US20120260402A1

US20120260402A1 - Feet Insulating Uni-sock Device

Info

Publication number: US20120260402A1
Application number: US13/088,419
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew B. Scherrer; Avinash Girish Bhardwaj
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-18
Filing date: 2011-04-18
Publication date: 2012-10-18

Abstract

This invention relates to a feet insulating uni-sock device employed while sleeping. It comprises a first panel of a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion coupled to a second panel of a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion using a single continuous seam.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a feet insulating device and, more particularly, to a device for insulating a user's feet from cold temperature conditions while sleeping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most consumers employ traditional beds, blankets, sleeping bags, and similar devices for sleeping. Feet tend to become cold with traditional sleeping devices because no feet-specific warming device is utilized. Even while a traditional sleeping device may keep most of the body warm, the feet present a unique anatomical difficulty: feet have low fat and large bone content, and bones of the feet may easily compress against a protective cover of the sleeping device that does not have a feet-shaped configuration. This extensional stress against the protective cover induces displacement of loft/other insulating media present in a lining of the sleeping device, thereby exposing a user's bare feet to cold external temperatures. Consequently, the user's feet become cold over the course of time, leading to a high degree of bodily discomfort. Moreover, the use of socks in these circumstances is ineffective for satisfying this application because socks do not facilitate foot-to-foot contact, thereby not maximizing conservation of body heat. More specifically, each foot in a separate sock has greater surface area than two feet in a single enclosure. The former has a higher rate of heat dissipation while, at the same time, no mechanism exists for one foot to keep the other foot warm and vice versa. In addition, the use of a blanket in these circumstances is ineffective because the blanket, too, does not facilitate foot-to-foot contact, and it may also be easily displaced in such a way that the user's bare feet are uncovered and exposed, thereby defeating the blanket's intended purpose. As a result, there exists a need for a feet insulating uni-sock device that would enable a user to insulate effectively his feet from cold temperature conditions and conform in a more efficient manner to the shape of the user's feet.
The need has existed for many years, and yet there is no fully satisfactory system to provide a solution. In accord with this long-recognized need, there has been developed a feet insulating uni-sock device especially designed to work within other sleeping systems to satisfy many users' insulation needs. The device itself is compact and easily transportable in a backpack and may be integrated within a blanket of a traditional bed or used modularly within a sleeping bag. It is foot-shaped so as to minimize extensional stress and displacement of insulating loft material. The device allows for the insertion of the user's two feet within a single pouch portion. This facilitates body heat conservation and creates an environment for one foot to keep the other foot warm. The inflatable air bladder secured to the feet insulating uni-sock device may be inflated by the user at the time of use. Importantly, the feet insulating uni-sock device is versatile and efficient in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a method is provided for insulating feet and lower legs of a user using a feet insulating uni-sock device. The method comprises coupling a first panel of a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion to a second panel of a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion using a single continuous seam. The method also comprises inserting a first and second feet and lower legs of the user within a pouch portion defined between the first panel and the second panel such that foot-to-foot contact is maintained, thereby warming the first and second feet and lower legs of the user.
In another aspect of the invention, a feet insulating uni-sock device adapted to accommodate both feet and lower legs of a user is provided. The feet insulating uni-sock device includes a first panel and a second panel secured together using a single continuous seam, wherein the first panel and the second panel are each formed from a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion.
In a further aspect, a sleeping system is provided. The sleeping system includes a sleeping device and a feet insulating uni-sock device coupled to the sleeping device. The feet insulating uni-sock device includes a first panel and a second panel secured together using a single continuous seam, wherein the first panel and the second panel are each formed from a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the new invention showing the innovative design.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the new invention showing the innovative design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of a feet insulating uni-sock device 1 used to insulate a user's feet from cold temperature conditions.
The feet insulating uni-sock device 1 comprises a pouch portion 28 having a substantially feet shaped configuration and a substantially lower leg shaped configuration. The pouch portion 28 includes a front panel 20 and a rear panel 24. The front panel 20 and the rear panel 24 each include a substantially feet shaped portion 60 and a substantially lower leg shaped portion 50 that are unitarily formed. The rear panel 24 is secured to the front panel 20 using a single continuous seam 34. The single continuous seam 34 extends downwardly from a neck portion 40 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 to a bottom end portion 42 and therein extends upwardly from the bottom end portion 42 to the neck portion 40 in a continuous running symmetric pattern. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, front panel 20 may be coupled to rear panel 24 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 using a plurality of interlocking seams. In a still further exemplary embodiment, the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 comprises multiple panels of material that are coupled to each other using seams such that a combination of these panels of material form front panel 20 and rear panel 24, each including a substantially feet shaped portion 60 and a substantially lower leg shaped portion 50. In yet a further embodiment, apart from front panel 20 and rear panel 24, the substantially feet shaped portion 60 may be formed from multiple panels, not just the front panel 20 and the rear panel 24, and may be coupled to the lower leg shaped portion 50 using a continuous/plurality of interlocking seams to constitute the feet insulating uni-sock device 1.
In an exemplary embodiment, the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 includes a rear snap (not shown) coupled to the rear panel 24 and a front snap (not shown) coupled to the front panel 20. The front and rear snaps snap together, therefore bringing the front panel 20 and the rear panel 24 together. This snapping together ensures a snug fit and therefore provides insulation to the user's feet. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, front panel 20 and rear panel 24 includes, but is not limited to, a Velcro closure (not shown) provided with a first hook surface and a second loop surface. The first hook surface and second loop surface each have a front side. When placing the front sides against each other, the front sides stick, therefore bringing front panel 20 and rear panel 24 together in order to facilitate a snug fit against the feet and lower legs of the user and to keep the device employed.
In a still further exemplary embodiment, a first opening (not shown) is formed within the front panel 20 and a second opening (not shown) is formed within the rear panel 24 such that two openings are defined at the neck portion 40. Each of the two openings defined at the neck portion 40 facilitates insertion of a single foot and lower leg by a user.
Front panel 20 and rear panel 24 include an elastic band (not shown) that is circumferentially coupled within a groove formed proximate the neck portion 40 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 to facilitate gripping the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 to the lower legs of the user. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the elastic band may be replaced by any other fastening mechanism known in the art, such as, but not limited to a string, to facilitate gripping the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 to the feet and lower legs of the user.
In an exemplary embodiment, the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 includes an air bladder 26 that is circumferentially coupled thereto using any fastening mechanism known in the art. More specifically, air bladder 26 is coupled to the substantially feet shaped portion 60 such that the air bladder 26 extends from a toe portion 10 to a heel portion 30 and circumferentially about the front panel 20 and the rear panel 24 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 to facilitate effective feet insulation and body heat conservation.
An inner liner (not shown) is coupled to the feet insulating uni-sock device 1. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the inner liner may be coupled to the front panel 20, the rear panel 24, or both the front and rear panels 20, 24 such that the inner liner is coupled within the pouch portion 28 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the inner liner confines a plurality of resilient polystyrene pellets (not shown). When the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 is subjected to pressure exerted by the user's feet, the pellets flow and redistribute themselves much in the same way as a fluid. Thus, when the user inserts his feet within the pouch portion 28 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1, the pellets are displaced from the volume of space occupied by the user's feet, and they flow into unoccupied portions within the interior of the inner liner of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1. The flow and redistribution of the pellets enable the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 both to conform to the contours of the user's feet, in whatever position he assumes, and to provide insulation to the user's feet. The result is a highly comfortable means for insulating the user's feet while sleeping. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the inner liner may be configured to confine any material known in the art to substitute in the place of resilient polystyrene pellets that satisfy the application.
In an exemplary embodiment, a pouch (not shown) containing moisture absorbing material is coupled to the feet insulating uni-sock device 1. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the pouch containing moisture absorbing material may be coupled to the front panel 20, the rear panel 24, or both the front and rear panels 20, 24 such that the pouch containing moisture absorbing material is coupled within the pouch portion 28. The pouch containing moisture absorbing material enables absorption of moisture from the user's feet while sleeping, thereby eliminating any unpleasant odor from the pouch portion 28 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 as well as eliminating any moisture that may potentially increase the transfer of heat from the user's feet to an external environment.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the feet insulating uni-sock device 100 used to insulate a user's feet from cold temperature conditions. The feet insulating uni-sock device 100 includes the neck portion 140 defining an opening formed at its top end for inserting the user's feet there through. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the neck portion 140 defines two openings (not shown). A first opening is formed within the front panel 120 and a second opening is formed within the rear panel 124. Each opening is configured to receive one foot and lower leg of the user. In addition, as depicted in the top view, the feet insulating uni-sock device 100 includes a single continuous seam 134 that secures the front panel 120 to the rear panel 124 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 100.
The feet insulating uni-sock device 100 comprises a plurality of pleats 148 defined therein. The plurality of pleats 148 extends radially from the single continuous seam 134 towards an outer periphery of the front panel 120 and the rear panel 124. More specifically, the plurality of pleats 148 distributes material from a portion proximate the single continuous seam 134 towards the outer periphery of the front panel 120 and the rear panel 124, thereby preventing bunching/build-up of material when the first and second feet of the user are inserted within the feet insulating uni-sock device 100. When material is not bunched, it spreads towards the outer periphery of the front panel 120 and the rear panel 124 in a feet-shaped pattern. The plurality of pleats 148 also provides structure and rigidity to the feet-shaped pattern. The distribution of material and structure mitigate extensional stress at the outer periphery of the feet of the user. The reduction in extensional stress at the outer periphery of the feet of the user maximizes loft in material proximate the outer periphery of the front panel 120 and the rear panel 124, which facilitates enhancement of insulation of the feet of the user.
The feet insulating uni-sock device 100 comprises air bladder 126 coupled thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, air bladder 126 includes a toe portion 110 and a heel portion 130 integrally formed therein. The toe portion 110 and the heel portion 130 of the air bladder 126 have enhanced air bladder thickness to absorb higher compressive forces in these regions during use. More specifically, when the user exerts pressure on the toe portion 110 and the heel portion 130 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 100 while positioning himself in certain bodily configurations, the forces in these regions are enhanced substantially. Therefore the provision for enhanced air bladder thickness in the heel portion 130 and the toe portion 110 increases the force absorbing capacity of the air bladder 126 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 100.
In an exemplary embodiment, air bladder 126 includes an air inlet nozzle 144 that may be coupled anywhere about the surface of the air bladder 126. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, air inlet nozzle 144 may be used to inflate the air bladder 126 with air from the user's lungs at the time of employment. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, air inlet nozzle 144 may be used to inflate the air bladder 126 with air supplied from a pneumatic pump. After the air bladder 126 has been satisfactorily inflated, air inlet nozzle 144 may be sealed using stop cock 146. Air within the air bladder 126 serves as an insulating medium to protect the user's feet from cold temperature conditions and/or provide insulating cushioning from the ground while sleeping. In a similar operation, air bladder 126 may be deflated by opening stop cock 146 after it has served its intended purpose. Alternatively, air bladder 126 may be effectively substituted for any insulating mechanism such as, but not limited to, foam, padding, etc. to provide insulation to the feet of the user.
In use, the present invention is an accessory designed to be used with standard bedding or temporary bedding such as, but not limited to sleeping bags, in order to provide increased comfort and insulation to the user while sleeping. The user may insert his first and second feet and lower legs through the opening formed in the neck portion 40 and into the pouch portion 28 such that his first and second feet are flush but not pressing against an end of the pouch portion 28. More specifically, due to a feet shaped design configuration of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1, the user's feet fit within the conformities of the pouch portion 28. Therefore, the user's feet do not cause any undue protrusion beyond the end of the pouch portion 28 thereby minimizing extensional stress in the front panel 20 and the rear panel 24 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1. Further, foot-to-foot contact ultimately keeps the user's feet warmer, and the feet shaped portion 60 of the feet insulating uni-sock device 1 provides more comfort and substantially reduces protrusion of the feet. As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
With respect to the above description, the optimal dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner of operation, assembly, and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather components of each system may be utilized separately and independently from other components described herein.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for insulating feet and lower legs of a user using a feet insulating uni-sock device, said method comprising:

coupling a first panel of a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion to a second panel of a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion using a single continuous seam; and

inserting a first and second feet and lower legs of the user within a pouch portion defined between the first panel and the second panel such that foot-to-foot contact is maintained thereby warming the first and second feet and lower legs of the user.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein inserting a first and second feet and lower legs of the user within a pouch portion further comprises inserting a first and second feet and lower legs of the user within the pouch portion such that the first and second feet of the user are flush against an end of the pouch portion thereby minimizing extensional stress in the first panel and the second panel of the feet insulating uni-sock device.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising sewing at least one pleat on at least one of the substantially feet shaped portion of the first panel and the second panel, thereby mitigating extensional stress in the first panel and the second panel and providing structure and rigidity to the feet insulating uni-sock device.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising coupling an air bladder circumferentially to the substantially feet shaped portion of the first panel and to the substantially feet shaped portion of the second panel, thereby enhancing insulation of the first and second feet of the user.

5. A method in accordance with claim 4 further comprising increasing air bladder thickness in an at least one portion of the air bladder to enhance a force absorbing capacity of the at least one portion of the air bladder.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising inserting a plurality of resilient polystyrene pellets within an inner liner coupled to at least one of the first panel and the second panel to facilitate enhancing comfort of the user.

7. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising coupling a pouch containing moisture absorbing material to at least one of the first panel and the second panel to absorb moisture from the first and second feet of the user.

8. A feet insulating uni-sock device adapted to accommodate both feet and lower legs of a user, said feet insulating uni-sock device comprising:

a first panel and a second panel secured together using a single continuous seam, said first panel and said second panel each formed from a substantially feet shaped portion and a substantially lower leg shaped portion.

9. A feet insulating uni-sock device in accordance with claim 8 wherein said feet insulating uni-sock device further comprises at least one pleat defined therein.

10. A feet insulating uni-sock device in accordance with claim 8 wherein said feet insulating uni-sock device further comprises two openings defined therein.

11. A feet insulating uni-sock device in accordance with claim 8 wherein said feet insulating uni-sock device further comprises an air bladder coupled to said substantially feet shaped portion, said air bladder configured to circumscribe said first panel and said second panel.

12. A feet insulating uni-sock device in accordance with claim 8 wherein at least one of said first panel and said second panel is formed from a fabric material.

13. A feet insulating uni-sock device in accordance with claim 8 further comprising an inner liner coupled to at least one of said first panel and said second panel, said inner liner further configured to contain a plurality of resilient polystyrene pellets.

14. A feet insulating uni-sock device in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a pouch containing moisture absorbent material coupled to at least one of said first panel and said second panel.

15. A sleeping system comprising:

a sleeping device; and

a feet insulating uni-sock device coupled to said sleeping device, said feet insulating uni-sock device comprising:

16. A sleeping system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said feet insulating uni-sock device further comprises at least one pleat defined therein.

17. A sleeping system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said feet insulating uni-sock device further comprises two openings defined therein.

18. A sleeping system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said feet insulating uni-sock device further comprises an air bladder coupled to said substantially feet shaped portion, said air bladder configured to circumscribe said first panel and said second panel.

19. A sleeping system in accordance with claim 15 further comprising an inner liner coupled to at least one of said first panel and said second panel, said inner liner further configured to contain a plurality of resilient polystyrene pellets.

20. A sleeping system in accordance with claim 15 further comprising a pouch containing moisture absorbent material coupled to at least one of said first panel and said second panel.