Abstract: A panty garment, panty hose or the like where the garment is formed from first and second circularly and oppositely configured knit tubes forming a front panty section having a shield shaped configuration and a back panty section having a V shaped configuration contained therein wherein the front and rear panty sections are formed from a multiplicity of yarn courses and the yarns are knit in stitch loop constructions to permit more vertical stretch in the rear panty section than in the front panty section when the garment is worn. Differing stitch loop constructions are utilized for the front and rear panty sections to enable this fit characteristic.

Abstract: A water-dispersible, antimicrobial and deodorant-finished product for fabrics comprising fine particles of an antimicrobial Schiff base derivative of an aminoglycoside as the active ingredient and a polyoxy-ethylenepolyalkylsiloxane for improving the resistance to washing.By using the antimicrobial and deodorant-finished product of the present invention, antimicrobial and deodorant fabrics having higher safety, more excellent antimicrobial and deodorant effects and longer duration of the effects than those of the conventional products can be obtained.

Abstract: A sock made from a spun polyester fleece material and having flatlock seams is lightweight and quick-drying and provides improved warmth, comfort and a contour fit without causing blisters or the like. In one embodiment, the sock is made from a single-piece generally rectangular blank or pattern of fleece material and has peripheral marginal edges selectively secured in overlapping relation by a flatlock seam. In an alternative embodiment, the sock may be made from discrete blanks or patterns having marginal edges secured by flatlock seams to define a foot receiving portion and a leg encompassing portion.

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 water (and other moisture) resistant sock looks and feels like a regular sock but actually has a water resistant or water proof layer between two non water resistant or non water proof layers. The layers are preferably spaced slightly apart from each other by means of small spacers to better allow the sock to breathe.

Abstract: A knit footee having a body portion and a top portion connected to the body is disclosed. The top portion includes a first top increment comprising a plurality of completed courses and having a tendency to roll outwardly upon itself and a second top increment comprising a plurality of completed courses connected along a common border to the first top increment and to the neck portion. The first top increment has an inner edge connected at the common border to the neck portion and extending downwardly from the inner edge and from the common border over the neck of the body. The second top increment extends upwardly from the border portion and then downwardly to the neck portion forming a loop. The first and second top increments are secured to the neck portion at the common border portion. The second top increment snugly constricts the top portion when in relaxed condition to cause the top portion to grip the lower ankle area of the wearer.

Abstract: An athletic sock is formed out of a moisture-absorbent yarn material that is knitted to conform to the shape of a human foot. A flexible sheet of neoprene, or similar resilient thermal insulator material, is affixed to the moisture-absorbent fabric so as to overlie the shin area, ankle area and instep area of the sock. The neoprene sheet acts as a cushion between the person's boot and foot so as to improve foot comfortability. The neoprene sheet also acts as a thermal barrier to control the escape of heat and moisture from the sock areas in contact with the neoprene sheet.

Abstract: A casual/dress sport sock having a leg-covering portion and a foot-covering portion wherein the knitting stitch pattern of the sock is reversed in the medial area of the leg-covering portion. Thus, the casual/dress sport sock in its extended position comprises a right side out foot-covering portion, a right side out lower area of the leg-covering portion, and a wrong side out upper area of the leg-covering portion. When cuffed, the sock comprises a uniform aesthetic knitting stitch pattern wherein the cuff portion, the lower area of the leg-covering and the foot-covering portion of the sock are all presented in right side out condition when worn on the foot.

Abstract: A therapeutic stocking for applying compressive force to the wearer's leg having an integrally knit anti-slip feature on the foot portion. The anti-slip feature being knit of bare and covered elastomeric yarns. The anti-slip feature further having an instep portion and a sole portion having greater frictional characteristics than the instep portion. The sole portion being knit in a repeating pattern having courses of knit and float stitches of a covered elastomeric yarn and jersey courses of a bare elastomeric yarn. The bare elastomeric yarn being substantially on the exterior surface of the sole portion yielding a friction surface which is located to contact the floor beneath the wearer's foot and minimize slippage thereon.

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: This invention relates to a device for the maintaining of the Plantar Fascia (aproneurosis) in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion by means of passive static tension, thus not allowing it to contract. This device consists of a (1) over the calf sock, (2) a reinforced adjustable support strap attached around the upper portion of the sock with a "D" ring attached to the front (shin) side, (3) a reinforced inelastic adjustable strap attached to the toe of the sock, with a hook and loop assembly attached for closure. When this strap is passed thru the "D" ring and secured by means of the hook and loop assembly, the Plantar Fascia can be maintained in the desired position.This device is of simple construction and uses only minimal adjustments to achieve and maintain the plantar aproneurosis in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion. Further it does not lock the ankle joint, thus allowing some medial or lateral movement of the subtalar joints. Also no attempt is made to prevent promation of the forefoot.

Abstract: A wearing article with a taping function for wearing on a human body in pressed relation to a surface of the human body, has a heavily-stretchable portion which has an excellent tightening force and is adapted to be held against a required portion of the human body so as to extend generally along muscle fibers over a region from a tendon to a central portion of the muscle. The remainder of the wearing article is defined by an easily-stretchable portion. With this arrangement, by merely wearing this wearing article on the required portion of the body, the heavily-stretchable portion tightens only a required portion of the body to support the central portion of the relevant muscle, thereby easily achieving a taping function.

Abstract: A new and improved sock pairing apparatus includes a pair of similar sock clamp assemblies which include similar indicia. Each respective sock clamp assembly is used with one sock of a pair of socks. Each respective sock clamp assembly includes a pair of first and second clamping elements for clamping the respective sock clamp assembly onto a respective sock of the pair of socks. Each respective first clamping element is placed on a respective sock against a first side of a sock wall. Each respective second clamping element is placed against a second side of the respective sock wall in registration with the respective first clamping element and clamped thereto. In this way, a portion of the sock wall is permanently clamped between the respective first clamping element and the respective second clamping element. The first clamping element may be a rigid member that includes a locking assembly for locking the second clamping element thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moisture management sock and shoe. The sock includes a multi-layer moisture-wicking panel extending from a front ankle portion of the sock to a front toe portion of the sock. The moisture wicking panel is generally co-extensive with an area of the foot covered by the tongue of a shoe. First and second single layer air circulation channels are formed in the sock, and extend along opposing sides of the moisture-wicking panel from the front ankle portion to the front toe portion of the sock. A moisture-management shoe includes a shoe tongue, a toe box area, and a moisture wicking inner liner residing adjacent the tongue and the toe box area for moving moisture from the foot and through the shoe for evaporation.

Abstract: The anatomical isotonic sock and method for knitting the sock provide enhanced protection and cushioning comfort to the foot of the wearer and is form-fitting and remains so after prolonged periods of use and numerous launderings. The sock has a knit foot and includes a relatively thick density of terry loops formed of at least three terry yarns in the ball and heel portions of the foot for supplementing and protecting the fatty pads so as to provide a therapeutic and preventative benefit to the foot of the wearer. A relatively thin density of terry loops formed of at least one terry yarn is knit in an arch portion and an instep portion of the foot and an intermediate density of terry loops formed of two terry yarns is knit in a toe portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable foot warmer comprising an inner bag capable of being applied to socks or stockings to warm a foot, and the inner bag is shaped so as to have an area and a thickness which does not protrude out of the plantar arch of a foot, so that the inner bag may be used as being applied to socks or stockings at their portion confronting the plantar arch.

Abstract: An adjustably cushioned sock wherein a plurality of flexible bladders are provided internally of the sock to receive and retain variable amounts of air therein; pumps to variably supply air to the internal flexible bladders; and a release value to permit such air contained within the flexible internal bladders to be variably exhausted therefrom.

Abstract: A decorative sock and method of using the same is provided whereby a series of bangle-like objects are affixed to streamers depending from the down turned cuff of the sock. During walking or dancing the objects collide to generate a pleasant sound which will draw attention to the wearer. Young girls are particularly interested in the decorative and attractive qualities of the sock.

Abstract: A thin, oversized, waterproof and water vapor permeable oversock which is adapted to be obtrusively worn over a wearer's foot and/or sock within a shoe, sneaker, boot or other type of footwear. The oversock includes a heat sealable, waterproof and water vapor permeable inner liner which is fully enclosed and freely movable within an outer protective shell. A stretchable knit cuff is affixed to an upper end of both the inner liner and the outer shell to prevent the oversock from sliding down a wearer's leg.

Abstract: A pair of bags are provided on a front side upper portion of a sock main body of each of a pair of socks so that the bags are aligned traversely. The bags are knitted goods similar to the sock main body, and the inside of the bags is in communication with the inside of the sock main body.

Abstract: An improved hook and loop reusable and reclosable fastening system for pairing socks, hosiery and gloves. The fastening system is permanently attached to the socks and hosiery. A preferred embodiment includes an elastic or other stretchable backing material attached to each hook and loop panel preferably made up of thin separable strips which can move with the expansion and contraction of the sock and attachment material. Another preferred embodiment includes several thin strips of the hook and loop panels attached directly to each sock, so that the sock itself can serve as a stretchable backing material. Another preferred embodiment is that each hook and loop panel, respectively, is attached to a logo or decorative pattern on the sock to camouflage the particular hook and loop panel. The products, such as socks, hosiery, gloves and the like can be attached by the hook and loop attachment means for washing, drying and storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moisture management sock and shoe. The sock includes a multi-layer moisture-wicking panel extending from a front ankle portion of the sock to a front toe portion of the sock. The moisture wicking panel is generally coextensive with an area of the foot covered by the tongue of a shoe. First and second single layer air circulation channels are formed in the sock, and extend along opposing sides of the moisture-wicking panel from the front ankle portion to the front toe portion of the sock. A moisture-management shoe includes a shoe tongue, a toe box area, and a moisture wicking inner liner residing adjacent the tongue and the toe box area for moving moisture from the foot and through the shoe for evaporation.

Abstract: A cushioning pad of heavy fabric thickness (P-2), including double terry loops (T-1 and T-2), is formed in the high pad area (12) at the medial portion of the rear of the leg (L) to provide cushioning characteristics in this area to protect the rear of the lower leg of the wearer from chafing by the upper edge of a snowboarding boot. A pad of maximum fabric thickness (P-3), including triple terry loops (T-1, T-2 and T-3) is provided in the high splice area (13) above the heel (14) and defines a locking pad to force the wearer's foot forwardly into the boot when the foot is inserted into the boot to provide a firm fit of the foot of the wearer in the boot. Pads of heavy fabric thickness (P-2) are provided in the ball (18) and toe (15) to cushion the toes of the wearer and to absorb shocks in the ball area when landing after completing flip-over operations or maneuvers.

Abstract: A pantyhose or the like garment having a novel waistband construction comprising an anchor portion and an integrally knit wide band portion. The waistband is substantially wider than conventional waistbands, the anchor portion consisting of a narrow turned welt portion and a wide single ply band portion, each incorporating textured nylon and elastomer yarns.

Abstract: An article of clothing for detecting and monitoring the level of infestation of ticks, and other crawling insects. The article of clothing can be in the form of a stocking having an upper legging section that encircles portions of the trouser's legs. One or more circumferential bands are provided about the upper section of the stocking for collecting and entrapping the ticks, etc. The stocking is formed of a material and color to attract and facilitate insect gathering on the stocking.

Abstract: A composite extensible material useful for making a clothing article comprising a first film layer resistant to penetration by liquid water by permeable to water vapor adhered at discrete securement locations to a second layer of water vapor vapor permeable extensible sheet material. The adherence between the two layers is such that when the composite material is under zero stretching load and resting on a flat surface the second layer is substantially flat and the first layer is corrugated, ruched or puckered. The adherence is also such that the composite material can be stretched by at least 10% in at least one direction by a load less than that required to stretch the first layer by the same amount on its own.

Abstract: Fabrics containing polybenzazole fibers have high cut-resistance, and can be used to make cut-resistant and flame-resistant garments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microcapsule having a particle diameter of 2.about.300 .mu.m and comprising a substance acting to improve physiological conditions of human skin, for example, substances exhibiting such effects as skin whitening, aging preventive, humidity preservable, itch suppressive, pain-killing, or antiphlogistic ones, and/or aromatic agents contained within the filmy coating of synthetic high molecular substance. The microcapsule is not broken when making, processing, or laundering the textile structure, but is gradually broken when the textile structure is put on the human body, used for another purpose, or subjected to intentional application of friction or pressure thereto, and sustainedly releases acting substances contained therein.

Abstract: A thermal sock includes on the top part of the toe portion of the sock a pocket for receiving a chemical heating pouch, thereby to effect warming of the toes of a user. A pocket is defined by a fabric layer that is secured to the sock by a generally U-shaped line of stitching. A closure arrangement, such as a cooperating pair of Velcro strips, a button, a snap fastener device or the like, may be provided for closing the flap defined on the fabric layer at the open end of the pocket.

Abstract: A double-layered sock according to the invention includes an inner sock made of a moisture-permeable material such as polypropylene and an outer sock that absorbs such moisture. The inner sock is interposed between the skin of the foot and the absorbed moisture, providing enhanced warmth and comfort. The inner and outer layers are secured together, such as by sewing at the toe portion of each to form the double sock.

Abstract: An exercise suit which has a pair of stretchable pants (20) and a pull-over top (44) with a lower-body reinforcing segment (38) attached, in the middle only, to the pants and an upper-body reinforcing collar (54) attached, in the middle only, to the top. A leg band (58) encircles the legs (24), and side bands (58) are affixed to the reinforcing collar. The leg bands (42) grip the wearer's feet, creating a continuous loop from the waist to the feet. Hook-and-loop tapes (40) allow the reinforcing segment (38) to be adjusted in tension around the wearer's waist and similarly adjustable knee pads (32) cover the knees in the pants legs (24). The resilience of the suit and the looped bands create a resistance to movement which provides exercise to the wearer's muscles during physical activity.

Abstract: A sock includes a foot portion and a knitted-in storage area including an inner locking cuff layer which extends upwardly further than an outer storage compartment layer. Items may be stored between the inner and outer layers, and then the locking cuff is cuffed over the outer layer so as to lock the items within the storage compartment. A method of making and the improved machine therefor are also described.

Abstract: A sock and method for manufacturing the same utilizes a formable or "puff" ink. The ink is applied by screen printing to the upper heel area of the sock and the ink is heat set. The ink rises upon setting (curing) to form a friction producing surface on the back of the sock above the heel. The printed surface prevents to sock from sliding into the shoe during periods of exercising such as walking, jogging or other physical activities.

Abstract: A sock having a cuff portion with an inner and outer layer disposed in overlying relation and including a pocket integrally formed therebetween having an opening near a top edge of the cuff. A seam extending downwardly on opposite sides of the opening and along a bottom of the cuff defines the boundaries of an interior of the pocket. A hook and loop-type fastener attached on opposite, opposing surfaces of the pocket's interior, adjacent the opening, serves to releasably secure the opening in a closed, sealed position.

Abstract: The sock is produced as a knitted mesh article and at least in the sock leg has concave holding elements formed as thread bows and which are directed in the direction towards the foot. The height-to-length ratio of the thread bows directed downwardly is selected such that the loops when wearing on the leg and in the case of leg movements serve to produce a movement of the entire mesh article, e.g. sock, in the direction away from the foot. The holding elements are formed as the meshes of a loop plush, in which the loops serving as the holding elements are constituted by the thread bows. This is achieved in simple manner in that at least part of the meshes are formed from a plush thread and a basic thread, whereof the mesh head is directed towards the edge of the sock while the holding elements in the form of loops are directed towards the foot. Thus, the sock can be manufactured as a loop plush.

Abstract: A one-piece integrally circular knit athletic sock is provided which simulates the appearance of a separate stirrup being worn over the sock. The straps of the conventional stirrup are simulated and made prominent by a pair of stripes of a color which contrasts with the color of the body of the sock and which extend downwardly for a length sufficient to insure for the sake of appearance that the lower ends of the stirrup strap simulating stripes are below the normal level of the top of the athletic shoe. The curved front and rear edges of the stirrup straps are simulated by straight border lines but which resemble the curved lines when seen from a distance.

Abstract: A cuff construction having readily accessible coverings for hands, feet and head is provided. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the coverings. The cuff is formed at an opening in a garment, such as a glove, sleeve, neck or leg and included a panel along about one half of the circumference of the opening with the two adjacent edges of the panel secured to the cuff. The panel is switchable between a first open position allowing the head, hand or foot to pass through and a second closed position forming a covering around the appendage. The covering may take the form of a glove or mitten, a sock or shoe, or a ski mask or the like. A pocket for ready storage may also be provided.

Abstract: An exercise suit which has a pair of stretchable pants (20) and a pull-over top (44) with a lower body reinforcing segment (38) attached, in the middle only, to the pants and a upper body reinforcing collar (54) attached, in the middle only, to the top. A leg band (42) encircle the legs (24) and the side bands (58) are affixed to the respective reinforcing collar. The leg bands (42) grip the wearer's feet creating a continuous loop from the waist to the feet. Hook and loop tape (40) allow the reinforcing segment (38) to be adjusted in tension around the wearer's waist and similarly adjusted knee pads (32) cover the knees in the pants legs (24). The resilience of the suit combined with the looped bands create a resistance to movement providing exercise to the wearer's muscles during physical activity.

Abstract: A sock includes an integral leg and foot knit throughout of at least one body yarn, the leg and foot including a front half having a front leg portion and an instep portion, and a rear half including a rear leg portion, a heel portion and a sole portion. A stabilizing band of elastic yarn, e.g., LYCRA.RTM., is laid-into, or knit in a plated relationship with, the body yarn and extends from the top of the wear's instep around an apex of the heel portion such that in use the stabilizing band prevents the leg of the sock from sliding down the wearer's leg into the ski boot. A method of manufacturing the "split-heel" construction uses a circular hosiery knitting machine having short, medium and long butt needles. The needles are selectively lifted out of and/or dropped into the knitting track of the machine to form the split-heel.

Abstract: Multisectional hosiery having a plurality of various sections is connected by elastic attachment materials on each section in an overlapping manner. The multiple detachable hosiery sections allow the user to mix or match hosiery sections, or change the number of hosiery sections, to accommodate fashion desires, changes in clothing or a run in a particular hosiery section. The result is a versatile multisectional hosiery system which allows a user to use some of the various sections in many different combinations.

Abstract: Moisture control characteristics are imparted to the sock of the present invention by body yarn knit in successive courses throughout the leg and foot. A hydrophobic yarn is knit in plated relationship with the body yarn in partial courses extending throughout the sole, and hydrophilic yarn is knit in plated relationship with the body yarn in partial courses extending throughout the instep whereby moisture generated by the foot of the wearer is wicked and transported from the sole and into the instep to be evaporated therefrom. Cut free ends extend from the endmost stitch loops in wales along the juncture of the sole and the instep while cut free ends of the hydrophilic yarn extend from endmost stitch loops in wales along the juncture of the sole and instep so that the endmost stitch loops at opposite ends of the partial courses of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns are formed in adjacent wales and are not knit in plated relationship with each other in the same courses.

Abstract: A double-layered sock according to the invention includes an inner sock made of a moisture-permeable material such as polypropylene and an outer sock that absorbs such moisture. The inner sock is interposed between the skin of the foot and the absorbed moisture, providing enhanced warmth and comfort. The inner and outer layers are secured together, such as by sewing at the toe portion of each to form the double sock.

Abstract: A child's convertible pajama leg construction is provided which selectively serves either as a neat anklet hugging sleeve or as a sock-like enclosure for protecting the child's foot. The ankle sleeve is defined by two elongated panels joined along longitudinal seams and being circumferentially stretchable, with one panel having a manipulatable cuff formed thereon and arranged in one position to hug the sleeve and in another position to serve as a closure for the sock. Fastener elements for a hook-and-loop type of fastener assembly are positioned on the panels and the cuff in various locations to enable a preschool child to manipulate the panels and the cuff to expose the child's foot to the atmosphere or to confine the foot into the sock-like enclosure without the assistance of an older person.

Abstract: An article of wearing apparel is provided having cuff-like elements of tubular configuration designed to be worn either on the lower portions of a persons's legs in combination with socks or on a person's arms in association with a sleeved garment such as a sweater to produce a decorative effect. The cuff-like elements are formed from a textile such as knitted or woven fabric exhibiting a resilient characteristic tending to cause them to constrict about the wearer's legs or arms and thereby be retained in position. Each of the cuff-like elements is of a relatively short length and is sized so that one marginal end portion will be capable of being projected a distance into either the end of a sweater sleeve or the upper cuff of a sock, either singly or in multiples disposed in series relationship, thereby creating a multiple cuff appearance.

Abstract: The appearance modifying garments include appearance enhancing color differences creating a new type of garment which promotes an improved appearance of the wearer through the formation of apparent marginal edges on the garment itself. The apparent marginal edges provide the outline of a shapely appearance and are formed by darkening areas of the garments so that they appear smaller or less noticeable to the eye when the garment is worn. The shapely portion stands out and the darker shaded portions are less noticeable and there is a distinct demarcation between the light area and the dark area so that the viewer's eye is drawn to the shapely portion of the garment.

Abstract: An open toed, ventilated crotch, panty hose garment, adapted for wear with swimsuits, exercise and dance clothing, and for post surgical wear that entirely covers the lower body down to an edge that encircles the foot near the base of the toes and defines an opening through which the toes protrude. The upper and lower portions of the edge being bridged between the first and second toes, and also between the fourth and fifth toes by straps which create a double thong effect and provide a means to distribute the securing load for comfort, permittting the wearer to maintain the foot portion in position and keep the pantyhose taut on the body, even when wet. The garment may also be modified for post surgical wear.

Abstract: An undergarment according to the invention which covers the body from the waist down has stretch panels in the thigh area which permit the undergarment to fit over the thigh, while permitting the rest of the leg covering portion to be made form heavier material than conventional panty hose. The sock portions of the garment can be knitted continuously with the leg portions. Such an undergarment provides a better fit together with advantages such as light weight, warmth, and comfort.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing a pair of socks together includes a first fastener attached to one sock of the pair and a second fastener attached to the other sock of the pair, said fasteners being releasably engageable with one another. The fastening device prevents the loss of socks due to separation from one another and the inconsistent pairing of socks of a similar type.

Abstract: A stocking for leisure wear which has a thin silk material used for a foot portion with a reinforced toe and heel. A lower leg portion of cotton knit material is attached to the foot portion at the ankle by sewing with thread. The lower leg portion is a heavy cotton knit which provides warmth to the leg of a user and has the appearance of a knit sock. The foot portion enables the sock to be worn with a leather shoe or boot without stretching the shoe or boot or squeezing or cramping the foot of the user.

Abstract: A sock includes pockets for storing small items. A first pocket is disposed on the calf portion of a sock, defining a cavity and an opening, and having a fold adjacent to the opening to releasably retain items in the cavity. A second pocket is disposed between the first pocket and the sock, defining the second cavity and an opening. In a preferred embodiment, the two pockets are formed by attaching a folded pouch to the calf portion of a sock.