis Associates Inc. of Shirley Massachusetts). The material of the base 120 has a second elasticity that is less than the first elasticity of the yarn material for the sock 100. In some aspects, the sock 100 may include a knit landing area 122 which may be knit with a less-ribbed knit pattern than in other areas of the leg portion 104. In some aspects, the leg portion, the leg portion of the sock 100 (above the heel portion 106) is a knit structure having a “more-pull” technique, creating a three-dimensional effect with the body yarn. As an example, the landing area 122 may be knit with a one-by-one alt pique (or PK) pattern to create a non-ribbed structure with more surface area for better adhesion to the base 120. The first pull loop 112 also includes a strip 124 formed into a loop. In some aspects, the strip 124 is made of a grosgrain construction of a fabric or ribbon material, with a weft heavier than the warp, creating transverse ribs and can be a firm, close-woven, fine corded fabric. The grosgrain material may also have some elasticity, but the elasticity of the strip 124 is less than the elasticity of the yarn material for the sock 100. In some aspects, the strip 124 has a width wider than its thickness, to provide a comfortable, easy to grasp loop for the wearer. Other fabrics and materials having similar characteristics could also be used in place of the grosgrain for the strip 124. In some aspects, the terminal ends 126 of the strip 124 may be coupled to one another, to form a loop. As best seen in FIG. 2, the terminal ends 126 of the strip 124 may be captured between the base 120 and a cover 128. In other aspects, the strip 124 may be more of a continuous hoop, without terminal ends. As used herein, the term “strip” is meant to include any of these constructions to form the loops described herein. The cover 128 may be adhesively secured to the terminal ends 126, and to the base 120. In some aspects, the cover 128 may be made from the same material as the base 120. In some aspects, the base 120, the strip 124 and the cover 128 may be further coupled together, and to the sock 100, with a stitch 130, such as bar tack stitch 130. The bar tack 130, in one example, is a horizontal bar tack stitch. In some aspects, the stitch 130 (as well as other stitches described below) could be oriented at an angle, or could be vertical.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the second pull loop 114 may also be a multi-component assembly. For example, the second pull loop 114 may include a base 140 that is coupled to the technical face of the sock. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 140 may include a top section 142, with two downwardly extending legs 144. One leg 144 may be angled toward the medial side of the sock 100 and the other leg 144 may be angled toward the lateral side of the sock 100. In some aspects, the base 140 may be in the shape of an upside down V. Like base 120, the base 140 may be formed from a two-layer tape consisting of a fabric layer on the top and a backside laminated with adhesive. The adhesive may activated, for example, with heat, pressure or both (although other forms of coupling may also be used). As one example, the base 140 may a stretch-woven seam reinforcement tape (SRT) such as the BEMIS™ SRT5000RC tape from (Bemis Associates Inc. of Shirley Massachusetts). In some aspects, the sock 100 may include a knit landing area 146 which may be knit with a less-ribbed knit pattern than in other areas of the leg portion 104. As an example, the landing area 146 may be knit with a one-by-one alt PIQUE pattern to create a non-ribbed structure with more surface area for better adhesion to the base 140. The landing area 146 may be knit in the shape of the base 140, or may be knit in other shapes covering the area of the base 140 (such as a rectangle). The second pull loop 114 also includes a strip 148 formed into a loop. In some aspects, the strip 148 is made of a grosgrain fabric or ribbon material, with a weft heavier than the warp, creating transverse ribs and can be a firm, close-woven, fine corded fabric. In some aspects, the strip 148 has a width wider than its thickness, to provide a comfortable, easy to grasp loop for the wearer. Other fabrics and materials having similar characteristics could also be used in place of the grosgrain for the strip 148. In some aspects, the terminal ends 150 of the strip 148 may be coupled to one another, to form a loop. As best seen in FIG. 2, the terminal ends 150 of the strip 148 may be captured between the base 140 and a cover 152. The cover 152 may be adhesively secured to the terminal ends 150, and to the base 140. In some aspects, the cover 152 may be made from the same material as the base 140. In some aspects, the base 140, the strip 148 and the cover 152 may be further coupled together, and to the sock 100, with a stitch 154. In some aspects, the stitch 154 is a bar tack stitch, and in one example, is a horizontal bar tack stitch.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the third pull loop 116 may also be a multi-component assembly. In some aspects, the third pull loop 116 may have a slightly different construction from the first pull loop 112 and the second pull loop 114. For example, the third pull loop 116 may include a base 160 that is coupled to the technical face of the sock. Like base 120, and the base 140, the upper base 160 may be formed from a two-layer tape consisting of a fabric layer on the top and a backside laminated with adhesive. The adhesive may activated, for example, with heat, pressure or both (although other forms of coupling may also be used). As one example, the base 160 and may be a stretch-woven seam reinforcement tape (SRT) such as the BEMIS™ SRT5000RC tape from (Bemis Associates Inc. of Shirley Massachusetts). In some aspects, the sock 100 may include a knit landing area 164 which may be knit with a less-ribbed knit pattern than in other areas of the leg portion 104. As an example, the landing area 164 may be knit with a one-by-one alt pique pattern to create a non-ribbed structure with more surface area for better adhesion to the base 160. The third pull loop 116 also includes a strip 166 having an upper terminal end 168 and a lower terminal end 170. In some aspects, the strip 166 is made of a grosgrain fabric or ribbon material, with a weft heavier than the warp, creating transverse ribs and can be a firm, close-woven, fine corded fabric. In some aspects, the strip 166 has a width wider than its thickness, to provide a comfortable, easy to grasp loop for the wearer. Other fabrics and materials having similar characteristics could also be used in place of the grosgrain for the strip 166. In some aspects, the strip 166 is formed as a loop by coupling the upper terminal end 168 to the base 160 and coupling the lower terminal end 170 to the base 160, but allowing a central section 172 of the strip 166 to be spaced away from the technical face of the sock 100, forming a loop for grasping by the user. In some aspects the central section 172 of the strip 166 is narrower than the upper terminal end 168 and the lower terminal end 170, forming an hourglass shape. This shape may allow for a more-comfortable loop for the user, while maintaining a larger surface area at the upper terminal end 168 and the lower terminal end 170 for better adhesion to the base 160. As best seen in FIG. 4, the upper terminal end 168 of the strip 166 may be captured between the base 160 and a cover 169. Similarly, the lower terminal end 170 of the strip 166 may be captured between the base 160 and a cover 171. The covers 169, 171 may be adhesively secured to the strip 166 and to the base 160. In some aspects, the covers 169, 171 may be made from the same material as the base 160.

In some aspects, the base 160, the upper terminal end 168 of the strip 166 and the cover 169 may be further coupled together, and to the sock, with a bar tack stitch 174. Similarly, the base 160, the lower terminal end 170, and the cover 171 may be further coupled together, and to the sock, with a bar tack stitch 176. The bar tack stitches 174 and 176, in one example, are horizontal bar tack stitches. While shown with an alternative construction, the third pull loop 116 may also be constructed as described above with respect to the first pull loop 112 or the second pull loop 114.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 5, the terminal ends of any of the first pull loop 112, the second pull loop 114 and/or the third pull loop 116 may be formed with an alternative construction. As shown in FIG. 5, the alternative pull loop 180 may be formed with a base (not shown) adhesively coupled to the sock 100. The terminal ends 182 of a strip 184, in some aspects, extend through a slot 186 in a cover 188. In one example, the slot 186 is wider that the width of the strip 184 to provide clearance for the terminal ends 182 of the strip 184. In some aspects, the slot 186 is formed to provide about 3 millimeters of clearance on either side of the strip 184 (such that the slot 186 is six millimeters wider that the strip 184). In the alternative construction of FIG. 5, the materials and construction of the base, the strip 184 and the cover 188 may be the same as those described with respect similar components in FIGS. 1-4. Also, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4, the strip 184, the cover 188, and the base may be further coupled together, and to the sock, with a bar tack stitch 190. The bar tack stitch 190, in one example, is a horizontal bar tack stitch.

In other aspects, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal ends of any of the first pull loop 112, the second pull loop 114 and/or the third pull loop 116 may be formed with an alternative construction. As shown in FIG. 6, the alternative pull loop 200 may be formed with a base (not shown) adhesively coupled to the sock 100. The terminal ends 202 of a strip 204, in some aspects, are secured between the base and a cover 206. In one example, the terminal ends 202 may be adhesively secured to one another, and then held between the base and the cover 206. In the alternative construction of FIG. 6, the materials and construction of the base, the strip 204 and the cover 206 may be the same as those described with respect to similar components in FIGS. 1-5. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the strip 204 and the sock 100 may be coupled together with a bar tack stitch 208 just above the cover 206 (such that the bar tack stitch 208 does not extend through the base and the cover 206). The bar tack stitch 208, in one example, is a horizontal bar tack stitch.

In further aspects, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, any of the first pull loop 112, the second pull loop 114 and/or the third pull loop 116 may be formed with an alternative one-piece construction. As shown in FIG. 7A, an alternative pull loop 210 may be formed with a base (not shown) adhesively coupled to the sock 100. A one-piece construction of a cover 212 having a slot 214 is formed, along with an integral strip 216 that extends away from the cover 212. The length of the extending strip 216 depends, in part, on the size of the desired pull loop. In use, as shown in FIG. 7B, a terminal end 218 of the strip 216 may be folded, or looped, to extend through the slot 214, such that the terminal end 218 is captured between the cover 212 and the base. In one example, the slot 214 has a width that provides clearance for the terminal end 218 of the strip 216. In the alternative construction of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the materials and construction of the alternative pull loop 210 may be the same material as that described above with respect to the first base 120 and the cover 128. Also, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4, a horizontal bar tack stitch 220 may be used to couple the strip 216, the cover 212, the base and the sock to one another.

In another aspect, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, any of the first pull loop 112, the second pull loop 114 and/or the third pull loop 116 may be formed with a different one-piece construction. As shown in FIG. 8A, an alternative pull loop 230 may be formed as a single strip 232 shown in FIG. 8B. The strip 232 may be formed of the same material, for example, as the first base 120 and the cover 140. The strip 232 may include an adhesive back for coupling to the sock 100 and adhesive front sections 234 and 236. Between the section 234 and the second 236, the strip 232 may have a double-layer section that is non-adhesive. To form the loop 230, the strip 232 is folded over itself, as shown in FIG. 8C to form a loop for grasping by the user. In forming the pull loop 230, the strip 232 is preferably folded so as to avoid creasing the material of the strip 232. FIG. 8A shows the alternative pull loop 230 in use at the locations of the first pull loop 112 and the second pull loop 114, although the alternative construction could also be used for the third pull loop 116 as well. While not shown, a bar tack stitch could also be used to further couple the ends of the strip 232 to one another, and to the sock 100.

In other aspects, as shown in FIG. 9, the first pull loop 112 and the second pull loop 114 may be integrally formed with a different one-piece construction. As shown in FIG. 9, the first pull loop 112 and the second pull loop 114 are both formed from a single strip 242. The strip 242 has a first end 244 coupled to a base 246 near the welt 102 of the sock 100. The base 246 is adhesively coupled to the sock 100, as described above with reference to the base 120. The strip 242 is then folded over itself to form the first pull loop 112. The first pull loop 112 may be formed by adhesively holding the strip 242 in position, and a bar tack stitch 248 may also be employed to couple the layers of the strip 242 to one another, the base 246 and the sock 100. The strip 242 continues downwardly from the location of the bar tack 248 to form the second pull loop 114. In the area of the second pull loop 114, a lower base 250 may be adhesively coupled to the sock 100, as described above with references to the base 140. The base 246 and the lower base 250 may be constructed from the same material as that described above with respect to the first base 120. In some aspects, the base 246 and the lower base 250 may be integrally formed as one-piece. As shown in FIG. 9, an upper bar tack 252 and a lower bar tack 254 may be employed to couple the strip 242 to the lower base 250 and the sock 100. In some aspects, the material used for the strip 242 is the same as that described above for the cover 128 and the first base 120.

In other aspects, a somewhat similar one-piece construction is shown in FIG. 10, allowing for a multiple pull loop design. As shown in FIG. 10, a series of spaced apart bases 260 may be coupled to the sock 100 along the back of the sock 100. As with the construction of FIG. 9, the bases 260 could also be formed from one longer piece of material, with no spaces. A strip 262 may be coupled to the bases 260 to form a series of pull loops 264 spaced along the back of the sock 100. In some aspects, the strip 262 has a first end 266 coupled to the upper-most base 260 near the welt 102 of the sock 100. The strip 262 is then folded over itself to form the upper-most pull loop 264. The upper-most of the pull loop 264 may be formed by adhesively holding the strip 262 in position, and a bar tack stitch may also be employed to couple the layers of the strip 262 to one another, the respective base 260 and the sock 100. The strip 262 then continues downwardly from the location of the upper-most pull loop 264 and is adhesively coupled to the series of bases 260 to form the series of pull loops 264. The bases 260 and the strip 262 may be constructed from the same material as that described above with respect to the first base 120. As described above with respect to FIG. 9, the pull loops 264 may also be coupled to the respective bases 260 and the sock 100 through a bar tack stitch.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a sock 300 with a shorter leg portion 304, such as an ankle length sock. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the sock 300 is shown with side pull loops 306 (as opposed to the front and back pull loops shown in FIGS. 1-10). The side pull loops 306 may be constructed using any of the constructions shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8B.

Any of the pull loops described above act as an aid to wearers donning and doffing the sock 100 or the sock 300. For example, the first pull loop 112 and the third pull loop 116 may aid in the initial donning (or doffing) of the sock 100. The second pull loop 114 may aid in getting the sock 100 over the heel of the wearer (and vice-versa for doffing the sock). Additionally, the shape of the second base 140 (with the downwardly extending legs 144) and the corresponding shape of the cover 152 allow an upward pulling force on the second pull loop 114 to be distributed on both the medial side of the sock 100 and the lateral side of the sock 100, which may also assist a wearer in donning the sock.

While the various pull loops described above may be described as being on the front or the back of the sock, in some aspects, the sock may be a tubular sock, without a defined heel region, such that the sock may be donned in a variety of orientations. As such, the loops may be seen as on a first face or position on the sock, while others of the loops may be on a different face or position on the sock. Further, while the first pull loop 112, the second pull loop 114 and the third pull loop 116 are described above, it should be understood that more, or less, loops could be provided on the sock 100, and that the position of the loops could be varied. For example, only the loop 112 could be provided, only the loop 114 could be provided, or only the loop 116 could be provided, or any combination of the loops could be provided. Moreover, any of the loops may have the construction of any of the loops described above with respect to FIGS. 1-10, such that any one of or any combination of the loops described above could be used for the sock 100.

The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.

Clause 1. A sock comprising a first material having a first elasticity comprising: a welt area defining a collar; a leg portion extending from the collar, the leg portion including a front area and a back area, the back area at least partially covering the Achilles tendon of a wearer in an as-worn condition; a heel portion extending below the leg portion; a foot portion extending forwardly from the heel portion; and a first pull loop comprising a strip coupled to the sock at the back area, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Clause 2. The sock of clause 1, wherein the strip is adhesively coupled to the sock.

Clause 3. The sock of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the first pull loop further comprises a base adhesively coupled intermediate the sock and the strip, the base providing a coupling surface for the strip.

Clause 4. The sock of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the strip includes terminal ends, the sock further comprising a cover disposed over at least one terminal end of the strip to capture the strip between the cover and the base.

Clause 5. The sock of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the strip comprises a grosgrain construction.

Clause 6. The sock of any of clauses 1-5, wherein either one of or both of the base and the cover comprise a stretch knit fabric.

Clause 7. The sock of any of clauses 1-6, wherein either one of or both of the base and the cover has an adhesive backing.

Clause 8. The sock of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the sock includes a non-ribbed landing area where the first pull loop is coupled to the sock.

Clause 9. The sock of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the sock comprises a knit sock, and the non-ribbed landing area is a knit, non-ribbed landing area.

Clause 10. The sock of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a second pull loop spaced above the first pull loop at the back area of the sock adjacent the welt area, the second pull loop comprising a strip coupled to the sock at the back area, the strip having a third elasticity, wherein the third elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Clause 11. The sock of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the strip of the second loop is adhesively coupled to the sock.

Clause 12. The sock of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising a third pull loop at the front area of the sock adjacent the welt area, the third pull loop comprising a strip coupled to the sock at the front area, the strip having a fourth elasticity, wherein the fourth elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Clause 13. The sock of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the strip of the third loop is adhesively coupled to the sock.

Clause 14. The sock of any of clauses 1-13, further comprising a stitch coupling the strip of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop to the sock.

Clause 15. The sock of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the stitch is a bar tack stitch.

Clause 16. The sock of any of clauses 1-15, further comprising a stitch extending through the sock, the cover, the strip, and the base of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop.

Clause 17. The sock of any of clauses 1-16, wherein the first pull loop and the second pull loop comprise a single strip of material, and wherein the second elasticity and the third elasticity are equal.

Clause 18. A sock comprising a first material having a first elasticity comprising: a welt area defining a collar; a leg portion extending from the collar, the leg portion including a front area and a back area; a heel portion extending below the leg portion; a foot portion extending forwardly from heel portion; a first pull loop coupled to the sock at the back area; a second pull loop spaced above the first pull loop at the back area of the sock adjacent the welt area; and a third pull loop at the front area of the sock adjacent the welt area.

Clause 19. The sock of clause 18, wherein one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop comprises a strip coupled to the sock, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Clause 20. The sock of any of clauses 18-19, wherein one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop comprises a strip adhesively coupled to the sock, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Clause 21. The sock of any of clauses 18-20, wherein one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop comprises a strip coupled to the sock and a base coupled intermediate the sock and the strip, the base providing a coupling surface for the strip.

Clause 22. The sock of any of clauses 18-21, wherein the strip of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop includes terminal ends and a cover adhesively coupling at least one terminal end of the strip to a base.

Clause 23. The sock of any of clauses 18-22, wherein further comprising a stitch extending through sock, the cover, the strip, and the base, of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop.

Clause 24. The sock of any of clauses 18-23, wherein the stitch is a bar tack stitch.

Clause 25. The sock of any of clauses 18-24, wherein the sock includes a non-ribbed landing area below the base of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop.

Clause 26. The sock of any of clauses 18-25, wherein either or both of the base and the cover of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop comprises a stretch knit fabric.

Clause 27. The sock of any of clauses 18-26, wherein either or both of the base and the cover of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop comprises an adhesive backing.

Clause 28. The sock of any of clauses 18-27, wherein the cover of any one of or each of any combination of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop includes a slot, and wherein one or both of the terminal ends of a strip of one of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop extend through the slot and are coupled between the cover and a base.

Clause 29. The sock of any of clauses 18-28, wherein opposing terminal ends the strip of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third loop are spaced apart from one another at their respective locations of coupling to the sock.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A sock comprising a first material having a first elasticity comprising:

a welt area defining a collar;

a leg portion extending from the collar, the leg portion including a front area and a back area, the back area at least partially covering the Achilles tendon of a wearer in an as-worn condition;

a heel portion extending below the leg portion;

a foot portion extending forwardly from the heel portion; and

a first pull loop comprising a strip coupled to the sock at the back area, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

2. The sock of claim 1, wherein the strip is adhesively coupled to the sock.

3. The sock of claim 1, wherein the first pull loop further comprises a base adhesively coupled intermediate the sock and the strip, the base providing a coupling surface for the strip.

4. The sock of claim 3, wherein the strip includes terminal ends, the sock further comprising a cover disposed over at least one terminal end of the strip to capture the strip between the cover and the base.

5. The sock of claim 1, wherein the strip comprises a grosgrain construction.

6. The sock of claim 4, wherein either one of or both of the base and the cover comprise a stretch knit fabric.

7. The sock of claim 4, wherein either one of or both of the base and the cover has an adhesive backing.

8. The sock of claim 1, wherein the sock includes a non-ribbed landing area where the first pull loop is coupled to the sock.

9. The sock of claim 8, wherein the sock comprises a knit sock, and the non-ribbed landing area is a knit, non-ribbed landing area.

10. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a second pull loop spaced above the first pull loop at the back area of the sock adjacent the welt area, the second pull loop comprising a strip coupled to the sock at the back area, the strip having a third elasticity, wherein the third elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

11. The sock of claim 10, wherein the strip of the second loop is adhesively coupled to the sock.

12. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a third pull loop at the front area of the sock adjacent the welt area, the third pull loop comprising a strip coupled to the sock at the front area, the strip having a fourth elasticity, wherein the fourth elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

13. The sock of claim 12, wherein the strip of the third loop is adhesively coupled to the sock.

14. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a stitch coupling the strip of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop to the sock.

15. The sock of claim 14, wherein the stitch is a bar tack stitch.

16. The sock of claim 3, further comprising a stitch extending through the sock, the cover, the strip, and the base of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop.

17. The sock of claim 10, wherein the first pull loop and the second pull loop comprise a single strip of material, and wherein the second elasticity and the third elasticity are equal.

18. A sock comprising a first material having a first elasticity comprising:

a welt area defining a collar;

a leg portion extending from the collar, the leg portion including a front area and a back area;

a heel portion extending below the leg portion;

a foot portion extending from heel portion;

a first pull loop coupled to the sock at the back area;

a second pull loop spaced above the first pull loop at the back area of the sock adjacent the welt area; and

a third pull loop at the front area of the sock adjacent the welt area.

19. The sock of claim 18, wherein one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop comprises a strip coupled to the sock, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

20. The sock of claim 18, wherein one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop comprises a strip adhesively coupled to the sock, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

21. The sock of claim 19, wherein one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop comprises a strip coupled to the sock and a base coupled intermediate the sock and the strip, the base providing a coupling surface for the strip.

22. The sock of claim 19, wherein the strip of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop includes terminal ends and a cover adhesively coupling at least one terminal end of the strip to a base.

23. The sock of claim 22, wherein further comprising a stitch extending through sock, the cover, the strip, and the base, of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop.

24. The sock of claim 23, wherein the stitch is a bar tack stitch.

25. The sock of claim 18, wherein the sock includes a non-ribbed landing area below the base of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop and the third pull loop.

26. The sock of claim 22, wherein either or both of the base and the cover of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop comprises a stretch knit fabric.

27. The sock of claim 22, wherein either or both of the base and the cover of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop comprises an adhesive backing.

28. The sock of claim 22, wherein the cover of any one of or each of any combination of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop includes a slot, and wherein one or both of the terminal ends of a strip of one of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third pull loop extend through the slot and are coupled between the cover and a base.

29. The sock of claim 19, wherein opposing terminal ends the strip of one or more of the first pull loop, the second pull loop, and the third loop are spaced apart from one another at their respective locations of coupling to the sock.