US20160242471A1 - Asymmetrical form fit wet sock - Google Patents
Asymmetrical form fit wet sock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160242471A1 US20160242471A1 US15/045,960 US201615045960A US2016242471A1 US 20160242471 A1 US20160242471 A1 US 20160242471A1 US 201615045960 A US201615045960 A US 201615045960A US 2016242471 A1 US2016242471 A1 US 2016242471A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sock
- foot
- wet
- piece
- user
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 95
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 69
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 210000001255 hallux Anatomy 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000009189 diving Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 244000309466 calf Species 0.000 description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000453 second toe Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009941 weaving Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/08—Bathing shoes ; Aquatic sports shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B11/00—Hosiery; Panti-hose
- A41B11/003—Hosiery with intermediate sections of different elasticity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B11/00—Hosiery; Panti-hose
- A41B11/004—Hosiery with separated toe sections
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B11/00—Hosiery; Panti-hose
- A41B11/01—Seams
Definitions
- This disclosure is related to footwear that provides improved ability to enter a wet suit.
- the disclosure is related to footwear that is configured to form fit a foot of the user and, in combination with a smooth material, enter within the wet suit without gripping to the interior of the wet suit.
- wet suits Persons spending time in an ocean or other similar body of water wear wet suits. Such wet suits can be used when surfing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, water skiing, or other similar activities. Persons can wear socks or Spandex or similarly constructed footwear when using a wet suit.
- Known sock designs include a tubular construction along a body of the sock with a sewn seam in the toe portion of the socks to seal off one side of the tube.
- This tube sock design is useful in many applications, as the construction is inexpensive and the tubular sock design fits the form of a user's foot well enough for most applications.
- Tubular socks can be essentially cylindrical in shape, relying on elasticity of the material to fit to the heel of the user.
- Tubular socks can include asymmetrical weaving patterns in the tube, for example, with a bulge in the tube being formed into a shape of a heal, such that the foot of the user fits within the sock with the heal portion fitting over the heal of the user.
- tubular socks are constrained to a generally symmetrical shape, for example, with a left side of the sock and a right side of the sock being generally the same.
- a user's foot is not symmetrical.
- tubular sock designs are prone to not precisely fit the foot of the user. Either loose material is likely to gather over the smaller toes or the sock must be so tight that the large toe is under severe constriction.
- a wet sock for use in sports.
- the wet sock includes a first piece of elastic material covering a top of a foot including tops of toes of the foot, a second piece of elastic material covering a bottom of the foot including bottoms of the toes, and a sewn seam joining the first piece and the second piece to form the wet sock, wherein the sewn seam runs along a left side of the foot and a right side of the foot and traverses a toe portion of the wet sock.
- a toe portion of the sock is asymmetrical to form fit a foot of a user.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wet sock constructed of two pieces of material and configured to form fit a foot of the user, including a separate form for a big toe of the user, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 illustrates the wet sock of FIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 illustrates in cross section the wet sock of FIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 illustrates the wet sock of FIG. 3 being pushed through a wet suit cavity, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sock of known construction, including bunched or loose portions of the sock failing to form fit to a foot of a user, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 illustrates the sock of FIG. 5 being pushed though a wet suit cavity, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary alternative wet sock configuration, including a round toe configuration not including a separate form for a big toe of the user, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 8 illustrates the wet sock of FIG. 1 , with the sock turned inside out to illustrate exemplary stitch patterns that can be used to construct the wet sock, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 9 illustrates a foot of a diver entering or leaving a diving boot, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 10 illustrates the sock of the right foot of FIG. 7 , wherein the sock includes two pieces of material, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate construction of the disclosed wet sock including more than two pieces of material, in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 12 illustrates photographically one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 13 illustrates photographically another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- a wet sock is disclosed that is constructed of two pieces of material joined along seams running the length of the wet sock.
- the two pieces of material enable asymmetrical shapes in the sock, such that the sock can form fit a foot of the wearer and not bunch up on the foot.
- Smooth stitching can be used to construct the sock, such that the sock lies entirely flat against the foot and does not create a seam standing perpendicular to a surface of the foot.
- a smooth, elastic material can be used to construct the wet sock, further promoting the sock to form fit the foot of the user, while the elastic material can include a non-sticky, non-tacky surface to promote the sock to smoothly slide past material used to construct wet suits.
- a wide variety of materials can be used to construct a wet sock as disclosed herein.
- Exemplary materials include at least modest elasticity to permit the heal, ankle, arch and other portions of the user's anatomy within the sock to fit within the sock and not bunch up the sock.
- a combination of either Spandex and nylon or Spandex and polyester can be used to create the two pieces of the sock.
- a particular range of material blends have been shown to be particularly useful in the disclosed wet socks.
- the following three blends perform well being inserted within a wet suit, failing to stick to the interior of the wet suit, while the exterior of the materials include sufficient friction to enable the user to ride a surf board with the wet socks on their feet: 1) 70-80% polyester and 20-30% Spandex; 2) 70-80% nylon and 20-30% Spandex; and 3) 70-80% recycled polyester and 20-30% Spandex.
- materials are provided as examples. Any material that enables elasticity and enables the sock to slide along the interior of a wet suit can be used, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular examples provided herein. The material can be different thicknesses depending upon the desired thermal and waterproof properties of the sock.
- the socks disclosed herein can be described as elastic, enabling the socks to be stretched over features of a foot such as a heel, although it will be appreciated that the material should be selected with a strong resistance to stretching, applying significant return force when stretched, in order to keep the sock material as close to the form of the foot as possible without bunching.
- Socks disclosed herein can be used in diving, water skiing, surfing, and other aquatic sports. It will be realized that the socks or similar designs can be used beneficially in other sports and applications as well.
- socks according to the disclosure can be used in hunting, fishing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding applications.
- a form fitting sock as disclosed herein can include thermal benefits, for example, retaining body heat close to the feet. The socks can aid in getting feet easily in and out of fishing waders.
- the form fit shape of the socks along with the texture that is useful for increased friction to a surfboard can similarly provide improved contact and feel within a ski boot or a boot attached to a snow board.
- the sock is referred to as a wet sock for use in aquatic sports, the disclosure is intended to permit similar use for other sports such as the alternative examples provided herein.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wet sock constructed of two pieces of material and configured to form fit a foot of the user, including a separate form for a big toe of the user.
- Wet sock 10 is illustrated in a flat state prior to being worn by a user.
- Wet sock 10 includes a first piece of material 12 sewn to a second piece of material 14 .
- Wet sock 10 includes an opening 11 that a user can insert a foot within.
- Sewn seam 20 connects each of the long sides of and the toe portions of pieces 12 and 14 .
- Sewn seam 20 begins at a top portion of the sock at opening 11 , runs vertically down a left side of the sock, traverses a toe portion of the sock, and runs vertically up a right side of the sock to the top portion, meeting opening 11 at a distal side of the opening 11 from where sewn seam 20 began.
- the portion traversing the toe portion of the sock can but need not be segmented by a separate seam defining a separate form for the big toe.
- Wet sock 10 includes an optional separate form 30 containing the big toe of the user separately from the other four toes in portion 32 .
- Interior seam 40 joins pieces 12 and 14 between the big toe form 30 and portion 32 .
- Opening 11 includes a hem stitched pattern 22 around a perimeter of opening 11 , wherein each of pieces 12 and 14 are folded over and sewn to itself, respectively.
- a bubble illustration is used to illustrate an exemplary flat stitch pattern that can be used to prevent the material standing up or bunching and catching upon an interior or a wet suit.
- the flat stitches disclosed herein include exemplary patterns where two pieces are joined together end to end without flat sides of the pieces being folded over and sewn face to face.
- the sock of FIG. 1 is provided as a flat construction. If no foot is provided within the sock, the sock can lie flat on a surface, being constructed of two flat pieces of material.
- the disclosure envisions an alternative construction including a form fit piece of material, for example, including a dimple formed in the shape of a heal, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the exemplary material shapes provided herein.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the wet sock of FIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user.
- Wet sock 10 is illustrated including first piece of material 12 and second piece of material 14 joined by seam 20 .
- Big toe form 30 is illustrated containing a big toe of the user.
- Calf portion 16 is illustrated extending over a calf of the leg of the user.
- FIG. 3 illustrates in cross section the wet sock of FIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user.
- Wet sock 10 is illustrated form fitting to foot 100 . Because sock 10 is not required to be left/right symmetrical along the toe portion of the sock, the sock can fit snuggly against foot 100 without bunching.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the wet sock of FIG. 3 being pushed through a wet suit cavity.
- Wet sock 10 is illustrated being worn by a user as the user extends his or her leg through a wet suit cavity 111 of wet suit 110 .
- the material of wet sock 10 comes into contact with an interior surface of wet suit 110 .
- Known sock configurations can be exceedingly difficult to push through a wet suit. Some materials tend to stick to the interior surface of the wet suit. Bunched up material on a sock especially grips to the interior surface of the wet suit and can make the process difficult or uncomfortable. As seen in the illustrated bubble of FIG. 4 , the material of wet sock 10 is taut over the foot of the wearer.
- the disclosed wet sock includes advantages over other sock configurations first because the sock is form fit and does not include extra bunched up material around the foot, and further second because the sock, being taut and form fit to the foot, resists being displaced or moved along the foot as the foot moves relative to a wet suit, a boot, or other surface.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sock of known construction, including bunched or loose portions of the sock failing to form fit to a foot of a user.
- Sock 210 is illustrated as a known sock formed in with exemplary tubular material. Because the sock is not form fit to the feet of the user, bunched portions 220 can form around sock 210 . These areas where there is a gap between the foot and the material or where the material is not smoothly taut over the foot can ripple or create wadded up material as the sock is pushed through a wet suit. These ripples or wads can grip upon the inside of the wet suit and increase the effort required to move the foot through the suit.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the sock of FIG. 5 being pushed though a wet suit cavity.
- Sock 210 is illustrated being worn by a user as the user extends his or her leg through a wet suit 110 .
- the material of wet sock 10 comes into contact with an interior surface of wet suit 110 .
- the material of sock 210 is bunched up over the foot of the wearer. This bunching increases the likelihood that the user will experience difficulty getting the foot through the suit.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary alternative wet sock configuration, including a round toe configuration not including a separate form for a big toe of the user.
- Wet socks 310 A and 310 B are illustrated being worn by a user. the material of the wet socks is stretched or taut over the foot of the user.
- Sewn seam 320 extends around both of the pieces of both of the socks. Sewn seam 320 spans the round toe portions 312 A and 312 B, respectively.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the wet sock of FIG. 1 , with the sock turned inside out to illustrate exemplary stitch patterns that can be used to construct the wet sock.
- Wet sock 10 is illustrated turned inside out for clarity.
- Wet sock 10 includes sewn seam 20 .
- a bubble illustration is used to illustrate the other side of the flat stitch pattern of sewn seam 20 of FIG. 1 .
- neither side of sewn seam 20 includes bent material of either piece 12 or piece 14 standing up perpendicularly from the faces of the pieces.
- Seam 42 being between the big toe and the adjacent second toe, can have material of pieces 12 and 14 joined in a face to face seam, as the material between the toes does not come into direct contact with the interior of an adjacent wet suit.
- a person wearing the disclosed wet sock can wear a diving boot or other footwear over the sock.
- a common problem to divers is that wet skin can form an airtight seal when water intrudes between the skin and a rubberized boot.
- a person wearing diving boot directly over his or her bare feet can have a difficult time either removing the foot from the boot or inserting the foot within the boot.
- the disclosed sock can include a fibrous, cloth outer surface. This fibrous surface, when viewed in close detail, includes grooves or high and low points. This uneven surface to the sock aids the person in removing or putting on the boot.
- the form fit construction of the disclosed sock the sock being stretched taut over the features of the foot, resists moving in relation to the foot as the foot is moved in relation to the boot. This close grip of the sock to the foot further aids in easing the effort of moving the foot in relation to the boot.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a foot of a diver entering or leaving a diving boot.
- Foot 100 is illustrated including wet sock 10 .
- Diving boot 400 is illustrated including interior wall 402 of boot 400 .
- Foot 100 without the presence of sock 10 , could create an airtight seal against wall 402 and result in a suction/pressure differential when foot 100 is attempted to be removed from boot 400 .
- the presence of sock 10 including a fibrous surface to sock 10 eases the effort of removing foot 100 by permitting air to pass between sock 10 and wall 402 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates the sock of the right foot of FIG. 7 , wherein the sock includes two pieces of material.
- a first piece of material 350 covers a front of the shin, a front of the ankle, and a top of the foot including tops of the toes.
- a second piece of material 340 covers a back of the leg, a heal and a bottom of the foot.
- Seam 320 runs down a left side of the sock over the lower leg and ankles, along side surfaces of the foot, and across tips of the toes.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate construction of the disclosed wet sock.
- Wet sock 510 is illustrated including a first piece of material 512 covering a front of the ankle and a top of the foot including the tops of the toes, a second piece of material 514 covering a heal and a bottom of the foot including the bottom of the toes, and a tubular piece of material 516 covering the lower leg.
- Seam 520 runs along sides of the foot and along the tips of the toes.
- Seam 518 joins tubular piece of material 516 to the other two pieces.
- the locations of the seams in FIG. 10 are exemplary.
- tubular piece of material 516 can be extended to the arch of the foot or near the toes of the foot, with pieces of material 512 and 514 correspondingly being adjusted to still span the tips of the toes and connect with the tubular piece of material. While such a configuration, with a tubular portion extending over the ankles and down the foot, can continue to exhibit benefit according to the disclosure by continuing to the fit to the shape of the toes. However, it will be appreciated that as more and more of the foot is covered by the tubular portion, the resulting we sock configuration including tubular material not form fit to the foot, for example with bunched material forming around the angle and under the arch of the foot, will lose benefits of the form fit sock as disclosed herein.
- Material for two pieces that make up a single wet sock can but need not be the same material.
- a piece that includes a bottom of the foot can use a material that has a more rough or slightly tackier material to enable the user to stay upon a surf board, and a piece that does not include the bottom of the foot can include a smoother, more slippery material to increase the ability of the material to slide through a wet suit with greater ease.
- the stitching can take many forms.
- the stitching can include a merrow thread between toes, a flatlock stitch around pattern edges/joining edges, and a flatlock stitch at the calf hem stitch.
- a wet sock in accordance with the disclosure, one can cut material as a two piece pattern, join the two pieces on one edge with a base/lead stitch, and apply a merrow stitch to the inside out sock between the toes. Then the sock is swathed and flatlock switching applied to the seams.
- wet socks are described herein as having two pieces. The two pieces aid in form fitting the sock. It will be appreciated that a wet sock can be divided into more pieces, for example, three or more, according to the disclosure, and still exhibit the benefits described herein.
- Spandex is a commonly known material, known alternatively as Lycra or elastane. Spandex is classified as a polyester-polyurethane copolymer.
- FIG. 12 illustrates photographically one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock.
- FIG. 13 illustrates photographically another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock.
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- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Socks And Pantyhose (AREA)
Abstract
A wet sock is disclosed for use in sports. The wet sock includes a first piece of elastic material covering a top of a foot including tops of toes of the foot, a second piece of elastic material covering a bottom of the foot including bottoms of the toes, and a sewn seam joining the first piece and the second piece to form the wet sock, wherein the sewn seam runs along a left side of the foot and a right side of the foot and traverses a toe portion of the wet sock. A toe portion of the sock is asymmetrical to form fit a foot of a user.
Description
- This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/117,957 filed on Feb. 19, 2015 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- This disclosure is related to footwear that provides improved ability to enter a wet suit. In particular, the disclosure is related to footwear that is configured to form fit a foot of the user and, in combination with a smooth material, enter within the wet suit without gripping to the interior of the wet suit.
- The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure. Accordingly, such statements are not intended to constitute an admission of prior art.
- Persons spending time in an ocean or other similar body of water wear wet suits. Such wet suits can be used when surfing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, water skiing, or other similar activities. Persons can wear socks or Spandex or similarly constructed footwear when using a wet suit.
- Known sock designs include a tubular construction along a body of the sock with a sewn seam in the toe portion of the socks to seal off one side of the tube. This tube sock design is useful in many applications, as the construction is inexpensive and the tubular sock design fits the form of a user's foot well enough for most applications. Tubular socks can be essentially cylindrical in shape, relying on elasticity of the material to fit to the heel of the user. Tubular socks can include asymmetrical weaving patterns in the tube, for example, with a bulge in the tube being formed into a shape of a heal, such that the foot of the user fits within the sock with the heal portion fitting over the heal of the user. However, tubular socks are constrained to a generally symmetrical shape, for example, with a left side of the sock and a right side of the sock being generally the same. A user's foot is not symmetrical. As a result, tubular sock designs are prone to not precisely fit the foot of the user. Either loose material is likely to gather over the smaller toes or the sock must be so tight that the large toe is under severe constriction.
- A wet sock is disclosed for use in sports. The wet sock includes a first piece of elastic material covering a top of a foot including tops of toes of the foot, a second piece of elastic material covering a bottom of the foot including bottoms of the toes, and a sewn seam joining the first piece and the second piece to form the wet sock, wherein the sewn seam runs along a left side of the foot and a right side of the foot and traverses a toe portion of the wet sock. A toe portion of the sock is asymmetrical to form fit a foot of a user.
- One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wet sock constructed of two pieces of material and configured to form fit a foot of the user, including a separate form for a big toe of the user, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 illustrates the wet sock ofFIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 illustrates in cross section the wet sock ofFIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 illustrates the wet sock ofFIG. 3 being pushed through a wet suit cavity, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sock of known construction, including bunched or loose portions of the sock failing to form fit to a foot of a user, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 illustrates the sock ofFIG. 5 being pushed though a wet suit cavity, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary alternative wet sock configuration, including a round toe configuration not including a separate form for a big toe of the user, in accordance with the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 8 illustrates the wet sock ofFIG. 1 , with the sock turned inside out to illustrate exemplary stitch patterns that can be used to construct the wet sock, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a foot of a diver entering or leaving a diving boot, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 10 illustrates the sock of the right foot ofFIG. 7 , wherein the sock includes two pieces of material, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate construction of the disclosed wet sock including more than two pieces of material, in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 12 illustrates photographically one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock, in accordance with the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 13 illustrates photographically another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock, in accordance with the present disclosure. - A wet sock is disclosed that is constructed of two pieces of material joined along seams running the length of the wet sock. The two pieces of material enable asymmetrical shapes in the sock, such that the sock can form fit a foot of the wearer and not bunch up on the foot. Smooth stitching can be used to construct the sock, such that the sock lies entirely flat against the foot and does not create a seam standing perpendicular to a surface of the foot. A smooth, elastic material can be used to construct the wet sock, further promoting the sock to form fit the foot of the user, while the elastic material can include a non-sticky, non-tacky surface to promote the sock to smoothly slide past material used to construct wet suits. These properties of an exemplary wet sock combine to enable one to put the wet sock on and insert the socked foot within a wet suit without the sock sticking to or hanging up upon the inside of the wet suit.
- A wide variety of materials can be used to construct a wet sock as disclosed herein. Exemplary materials include at least modest elasticity to permit the heal, ankle, arch and other portions of the user's anatomy within the sock to fit within the sock and not bunch up the sock. In one exemplary configuration, a combination of either Spandex and nylon or Spandex and polyester can be used to create the two pieces of the sock. In one example, a particular range of material blends have been shown to be particularly useful in the disclosed wet socks. The following three blends perform well being inserted within a wet suit, failing to stick to the interior of the wet suit, while the exterior of the materials include sufficient friction to enable the user to ride a surf board with the wet socks on their feet: 1) 70-80% polyester and 20-30% Spandex; 2) 70-80% nylon and 20-30% Spandex; and 3) 70-80% recycled polyester and 20-30% Spandex. These materials are provided as examples. Any material that enables elasticity and enables the sock to slide along the interior of a wet suit can be used, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular examples provided herein. The material can be different thicknesses depending upon the desired thermal and waterproof properties of the sock. The socks disclosed herein can be described as elastic, enabling the socks to be stretched over features of a foot such as a heel, although it will be appreciated that the material should be selected with a strong resistance to stretching, applying significant return force when stretched, in order to keep the sock material as close to the form of the foot as possible without bunching.
- Socks disclosed herein can be used in diving, water skiing, surfing, and other aquatic sports. It will be realized that the socks or similar designs can be used beneficially in other sports and applications as well. For example, socks according to the disclosure can be used in hunting, fishing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding applications. A form fitting sock as disclosed herein can include thermal benefits, for example, retaining body heat close to the feet. The socks can aid in getting feet easily in and out of fishing waders. The form fit shape of the socks along with the texture that is useful for increased friction to a surfboard can similarly provide improved contact and feel within a ski boot or a boot attached to a snow board. In all instances of the disclosure wherein the sock is referred to as a wet sock for use in aquatic sports, the disclosure is intended to permit similar use for other sports such as the alternative examples provided herein.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for the purpose of limiting the same,
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wet sock constructed of two pieces of material and configured to form fit a foot of the user, including a separate form for a big toe of the user.Wet sock 10 is illustrated in a flat state prior to being worn by a user.Wet sock 10 includes a first piece ofmaterial 12 sewn to a second piece ofmaterial 14.Wet sock 10 includes an opening 11 that a user can insert a foot within.Sewn seam 20 connects each of the long sides of and the toe portions ofpieces Sewn seam 20 begins at a top portion of the sock at opening 11, runs vertically down a left side of the sock, traverses a toe portion of the sock, and runs vertically up a right side of the sock to the top portion, meeting opening 11 at a distal side of the opening 11 from where sewnseam 20 began. The portion traversing the toe portion of the sock can but need not be segmented by a separate seam defining a separate form for the big toe.Wet sock 10 includes an optionalseparate form 30 containing the big toe of the user separately from the other four toes inportion 32.Interior seam 40 joinspieces big toe form 30 andportion 32. Opening 11 includes a hem stitchedpattern 22 around a perimeter of opening 11, wherein each ofpieces - The sock of
FIG. 1 is provided as a flat construction. If no foot is provided within the sock, the sock can lie flat on a surface, being constructed of two flat pieces of material. However, the disclosure envisions an alternative construction including a form fit piece of material, for example, including a dimple formed in the shape of a heal, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the exemplary material shapes provided herein. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the wet sock ofFIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user.Wet sock 10 is illustrated including first piece ofmaterial 12 and second piece ofmaterial 14 joined byseam 20.Big toe form 30 is illustrated containing a big toe of the user.Calf portion 16 is illustrated extending over a calf of the leg of the user. By extending over the widened calf of the user,wet sock 10 is retained in a fully pulled up state better than if thewet sock 10 stopped below the calf -
FIG. 3 illustrates in cross section the wet sock ofFIG. 1 worn upon a foot of a user.Wet sock 10 is illustrated form fitting to foot 100. Becausesock 10 is not required to be left/right symmetrical along the toe portion of the sock, the sock can fit snuggly againstfoot 100 without bunching. -
FIG. 4 illustrates the wet sock ofFIG. 3 being pushed through a wet suit cavity.Wet sock 10 is illustrated being worn by a user as the user extends his or her leg through awet suit cavity 111 ofwet suit 110. The material ofwet sock 10 comes into contact with an interior surface ofwet suit 110. Known sock configurations can be exceedingly difficult to push through a wet suit. Some materials tend to stick to the interior surface of the wet suit. Bunched up material on a sock especially grips to the interior surface of the wet suit and can make the process difficult or uncomfortable. As seen in the illustrated bubble ofFIG. 4 , the material ofwet sock 10 is taut over the foot of the wearer. Because the sock cannot bunch up on the foot, minimal contact betweenwet sock 10 andwet suit 110 is maintained, thereby easing the effort of inserting the foot throughwet suit 110. Further, because the tow pocket/form fitting construction ofsock 10, internal friction between the sock and the foot causes the sock to stay in place upon the foot and not slide along the foot as the foot moves in relation to the wet suit. The disclosed wet sock includes advantages over other sock configurations first because the sock is form fit and does not include extra bunched up material around the foot, and further second because the sock, being taut and form fit to the foot, resists being displaced or moved along the foot as the foot moves relative to a wet suit, a boot, or other surface. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sock of known construction, including bunched or loose portions of the sock failing to form fit to a foot of a user.Sock 210 is illustrated as a known sock formed in with exemplary tubular material. Because the sock is not form fit to the feet of the user, bunchedportions 220 can form aroundsock 210. These areas where there is a gap between the foot and the material or where the material is not smoothly taut over the foot can ripple or create wadded up material as the sock is pushed through a wet suit. These ripples or wads can grip upon the inside of the wet suit and increase the effort required to move the foot through the suit. -
FIG. 6 illustrates the sock ofFIG. 5 being pushed though a wet suit cavity.Sock 210 is illustrated being worn by a user as the user extends his or her leg through awet suit 110. The material ofwet sock 10 comes into contact with an interior surface ofwet suit 110. As seen in the illustrated bubble ofFIG. 6 , the material ofsock 210 is bunched up over the foot of the wearer. This bunching increases the likelihood that the user will experience difficulty getting the foot through the suit. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary alternative wet sock configuration, including a round toe configuration not including a separate form for a big toe of the user.Wet socks Sewn seam 320 extends around both of the pieces of both of the socks.Sewn seam 320 spans theround toe portions -
FIG. 8 illustrates the wet sock ofFIG. 1 , with the sock turned inside out to illustrate exemplary stitch patterns that can be used to construct the wet sock.Wet sock 10 is illustrated turned inside out for clarity.Wet sock 10 includes sewnseam 20. A bubble illustration is used to illustrate the other side of the flat stitch pattern of sewnseam 20 ofFIG. 1 . In order to maintain the surface ofwet sock 10 as smooth and taut as possible, neither side of sewnseam 20 includes bent material of eitherpiece 12 orpiece 14 standing up perpendicularly from the faces of the pieces.Seam 42, on the other hand, being between the big toe and the adjacent second toe, can have material ofpieces - A person wearing the disclosed wet sock can wear a diving boot or other footwear over the sock. A common problem to divers is that wet skin can form an airtight seal when water intrudes between the skin and a rubberized boot. As a result, a person wearing diving boot directly over his or her bare feet can have a difficult time either removing the foot from the boot or inserting the foot within the boot. However, the disclosed sock can include a fibrous, cloth outer surface. This fibrous surface, when viewed in close detail, includes grooves or high and low points. This uneven surface to the sock aids the person in removing or putting on the boot. Further, the form fit construction of the disclosed sock, the sock being stretched taut over the features of the foot, resists moving in relation to the foot as the foot is moved in relation to the boot. This close grip of the sock to the foot further aids in easing the effort of moving the foot in relation to the boot.
-
FIG. 9 illustrates a foot of a diver entering or leaving a diving boot.Foot 100 is illustrated includingwet sock 10.Diving boot 400 is illustrated includinginterior wall 402 ofboot 400.Foot 100, without the presence ofsock 10, could create an airtight seal againstwall 402 and result in a suction/pressure differential whenfoot 100 is attempted to be removed fromboot 400. However, the presence ofsock 10 including a fibrous surface to sock 10 eases the effort of removingfoot 100 by permitting air to pass betweensock 10 andwall 402. -
FIG. 10 illustrates the sock of the right foot ofFIG. 7 , wherein the sock includes two pieces of material. A first piece ofmaterial 350 covers a front of the shin, a front of the ankle, and a top of the foot including tops of the toes. A second piece ofmaterial 340 covers a back of the leg, a heal and a bottom of the foot.Seam 320 runs down a left side of the sock over the lower leg and ankles, along side surfaces of the foot, and across tips of the toes. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate construction of the disclosed wet sock.Wet sock 510 is illustrated including a first piece ofmaterial 512 covering a front of the ankle and a top of the foot including the tops of the toes, a second piece ofmaterial 514 covering a heal and a bottom of the foot including the bottom of the toes, and a tubular piece ofmaterial 516 covering the lower leg.Seam 520 runs along sides of the foot and along the tips of the toes.Seam 518 joins tubular piece ofmaterial 516 to the other two pieces. The locations of the seams inFIG. 10 are exemplary. For example, tubular piece ofmaterial 516 can be extended to the arch of the foot or near the toes of the foot, with pieces ofmaterial - Material for two pieces that make up a single wet sock can but need not be the same material. In one example, a piece that includes a bottom of the foot can use a material that has a more rough or slightly tackier material to enable the user to stay upon a surf board, and a piece that does not include the bottom of the foot can include a smoother, more slippery material to increase the ability of the material to slide through a wet suit with greater ease.
- The stitching can take many forms. According to one exemplary description, the stitching can include a merrow thread between toes, a flatlock stitch around pattern edges/joining edges, and a flatlock stitch at the calf hem stitch. According to one process to make a wet sock in accordance with the disclosure, one can cut material as a two piece pattern, join the two pieces on one edge with a base/lead stitch, and apply a merrow stitch to the inside out sock between the toes. Then the sock is swathed and flatlock switching applied to the seams.
- Wet socks are described herein as having two pieces. The two pieces aid in form fitting the sock. It will be appreciated that a wet sock can be divided into more pieces, for example, three or more, according to the disclosure, and still exhibit the benefits described herein.
- Spandex is a commonly known material, known alternatively as Lycra or elastane. Spandex is classified as a polyester-polyurethane copolymer.
-
FIG. 12 illustrates photographically one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock.FIG. 13 illustrates photographically another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed wet sock. - The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications of those embodiments. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. An apparatus comprising a wet sock for use in sports, the apparatus comprising:
a first piece of elastic material covering a top of a foot including tops of toes of the foot;
a second piece of elastic material covering a bottom of the foot including bottoms of the toes; and
a sewn seam joining the first piece and the second piece to form the wet sock, wherein the sewn seam runs along a left side of the foot and a right side of the foot and traverses a toe portion of the wet sock; and
wherein a toe portion of the sock is asymmetrical to form fit a foot of a user.
2. An apparatus comprising a wet sock for use in sports, the apparatus comprising:
a first piece of elastic material;
a second piece of elastic material; and
a sewn seam joining the first piece and the second piece to form the wet sock, wherein the sewn seam begins on a left side of an opening of the wet sock, runs down a left side of the wet sock, traverses a toe portion of the wet sock, runs up a right side of the sock, and ends at a right side of the opening; and
wherein toe portion of the sock is asymmetrical to form fit a foot of a user.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first piece and second piece are constructed with a material blend comprising Spandex and polyester.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the material blend comprises between 70% and 80% polyester.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the material blend comprises between 70% and 80% recycled polyester.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the material blend comprises between 20% and 30% Spandex.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first piece and second piece are constructed with a material blend comprising Spandex and nylon.
8. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the material blend comprises between 70% and 80% nylon.
9. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the material blend comprises between 20% and 30% Spandex.
10. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the sewn seam is segmented in the toe portion, with a seam creating a separate form for a big toe.
11. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the sewn seam comprises a flat stitch joining an end of the first piece to an end of the second piece in a flat seam.
12. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a surface of the wet sock comprises a fibrous, grooved surface.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/045,960 US20160242471A1 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2016-02-17 | Asymmetrical form fit wet sock |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US201562117957P | 2015-02-19 | 2015-02-19 | |
US15/045,960 US20160242471A1 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2016-02-17 | Asymmetrical form fit wet sock |
Publications (1)
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US20160242471A1 true US20160242471A1 (en) | 2016-08-25 |
Family
ID=56693432
Family Applications (1)
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US15/045,960 Abandoned US20160242471A1 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2016-02-17 | Asymmetrical form fit wet sock |
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US20160088878A1 (en) * | 2014-09-25 | 2016-03-31 | Deborah James | Socks for use with thong sandals |
CN106690441A (en) * | 2017-02-07 | 2017-05-24 | 实质良品针织品(东莞)有限公司 | Multi-functional massage sock |
US20190387812A1 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2019-12-26 | Brian Chaney | Wader Sock |
US20220046998A1 (en) * | 2020-08-11 | 2022-02-17 | Medi Gmbh & Co. Kg | Leg garments and related methods |
US11583009B2 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2023-02-21 | Nike, Inc. | Sock with lateral toe seam |
US11613832B2 (en) | 2018-12-28 | 2023-03-28 | Nike, Inc. | Open toe sock with toe anchor |
US20230337753A1 (en) * | 2022-04-25 | 2023-10-26 | Stephan Shin | Sporting Socks |
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Legal Events
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