EP0964623B1 - Socks - Google Patents

Socks Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0964623B1
EP0964623B1 EP98907030A EP98907030A EP0964623B1 EP 0964623 B1 EP0964623 B1 EP 0964623B1 EP 98907030 A EP98907030 A EP 98907030A EP 98907030 A EP98907030 A EP 98907030A EP 0964623 B1 EP0964623 B1 EP 0964623B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sock
barrier component
composite
former
extension
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP98907030A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0964623A1 (en
Inventor
Ian Stirling
Karen Charlotte Hayton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KL TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
LEGISLATOR 1652 Ltd
PIL MEMBRANES Ltd
Original Assignee
Porvair PLC
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Priority claimed from GBGB9704792.2A external-priority patent/GB9704792D0/en
Application filed by Porvair PLC filed Critical Porvair PLC
Publication of EP0964623A1 publication Critical patent/EP0964623A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0964623B1 publication Critical patent/EP0964623B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
    • A41B11/00—Hosiery; Panti-hose
    • A41B11/005—Hosiery made essentially of a multi-ply construction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to socks which are close fitting to the foot and ankle and lower leg at least and which are resistant to penetration by liquid water, whilst permitting egress from the foot of water vapour.
  • USP 5244716 discloses structures achieving these objectives but it is desirable to improve upon such structures, in particular as regards closeness of fit and ease of drawing onto and off the foot and durability to repeated drawing onto and off the foot.
  • a composite sock consists of an inner sock, a bag-like barrier component which is liquid water impermeable, and water vapour permeable, and an outer sock, the inner sock being attached to the barrier component, the barrier component being attached to the outer sock, the attachments being such as to allow circumferential stretching of the sock, characterised in that the attachments are such as to allow circumferential stretching of the sock to at least 50% extension, and in that the inner sock and the outer sock are circular knit socks, the inner sock or the outer sock or both having elastic yarns laid-in in circumferential direction courses, i.e.
  • Elastic yarns may be laid-in to a number of circumferential direction courses at least in the region of the ankle, or may be laid-in throughout the sock. Thus the elastic yarns may be laid-in to every circumferential direction course or every other circumferential direction course, at least in the region of the ankle or throughout the sock.
  • a composite sock in accordance with the present invention can be characterised in that when a sample taken from the leg of the composite sock just above the ankle, the sample being 5cm by 10cm with the 10cm dimension aligned in the circumferential direction is extended on a tensometer at 100mm per minute to 15 cms length i.e. by 50%; and the sample is allowed to recover at 100 mm/minute (producing a hysteresis curve) the load at 25% extension during the recovery stage (hereafter called the power rating) is at least 50% of the load at 25% extension during the stretching stage, e.g. 50-99 or 50-95%, preferably at least 60%, e.g. 65% to 95%, preferably 75% to 95% of the load at 25% extension during the stretching stage.
  • the power rating is at least 50% of the load at 25% extension during the stretching stage, e.g. 50-99 or 50-95%, preferably at least 60%, e.g. 65% to 95%, preferably 75% to 95% of
  • the composite sock may be such that when a sample taken from the leg of the sock just above the ankle, the sample being 5cm by 10cm with the 10cm dimension aligned in the circumferential direction, is extended at 100mm per minute on a tensometer to 15 cms length i.e. by 50%, the load to stretch the sample to 50% extension (hereafter the 50% extension load) is less than 15N per 5cm width, preferably less than 10N, more preferably less than 7.5N and most preferably 5N or less per 5cm width, e.g. 0.1 to 6, preferably 0.1 to 5 e.g. 0.2 to 3.5 or 0.5 to 2.5 N per 5 cm width;
  • the composite sock may be such that when a sample taken from the leg of the sock just above the ankle, the sample being 5cm by 10cm with the 10cm dimension aligned in the circumferential direction, is stretched at 100mm per minute on a tensometer to 15 cms length i.e. by 50%, on release of the pulling load in such a way that the sample recovers at 100 mm/minute, the sample recovers to within 12.5% (hereafter the recovery %) of its original 10 cms length, e.g. to within 10%, preferably to within 7.5%, e.g. to within 6%, and most preferably to within 5%.
  • the 50% extension load has to be low enough to ensure that the composite sock can be drawn readily over the heel of the wearer without damage to the sock or strain or injury to the wearer.
  • the recovery % defines the need for the sock to recover very substantially after being stretched over the heel so that a close fit is achieved; however this recovery must be achieved rapidly and the power rating . reflects the rapidity with which the sock recovers towards it's as-made dimensions.
  • the elastic properties of the composite sock may be provided by the inner sock or the outer sock or both.
  • the inner sock or the outer sock or both may have a 50% extension load of less than 7.5N, preferably in the range 0.1 to 6N per 5cm width, more preferably 0.1 to 5 e.g. 0.2 to 3.5N or 0.5 to 2.5N.
  • the inner sock or the outer sock or both may have a recover % to within 12.5%, e.g. to within 10%, preferably to within 7.5%, e.g. to within 6% and most preferably to within 5%.
  • the inner or outer sock or both preferably have a power rating of at least 50% and more preferably at least 60%.
  • the inner or outer sock or both have a 50% extension load of less than 3.5N, a recovery % of within 7.5% and a power rating of at least 60%, more preferably the 50% extension load is less than 2.5N, the recovery % is to within 5% and the power rating is 65% to 95%.
  • the 50% extension load of the composite sock is less than 7.5N, the recovery % is to within 7.5% and the power rating is at least 60%, more preferably the 50% extension load is less than 5N, the recovery % is to within 5% and the power rating is 65% to 95%.
  • a laid-in yarn is a yarn which does not form part of the stitches but rather is trapped between rows of stitches.
  • a sock consists of an inner circular knitted sock, a bag-like barrier component which is liquid water impermeable, and water vapour permeable, and an outer circular knitted sock, the inner sock being attached to the barrier component, the barrier component being attached to the outer sock, the attachment being such as to allow circumferential stretching of the sock, the barrier component being corrugated when the sock is in the unstretched state, the inner surface of the barrier component carrying dots of adhesive which secure troughs of the corrugations in the corrugated barrier component to the outer surface of the inner sock, and the outer surface of the barrier component carrying dots of adhesive which secure peaks of the corrugations in the corrugated barrier component to the inner face of the outer sock.
  • This structure facilitates the achievement of a readily drawn-on and close fitting sock.
  • the barrier component may consist of a liquid water impermeable, water vapour permeable membrane reinforced by a fabric support, the barrier component being corrugated in the unstretched state so that it can accommodate circumferential stretching of the inner and outer socks on stretching thereof, the barrier component being constrained against stretching in the toe-to-calf longitudinal direction by the support fabric, which does not interfere with the circumferential expansion of the corrugated barrier component.
  • the support fabric is preferably extensible by less than 50% in the toe-to-calf direction, but may be extensible by at least 50% in the circumferential direction.
  • a sock in another form of the invention consists of an inner circular knitted sock, a bag-like barrier component consisting of a liquid water impermeable, water vapour permeable membrane reinforced by a fabric support, and an outer circular knitted sock.
  • the outer surface of the inner sock is attached to the inner surface of the barrier component by spaced apart dots of adhesive, and/or the outer surface of the barrier component is attached to the inner surface of the outer sock by spaced apart dots of adhesive.
  • the barier component comprises a membrane supported by a fabric support
  • the membrane is preferably attached to the support fabric by spaced apart dots of adhesive.
  • the inner or the outer sock or both have elastic yarns laid-in to a number of circular courses at least in the region of the ankle, the barrier component being corrugated, when the sock is in the unstretched state, so that it can accomodate circumferential stretching of the inner and outer socks on initial stretching thereof and being circumferentially elastic so as also to be able to stretch circumferentially on further circumferential stretching of the inner and outer socks, the barrier component being constrained against stretching in the toe-to-calf longitudinal direction by the support fabric, and the laid in elastic yam being such as to ensure a close fit of the sock to the foot and leg of the wearer.
  • the inner surface of the membrane carries the dots of adhesive which secure troughs of the conugations in the corrugated barrier component to the outer surface of the inner sock, and dots of adhesive are located between the membrane and the support fabric, and the outer surface of the support fabric carries dots of adhesive which secure peaks of the corrugations in the corrugated barrier component to the inner face of the outer sock.
  • the socks are circular knit. They may range from fairly light fabrics e.g. of 150 g/m 2 to heavier socks e.g. of 300 g/m 2 or more such as 450 g/m 2 . They may be plain or ribbed. They may be made of any fibre conventionally used for socks e.g. natural fibres such as wool or cotton or synthetic fibres such as polyesters or polyamides or of mixtures of natural and synthetic fibres. When ribbed the ribs typically will be aligned longitudinally. As indicated an elastic yarn is laid into at least some of the courses, typically in the region of the ankle. For example, an elastic yarn may be laid-in in every course around the ankle and in every other course or less frequently in regions above and below the ankle and in the foot and leg there may be regions where there are no laid-in elastic yarns.
  • the membrane is impermeable to liquid water but permeable to water vapour. Many such materials are known and are discussed in our USP 5244716. Microporous polytetrafluoroethylene films are also known for use in socks and are described in many patents to W.L. Gore such as USP 5529830. Hydrophilic materials are also known which absorb moisture vapour on one face and desorb it from another depending on the concentrations of water vapour present on either side of the film. Hydrophilic polyurethanes are one such material and we have found them useful in the present invention. Examples of hydrophilic membranes are given in USP 4613544.
  • the support fabric is desirably extensible by at least 50% in the X direction but is extensible by less than 50% in the Y direction (at right angles to the X direction).
  • the support fabric is desirably bonded to the membrane in such a way that its Y direction in the finished sock is longitudinally disposed thus constraining the membrane from stretching longitudinally of the sock and protecting it from rupturing or pinholing.
  • the elasticity of the membrane and its corrugation allow it and the barrier component to stretch in the circumferential direction.
  • the support fabric is attached to the membrane in such a way as not to interfere with the expansion of the corrugated barrier component, and thus need not to be extensible in the X-direction either.
  • the support fabric is preferably stretchable in this direction also so as not to interfere with the circumferential stretching of the sock beyond that permitted by the expansion of the corrugations.
  • the support fabric is preferably knitted and may be weft inserted, monostretch warp knitted fabric, though any structure effective to give the above described stretch properties could be used.
  • the adhesive is preferably heat activatable and details of such materials are given in our USP 5244716.
  • One such useful class of material is thermoplastic polyamide adhesives.
  • the adhesive is preferably applied as dots 0.2 to 1 mm e.g. 0.5 to 0.8 mm preferably 0.55 to 0.65 mm in diameter and a density of 10 to 100 dots, preferably 15 to 75, more preferably 20 to 60 dots per square cm. It will be appreciated that the reference to dots of adhesive includes any configuration of the deposits of adhesive that perform the function of connecting the layers together at numerous discrete spaced apart locations.
  • the method according to the present invention of making a composite sock comprises circular knitting the inner and outer socks to the desired size, the inner sock or the outer sock or both being circular knit having elastic yarns laid-in circumferentially of the sock, so that the ability of the sock when stretched laterally to recover to, or towards, its original unstretched shape and dimensions is enhanced, preferably each of the socks being the same size, drawing the inner sock onto an oversize bag-like first former so that the inner sock is stretched circumferentially at the foot location (C), the ankle location (B), and the leg location (A) to at least 150% of its as-knitted size, providing a bag-like barrier component of the same shape but slightly greater size than the first former, such that it can be slipped over the inner sock on the said first former, dots of activatable adhesive being applied to or having been applied to the inner sock, or the barrier component, slipping the barrier component over the inner sock and activating the adhesive to attach the inner s
  • the assembly by wetting and drying, drawing the assembly over an oversize second former which has smaller values of (A), (B) and (C) than does the bag-like first former and which has a sock-like shape.
  • the second former being such that the stretching of the inner sock at A, B and C is less than the stretching which occurred on the first former, dots of activatable adhesive being applied to or having been applied to the barrier component or to the outer sock, drawing the outer sock over the barrier component on the second former, and activating the adhesive to attach the barrier component to the outer sock at spaced apart locations, removing the completed sock from the second former, and treating the assembly to facilitate recovery of the socks to their as-knitted dimensions, e.g. by wetting and drying.
  • dots of adhesive can be applied to the membrane at another stage in the process, for example before assembly of the bag-like barrier component or after it has been placed on the first former.
  • the bag-like former is preferably a flat but fat-looking "L" shape so that it is derived from a sock shape but does not have a heel as such and is much broader than a sock in the leg, heel and foot area and only has dimensions like a sock at the toe region.
  • the stretching of the socks caused by the first and second formers is preferably such that the ratio of the increase in dimension at location A for the outer sock (AO) to the increase in dimension at location A for the inner sock (AI) is in the range 0.2:1 to 0.9:1, the ratio of the percentage increase in dimension at location B for the outer sock (BO) to the increase in dimension at location B for the inner sock (BI) is in the range 0.2:1 to 0.9:1, and the ratio of the increase in dimension at location C for the outer sock (CO) to the increase in dimension at location C for the inner sock (CI) is in the range 0.2:1 to 0.9:1.
  • the hysteresis curves shown herein are generated as follows.
  • Each sample used is 5cm wide and 10cm long.
  • the sample is clamped in the jaws of a Testometric TM tensometer. It is extended in the 10cm direction at a rate of 100mm/min to 50% extension, i.e. until it is 15cm in length. It is then allowed to relax at 100 mm/min.
  • the load in Newtons is plotted against the extension in mm, during both the extension and recovery parts of the cycle.
  • the sock or stocking may be characterised by three transverse dimensions which will be referred to as A, B and C. These are measured on the sock when it is arranged flat and unstretched and folded about its front and rear lines. They will be described with reference to the inner sock shown in Figure 2A which is shown arranged flat and folded about its front and rear lines.
  • the longest transverse dimension we call B is the shortest distance from the point 40 of the heel 75 to the front 41 of the ankle 42; this- is the largest transverse dimension to which the leg portion of a sock has to stretch as it is drawn onto the foot.
  • the second dimension C is the transverse dimension halfway along the foot 46 from the mid point MH of the heel/ankle line 40-41 to the toe 43.
  • C is the length of the perpendicular 45 at the mid point MC of the line from the mid point MH of the heel-to-ankle line to the toe 43.
  • the length B is the sum of lb1 and lb2 which we have defined as being equal.
  • the length C is the sum of lc1 and lc2 which may or may not be equal.
  • the distance from MH to MC is 1f.
  • A is the transverse dimension across the leg portion 47 of the sock taken the same distance If up the leg from the midpoint MH of the heel to front of ankle line B as C is taken down the foot.
  • the line about which A is taken is the line from MH to the midpoint MO of the line across the opening 48 or top of the sock.
  • A is the perpendicular to the line MH-MO. If the opening or top is closer to MH than the distance lf then A is taken at the place nearest the opening which allows A to extend from side to side of the sock.
  • the dimension A defines the closeness of fit of the sock around the leg above the ankle and a close fit here is important to hinder water running down the leg and into the interior of the sock and provides advantages in terms of comfort and avoidance of lateral creasing.
  • the dimensions C and particularly B determine the closeness of fit around the foot and in the heel to front-of-ankle area.
  • the dimension B to a large extent and in conjunction with A defines the ease with which or indeed whether the sock can be drawn onto the foot.
  • the invention is concerned with socks in which the ratio of A to B and of C to B is in the range 0.5:1 to 1:1.
  • the locations of the lines A, B and C on the first and second formers, the barrier component and the outer sock are determined as follows.
  • the lines A, B and C are drawn onto the inner sock when it is in its flat unstretched state as shown in Figure 2A.
  • the inner sock is then drawn onto the first former, see Figure 3A, and is stretched evenly thereover.
  • the first former is bag-like and a flat but fat looking "L" shape that is derived from a sock shape but does not have a heel as such).
  • the locations of the lines A, B and C on the stretched inner sock are then marked onto the first former and are shown in Figure 3A.
  • the barrier component (Figure 2B) is then slipped over the first former ( Figure 3A) and the lines A, B and C marked on the barrier component by reference to the lines A, B and C marked on the first former.
  • the inner sock is also drawn over the second former ( Figure 3B) (which is narrower than .the first former) and stretched evenly thereover.
  • the locations of the lines A, B and C on the stretched inner sock are then marked onto the second former and are shown in Figure 3B.
  • the lines A, B and C can be located on the outer sock (as for the inner sock) when in its flat unstretched state by reference to the point of the heel and the line from the point of the heel 40 to the front of ankle line i.e. from the point 40 of the heel 75 to the point 41 of the front of the ankle 42.
  • A, B and C for the outer sock are shown in Figure 2C.
  • Figures 3A and 3B the inner sock is stretched more than the outer sock. This is discussed in more detail below with reference to Table 11.
  • a sock or stocking in accordance with the present invention consists of an inner knitted sock 50, a bag-like barrier component 100 consisting of a liquid water impermeable, water vapour permeable membrane 120 reinforced by a fabric support 140 and an outer knitted sock 200 as shown diagrammatically in Figure 1.
  • the outer surface 51 of the inner sock 50 is attached to the inner surface 121 (provided by the membrane 120) of the barrier component 100 by spaced apart dots of adhesive 55.
  • the outer surface 141 (provided by the support fabric 140) of the barrier component 100 is attached to the inner surface 201 of the outer sock 200 also by spaced apart dots of adhesive 145.
  • the membrane 120 is also attached to the support fabric 140 by spaced apart dots of adhesive 125.
  • Figure 1 the inner sock is represented by the layer 50 with one laid in yarn 60 in front of a course 65.
  • the inner surface of the membrane 120 carries dots of adhesive 55 which secure troughs 130 of the corrugations 135 to the outer surface 51 of the inner sock 50.
  • Dots of adhesive 125 are also located between the membrane 120 (shown as a layer) and the support fabric 140 (also shown as a layer).
  • the outer surface 141 of the support fabric 140 also carries dots of adhesive 145 which secure peaks 155 of the corrugations 135 to the inner face 201 of the outer sock 200.
  • the membrane is laminated to the support fabric to produce a composite and cut along the line 124 (see Figure 2B).
  • the barrier component is formed of two sheets of the composite placed membrane to membrane face to face (see Figure 2B) and welded around their edges along the dotted line 122 to form a sock like shape leaving an opening 123 through which the foot can be inserted.
  • the barrier component is bag-like and oversized compared to the inner sock and the intended final sock. Ultrasonic RF welding is effective.
  • the inner sock 50 has elastic yarns 60 laid-in in the X direction courses 65, i.e. circumterentially of the sock so that the ability of the sock when stretched laterally to recover to, or towards, its original unstretched shape and dimensions is enhanced.
  • Figure 2A is a plan view. Ribs (not shown) extend perpendicular to the courses 65.
  • the elastic yarn properties and frequency of occurrence are such that the inner sock can be stretched at least in the circumferential direction by 50% extension by a force of less than 5N per 5cm width, e.g. 0.1 to 4, preferably 0.2 to 3.5 or more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 N per 5 cm width when a sample taken from the leg of the sock just above the ankle, the sample being 5cm by 10cm with the 10cm dimension aligned in the circumferential direction is extended at 100mm per minute on a tensometer to 15 cms length.
  • 5N per 5cm width e.g. 0.1 to 4, preferably 0.2 to 3.5 or more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 N per 5 cm width
  • the sample is cut from the sock so that the sample has a homogeneous structure i.e. it is cut from a region just clear of the heel 75 and within the area 70; since it is 10cms in length it will include the seam of the membrane bag at one end. It will be appreciated that the tensile testing and indeed the hydrostatic head and watervapour permeability tests are such that portions have to be cut out from the sock which is thus destroyed. Accordingly the properties quoted are those obtained from a number of socks all made to the same specification.
  • the inner sock is such that on release of the pulling force in such a way that it recovers at 100 mm/minute it recovers to within 5% e.g. 1 to 5% of its original 10 cms length. (The extent of recovery after extension by 50% in the Table of data herein is expressed as the % of the original sample length to within which the samples under test recover. This is called the recovery % herein).
  • the inner sock is such that when the circumferential direction sample is stretched by 50% at 100 mm/minute and then allowed to recover at 100 mm/minute (producing a hysteresis curve) the load at 25% extension during the recovery stage is at least 60%, e.g. 60% to 80% of the load at 25% extension during the stretching stage. (The ratio of these load values is referred to as the power rating herein).
  • the fabric support is extensible by at least 50% in the circumferential direction but is extensible by less than 50% in the Y direction (which is at right angles to the circumferential direction) and which is the long or toe-to-calf direction in the sock.
  • the membrane is liable, if stretched too much, to rupture, and the fabric support constrains the membrane from stretching too much in the Y direction.
  • the Y direction is the direction in which the sock is stretched the most during donning and where rupturing of the membrane is most likely to occur.
  • the barrier component is provided with the ability to stretch in the circumferential direction by being provided with corrugation such that it can extend adequately in the X direction without actually stretching the material of the membrane itself. This provision however leaves no force by which the barrier component can return by itself to its original shape and size.
  • the fabric support and the adhesives are liable to introduce a degree of resistance to return of the barrier component to its original shape and size.
  • the circumferential elastic recovery properties of the inner sock ensure that the complete sock can and does return to its original shape and size on being put on the foot and gives a close fit.
  • This corrugation of the barrier component is achieved by placing the inner sock on a first former 250 (see Figure 3A) which is the same bag-like shape as the shape detined by the weld line 122 and the opening 123 (see Figure 2B) but slightly smaller and thus is of a size such that the inner sock (Figure 2A) has to stretch laterally to at least 150% both in the region below the ankle namely along the line C (in Figure 2A) and in the leg region above the ankle namely along the line A (in Figure 2A) as well as stretching at least this amount at the ankle, namely along the line B (in Figure 2A).
  • the oversize bag-like barrier component 100 (see Figure 2B) which is slightly larger than the former 250 (just enough to enable it to be slipped on over the inner sock on the former 250 without stretching) (and which carries dots of heat activatable adhesive on its inner surface) is slipped on over the inner sock on the former 250.
  • the adhesive dots are activated and secure the flat unstretched barrier component to the stretched inner sock.
  • the composite is removed from the former, wetted and dried to assist recovery of the inner sock. It recovers or shrinks back in the circumferential direction and induces corrugation in the barrier component.
  • the outer surface thereof (the support fabric) also had heat activatable adhesive dots formed on it.
  • the recovered inner sock carrying the corrugated barrier component is now mounted on a second former 260 (see Figure 3B) which is narrower than the former 250 but wider than the intended eventual size of the sock.
  • the outer sock (see Figure 2C) is stretched over the array and aligned over the inner sock and barrier component heel to heel and the adhesive dots activated.
  • the sock is then removed from the former 260 and wetted and dried so that the sock recovers to its final size due to the elastication.
  • the inner sock in the relaxed state is essentially neither compressed nor stretched, though there will be some stretching in the vicinity of the dots of adhesive and some compression in the regions between dots of adhesive.
  • the barrier component is corrugated, the corrugations extending generally along the length of the sock so that on radial stretching of the sock the barrier component can extend circumferentially without requiring any actual stretching of the membrane.
  • the outer sock also essentially neither compressed nor stretched in a radial direction, though there will again be some stretching in the vicinity of the dots of adhesive and some compression in the regions between the dots of adhesive, such stretching and compression not being such that the outer sock appears wrinkled or visually unacceptable.
  • Such localised compression will be greater in the inner sock than in the outer sock because it has been subjected to more stretching in the assembly process.
  • the inner sock is preferably ribbed with the ribs extending along the length of the sock.
  • the preferred inner sock (see Figure 2A) is a knitted sock of mock 1 x 1 rib sandwich terry construction, knitted on a 168 needle circular knitting machine with a 10.16 cm (4 inch) cylinder diameter.
  • leg and foot region will be described first then the heel and toe.
  • the fibre composition is 25 tex cotton backing yarn with 14 tex Tactel (Trade Mark) (microfibre nylon) used for the terry loop and on the face.
  • the laid-in yarn is 0.254 mm diameter rubber core covered with two 13 tex 20 filament textured nylon 66 yarns.
  • the laid-in yarn is laid into the knitted structure every other course (area 71), and laid in every course in two 7cm wide bands above and below the heel (area 70).
  • the areas 71 and 70 meet at the lines 72 and 73 (see Figure 2A). (This differential elastication assists in the fit of the final sock.)
  • the lines 72 and 73 can be moved so that the band in .the leg above the line B extends further up the sock for example 12 cms e.g. to or beyond the line A.
  • the band in the foot may extend down the foot a lesser distance e.g. 5 cms.
  • the elastic yarn is laid-in throughout the sock, in every course in the area or region 70 and in every other course in the areas or regions 71.
  • the ratio of the axial length (along the line 1f) of the region in which there is laying-in in every course above the ankle to the axial length of such laying-in below the ankle in this embodiment thus may range from 1:1 to 12:5, i.e. from 1:1 to 1.4:1.
  • the rubber content of the rubber/nylon laid-in yarn is 40% by weight.
  • the inner sock contains 30% by weight of the rubber/nylon yarn and the rubber content of this area is accordingly 12% by weight.
  • the inner sock contains 20% by weight of the rubber/nylon yarn and the rubber content of this area is accordingly 8% by weight.
  • a laid in yarn is a non-knitted thread which is incorporated into the fabric during the same knitting cycle as the ground structure of knitted threads which hold it in position.
  • Laid in yarns are therefore oriented in the circumferential direction when knitting on a circular machine as in this case.
  • a single strand of the laid-in rubber/nylon yam was tested on the tensometer as described above.
  • the Load at 50% extension was 0.16N and recovery was complete. i.e. recovery % is 0 and the Power Rating was high (in excess of 90%).
  • the Load at break was 5.3N and the Extension at break was 555%.
  • the socks are knitted to a finished width of 9.5 cms leg and foot diameter, measured along lines A and C on Figure 2A and have the shape shown in Figure 2A where the heel 75 has an exaggerated pouch shape.
  • the heel and toe are knitted with 25 tex cotton and 29 tex Tactel (Trade Mark) yarn, to give 15 courses per 2.54 cms (1 inch).
  • the heel has a special "Y" configuration which rotates the foot of the sock towards 90 degrees with regard to the leg.
  • Each limb of the "Y” is 2cm in length.
  • extra courses are knitted in to make the heel more pronounced and pouch shaped.
  • Figure 2D is a diagrammatic view of the courses in the heel portion 75 of Figure 2A and 2C.
  • Figure 2E is a diagrammatic view of the arrangement of the needles 80 and knitting sequence used to form the heel 75.
  • the "Y" configuration is knitted in six steps.
  • the first step 81 knits a number of courses at the leg width.
  • the second step 82 is a narrowing stage in which needles 90 at the edge of the array hold stitches.
  • the third step 83 is a widening stage.
  • the fourth step 84 is a narrowing stage which mirrors step 83.
  • the fifth step 85 is a widening stage which mirrors step 82.
  • the sixth step 86 knits a number of courses at foot width.
  • Elastic yarn is laid in only in steps 81 and 86 and is laid-in in every course.
  • steps 81 and 86 are exaggerated: in the as-knitted structure they lie substantially transverse to the leg and foot portions of the sock respectively.
  • the narrowings are set at 22/21 stitches to give a fairly pointed toe.
  • the toe closing is performed by the linking or Rosso techniques, in order to achieve the flat seam necessary to prevent damage to the membrane.
  • Figures 4A-4D are hysteresis curves of the inner sock.
  • Figures 4A and 4B were measured on areas (area 71) where every other course has laid in elastic;
  • Figures 4C and 4D were measured on areas (area 70) where every course has laid-in elastic;
  • the load at 50% extension, % recovery and power rating are given in Table 1.
  • Load values given are the load in Newtons per 5 cm width. Load @ 50% ext Recovery % Power Rating 1. Every other course has in-laid elastic: circumferential dir Figure 4A 0.9N 2% 68% 2. Every other course has in-laid elastic: Y dir Figure 4B 15N 12% 3% 3. Every course has in-laid elastic: circumferential dir Figure 4C 1.66N 3% 79% 4. Every course has in-laid elastic: Y dir Figure 4D 14.5N 15% 6%
  • Figures 5A and 5B are extension to break curves for area 71 and Figures 5C and 5D are extension to break curves for area 70.
  • Load at break and extension at break values are given in Table 2.
  • the preferred membrane 120 is a waterproof breathable film sold by Porvair International Ltd, King's Lynn, England (and identified as PORELLE (RTM) V (hereafter P5)) which is 40 microns in thickness and weighs about 50 g/m 2 .
  • the membrane is a hydrophilic polyurethane, and uses a system of absorption and desorption to transmit water vapour without allowing water droplets to penetrate.
  • This membrane has a water vapour permeability index of 70-90% when measured in accordance with BS 7209, the British Standard Specification for Water Vapour Permeable apparel fabrics.
  • Figures 6A and 6B are hysteresis curves for the membrane in the X and Y directions respectively; load at 50% extension, recovery % and power rating are given in Table 3. Load @ 50% ext Recovery % Power Rating 9. P5 X direction Figure 6A 10.8N 5.5% 56% 10. P5 Y direction Figure 6B 11.5N 4% 55%
  • Figures 6C and 6D are extension to break curves for the membrane in the X and Y directions and load at break and extension at break are given in Table 4. Load @ break Extension @ break 11. P5 X direction Figure 6C 30N 428% 12. P5 Y direction Figure 6D 45N 500%
  • the film is reinforced by laminating to a finely knitted polyester support fabric which weighs 38 grams/square metre (gsm). This is 100% polyester, weft inserted, monostretch warp knitted fabric which is sold by Haensel GmbH under the reference 1708E. This fabric is present to prevent the membrane being over extended in the Y direction as the sock is donned and removed.
  • Figure 7A is a hysteresis curve for the support fabric in the circumferential direction; when the fabric was stretched in the Y direction it broke at.39% extension and thus a 50% hysteresis curve cannot be produced.
  • the load at 50% extension, recovery % and power rating for the support fabric is given in Table 5.
  • Figures 7C and 7D are extension to break curves for the support fabric in the circumferential and Y directions and load at break and extension at break are given in Table 6. Load @ break Extension @ break 15. Support fabric circumferential direction Figure 7C 120N 140% 16. Support fabric Y direction Figure 7D 198N 39%
  • the laminate of the membrane 120 with the support fabric 140 constitutes the barrier component 100 (see Figure 1).
  • the laminate of the film and the support fabric are held together by a polyamide based, thermoplastic adhesive 125 in dot form.
  • the dots are created by applying the adhesive through a screen which has a random pattern of holes. 0.55mm in diameter, at a density of 52 per square cm.
  • Both outer surfaces (121 and 141) of the laminate are also coated with adhesive dots (55 and 145), which are used to hold the sock together once it is assembled. It is necessary for the adhesive to be discontinuous, i.e. in dot form, so that the corrugation of the membrane can occur.
  • the dots on the outer surfaces (121 and 141) are applied using a screen with dot size 0.65mm, spaced at 22 dots per square cm.
  • the adhesive is discontinuous.
  • the adhesive dots 125 for joining the support fabric 140 to the membrane 120 occupy about 12% of the plan area of the barrier component (i.e. when it is flat).
  • the adhesive dots 55 and 145 on the outer surfaces of the barrier component for securing it to the surfaces 51 and 201 occupy, as applied about 7% of the plan area of the barrier component (i.e. when it is flat).
  • the adhesive dots may increase slightly in area.
  • the laminate withstands a hydrostatic head pressure exceeding 0.7 Kg/cm2 (10psi).
  • the laminate is cut into oversize sock shapes (see Figure 2B) which have a leg diameter of 19cm and a foot diameter of 14.7cm. measured along lines A and C on Figure 2B.
  • the shape of the oversize sock shape is a graduated curve from toe to "welt" with no heel position (see Figure 2B). Pairs of these barrier component shapes are welded, membrane sides together, along their edges to form waterproof and breathable barrier components.
  • Figure 8A is a hysteresis curve for the barrier component in the X direction; the material would not perform the extension cycle in the Y direction since it would not stretch to 50% extension. and broke at 230N.
  • This data demonstrates the directions nature of the barrier component. As mentioned above. this is achieved by lamination of the membrane to the support fabric, which prevents excessive stretching of the membrane in the Y direction when the sock is donned and removed, which would damage it.
  • Figure 8C and 8D are extension to break curves for the barrier component in the X and Y directions and load to break and extension at break are given in Table 8. Load @ break Extension @ break 19. P5 with support fabric: X dir Figure 8C 94N 106% 20. P5 with support fabric: Y dir Figure 8D 230N 39%
  • the outer sock is a flat knitted sock produced on a 168 needle circular knitting machine with a 10.16cm (4 inch) diameter cylinder, with different compositions in the leg and foot and in the heel and toe regions.
  • the fibre composition is 25 tex cotton plated with a nylon/elastane air mingled yarn.
  • This elastic yarn is a 22dtex elastane core with 78dtex nylon 66.
  • the core is loosely wrapped with air mingled nylon. The plating is performed so that the cotton is on the outer surface of the sock.
  • the elastane content of the nylon/elastane yarn used in the outer sock is 6.5% by weight.
  • the outer sock contains 30% by weight of the nylon/elastane yarn.
  • the outer sock contains about 2% of elastane.
  • the nylon/elastane yam can be obtained from Wykes of Leicester, England identified as 5005.
  • the socks are knitted to a finished width of 9.5 cms leg and foot diameter, measured at points A and C on Figure 2C.
  • the heel and toe are knitted with 25 tex cotton and 29 tex nylon, to a give 16 courses per 2.54cm (1 inch).
  • the heel has a "Y" configuration. Each limb of the "Y" is 2cm in length.
  • the narrowings are set at 22/21. Toe closing is performed by the linking or Rosso techniques, in order to achieve the necessary flat seam.
  • the outer sock is knitted with a straight welt 205 which is turned in after the outer sock has been laminated to the barrier component.
  • Figures 9A and 9B are hysteresis curves for the outer sock in the circumferential and Y directions; load at 50% extension, recovery % and power rating are given in Table 9. Load @ 50% ext Recovery % Power Rating 21. Outer sock: circumferential dir Figure 9A 1N 5% 34% 22. Outer sock: Y dir Figure 9B 1.8N 1% 40%
  • Figures 10A and 10B are extension to break curves for the outer sock in the circumferential and Y directions; load at break and extension at break are given in Table 10. Load @ break Extension @ break 23. Outer sock: circumferential dir Figure 10A 134N 225% 24. Outer sock: Y dir Figure 10B 250N 208%
  • the inner sock (see Figure 2A) is stretched, terry side out, over a former 250.
  • the former 250 (see Figure 3A) is made from 3mm thick plastic or metal. It is the same shape as the welded barrier component (see Figure 2B). and only slightly smaller.
  • the inner sock originally 9.5cm in diameter along lines A and C (see Figure 2A). therefore has to stretch to 155% along C and to 200% along A to fit over the former 250.
  • the welded barrier component is placed over the inner sock with the support fabric facing outwards without stretching. It fits closely.
  • This assembly is sandwiched between sheets of release paper and pressed in a flat bed press for 30 seconds at a glue line temperature of 120°C and under a pressure of 1.4 kg/cm 2 (20 psi).
  • the purpose of the release paper is to prevent the adhesive dots on the outer surface of the fabric support of the barrier component from sticking to the press. The heat from the press softens the adhesive dots on the inner surface of the barrier component and adheres it to the inner sock.
  • the work is removed from the press and rotated on the former by approximately 3cm. It is pressed again for a further 30 seconds at the same temperature and pressure. The rotation of the work allows the material which lay along the edges of the former during the initial pressing to be laminated.
  • the composite is removed from the former, soaked in water, and dried. This promotes elastic recovery of the inner sock so that when dry the barrier component has corrugated in the spaces between the points where it is adhered to the inner sock, this may involve folding down between the ribs in the ribbed construction.
  • the composite is stretched over a second former 260 as shown in Figure 3B.
  • This former is made from the same material as the first, but is different in shape. Instead of a smooth curve as in the former 250 (see Figure 3A), a heel shape 210 is introduced into the former 260 to rotate the foot towards the position that the sock will assume when worn.
  • the dimensions of the former 260 are 13cm at C (the foot) and 15.5cm at A (the leg) when measured along the lines C and A on Fig 3B.
  • the outer sock is applied over the composite with its cotton face outermost.
  • the heel of the outer sock is lined up with the heel of the inner sock, and the material adjusted so that it is distributed evenly around the board.
  • This assembly is pressed in a flat bed press for 30 seconds at a glue line temperature of 120°C and under a pressure of 1.4 kg/cm 2 (20 psi). It is removed, the composite rotated on the former as before, and pressed again.
  • the laminated sock After pressing the laminated sock is removed from the former, washed in water at 40°C and treated with a cationic fabric conditioner to improve the handle of the finished sock. It is then dried. The sock recovers to its final size due to the elastication.
  • the welt of the outer sock is turned in so that its edge covers the edge of the inner sock and barrier component, and it is sewn in position with a blind hemming machine, using polyester thread.
  • the finished sock withstands a hydrostatic head pressure in excess of 0.7 kg/cm 2 (10 psi).
  • the complete sock exhibited a water vapour permeability index of 50-60% when tested in accordance with BS3424 Part 34 1992: Method 37: Determination of Water Vapour Permeability index.
  • the sock has a leg width of 9.5cm, and a foot width of 9.5cm, as measured alng the lines A and C on Fig 2C.
  • Table 11 tabulates the leg, foot and heel to ankle widths of the components and the formers and the finished sock.
  • AI, BI and CI are for the inner sock; AO, BO and CO are for the outer sock.
  • the inner sock stretches at A from 9.5 to 18.8, i.e. the increase in AI is to 198%; at C from 9.5 to 14.5, i.e. the increase in CI is to 153%; at B from 12 to 18.2, i.e. the increase in BI is to 152%.
  • the outer sock stretches at A from 9.5 to 15.5, i.e. the increase in AO is to 163%; at C from 9.5 to 13, i.e. the increase in CO is to 137%; at B from 12 to 16.2, i.e. the increase in BO is to 135%.
  • the ratio AO/AI % increase in AO (63%) to Al (98%) is 0.64:1; the ratio CO/CT is 37/53 or 0.7:1; and the ratio BO/BI is 35/52 or 0.67:1. More broadly the ratios AO/AI, CO/CI and BO/BI are desirably each in the range 0.2:1 to 0.9:1 or 0.3:1 to 0.8:1. If the outer sock is stretched too much it will itself wrinkle and give an unacceptable appearance to the exterior of the sock. If the outer sock is stretched too little it will prevent the barrier component being able to extend sufficiently to make proper use of the corrugation, i.e. the sock will no longer be able to be drawn easily over the heel.
  • Figures 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D are hysteresis curves for the complete sock; Figures 11A and 11B being for the region of the sock where the inner sock has elastic every other course (i.e. the area 71) in the circumferential and Y directions; Figures 11C and 11D being for the region of the sock where the inner sock has elastic every course (i.e. the area 70) in the circumferential and Y directions.
  • the values of load at 50% extension, recovery % and power rating are given in Table 12. Load @ 50% ext Recovery % Power Rating 25.
  • Complete sock where inner has elastic every other course: circumferential dir Figure 11A 3.6N 5% 48% 26.
  • Figures 11E, 11F, 11G and 11H correspond to Figures 11A to 11D and are extension to break curves. Table 13 gives the load at break and extension at break. Load @ break Extension @ break 29.
  • inner and outer socks are knitted and in this specific embodiment both are circular knitted socks.
  • the inner sock has elastic yarns lain-in in the circumferential direction
  • the outer sock is circular knitted from yarns, some of which contain elastic.
  • the amount of elastic yarn in the inner sock is more than in the outer sock.
  • the elastic yarn does not have to be laid-in to every course and indeed the frequency of laying in can vary from region to region of the sock.
  • Socks made as described below have been subject to wear trials and have survived in excess of 200 hours wearing and 10 concomitant washings, whilst retaining their as-knitted dimensions, namely the length (A) (at the leg) remained at 9.5cm and the length (C) (at the foot) remained at 9.5 cm.
  • the same socks after such use exhibited a load at 50% extension of only 6.1N compared to 5.4 for socks made to the same specification before use, a % recovery of 6% as compared to 4% for socks made to the same specification before use, and a power rating of 50% as compared to 63% for socks made to the same specification before use..
  • the leg and foot were knitted with 14 tex nylon with 25 tex cotton used for the terry loop and on the face.
  • the elastication was as Example 1, but with the area 70 extending 7cm up the leg, and 5cm along the foot.
  • the socks were knitted to a finished width of 9.5cm leg and foot diameter, measured along the lines A and C as in Example 1.
  • the heel and toe were knitted with 25 tex cotton and 29 tex nylon and had terry construction. As in Example 1, they were knitted to give 15 courses per 2.54 cm.
  • the barrier component was as in Example 1.
  • the outer sock was a flat knitted sock produced on a 200 needle circular knitting machine with a 9.53 cm (3.75 inch) diameter cylinder.
  • the leg and foot were knitted as in Example 1, and to a finished width of 9.5 cm leg and foot, measured along the lines A and C as in
  • the heel and toe were knitted with 25 tex cotton and 29 tex nylon, and had full terry consruction. They were knitted to give 17-18 courses per 2.54 cm.
  • the Y heel and narrowings at the toe were as in Example 1.
  • the assembly process was similar to that specified in Example 1, except that the inner sock was put over the first former with the terry loop against the former. To activate the adhesive, a continuous press was used.
  • the sock was removed from the second former and treated with a cationic fabric softener for 20 minutes at 45oC.
  • Equivalent socks made to the same specification but without the laid-in elastic do not have elastic properties which cause them to recover to the width of the ankle after being extended over the long heel during donning of the sock. Such socks do not fit closely when new and will fit even less closely after repeated wearings and washings. If such socks are made small enough to fit the ankle closely, then they cannot be put on, the force needed to extend the sock over the heel being too great, and likely to result either in damage to the sock or injury to the wearer.
  • Composite socks in accordance with the invention were made up from inner and outer socks which were different from those used in example 1.
  • the properties of the as-made composite socks, prior to use, are given in Table 14 below.
  • Sock A is a mock 1x1 rib construction, without terry. It was knitted on a 156 needle circular knitting machine with an 8.9 cm (3.5 inch) cylinder diameter.
  • the fibre composition was 1/30s Nm polyester (Coolmax TM) plated with 1/70s Nm nylon (leg and foot) and 1/30s Nm polyester (Coolmax TM) plated with 2/70s Nm nylon (heel and toe).
  • the rubber elastic yarn was Wykes 100s rubber core covered with two 1/78 Nm, 20 filament textured nylon 66 yarns laid-in in every course.
  • the sock was knitted Lo a finished width of 9cm leg and foot diameters measured along the lines A and C.
  • Sock B is a mock 1x1 rib sandwich terry construction. It was knitted on a 168 needle circular knitting machine with a 10 cm (4 inch) cylinder diameter.
  • the fibre composition was 1/24 Ne cotton backing yarn with 1/70 Nm nylon (Tactel TM) used for the terry loop and on the face (leg and foot), and 1/24 Ne cotton and 2/70 Nm nylon (Tactel TM) (heel and toe).
  • the rubber elastic yarn was Wykes 100s rubber core covered with two 1/78 Nm, 20 filament textured nylon 66 yarns laid-in in every course.
  • the sock was knitted to a finished width of 9.5cm leg and foot diameters measured along the lines A and C.
  • Sock C is flat knit construction. It was knitted on a 168 needle circular knitting machine with a 10 cm (4 inch) cylinder diameter.
  • the fibre composition for both the leg and foot and heel and toe regions was 1/24 Ne cotton yarn with 2/70 Nm nylon backing yarn. This sock does not contain a rubber elastic yarn.
  • the sock was knitted to a finished width of 9.5cm leg and foot diameters measured along the lines A and C.
  • the structure of the socks of the present invention is such that there are no seams in the socks themselves (except for the toe closure) and that there is but a single welded seam in the barrier component. This avoids the need for taped and stitched seams and increases the comfort of the sock on the foot. The risk of abrasion, blisters or discomfort due to the presence of stitched and taped seams as used in the prior art is avoided.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Socks And Pantyhose (AREA)
EP98907030A 1997-03-07 1998-02-23 Socks Expired - Lifetime EP0964623B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9704792 1997-03-07
GBGB9704792.2A GB9704792D0 (en) 1997-03-07 1997-03-07 Socks
US4412397P 1997-04-22 1997-04-22
US44123P 1997-04-22
PCT/GB1998/000567 WO1998039982A1 (en) 1997-03-07 1998-02-23 Socks

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0964623A1 EP0964623A1 (en) 1999-12-22
EP0964623B1 true EP0964623B1 (en) 2003-04-16

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EP98907030A Expired - Lifetime EP0964623B1 (en) 1997-03-07 1998-02-23 Socks

Country Status (9)

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EP (1) EP0964623B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP2001514712A (ja)
AT (1) ATE237241T1 (ja)
AU (1) AU6301998A (ja)
CA (1) CA2283402A1 (ja)
DE (1) DE69813525T2 (ja)
DK (1) DK0964623T3 (ja)
GB (1) GB2323520B (ja)
WO (1) WO1998039982A1 (ja)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6139929A (en) * 1997-03-07 2000-10-31 Porvair Plc Socks
GB2350050A (en) * 1999-07-10 2000-11-22 Denis Beresford Jetto Waterproof breathable sock
GB2444475B (en) * 2006-12-07 2009-02-18 Pil Membranes Ltd A sock
DE102007001950B4 (de) * 2007-01-12 2014-02-27 W + R Gmbh Strickhandschuh mit einem Besatz
JP5284700B2 (ja) * 2007-11-09 2013-09-11 花王株式会社 発熱具
GB2501877A (en) * 2012-05-08 2013-11-13 Ian Jones Footwear with a ground contactable region comprising a vapour permeable material
CN105533814B (zh) * 2016-01-27 2018-08-28 浙江东方百富袜业制造有限公司 具有足背防护和耐磨减震功能的自行车运动袜
IT201700117330A1 (it) * 2017-10-17 2019-04-17 Intellectual Sport Gear S R L Tessuto a maglia strutturato e relativo sistema di realizzazione.

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FI77698C (fi) * 1982-11-19 1989-04-10 Gore & Ass Polytetrafluoretenlaminat foer skodon.
US4761324B1 (en) * 1987-06-24 1991-05-07 Elastic,laminated,water-proof,moisture-permeable fabric
US4809447A (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-03-07 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Waterproof breathable sock
GB8802933D0 (en) * 1988-02-09 1988-03-09 Porvair Ltd Porelle/stretchable fabric composite & socks therefrom
US5418044A (en) * 1988-05-07 1995-05-23 Akzo N.V. Irreversibly stretchable laminate comprising layers of woven or knitted fabrics and water-vapor permeable films
US4935287A (en) * 1989-08-30 1990-06-19 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Stretchable laminate constructions
US5483703A (en) * 1992-10-09 1996-01-16 Williams; Cole Waterproof, breathable articles of apparel for a wearer's extremities
US5655226A (en) * 1992-10-09 1997-08-12 Williams; Cole Article of waterproof, breathable apparel and the method of making same
US5415924A (en) * 1993-02-05 1995-05-16 Aquatic Design Waterproof, breathable fabric for outdoor athletic apparel
US5430896A (en) * 1993-08-02 1995-07-11 Bisley; Bill D. Water resistant sock
US5529830A (en) * 1994-05-25 1996-06-25 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Two-way stretchable fabric laminate and articles made from it

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Publication number Publication date
DK0964623T3 (da) 2003-08-11
EP0964623A1 (en) 1999-12-22
WO1998039982A1 (en) 1998-09-17
DE69813525T2 (de) 2004-02-26
ATE237241T1 (de) 2003-05-15
GB2323520B (en) 2001-04-25
DE69813525D1 (de) 2003-05-22
AU6301998A (en) 1998-09-29
JP2001514712A (ja) 2001-09-11
GB2323520A (en) 1998-09-30
GB9803792D0 (en) 1998-04-15
CA2283402A1 (en) 1998-09-17

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