Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure. The upper includes a first portion forming the hindfoot section of the upper and a second portion forming the forefoot section of the upper. The first portion is a textile laminate including an inner layer facing the cavity, an outer layer forming an exterior of the shoe, and an intermediate layer disposed between inner and outer layers. The second portion is textile possessing a unitary knit construction.

Abstract: A knit sock is integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales, and includes a foot portion having a heel and a toe, and an ankle portion joined to the foot portion and defining an open leg end of the sock. A first targeted compression zone is formed with the foot portion between the heel and the toe, and includes spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axially outward from the heel at a first end of the first compression zone to a second end of the first compression zone. A second targeted compression zone is formed with the ankle portion between the heel and the open leg end of the sock, and includes spaced-apart axial compression ridges extending axially outward from the heel at a first end of the second compression zone to a second end of the second compression zone.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the upper for an article of footwear are disclosed. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The joined edges form a plurality of seams within the textile element, including a longitudinal seam extending on the lower region of the upper from a heel region to a forefoot region. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes, including circular knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integral shoe blank is provided. In the method, a reinforcement piece is woven by a flat knitting machine during a weave process, and the reinforcement piece is made unperceivable through a subsequent side overturning step when viewing from an exterior of a shoe. Thus, with the reinforcement piece, structural strength of the shoe blank is reinforced while better comfort is provided to the foot by a shoe manufactured from the shoe blank.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integral shoe blank is provided. In the method, a reinforcement piece is woven by a flat knitting machine during a weave process, and the reinforcement piece is made unperceivable through a subsequent side overturning step when viewing from an exterior of a shoe. Thus, with the reinforcement piece, structural strength of the shoe blank is reinforced while better comfort is provided to the foot by a shoe manufactured from the shoe blank.

Abstract: A method for providing intermediate manufactures for production of manufactures such as an inshoe, footlet, no-show sock, shoes or the like with double thickness, with a circular hosiery knitting machine and an intermediate manufacture obtained with the method. The method has the particularity that it comprises at least the following steps: a step of providing a first tubular portion of knitted fabric; a casting-off step, in which a portion of knitted fabric is provided by moving to knit a group of contiguous needles at the at least one feed; a casting-on step, in which a portion of knitted fabric is provided by moving to knit a group of contiguous needles at the at least one feed; a step of providing a second tubular portion of knitted fabric by actuating the needle cylinder with a continuous rotary motion about its own axis in one direction of rotation.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure is a footwear article. The footwear article includes a double layer knitted upper having a foot bed, an upper portion continuous with the foot bed, an ankle opening, and an inner void for receiving a foot of a wearer. The double layer knitted upper has an outer knit layer defining an exterior surface of the double layer knitted upper. The double layer knitted upper also has an inner knit layer monolithically knit to the outer knit layer. The inner knit layer has a plurality of inner knit regions that spatially correspond to the plurality of outer knit regions of the outer knit layer. The outer knit layer and the inner knit layer substantially define the foot bed and the upper portion of the double layer knitted upper.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes embodiments directed to a reversible toy. The reversible toy may include a body including first and second material layers defining opposing first and second surfaces and a sealed cavity therebetween. The body may be reversible between first and second positions to alternatingly present the first and second surfaces as an outer body surface defining a body exterior. The other of the first and second surfaces may alternatingly define a stored body surface defining an interior cavity. The body exterior may define the same shape in both the first and second positions. An interior cavity opening may have a diameter. At least portions of the body may collapse through the opening when the body is moved between the first and second positions. The diameter may be defined by a stitched edge, which may define a terminal bottom edge of both the first and second material layers.

Abstract: A composite waterproof breathable sock with two-way extensible properties, wherein each sock is formed by lamination of an outer layer, an inner layer and an intermediate waterproof and breathable sock-like film component on a one-step forming mould. The outer layer, or both the outer and inner layers, is/are knitted by deploying fine twisted elastic yarns consistently into all the knitting courses of the main body for each such layer, so as to make the composite sock therefore extensible in both weft X and warp Y directions after lamination of the layer(s) to the waterproof film component such that the composite sock will be recoverable uniformly after stretching to a relaxed conformation. The composite sock can be sewn with a water seal kit inside the cuff band, wherein the cuff band is extended from the outer component of the sock. The in-cuff seal kit can be constructed by a sew-in waterproof polyurethane elastic fabric in round shape.

Abstract: There is provided a method for knitting a knitted fabric capable of forming a decoration unit of a novel shape using a flat knitting machine. A decoration unit (2) is formed on a surface of a base knitted fabric portion (1), the decoration unit (2) being configured by a lower edge (2D) extending in a knitting width direction of the base knitted fabric portion (1), a left edge (2L) extending in a direction intersecting the knitting width direction from a left end of the lower edge (2D), and a right edge (2R) extending in a direction intersecting the knitting width direction from a right end of the lower edge (2D). The lower edge (2D) is configured by a cross-over yarn extending in the knitting width direction of the base knitted fabric portion (1). The left edge (2L) and the right edge (2R) are configured by stitches stretched in a direction intersecting the knitting width direction. The cross-over yarn and the stitches are knitted all at once.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arch supporting sock in which proper curvature of the arch is reinforced and strain on the leg, arch, and greater foot area is decreased, comprising a first region having a first elasticity coefficient and a second region, roughly encompassing the arch of the foot, having a second elasticity coefficient, wherein the second region provides greater structural support than the first region and the second elasticity coefficient is lower than the first elasticity coefficient. The arch supporting sock may further comprise one or more perimetric boundaries between the first and the second region, each boundary comprising a perimetric elasticity coefficient, wherein one or more perimetric boundaries has a perimetric elasticity coefficient less than the first and second elasticity coefficients. Embodiments of the sock include non-interchangeable left or right socks with the arch support assemblage residing on the inner half of the sock.

Abstract: A multiple-layer knitted fabric includes: an inner composite layer formed with hydrophilic yarn and hydrophobic yarn adapted to be contacted with a wearer's skin: an outer dissipating layer formed with hydrophilic yarn or hydrophobic yarn adapted for dissipating moisture and heat outwardly: and a spacer layer integrally formed between the inner and outer layers and formed with hydrophilic yarn for absorbing the moisture of the wearer's sweat from the inner layer and temporarily storing the moisture in the spacer layer, through which the moisture is gradually outwardly transported into the outer layer and then dissipated into the outside atmosphere: thereby keeping the wearer's cool in summer and warm in winter for enforcing his or her comfortable wearing.

Abstract: A knit sock includes a foot portion having an upper instep area and a lower sole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. The lower sole area defines inner and outer arch regions. The inner arch region incorporates a targeted compression zone adapted to reside generally adjacent an inner arch of a wearer's foot. The compression zone includes axially extending compression ridges of variable length spaced apart from a top of the compression zone to a bottom of the compression zone. When the sock is worn, a compression force applied by the foot portion within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of said foot portion.

Abstract: A knit fabric suitable as a reinforcement for elastomeric articles comprises a plurality of reinforcement yarns wherein each course of the fabric comprises either a first or second yarn, the modulus of the first yarn being different from the modulus of the second yarn, and the courses comprising the first and second yarns are arranged in one of the following sequences, (a) alternating courses comprise first and second yarns respectively, (b) the courses form a repeat pattern of, in order, a course comprising a first yarn, two courses comprising a second yarn and a course comprising a first yarn or (c) the courses form a repeat pattern of, in order, a course comprising a second yarn, two courses comprising a first yarn and a course comprising a second yarn.

Abstract: A knit sock includes a foot portion having an upper instep area and a lower sole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. The lower sole area defines inner and outer arch regions. The inner arch region incorporates a targeted compression zone adapted to reside generally adjacent an inner arch of a wearer's foot. The compression zone includes axially extending compression ridges of variable length spaced apart from a top of the compression zone to a bottom of the compression zone. When the sock is worn, a compression force applied by the foot portion within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of said foot portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a variety of other products may incorporate a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one- or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.

Abstract: A knit sock includes a foot portion having an upper instep area and a lower sole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. The lower sole area defines inner and outer arch regions. The inner arch region incorporates a targeted compression zone adapted to reside generally adjacent an inner arch of a wearer's foot. The compression zone includes axially extending compression ridges of variable length spaced apart from a top of the compression zone to a bottom of the compression zone. When the sock is worn, a compression force applied by the foot portion within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of said foot portion.

Abstract: A knitted fabric that has a three-dimensional appearance includes a plurality of knitting structures of different pile lengths. The knitting structures include a plain stitch of ground yarn and pile yarn, a low-pile stitch in which a sinker-loop length of the pile yarn is longer than that of ground yarn, and a high-pile stitch in which the sinker-loop length of the pile yarn is longer than that in the low-pile stitch. A pile motif is formed by selectively arranging, in the same course, the low-pile stitch and the high-pile stitch in a region of the plain stitches on a stitch-by-stitch basis or by selectively arranging, in the same course, the high-pile stitch in a region of the low-pile stitches on a stitch-by-stitch basis.

Abstract: The improved bed sock is a sock specifically designed to be worn on a front half of the foot, which includes varying densities of elasticity throughout a fabric layer. The improved bed sock extends across the toes and down the front part of the Metatarsus, but of which does not extend to the Instep. The improved bed sock includes a specific region of elastic concentration just behind the ball of the foot (the widest part) that aids in maintaining the improved bed sock upon the front foot despite movement of foot while under covers. The improved bed sock is removed while in bed by use of a toe from an opposing foot without requiring the end user to sit up or get out of bed. The improved bed sock keeps the toes warm, but the rear portion of the foot cool.

Abstract: A sock with zones of varying numbers of layers is formed as a single tube on a circular knitting machine. At least one end of the tube is doubled back over a portion of the remainder of the tube to form a double layer first zone. The sock further includes a single layer zone adjacent to the double layer first zone, where no such folding occurs. Optionally, a second end of the tube may also be folded to create a third zone having two layers of material.

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

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

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

Abstract: Improved sock or similar garment for preventing leg alignment problems is disclosed. The improved sock or similar garment has a structural region having an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity. When worn, the region forms a heel constricting band so as to join an area near a tip of the calcaneal tuberosity with a superior portion of the talus, wherein the heel constricting band divides the structure of the heel region in two.

Abstract: A method for making, through a circular machine for making socks with alternate motion, an item of clothing like an ankle sock in “continuum” stitched without seams to form a single piece made up of a front end elongated in the shape of a pocket, that can be associated with the toe of the foot and comprising a first and a second front portion, a rear end, also pocket-shaped, able to be associated with the heel of the foot and comprising a first and a second rear portion, and a connecting part between the front and rear ends, comprising a sole portion and two side portions, having an opening in which to insert the foot, all of the portions of the ankle sock being made with stitching steps, in which such a method foresees many simultaneous independent yarn-feeders during all of the quoted stitching steps to obtain a single ankle sock.

Abstract: A sock may include a first low-elasticity area disposed on a dorsal portion of the foot, the first low-elasticity area being band-shaped and having a lower elasticity than other areas of the sock. The first low-elasticity area may include a curved ankle portion and an end portion, the end portion being disposed below the curved ankle portion and extending to the base of the toes. The end portion may be positioned within a range from the base of the third toe to the base of the small toe. A center line in the course direction with respect to the width of the first low-elasticity area may gradually shift toward the side of the small toe in the course direction. Preferably, the first low-elasticity area applies a force that raises the side of the fifth toe toward the ankle curve portion thereby providing a resistive force against the ankle twisting inwards.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hosiery garment for providing grip to a person's foot between the foot and the hosiery garment, and for simultaneously providing grip to the person's foot between the hosiery garment and the inside of a footwear. The hosiery garment comprises a foot enclosure configured to conform to the person's foot. The foot enclosure defines an inner surface and an outer surface. A first pair comprising a first tacky thread and a first supplementary thread defines the inner surface. A second pair comprising a second tacky thread and a second supplementary thread defines the outer surface. The inner surface defined by the first pair provides grip to the person's foot between the foot and the hosiery garment, and the outer surface defined by the second pair simultaneously provides grip to the person's foot between the hosiery garment and the inside of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a footlet on a circular knitting machine including at least a first (S1) and a second knitting system (S2), wherein a first quadrant is associated with the first knitting system (S1) and a second quadrant is associated with the second knitting system (S2), including the following steps: a) knitting an access opening (12) of the footlet, wherein at least a first (B1), a second (B2) and a third region (B3) are formed in the transverse direction of the access opening (12), wherein a first (A1), a second (A2) and a third section (A3) are formed in the longitudinal direction of the access opening (12), including the following sub-steps: a1) knitting the second region (B2) and the third region (B3) of the first section (A1); a2) knitting the second region (B2) and the third region (B3) of the second section (A2); and a3) knitting the second region (B2) and the third region (B3) of the third section (A3).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sock which offers a fit, and does not cause fatigue, blood congestion, or the like if worn for a long period of time. The sock has a length from a toe to at least an ankle, and is knitted from a knitting yarn. The sock has a base knit structure knitted at an inside half region of an arch part of the sole from an upper thread and under thread, and has an auxiliary thread further inserted together with the upper thread, so as to form a knitted part which is contracted and reduced in extensibility.

Abstract: To provide a sock with a performance that matches its purpose of use and seasonal requirements. To change the thickness and strength of different parts of the sock according to the load distribution on the sole and the impact that the different parts of the sock are subjected to when walking and running. Knitting structures of different thicknesses and airspace ratios, e.g., flat stitches P, short-terry stitches SP, long-terry stitches LP, mesh stitches M, short-terry stitches based on mesh stitches M-SP, long-terry stitches based on mesh stitches M-LP, short-terry stitches based on reinforced mesh stitches M-R-SP, long-terry stitches based on reinforced mesh stitches M-R-LP, short-terry stitches with reinforcement yarn R-SP and long-terry stitches with reinforcement yarn R-LP are distributed in different parts of the sock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cut and/or abrasion resistant garment that is lightweight, has improved comfort, flexibility and pliability, and is particularly suitable for use as hosiery products such as stockings, pantyhose and tights, or for protective coverings for the arms of the wearer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sock which offers a fit, and does not cause fatigue, blood congestion, or the like if worn for a long period of time. The sock has a length from a toe to at least an ankle, and is knitted from a knitting yarn. The sock has a base knit structure knitted at an inside half region of an arch part of the sole from an upper thread and under thread, and has an auxiliary thread further inserted together with the upper thread, so as to form a knitted part which is contracted and reduced in extensibility.

Abstract: A sock includes an air escape route that allows humid air to be expelled to the outside of a shoe. The sock may include a first rib area provided in a ground-touching area of a sole portion of the sock, the ribs being formed in a desired direction. A second rib area, in which ribs are formed in a wale direction, may also be provided in an instep portion of the sock. The ribs of the first and second rib areas may be knitted with alternating knitted pile and knitted mesh fabric. Humid air collecting in areas that do not touch the ground passes through the concave portions of the ribs of the first rib area, and is impelled toward the instep side. Air flowing to the instep side of the sock via the first rib area is expelled to the outside of the shoe via the second rib area.

Abstract: A sock includes a sole having protrusions formed on its inner surface by tuck knitting. The protrusions are spaced from each other in the course direction to define first recesses between the protrusions that are adjacent to each other in the course direction, and spaced from each other in the wale direction to define second recesses between the protrusions adjacent to each other in the wale direction. Each protrusion is formed by knitting six courses in one loop, and includes six rubber threads, 12 reinforcing threads, three front threads and three back threads. The protrusions are arranged in a plurality of rows, each row occupying one course. Between the adjacent rows of protrusions, the second recesses are defined, which each occupy four courses. The protrusions have a height of 3.5 to 4.5 mm from the second recesses.

Abstract: An ankle length sock having an opening welt positioned in the vicinity of an ankle of a wearer, and having an elastic welt provided at the opening welt is provided. The sock may include a compression area with high elasticity and high compressive force disposed laterally in a diagonal direction in an area extending from behind an arch portion to an Achilles tendon portion above a heel portion. A size control course with a knitted fabric increased by 4-20 courses may be disposed between the compression area and the heel portion. An additional pocket may be interknit with 2-24 courses by reverse knitting, repeatedly alternating normal rotation and reverse rotation of the circular knitting machine cylinder, at a position on the sole portion side between the size control course and the compression area.

Abstract: An improved moisture transfer interface for knit products, such as socks. The interface requires a first knit portion comprising predominately hydrophilic yarn and a second knit portion comprising predominately hydrophobic yarn. The first and second knit portions each possess elongated fingers of their respective yarns which are interlocked with one another. Moisture that is absorbed by the hydrophilic first knit portion is wicked into the hydrophobic second knit portion and subsequently evaporates. The interlocked fingers provide a more effective moisture transfer interface than a non-fingered interface.

Abstract: A sock includes an air escape route that allows humid air to be expelled to the outside of a shoe. The sock may include a first rib area provided in a ground-touching area of a sole portion of the sock, the ribs being formed in a desired direction. A second rib area, in which ribs are formed in a wale direction, may also be provided in an instep portion of the sock. The ribs of the first and second rib areas may be knitted with alternating knitted pile and knitted mesh fabric. Humid air collecting in areas that do not touch the ground passes through the concave portions of the ribs of the first rib area, and is impelled toward the instep side. Air flowing to the instep side of the sock via the first rib area is expelled to the outside of the shoe via the second rib area.

Abstract: An improved moisture transfer interface for knit products, such as socks. The interface requires a first knit portion comprising predominately hydrophilic yarn and a second knit portion comprising predominately hydrophobic yarn. The first and second knit portions each possess elongated fingers of their respective yarns which are interlocked with one another. Moisture that is absorbed by the hydrophilic first knit portion is wicked into the hydrophobic second knit portion and subsequently evaporates. The interlocked fingers provide a more effective moisture transfer interface than a non-fingered interface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing socks with a circular knitting machine having at least two feeds or drops, consisting in producing the sock starting from its opposite end with respect to the toe. The toe is produced by using at least two feeds simultaneously and by actuating the needle cylinder with an alternating rotary motion so that two sets of needles, arranged on mutually opposite sides, are made to knit respectively at one of the at least two feeds and at the other one of the at least two feeds, forming stitches simultaneously, and gradually decreasing, for a preset number of rows of stitches, the needles of the two sets that are made to knit.

Abstract: A knit sock useful for patients susceptible to foot problems resulting from diabetes or other conditions includes a leg section and a foot section. The leg section has sufficient expandability to be drawn over and cover at least a portion of a leg of a wearer. The foot section includes a heel section, a toe section, a sole section, and an instep section. The instep includes a ventilation panel and a flex zone, each having a different stitch construction. The ventilation panel allows air to pass through the sock and the flex zone prevents bunching or wrinkling of the material against the skin of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a knit upper and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The upper is formed through a knitting process to include a plurality of sections formed of different yarns and knits to provide the sections with different physical properties. In portions of the upper where sections formed of different yarns are in adjacent wales, a tuck stitch is utilized to join the sections. The method utilizes a circular knitting machine having multiple feeds that work together to knit the upper into a unitary, seamless structure. The multiple feeds, each of which provide multiple types of yarns, produce the sections to have varying physical properties.

Abstract: A knitted article that includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a seam is disclosed. The top portion has a cross stretch less than about 12. The bottom portion may be formed from a lock stitch and may have a cross stretch greater than about 12. Also in the bottom portion, at least one yarn end may be different from the yarn forming the top portion. The seam extends substantially from the toe of the bottom portion to the heel of the bottom portion, thereby forming the sides and sole of said knitted article. An insert board may be included for forming a package.

Abstract: A sock system for assisting people who have problems with their feet sweating or that are diabetic. The inventive device includes a sock device having a top portion attached to a bottom portion by a connection means. The top portion may be comprised of any fabric or color desired by the user providing a pleasing visual appearance to the user. The bottom portion is comprised of a fluid absorbing material which is not colored such as terry cloth. The bottom portion is comprised of a bottom surface, a heel and a front upper portion. The front upper portion of the bottom portion preferably surrounds the entire portion of the toes of a user. The top portion is comprised of an upper end having an opening, a middle portion and a lower end wherein the lower end is attached to the bottom portion. The connection means is comprised of any connection structure commonly utilized to secure two pieces of fabric such as but not limited to glue or thread.

Abstract: A method for producing a knitted fabric with a circular knitting machine with cylinder and dial, particularly for producing footlets, comprising the steps of producing a knitted fabric with a particular process that achieves high elastic deformability for the fabric. By virtue of this high elastic deformability, the fabric is particularly adapted to be used to produce footlets, obtainable simply by cutting, from the fabric according to the invention, a contoured part, to which a pretensioned elastic band is applied at its perimeter. The resulting footlet has an elastic deformability that achieves optimum fit yet can have, on the side adapted to be directed toward the user's foot, an inextensible natural thread.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a knitted foot coverlet or protective stocking, having in an integral shape, a pocket (10) that is overlapped by an elastic border (11) intended to cover the heel of a foot, a tiptoe portion (15) to cover the tiptoe of the foot, middle zones (12, 13) to cover parts of the foot between the heel and the tiptoe. These include a middle section (12) of constant width, continuing to the pocket (10) of the heel and intended to cover the foot at the hollow as well as a knitted tubular portion (13) between the middle section and tiptoe, intended to cover a remaining part of the plantar aspect and at least a part of the dorsal aspect of the foot. The present invention also pertains to a method for manufacturing the article on a circular stocking knitting machine.

Abstract: An improved sock wherein moisture distribution, wicking, evaporation and other phases of control are all managed by the sock construction. The moisture management sock has a toe portion knit of predominantly of hydrophilic yarn; a heel portion knit of predominantly of hydrophilic yarn; and alternating rings of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarn located between said toe portion and said heel portion. Moisture absorbed from the wearer's foot by the hydrophilic yarn is transferred by wicking action into the hydrophobic rings and then to the leg portion to be evaporated therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pile sock which can lighten a sense of tiredness and has improved air permeability. A sole portion of the pile sock is knitted almost thoroughly in pile stitches. The sock is excellent in the cushioning properties and able to reduce load to a foot. It also has good sweat-absorption characteristics. A toe-side section of the pile sock works effectively to prevent slippage. An arch region of the sole portion has a smaller area of the pile stitch segments than an area of the plain stitch segments in comparison with a ground contact region of the sole portion. Arranging the plain stitch segments and the pile stitch segments in a lattice pattern allows a sense of stimulation and air permeability to be uniformly provided.

Abstract: Novel gels and gel composites for direct contact with the body and capable of substantially preventing the generation moisture from said body in extreme cold weather use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pile sock which can lighten a sense of tiredness and improve the air permeability. Said pile sock is further provided with a function for preventing slippage as well as excellent cushioning properties.