Abstract: An article of protective apparel for securing the position of a shin guard. The article comprises upper and lower fasteners straps attached to a sock such that a shin guard can be placed between the fasteners. When the fasteners are cinched, the position of the shin guard is secured.

Abstract: A footwear accessory for use with a shoe includes a stocking-like structure having a lower foot portion and an upper ankle portion wherein the lower foot portion is made of a porous hosiery material and the upper ankle portion is made of a material which simulates a boot leg. According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper ankle portion is made of a stretchable material, may have a glossy or non-glossy appearance, may be a solid color or a print, may be provided with different textures and may include a functional closure device such as a zipper or a number of buttons or clasps. The dimensions of the upper and lower portions of the footwear accessory according to the invention are preferably chosen so that the lower foot portion is completely concealed by a shoe. The dimensions of the upper ankle portion may vary to cover any length of leg desired. One presently preferred embodiment has an upper ankle portion which terminates slightly below the knee.

Abstract: A device for attaching flexible articles, such as clothing items having an edge. The device includes a flexible strip which includes an end with a sewable edge, and a second end having a fastening device. The device may be sown to an edge of the flexible article, such as a pair of socks, allowing the user to temporarily join a pair of socks, for example, by taking at least two of the flexible strips and stitching the sewable edge of each flexible strip to an edge of each of the socks of a pair of socks. This allows the fastening of the second end of one flexible strip to the second end of the other flexible strip, so that the clothing items may be secured together when they are not being worn.

Abstract: Multi layer foot pads attached to the sole portions of pantyhose for placement against the soles of a wearer's feet, the foot pads comprising an outer gripping layer and an inner layer which functions to keep moisture away from the wearer's feet. In the preferred embodiment the inner layer comprises moisture absorbing material, as well as material adjacent to the wearer's feet for wicking moisture away therefrom and into the moisture absorbing material. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use for increasing the comfort of a wearer by keeping the wearer's feet dry and securely positioned within a shoe, use in eliminating the common and irritating problem of conventional foot pads bunching and wrinkling inside a pair of shoes, as well as eliminating the common problem of the foot portion of pantyhose slipping inside a pair of shoes.

Abstract: A pedorthic sock having seamless toe area, heel pocket and leg area knitted of two or more low stretch yarns, and narrow bands of nonconstricting elastic yarn located intermediate the length of the leg area and at the top. The socks are produced by a flatbed knitting machine set up with a row of needles on each of front and back beds selectively fed with relatively low stretch yarns and an elastic yarn. The low stretch yarns form a plating knit on the inner and outer faces of the sock to produce desired functional effects.

Abstract: A liner for rubber boots that includes an inner sock. The inner sock has an over sized foot shape for loosely enclosing a wearer's foot. The sock has an upper portion with a pair of slots and a sole portion. At least two elongated strips of non-slip fabric wherein each strip has an adhesive on one side to allow the strips to be attached to the sole of the sock. Lastly, at least one elongated strap having a first end positionable through the slot of the inner sock and a second end that is capable of being coupled to the first end to form a support loop.

Abstract: A knit athletic sock having a leg section and a foot section which includes a sole section intermediate a toe section and a heel section having internal-facing terry loops to form a cushion. A breathable instep panel is positioned atop the sole section, wherein the instep panel extends from the wearer's ankle to the toe section. A transition zone is located between the foot section and the leg section to provide additional comfort and durability.

Abstract: A hosiery item including a panty member having three absorbent crotch members provided therein, each absorbent crotch member having a pocket formed therein; and three leg portions secured to the panty member in a manner such that an absorbent crotch member is positioned between any two leg portions, each leg portion having a leg insertion opening in connection with an interior of the panty member. In use the wearer inserts her legs into two of the leg opening in the conventional fashion of donning a pair of pantyhose. The remaining unused leg portion is then gathered and the toe end tucked into the pocket of one of the absorbent crotch members. If a run or hole develops in one of the leg portions being worn, the leg of the wearer can be easily and rapidly removed from the damaged leg portion and placed into the undamaged spare leg portion.

Abstract: An improved pair of socks is disclosed for human feet. The improvement comprises providing a distinctive color indicator on each sock of the pair, in a location that will be covered by the shoe of the wearer, to facilitate pairing of the socks which comprise the pair, wherein the color of the indicator is selected so as to be capable of distinguishing the socks of the pair from other socks of similar or like color and of the same size. A process is also disclosed for making pairs of socks of a predetermined size including a color indicator for facilitating pairing of socks.

Abstract: A sock comprises a sole portion knitted with successive courses of yarn with a thickness defining an outer layer having a first surface, and which further includes a number of spaced ribs extending in a longitudinal direction between the heel and toe each formed by knitting a selected number of additional courses of yarn which extend from the first surface in a direction toward the instep portion of the sock in a position to contact the plantar surface of the foot. Individual ribs are either continuous in the transverse direction, or discontinuous, in which case transverse spaces are formed therealong in between sections of stitched yarn. The longitudinal space between adjacent ribs, and the transverse spaces within individual ribs, are of sufficient width to induce the skin of the plantar surface of the foot to at least partially extend therein so as to enhance the frictional engagement of the foot with the sock.

Abstract: A pair of fastening hook-and-loop patches, consisting of a flexible and decorative hook patch and a flexible and decorative loop patch is permanently attached to a mated pair of complementary items by embroidery which provides enhanced attachment and resistance to curling and inadvertent disassociation with the article of clothing. The mated pairs of complementary items may include articles of clothing or other articles of manufacture. The decorative embroidered applique patches on a single pair of complementary items are unique and aid in mating assorted individual complementary items based on the shape and color of the fastening patch embroidered to the complementary item. The decorative nature of the patches is useful in attracting a child's attention to the fastening device, which results in the child's interest in participation in mating items, such as socks, which may be separated from their complementary mates.

Abstract: A foot receiving article formed from a liquid impermeable elastic necked-stretched laminate is disclosed. The elastic necked-stretched laminate may include an elastic layer captured between two necked-stretched spunbond layers. The disclosed elastic necked-stretched laminate may be incorporated in a variety of products, such as surgical gown sleeves, stockinettes, shoe covers and foot covers.

Abstract: A sock of soft elastic latex material from 0.003 to 0.005 inches in thickness and with a modulus of elasticity of from 450 to 500. It is non-porous and non-permeable and it is used to maintain creams, treatment lotions and moisturizing agents in contact with the skin surface of lower limbs. It is also useful in the prevention of hypothermia.

Abstract: The present invention discloses debris-resistant or intrusion-resistant hosiery, particularly a sock. The sock generally includes a flexible main sleeve member with an opening at one end thereof, a hollow body portion, and a resilient gripping member substantially surrounding the opening and adapted to attach the sock to the user. The sock includes a flexible, protective sleeve member coupled to the hollow body portion with the protective sleeve member including an opening at one end and elastic attaching members surrounding the opening and adapted to secure the protective sleeve member to footwear or the like. The footwear protecting sock of the present invention has particular applications for construction boots, snow boots and casts.

Abstract: An elastic laminate, and particularly a liquid impermeable elastic laminate, having a stretchable layer secured to an elastic liquid impermeable film wherein the film is formed from an elastic self-adhering adhesive is disclosed. The disclosed elastic laminate may be incorporated in a variety of products, such as diapers, feminine care articles, stockinettes, cuffs, and garments, such as surgical gowns.

Abstract: A double layer sock that has a tubular inner ply having a foot portion and a leg portion merging substantially at the ankle of a wearer. A tubular outer ply surrounds the inner ply and has a foot and a leg portion merging substantially at the ankle of the wearer and aligned with the foot and leg portions of the inner ply. The plies are joined adjacent a top opening in the leg portion and arranged to receive a wearer's foot. A seam joins the plies and is located substantially adjacent the merging of the foot and leg portions to maintain proper alignment of the foot portions of the two plies. Methods of making a two ply sock are also disclosed. Preferably, the seam connecting the plies is knit such that the plies maintain proper alignment with one another.

Abstract: Described is a stocking having a comfort foot area. The comfort area encompasses the toe, sole and heel areas of the foot. A pad is sized to cover and be secured to the comfort area or integrally woven into the comfort area to act as a liner to protect and comfort the foot of the wearer of the stocking. The pad is made out of a thicker, absorbent fiber material to absorb wetness and allow the foot to breathe.

Abstract: A knitted sock of mid-calf height has a concealed pocket for the storage of small items. The pocket is formed by attachment of a tubular sleeve to the interior of the leg portion of the sock, and is accessible by way of a zippered closure concealed between adjacent vertical pleats.

Abstract: Articles of clothing and the method of making the same which will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent liquid water from external sources from reaching the wearer's foot. The articles made by this method of the invention include socks and gloves which are of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being knit and the intermediate ply being made from an elastomeric polyurethane film. The three plies are uniquely bonded together using a pliant, waterproof adhesive.

Abstract: A self-supporting sock providing for improved blood circulation in the leg of the user, the sock being formed by knitted fabric, the sock being of a height to extend below the knee of the user and having an elastic band at the top having elastic threads therein, the elastic band having a notch formed therein extending in a direction towards the sock heel portion, the notch being substantially the full length of the elastic band.

Abstract: A sock with sole, body and inner tube portions, the latter extending from the peripheral end of the body portion. The inner tube portion is made out of a lining that is thinner than the rest of the sock. The inner tube portion is folded and received entirely within the body portion of the sock. Stitching lines keep both layers of the folded inner tube attached to each other and to the body portion with at least one interruption along the end of the inner tube that is substantially aligned with the opening of the sock. Separate compartments are defined by longitudinally stitching both layers and to the body portion. Each compartment may be provided with an aperture to insert the objects to be carried by a user.

Abstract: Clothing garments and other articles include an elastic laminated sheet having the properties of stretchability and recoverability. The elastic laminated sheet is formed from a nonwoven fibrous web and an elastomeric film laminated to at least one entire web surface. The laminate is incrementally stretched along lines substantially uniformly across its length and width and throughout its depth to form a stretchable and recoverable composite. The elastic laminated sheet is uniquely suited for use in athletic and active wear garments. The composite is also useful for single use or throw away clothing articles such as medical or surgical garments, throw away bathing suits, underpants, undershirts, and garments used in the handling of hazardous or waste materials.

Abstract: A sock is provided with a pocket comprising an outer pocket wall having an extension forming a flap. A slot opening in the sock receives the flap which is fastened to the inside of the sock leg.

Abstract: A pedicure sock for keeping a foot warm during a pedicure. The pedicure sock having individual stalls for the toes which are truncated to leave the toe nails exposed. The stalls serving to separate the tops of the toes, where the toe nails are located, such that a pedicure can be easily performed and the fresh polish on the toe nails can dry without interference from adjacent toes and toe nails.

Abstract: A hose having a multicolored decoration and method for making in which the decoration appears to be a tattoo on the skin of the wearer under the hose. The illusion is created by screen printing water based acrylic inks onto the hose wherein the properties of the ink, particularly the viscosity and surface tension, is selected in operable combination with the selected denier and modification number of the fiber of the fabric to maximize the reflectivity and transmissivity of the decorated fabric. Each color is screen printed in succession with the other colors. Registration between areas of the design is maintained by steps of the method including the step of preshrinking the hose and by using a novel rack to load the hose onto a form having an adhesive coating.

Abstract: A slipper sock having a rubber sole liner. The lining is formed by embedding the sock within uncured, liquid latex rubber. The liquid rubber is prevented from embedding a central zone on the sole of the sock, but embeds fabric of the sock at the periphery of this zone. This is preferably accomplished by spraying a coagulant upon the sole of the sock, which causes immediate, localized curing of the uncured latex which then cannot permeate through the sock fabric. The liner thus is securely bonded to the sock. The sock has a sole comprising fabric unencumbered by rubber, thereby presenting a fabric material to the sole of a wearer's foot. The liner protects the fabric sole from abrasion and protects the wearer's foot from sharp objects and extreme temperatures, while the liner remains physically separate and apart from the fabric sole.

Abstract: A support sock is provided that stabilizes the ankle without the use of bulky bandages or specialized orthotic type shoes. The sock has elastic material around the ankle area extending down to the arch where the arch and instep are securely bound. The binding of these areas with elastic material restricts the foot of the user while not prohibiting movement. The sock can be worn with or without shoe gear.

Abstract: An article of footwear (10) is provided that comprises an inner layer of material (14) that is worn next to the skin of a user (12). A friction isolation layer (16) is disposed outwardly from the inner layer (14). An outer layer (20) is disposed outwardly from the inner layer (14) and the friction isolation layer (16). Movement of the outer layer (20) is not translated to the inner layer (14) due to the positioning of friction isolation layer (16) between the inner layer (14) and the outer layer (20).

Abstract: A foot protector for use in combination with stocking-type hosiery to cushion and protect a wearer's foot is described. The foot protector is preferably knit to include padding in the form of integrally knit terry loops, and has a specially constructed top portion for encircling the wearer's ankle. The top portion extends upwardly to a greater extent proximate the wearer's heel than the instep, and is substantially unpadded. When the foot protector is worn in a layered relationship with a stocking and a shoe, the protector is only minimally visible, if at all, thereby providing enhanced wearer comfort while maintaining the appearance of wearing stockings and shoes alone.

Abstract: Close-fitting garments, particularly diving suits and related footwear and gloves, are described. More generally, all kinds of garments that are so tight-fitting as to make dressing and undressing awkward are described. Therefore, a tight-fitting garment such as an item of sportswear, in particular a diving suit, including an outer layer (1) of a material having adhesive properties, is provided. The tight-fitting garment interacts with a film (2) of slippery non-porous material which is applied onto at least part of the internal surface thereof and has local openings or holes (23).

Abstract: A form fitting sleeve member for an amputee's residiuum which eliminates air pocket formation and skin irritation. The sleeve member has a bias pattern and a contoured form fit. The sleeve may have polymeric cushioning material arranged on its interior surface to provide an interface between an amputee's residuum and a prosthetic device.

Abstract: A two-ply inflatable sock whose dimension and fit is adjustable by the wearer is provided. The sock has an inner layer constructed of a wicking material and a water repellant outer layer. An inflatable toe cup positioned between the inner and outer layers and is adapted to encase the toes of the wearer, while an inflatable heel collar, likewise disposed between the inner and outer layers, is adapted to circumscribe the heel. The wearer may adjustably control the inflation of the toe cup and heel collar by manipulating finger pump and air release mechanisms so as to alter the dimension and fit of the sock. The toe cup and heel collar may be partially filled with a gel material, such as a plastisol or hydrogel.

Abstract: Clothing garments and other articles include an elastic laminated sheet having the properties of stretchability and recoverability. The elastic laminated sheet is formed from a nonwoven fibrous web and an elastomeric film laminated to at least one entire web surface. The laminate is incrementally stretched along lines substantially uniformly across its length and width and throughout its depth to form a stretchable and recoverable composite. The elastic laminated sheet is uniquely suited for use in athletic and active wear garments. The composite is also useful for single use or throw away clothing articles such as medical or surgical garments, throw away bathing suits, underpants, undershirts, and garments used in the handling of hazardous or waste materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparel, such as clothing, footwear, fabrics, and the like, which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of blisters, callouses, and irritation of the skin. The invention also includes methods for producing this low friction apparel.

Abstract: A mid-calf or greater length stocking which has an orientation marker located at or near the top front centerline of the sleeve of the stocking, in a visible color or composition different than the stocking color so that the wearer can align the stocking on the wearer's foot when drawing the stocking onto the wearer's foot and leg. The orientation marker may be a geometric symbol,letter, monogram, trademark or creative design of any type.

Abstract: A method for transforming a pair of socks (11, 12) into a three dimensional recognizable object, and a pair of socks capable of transforming into a three dimensional recognizable object. The pair of socks having a design (13) made on an inside surface (14) of one of the socks (12) whereby the pair of socks (11, 12) forms a three dimensional recognizable object when the individual socks are rolled up together.

Abstract: A sports sock for use while playing soccer or other activities includes a tubular elongated leg section having a cuff and an elastic top spaced from the cuff along said leg section and positioned interiorly thereof. A conventional foot portion is included in the preferred embodiment. The elongated leg section will allow the sock to be folded to sandwich a shin guard to protect the wearer's leg during play as the elastic top maintains the sock upright on the wearer's leg while the cuff grips the ankle area to contain the shin guard.

Abstract: A pair of socks 11, each sock 11 having a tab 12 attached to it along one edge 13 of the tab 12 with the tab 12 acting as a flap is disclosed. The tab 12 and sock 11 have on their adjacent surfaces, a fastening means comprising a complementary arrangement of hook and pile patches 15a and 15b which are mateable so that the tab 12 is fastened to the sock 11 when the sock is being worn, and wherein the complementary arrangement of hook and pile patches 15a and 15b on each tab 12 and sock 11 is also mateable with the complementary arrangement of hook and pile patches 15a and 15b on the other tab 12 and sock 11.

Abstract: An easy-on sock having a split opening extending down the middle of the top surface of the sock from the lower leg portion to the toe pocket of the sock is provided. An extension flap, used to close the split, is connected along one edge of the split and extends substantially the full length of the split. Hook and loop closure strips are attached on the free edge of the extension strip and along the other edge of the split to enable the extension flap to be folded over the split and secured to the opposing hook and loop closure strip. In one embodiment, an insert flap is additionally connected to the other edge of the split, opposite the extension flap. A hook and loop type connector is attached to the outer surface of the insert flap and a mating hook and loop type sizing strip is attached to a corresponding location on the inner surface of the extension flap. Thus, the sock may be closely fitted to the foot of the user by first mating the hook and loop type closure strips and/or connectors.

Abstract: A covering device for arms and feet adapted to provide a shield between the wearer and animals--especially large farm animals. The covering is uniquely fastened onto the wearer and is readily discarded upon movement to another animal or to another animal shelter.

Abstract: A sock which provides increased comfort to the wearer as a result of reduced friction between the sock and the foot. The reduced friction is accomplished by treating the sock with a fluoropolymer. The treated sock contains discrete fluoropolymer particles (in non-membranous form) on or near the surface which contacts the foot. The treatment can by carried out by spraying, dipping, impregnating, coating of precursor fibers, or other conventional coating methods.

Abstract: Knitted stocking construction comprising a circular knit tubular foot portion and a tapered flat bed knit lower leg portion. Use of a flat knit lower leg portion allows pattern differentiation when yarn type and color, needle patterns, and stitch types are varied. Flat bed knitting of the lower leg portion also allows a substantial genuine width taper. The tapered flat bed knit lower leg portion 36 may be constructed using weft or warp knits, and may be equipped with drawstrings or other features like pockets.

Abstract: A foot protector in combination with hosiery, such as high fashion women's hosiery, is provided to be worn on a foot of a wearer. The foot protector is designed and constructed to provide cushioning comfort to a ball portion, i.e., bottom or planar areas thereof, of a wearer's foot to concentrate cushioning to where most needed. The foot protector preferably is a knit footlet having integrally knit thickened cushion areas provided only in ball portion areas thereof, whereby other areas of the footlet are not thickened to such an amount as to make a shoe feel undersized and tight on a wearer's foot. The knit thickened cushion areas have terry loops integrally knit only in a ball portion of the footlet and are so constructed as to underlie only a corresponding ball portion of a wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe sole wiping pad is sewn to the outer surface of an athletic sock's upper tube portion. The wiping pad absorbs and retains moisture and has a moisture-bearing wiping surface that removes dust and debris from the sole of an athletic shoe when the wearer wipes the sole across the pad. A moisture barrier isolates the wiping pad from the upper tube portion of the sock to prevent moisture from soaking into the sock from the wiping pad.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thick pile sock which has heterogeneous body and foot portions. The foot portion has a heel, a toe and a base and is made out of a fiber which is an intimate blend of synthetic and natural fibers whereby the synthetic fibers enhance structure and wicking action and the natural fibers enhance absorption and resiliency. The body portion begins at least one and one-half inches above the heel of the foot portion and is made out of a fiber that is at least 60% of the intimate blend of synthetic and natural fibers of the foot portion with the balance being a heterogeneous elastic synthetic fiber. The thick pile sock can also be worn over an inner sock as part of a sock system.

Abstract: Footwear is provided for added comfort to the wearer by facilitating the removal and dissipation of perspiration from the foot of the wearer. The footwear has a knitted sock and a shoe in combination. The knitted sock has a toe portion formed of hydrophilic knit fabric and an instep portion adjacent the toe portion formed of hydrophobic knit fabric. Perspiration from the toe portion of the foot of the wearer is absorbed by the knit hydrophilic toe portion of the knitted sock and wicked therefrom by the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The shoe has a tongue portion overlying and contacting the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The tongue portion of the shoe has overlying inner and outer fabric layers formed of hydrophilic fabric and an intermediate fabric layer positioned between the overlying inner and outer hydrophilic fabric layers.

Abstract: A hosiery article having a tubular upper leg portion, a lower foot portion, and a lower band interposed between the upper and lower portions. The lower band is operative to maintain the position of the upper portion relative to the mouth of a shoe. In this way, the band allows the upper portion of the hosiery article to be compressed without allowing the upper portion to enter the shoe. Preferably, the lower band protrudes outwardly. Additionally, an upper band is provided at the upper end of the upper portion to maintain the upper portion in a compressed position.The upper leg portion is formed with a plurality of wide, crinkled ribs therein, providing a unique and desirable appearance.

Abstract: A footwear article and the method of making the same which will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent liquid water from external sources from reaching the wearer's foot. One form of the footwear article of the invention comprises a sock which is of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being knit and the intermediate ply being made from an elastomeric polyurethane film. The three plies are uniquely bonded together using a pliant, waterproof adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip-on garter for retaining a sock fully upright while being worn within a boot whereby preventing sliding of the sock into the boot cavity caused by movement of a user's foot relative the boot. The clip-on garter comprises a boot clip member clampedly attachable to the boot at the top edge of the leg opening. The boot clip member is formed of an elongated strip of resilient plastic or metal folded back against itself to form an inverted U-shaped structure having generally parallel inside and outside tension arms. The two arm ends define a clamping zone therebetween wherebetween the edge of the boot opening may be retained. A strip of pile fabric material is disposed on the inside arm such that the sock fabric engages with the pile fabric material whereby the top edge of the sock is retained adjacent the top edge of the boot leg opening for preventing the sock from sliding down into the boot cavity.

Abstract: A sock having an elastic band is disclosed in which the band encircles an intermediate zone of the sock between the heel zone and toe zone. The band has a first edge near the heel zone and a second edge near the toe zone. The perimeter of the first edge of the band is greater than the perimeter of the second edge thereof to provide an inward taper for the band from the first edge to the second edge. The first edge of the band is attached to the intermediate zone of the sock and the second edge thereof is unattached. Further, the perimeter of the second edge of the band is substantially less than the perimeter of the intermediate zone of the sock. The arrangement is such that insertion of a wearer's foot in the sock will cause the elastic band to expand and provide support to the arch of the foot.