IE20090678U1 - An orthopaedic hosiery item - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT A hosiery item (l,2,3,4,5), such as a sock, made from an elastic material to provide skintight fit when worn comprises a foot portion (6) and a leg portion (7); a first anchor loop (8) and a second anchor loop (9) adapted respectively to be fastened around a wearer's leg and around a toe region of the wearer's foot; and at least one tension element (10) extending between the first and the second anchor loops (8,9) in co-operative engagement with the material of the hosiery item (1 ,2,3,4,5). When the hosiery item (1,2,3,4,5) is worn, the tension element (10) follows the contour of the wearer's foot and leg together with the material of the hosiery item (1,2,3,4,5) and . becomes taut between the first and the second anchor loops (8,9). The tension element (10) exerts a static force on the toe region of the foot which force follows the path of the tension element (10) along the material of the hosiery item (l,2,3,4,5). The static force is sufficient to maintain the foot at least substantially perpendicular the leg or in dorsiflexion; and to limit plantar flexion of the foot.

Description

The present invention relates to an orthopaedic hosiery item for preventing, relieving and eliminating foot and leg cramps, such as, for example, but not limited thereto, an orthopaedic sock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known that in order to provide relief from a foot or a leg cramp, the foot has to be biased towards the leg in order to stretch the cramped muscles. Various methods are known for relieving foot and calf cramps, such as, for example, gripping and pulling the big toe with one’s hand, bearing on one’s toe while standing, pinching the calf or submerging ' the foot or leg in icy water. Socks made from rough wool are believed to provide a cramp relieving massage. Night splints are available in the tom of rigid L-shaped supports or boots which are heavy, cumbersome and restrict wearer's mobility.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved, comfortable, easy to use and inexpensive orthopaedic implement for preventing and relieving foot and leg cramps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a hosiery item comprising a foot portion, comprising a toe region, a heel region, an upper side and a sole side; and a leg portion, comprising an anterior face, a posterior face and a pair of side faces; the foot portion and the leg portion being made from an elastic material, and the hosiery item being configured to provide skin-tight fit when worn; the hosiery item further comprising a first anchor loop adapted to be fastened around a wearer’s leg; a second anchor loop adapted to be fastened around toe region of the wearer's foot; and at least one tension element extending between the first and the second anchor loops; T the tension element being arranged in co—operative engagement with the material of the hosiery item at the foot portion and at the leg portion of the hosiery item so that when the hosiery item is worn, the tension element follows the contour of the wearer's foot and leg together with the material of the hosiery item at the foot portion and at the leg portion of the hosiery item; and the tension element becomes taut between the first and the second anchor loops, the tension being selected such that the tension element exerts a static force on the toe region of the foot, the static force being sufficient to maintain the foot at least substantially perpendicular the leg or in dorsiflexion; and thereby to limit plantar flexion of the foot.

Due to the above-described arrangement, the hosiery item of the present invention is not in any way prevented from being used for its direct purpose, i.e. as a regular leg wear. Concurrently, the hosiery item of the invention helps to prevent, relieve or eliminate foot and/or leg cramps without causing discomfort and without being as bulky and cumbersome as prior art devices. Because the tension element is engaged with the material of the hosiery item at least during wear so as to follow the contour of the foot and the leg, the hosiery item of the invention does not interfere with the environment to any greater extent than a regular hosiery item. The static force which maintains the foot substantially perpendicular to the leg or in dorsiflexion (i.e. bent towards the leg) follows the path of the tension element along the material of the hosiery item. Accordingly, the present invention provides comfortable, easy and safe to use, aesthetic in appearance orthopaedic hosiery item.

Ideally, the tension of the tension element in the taut mode is selected such that the substantially right angle between the leg and the foot and/or dorsiflexion of the foot are maintained when the leg and the foot are supine (i.e. inactive or relaxed), such as but not limited thereto, during sleep or when lying on a sofa. At the same time, ideally, the tension of the tension element in the taut mode is selected such that it can be overcome, if and/or when required or desired, without unduly straining muscles of the foot and the leg by moving the foot in the direction of plantar flexion (i.e. bending away from the leg), whereby the static force continues to act on the toe region of the foot along the tension element thereby acting on the relevant muscles in the foot and in the leg so as to prevent, relieve or eliminate foot or leg cramp.

Although the hosiery item of the present invention can indeed be used to eliminate a cramp by putting it on when the cramp has already occurred and is lasting, the more beneficial use of the hosiery item of the invention comprises wearing it in order to prevent a cramp from occurring. The unique configuration of the hosiery item of the present invention enables regular daily use of the hosiery item while at the same time helps to prevent foot and leg cramps from occurring. Advantageously, the hosiery item of the present invention can also be worn nightly, either specifically to prevent night foot and leg cramps, or, as the case may be, as well as for warming the leg and the foot.

The presently described arrangement of the tension element with respect to the foot portion and the leg portion of the hosiery item provides the advantage that the hosiery item does not interfere with surrounding objects and normal movements of the wearer are not affected. ideally, the tension of the material of the hosiery item is sufficient to maintain the tension element in the skin-tight contact with the wearer’s foot and leg.

In one modification, the tension element can be connected to the second anchor loop at the sole side of the foot portion so as to wrap over the toe region unto the upper side of the foot portion. Thus, when the hosiery item is worn, the foot is maintained as described above, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the leg, or in dorsiflexion, and, additionally, the toes, preferably the big toe, experience an upwardly (in relation to the foot upper face) directed force which attempts to move the toes or the big toe into a position at an angle to the upper face of the foot, thereby enhancing the cramp preventing and relieving effectof the hosiery item of the present invention. In this modification, the tension of the tension element in the taut mode is selected such that when the foot is dorsiflexed, neutral or plantar flexed, the toes or the big toe remain under the influence of the upwardly directed force, thereby maintaining the cramp preventing and relieving function even when the foot is plantar flexed. Additional one or more stiffening elements can be provided at the toe region of the foot portion of the hosiery item so that the toe region is maintained bent upwards in relation to the upper side of the foot portion whether the hosiery item is in use or not.

Most preferably, the tension experienced by the tension element when the hosiery item is worn is sufficiently greater than the tension experienced by the elastic material of the hosiery item along the same path.

Ideally, the first and the second anchor loops are adapted to be securely fastened to the wearer's leg and foot, respectively.

Ideally, an adjustment means is provided for adjusting and setting the tension of the tension element.

In one variation, the tension element is made from an elastic material. In one such variation the tension element is secured to the material of the hosiery item so that the material of the hosiery item is gathered when the tension element is relaxed. When the tension element is in the taut mode, the tension experienced by the tension element is greater than the tension experienced by the elastic material of the hosiery item along the same path. in another variation, the tension element is movably engaged with the material of the hosiery item, so that the tension of the tension element can be varied as required or desired. In this modification, the tension element can be made either from an inelastic or an elastic material.

Preferably, In order to minimize any interference with the environment and to preserve the appearance of a regular hosiery item, the tension element is disposed inside the hosiery item (i.e. at the side that comes into contact with the foot and the leg during wear). In this modification, it is, in principle, sufficient for the hosiery item to be attached only to the first and the second anchor loops. When the material of the hosiery item is skin-tightly taut on the foot and on the leg due to its own elasticity, it holds the tension element in the same skin-tight contact with the wearer's foot and the leg. However, it is more convenient when the tension element is attached, whether movably or immovably, to the material of the hosiery item at one or more locations between the first and the second anchor loops. It will be appreciated that in other variations, the tension element is disposed on the outside of the hosiery item as well as partially on the inside partially on the outside.

IEo9o6 In variations of the hosiery item of-the invention, the tension element is disposed with regard to the foot portion and the leg portion of the hosiery item so as to extend in use along the anterior face of the leg portion, or along one or both sides of the leg portion, or partially along the anterior face and partially along one or both sides of the leg portion or indeed along a helical path around the leg. it will be appreciated that other ways for disposing the tension element with respect to the material of the hosiery item are envisaged within the scope of the invention as long as the tension element is taut between the first and the second anchor loops and follows the contour of the foot and the ieg together with the material of the hosiery item.

In one embodiment, the tension element comprises at least one strap. In one arrangement the strap is elastic. in one variation, the elastic strap is secured, e.g. by way of stitching, to the material of the hosiery item, so as to gather it when the strap is relaxed, and so that upon stretching, the strap is taut more than the material of the hosiery item and, accordingly, the tension experienced by the strap is greater than the tension experienced by the material of the hosiery item. Alternatively, the tension element is formed by a plurality of reinforced elastic stitches which gather the material of the hosiery item between the first and the second anchor loops and function in the same manner as the above-described strap.

In another arrangement, the strap, whether elastic or inelastic, is movably engaged between the first and the second anchor loops, and, ideally, with the material of the hosiery item for adjusting and setting the required or desired tension of the strap. The strap can be engaged with the relevant anchor loop and/or with the material of the hosiery item via one or more guide members, such as for example, one or more loops or a duct. in such a variation, the strap is secured at least to one of the first and the second anchor loops and has a free end movably engaged with the other of the first and the second anchor loops. The strap is pulled at the free end in order to achieve required or desired tension of the strap. A fastener, e.g. a Velcro fastener, button-and-hole, hook-and-loop, tie etc, is provided at the relevant anchor loop to secure the strap in the required or desired taut mode.

In a further embodiment, the tension element comprises one or more laces movably engaged between the first and the second anchor loops, and, ideally with the material of the hosiery item by way of one or more guide members, for example, holes or ducts. The laces can be elastic or inelastic and are attached and tightened in a manner similar to the one described above in relation to the strap described in the preceding paragraph and tied to secure them in the taut mode.

The leg portion of the hosiery item of the invention preferably has a length sufficient to cover at least the ankle during wear. Preferably, the length of the leg portion is such that the leg portion at least partially, and ideally fully, covers the wearer's calf during wear. In principle, the leg portion can extend any length along the leg beyond the ankle.

In a preferred arrangement, the first anchor loop is secured to the leg portion of the hosiery item. It will be however appreciated that the first anchor loop need not be necessarily secured to the hosiery item. Whether or not secured to the material of the leg portion of the hosiery item, the first anchor loop is sufficiently fastened to the leg, preferably in the calf region, and ideally above the calf in order to prevent the anchor loop from sliding down the leg under the static force exerted by the tension element.

The second anchor loop is preferably secured to the toe region of the foot portion of the hosiery item for convenience. in principle however, the second anchor portion can be removably secured to the toe region or indeed be directly fastenable to the toe region of a wearer's foot without being attached to the hosiery item.

In one embodiment, each or both of the first and the second anchor loop are configured to fit tightly around leg or foot, respectively, preferably tighter than does the elastic material of the hosiery item, so that neither anchor loop becomes displaced from its fastened position when the tension element becomes taut. Ideally, the first and the second anchor loops are adapted to be substantially immovably fastened to leg or foot, respectively. It will be appreciated that the anchor loop can elastic as well as inelastic.

Whether elastic or inelastic, the anchor loop can comprise an arrangement for adjusting the tightness of the fit of the relevant anchor loop.

Preferably, but without any limitation thereto, the hosiery item comprises a sock, and more preferably a calf-high or a knee-high sock. lE09oe30 DETAILED DESCRlPT|ON OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of an orthopaedic hosiery item according to the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hosiery item according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a further embodiment of a hosiery item according to the invention; Figure 3 is a side view of yet a further embodiment of a hosiery item according to the invention; Figure 4 is a side view of still a further embodiment of a hosiery item according to the invention; Figure 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a hosiery item according to the invention; A hosiery item of the present invention as exemplified hereunder, comprises a sock generally indicated by reference numerals 1 to 5 in Figures 1 to 5, respectively. Like parts of socks 1 to 5 have been indicated using like reference numerals.

With reference initially to Figures 1 to 5, sock (1 ,2,3,4,5) comprises a foot portion 6 which has a toe region 6a, a heel region 6b, a sole side 6c and an upper side 6d. The sock (1,2,3,4,5) also comprises a leg portion 7 which has an anterior face 7a and a The sock (1 ,2,3,4,5) of the presently described embodiments is a knee-high or a calf-high sock. Such a On the other hand, the sock (1,2,3,4,5) of such a length is suitable for use as a sports apparel for soccer, rugby posterior face 7b, a pair of side faces (not shown) and a rim end 7c. length, on the one hand, is believed to provide a more secure fit. and other sports while at the same time preventing, relieving or eliminating foot and/or leg cramps which happen frequently to athletes.

The foot portion 6 and the leg portion 7 are made from an elastic material, which can be a woven or knitted elastic material, in order to provide skin-tight fit when the sock (1 ,2,3,4,5) is worn.

The sock (1,2,3,4,5) includes an arrangement for preventing, relieving or eliminating foot and/or leg cramps comprising a first anchor loop 8 provided adjacent the rim end 7c of the leg portion 7. The first anchor loop 8 fits tightly around a wearer's leg.

A second anchor loop 9 is provided at the toe region 6a of the foot portion 6. The second anchor loop 9 fits tightly around the toe part of the wearer’s foot. In the presently described embodiments of Figures 1 to 5 the anchor loops (8, 9) comprise elastic straps stitched or othenrvise secured to the sock material.

A tension element indicated generally by reference numeral 10 in Figures 1 to 5 In the presently described embodiments, the tension element 10 is engaged with the material of extends between and is attached to the first and the second anchor loops (8, 9). the sock (1,2,3,4,5) at the foot portion 6 and at the leg portion 7 of the sock along the length of the tension element 10. When the sock is worn, the tension element 10 becomes taut between the first and the second anchor loops (8, 9) so that the tension element 10 exerts a static force on the toe region of the foot. The tension of the tension element 10 is selected such that this static force is sufficient to maintain the foot at least substantially perpendicular the leg (as shown if Figures 1 to 5) or in dorsiflexion; and in this manner to limit plantar flexion of the foot. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the tension element 10 follows the contour of the wearer's foot and leg together with the material of the sock (1,2,3,4,5) both at the foot portion 6 and at the leg portion 7of the sock (1,2,3,4,5). The tension experienced by the tension element 10 when the sock (1,2,3,4,5) is worn is sufficiently greater than the tension experienced by the elastic material of the sock along the same path and so that the toe region of the foot experiences a force which attempts to pull the toe region upwards, i.e. in the direction of the leg. The tension of the material of the sock (1,2,3,4,5) is sufficient to maintain the tension element 10 in the skin- tight with the wearers foot and leg.

Due to the above-described structure, the sock (1 ,2,3,4,5) of the present invention is not in any way prevented from being used for its direct purpose, i.e. as a regular sock.

At the same time, the sock (1,2,3,4,5) of the invention helps to prevent, relieve or eliminate foot andlor leg cramps without causing discomfort and without being as bulky as known devices designed specifically for the purpose of relieving cramps. Because the tension element 10 is engaged with the material of the sock (1 ,2,3,4,5) so as to follow the contour of the foot and the leg, the sock (1 ,2,3,4,5) of the invention does not interfere with the environment to any greater extent than a similar regular sock. The static force which lEo9oe 9 maintains the foot substantially perpendicular to the leg or in dorsiflexion (i.e. bent towards the leg) follows the path of the tension element 10 along the material of the sock, as indicated by arrows A in the drawings.

The tension of the tension element 10 in the taut mode is selected such that the substantially right angle between the leg and the foot and/or dorsiflexion of the foot is maintained when the leg and the foot are supine (i.e. inactive or relaxed), such as but not limited thereto, during sleep or when lying on a sofa. At the same time, the tension of the tension element 10 in the taut mode is selected such that it can be overcome, if and/or when required or desired, without unduly straining muscles of the foot and the leg by moving the foot in the direction of plantar flexion (i.e. bending away from the leg). The static force continues to act on the toe region of the foot along the tension element 10 thereby acting on the relevant muscles in the foot and in the leg so as to prevent, relieve or eliminate foot or leg cramp.

In the presently described embodiments, the anchor loops (8, 9) and the tension element 10 are provided on the inside of the sock, i.e. the side which comes into contact with the foot and the leg when the sock is worn in order to minimize any interference with the environment and to preserve the appearance of a regular sock. It will be appreciated that in other modifications (not shown), the tension element 10 can be disposed on the outside of the sock (1,2,3,4,5) as well as partially on the inside, partially on the outside of the sock (1 ,2,3,4,5). in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, the tension element 10 comprises at least one strap 10a made from an elastic material. The strap 10a is secured (e.g. stitched) to the sock material so that the sock material is gathered when the strap 10a is relaxed.

When the sock (1, 5) is worn, the strap 10a becomes taut between the anchor loops (8, 9) and the tension experienced by the strap 10a is greater than the tension experienced by the elastic material of the sock (1, 5) along the same path. Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, the tension element 10 can be formed by a plurality of reinforced elastic stitches which gather the material of the sock (1, 5) between the first and the second anchor loops (8,9) in the same manner as the strap 10a.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the tension element 10 extends along the upper side 6d of the foot portion 6 of the sock (1,4,5) along a lower region of the iEo906 anterior face 7a of the ieg portion 7 and along one or, in case the sock (1,4,5) is provided with a pair of tension elements 10, along both sides of the leg portion 7. In these embodiments, the tension element 10 is attached to the first anchor loop 8 at the posterior face 7b of the leg portion 7 of the sock (1 ,4,5). In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tension strap 10b is similar to the strap 10a of Figures 1 and 5 and extends along the upper side 6d of the foot portion 6 of the sock (2,3) along the anterior face 7a of the leg portion 7 and is attached to the first anchor loop 8 at the anterior face 7a of the leg portion 7 of the sock (2,3). It will be appreciated that other ways for disposing the tension element with respect to the sock material are envisaged within the scope of the invention. in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, an adjustment means is provided for adjusting and setting the tension of the strap 10b. The strap 10b is movably attached to the material of the sock 3, so that the tension of the strap 10b can be varied as required or desired. Although described as being elastic, it will be appreciated that the strap 10b of the sock 3 of Figure 3 can be made either from an inelastic or an elastic material. The strap 10b is secured the second anchor loop 9 and has a free end 11 remote from the second anchor loop 9. Although not shown in the drawing, the strap 10b is engaged with the sock material via a guide member, such as one or more loops or a duct. The strap 10b is engaged with the first anchor loop 8 via an aperture 12 formed in the first anchor loop 8. In order to achieve required or desired tension, the strap 10b is pulled at the free end 11. A Velcro fastener 12 is provided on the leg portion 7 of the sock and at the free end 11 of the strap 10b for securing the strap 10b in the required or desired taut mode. in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the tension element 10 comprises laces 10c movably engaged with the material of the sock 4 via ducts 13 and extending between the first and the second anchor loops (8,9). Each lace 10c is secured to the second anchor loop 9 and is engaged with the first anchor loop 8 through a hole 14. In order to achieve required or desired tension, the laces are initially pulled in a manner similar to the one described above in relation to the strap 10b of Figure 3 and then tied to secure them in the taut mode. It will be appreciated that the laces 10c can be elastic or inelastic. in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the strap 10a is secured to the second anchor loop 9 at the sole side 6c of the foot portion 6 of the sock 5 and wraps over the toe region Ga unto the upper side 6d of the foot portion 6. When the sock 5 is worn, the foot is maintained as described above, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the leg, or in 'Ei0906,7f8 dorsiflexion, and, additionally, the toes, preferably the big toe, experience an upwardly (in relation to the foot upper face) directed force indicated by arrows B which attempts to move the big toe or toes into a position at an angle to the upper face of the foot, thereby enhancing the cramp preventing and relieving effect of the sock. In this embodiment, the tension of the strap 10a in the taut mode is selected such that whether the foot is dorsiflexed, neutral or plantar flexed, the big toe or toes remain under the influence of the upwardly directed force, thereby maintaining the cramp preventing and relieving function of the sock 5 even when the foot is plantar flexed. Additional one or more stiffening elements (not shown) can be provided at the toe region 6a of the foot portion 6 so that the toe region 6a is maintained bent upwards in relation to the upper side 6d of the foot portion 6 whether the sock 5 is in use or not.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the leg portion 7 of the sock (1,2,3,4,5) of the invention preferably has a length sufficient to cover fully the wearer’s calf. It will be appreciated that in principle, the leg portion 7 can extend any length along the leg beyond the ankle.

Also as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first anchor loop 8 is fastened to the leg above the calf region in order to prevent the first anchor loop 8 from sliding down the leg under the static force exerted by the tension element 10.

In the presently described embodiments, the first and the second anchor loops (8,9) are configured to fit tightly around leg and foot, respectively, tighter than does the elastic material of the sock (1,2,3,4,5), so that neither anchor loop (8,9) becomes It will be appreciated that the anchor loop (8,9) can be elastic as well as inelastic. Whether elastic displaced from its fastened position when the tension element 10 becomes taut. or inelastic, the anchor loop (8.9) can include an arrangement (not shown) for adjusting the tightness of the fit of the relevant anchor loop (8,9).

It is thought that the present invention and its advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention, the forms hereinbefore described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.

MACLACHLAN & DONALDSON.

Applicant's Agents, Merrion Square, DUBLlN 2.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS:

1. A hosiery item comprising a foot portion comprising a toe region, a heel region, an upper side and a sole side; and a leg portion, comprising an anterior face, a posterior face and a pair of side faces; the foot portion and the leg portion being made from an elastic material, and the hosiery item being configured to provide skin-tight fit when worn; the hosiery item further comprising a first anchor loop adapted to be fastened around a wearer's leg; a second anchor loop adapted to be fastened around toe region of the wearer's foot; and at least one tension element extending between the first and the second anchor loops; wherein the tension element is arranged in co-operative engagement with the material of the hosiery item at the foot portion and at the leg portion of the hosiery item so that when the hosiery item is worn, the tension element follows the contour of the wearer's foot and leg together with the material of the hosiery item at the foot portion and at the leg portion of the hosiery item; and the tension element becomes taut between the first and the second anchor loops, the tension being selected such that the tension element exerts a static force on the toe region of the foot, the static force following the path of the tension element along the material of the hosiery item and being sufficient to maintain the foot at least substantially perpendicular the leg or in dorsiflexion; and thereby to limit plantar flexion of the foot.

2. A hosiery item as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the tension element is configured so that the tension experienced by the tension element when the hosiery item is worn is greater than the tension experienced by the elastic material of the hosiery item along the same path.

3. A hosiery item as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the tension element is made from an elastic material.

4. A hosiery item as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the tension element is secured to the material of the hosiery item so that the material of the hosiery item is gathered when the tension element is relaxed.