US20070271680A1

US20070271680A1 - Adjustable sock for people with diabetes and injuries

Info

Publication number: US20070271680A1
Application number: US11/434,479
Authority: US
Inventors: Harry Howell; Michael Howell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-15
Filing date: 2006-05-15
Publication date: 2007-11-29

Abstract

A method for enhancing a sock for people with injuries, diabetes, or other medical issues is described; an article of clothing for footwear that has adjustable straps woven into the fabric of the sock; an article of clothing for footwear that has additional layers on the heel and bottom of woven cloth; a product that can be worn over medical devices such as casts, artificial limbs, and the like; a product that can be worn by people with various health problems.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear that will allow people to adjust the sock for a proper fit to the individual's foot. The person will be able to adjust the sock to their own fitting that is comfortable on their feet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When it comes to diabetes, the feet are one of the first things to have medical problems. They are susceptible to the development of ulcers on the bottom of the feet. They can be affected by poor circulation of blood and neuropathy. Some people with diabetes develop foot infections that can ultimately lead to amputation.
Statistics show that of the 16 million people with diabetes in the United States, fifteen percent (15%) will develop a serious foot problem at one time or another. This medical problem of the feet can threaten their limbs, which will affect their lives. Statistics also show that 50,000 people per year lose a limb due to diabetes.
There is a need for a better sock for people with medical problems. This sock will allow people with diabetes to adjust to fit their own feet. As we all know, there are different toe, foot, ankle, and leg sizes. When a person with diabetes wears a sock that fits too tightly, it cuts off the circulation. By cutting off the circulation, it can cause harmful damage to the toe, foot, ankle, or leg. There is a need for better circulation and to reduce the possibility of nerve damage.
When people have developed sores or ulcers on the bottom of the foot, there is pain associated. There is a need to keep the feet healthy and comfortable during the healing process. This sock will be wider on the bottom and will have extra lining. This sock will definitely be an improvement in comfort for people with corns, calluses, sores, ulcers, swelling and injuries.
Another factor that may cause swelling is sodium build-up in the ankles and feet. When these parts of the body swell, it's uncomfortable to wear the socks that are on the market today. An adjustable sock will allow people to make the sock fit their leg, ankle, and foot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a new diabetic sock that will be comfortable and have flexibility. A person will be able to loosen or tighten the sock at any time. Some people's leg, ankle, and feet swell up due to medical problems such as diabetes, or due to an injury. This sock will allow for better circulation of the blood through the entire leg, ankle, foot, and toes. It will also help people whose feet may be swollen from injury or stiffness from neuropathy; neuropathy may be caused by diabetes. For treatment, neuropathy calls for a loose fitting sock. This invention can be given to people in hospitals, nursing homes, wounded soldiers, athletes, and other medical establishments.
In an embodiment, the person will adjust the sock using straps and flexible material. The person will be able to tighten or loosen the sock when necessary. The person will be able to remove the sock when necessary just like any other sock. This invention is hereinafter described and claimed.
The present invention provides people an alternative to socks currently on the market. It allows people to adjust the sock for medical reasons as well as for comfort. The invention will be a universal fit and can be made out of 100% cotton or blends. Based on material it can also be used to help in control of sweat and odor. It can also be in various colors and sizes. This invention will be made for adults and children. It can also be used for other reasons such as injuries, sores, bunions, athletic apparel, leisure, and warmth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an outside elevation view of the sock. It shows the different weaving of the sock to improve stretching and flexibility for better blood circulation, but still maintains the support for the ankle, foot, and toes.
FIG. 2 shows back of sock that shows lower leg, ankle, and heel to receive the foot of the wearer. The sock has an opening that allows for adjustability. It has an extra-layered cloth for padding and softness under the foot for additional protection.
FIG. 3 shows the sock with a material that wraps around from the outer right side of sock. It allows the wearer to adjust for fit that will be comfortable to the person. This allows for improved circulation for the wearer.
FIG. 4 shows lower leg of right sock. This is a detailed drawing of the strap lapping over the back of the sock to bring opening together. The wearer can decide how loose or tight the sock will be on their foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation of the sock, 1 shows a woven band on the top of the sock, which can be various size and shape. This allows for a comfortable fit on the person leg, 2 shows lower leg and toes with stretchable material that will allow for better circulation; the material may vary, 3 shows extra layers of cloth sewn together for cushion and comfort on the heel and bottom of the sock, 4 shows how the strap wraps around the sock to bring together both sides of the sock for an adjustable fit. It also shows extra padding for softness that should help against calluses and bunions.
FIG. 2 shows the back of the sock, 7 shows the opening in the back of the sock and stitched on both ends, 9 shows the heel of the sock, represented by horizontal lines with extra layers, which extends the entire bottom of the sock.
FIG. 3 is a cut-out of the back of the sock, 5 shows how the strap can be pulled by the wearer over to fit the wearer, 6 shows how the sock may be in closed position, once the strap is pulled over.
FIG. 4 shows the back of the sock, 8 shows strap in closed position attaching the both sides of the sock to a comfortable fit for the wearer, 10 the extra layers of the sock extends from the heel to entire bottom of the sock.

Claims

1. I, Harry M. Howell and Michael W. Howell, claim is our invention of the Adjustable Sock, with extra padding for comfort; the sock is made for maximum stretching and flexibility; the diabetic sock is made for better comfort and flexibility. The sock is woven more loosely to improve circulation of air to skin and for improved blood circulation. The sock uses adjustable straps that are woven into the fabric of the sock. The adjustable straps may use various methods for connecting one side of the sock to the other, such as hooks or loop fasteners. The sock will adjustable for personal comfort and fit; the sock can be made of 100% cotton, blends or other fabric materials; the heel and bottom of the sock may have additional layers of woven cloth for extra protection and comfort;

2. The sock can be made in various sizes to fit adults and children.