WO2014134722A1

WO2014134722A1 - Slip-resistant hosiery

Info

Publication number: WO2014134722A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/050161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vanja PETKOVIC
Original assignee: MACDONALD, Jovana
Priority date: 2013-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-03
Publication date: 2014-09-12
Also published as: US20140250568A1; WO2014134722A8

Abstract

A slip-resistant hosiery is provided to reduce slipping of a foot within a shoe. In an example embodiment, a slip-resistant hosiery includes a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer, a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body, and a second gripping surface positioned at an interior surface section of the body. The first and second gripping surfaces are adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot. The gripping surfaces may be at least semi-transparent. In another example embodiment, a slip-resistant hosiery includes a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer, a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body adapted to cover a surface above the plantar surface of the foot, and the first gripping surface is at least semi-transparent.

Description

SLIP-RESISTANT HOSIERY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 13/785,380 filed on March 5, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The following generally relates to hosiery. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Various types of hosieries, such as tights, pantyhose, leggings and socks are well known in the art. In general, hosieries serve as an intermediate layer between a wearer's foot and footwear to protect the skin of the wearer's foot from being rubbed directly against the footwear, since excessive rubbing of the foot may cause calluses and blisters to develop on the foot among other issues.

[0004] More specifically, a number of different types of hosieries are often produced using a material that has an easily slideable surface. For example, pantyhose are close- fitting legwear that are typically made of fabric such as nylon or other materials blended with nylon. Pantyhose are often worn for variety of purposes, such as to keep the feet and the legs warm, to keep the feet and the legs protected from the sun, or to appear fashionable. Although a variety of different footwear can be worn in conjunction with such hosiery, it is common for many women to wear high-heeled shoes and other fashionable footwear that generally provide minimal contact surface between the hosiery and the footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Example embodiments of slip-resistant hosiery will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 is a medial side view of a person's foot.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a lateral side view of the person's foot.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the person's foot.

[0009] FIG. 4 is an example embodiment of hosiery.

[0010] FIG. 5 is another example embodiment of hosiery. [0011] FIG. 6 is yet another example embodiment of hosiery.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a posterior surface of a heel.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0014] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an outer and an inner gripping surface being positioned on the hosiery in an example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an outer and an inner gripping surface being embedded within the hosiery in an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 1 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an outer and an inner gripping surface being formed by respective surfaces of a gripping material embedded within the hosiery in an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering the posterior surface of the heel being worn in conjunction with a high- heeled shoe.

[0018] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of hosiery shown in FIG. 9 being worn in conjunction with a high-heeled shoe.

[0019] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of hosiery shown in FIG. 10 being worn in conjunction with a high-heeled shoe.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering the posterior surface of the heel being worn in conjunction with a slingback shoe.

[0021] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of hosiery shown in FIG. 1 1 being worn in conjunction with a slingback shoe.

[0022] FIG. 17 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a posterior surface of a heel and a perimeter region of a plantar surface of the heel. [0023] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

[0024] FIG. 19 is the bottom view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

[0025] FIG. 20 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a dorsal surface of a forefoot.

[0026] FIG. 21 is a front view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 20.

[0027] FIG. 22 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering the dorsal surface of the forefoot being worn in conjunction with an open back shoe.

[0028] FIG. 23 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering the dorsal surface of the forefoot being worn in conjunction with the slingback shoe.

[0029] FIG. 24 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a dorsal surface and a perimeter region of a plantar surface of a forefoot.

[0030] FIG. 25 is a front view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 24.

[0031] FIG. 26 is the bottom view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 24.

[0032] FIG. 27 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot.

[0033] FIG. 28 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot and a perimeter region of the plantar surface of the foot. [0034] FIG. 29 is a bottom view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering the medial surface of the longitudinal arch of the foot, lateral surface of the longitudinal arch of the foot and a perimeter region of the plantar surface of the foot.

[0035] FIG. 30 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a dorsal surface of the forefoot, the medial surface of the longitudinal arch, the posterior surface of the heel, and the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch.

[0036] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 30.

[0037] FIG. 32 is a front view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 30.

[0038] FIG. 33 is a side view of an example embodiment of hosiery with a gripping surface for covering a dorsal surface of the forefoot, the medial surface of the longitudinal arch, the posterior surface of the heel, the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch, and a perimeter region of the plantar surface of the foot.

[0039] FIG. 34 is a rear view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 33.

[0040] FIG. 35 is a front view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 33.

[0041] FIG. 36 is the bottom view of the hosiery in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate

corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0043] It has been observed that when hosiery made of a slippery material is worn, the wearer's feet will tend to unintentionally slip out of the footwear. This is more noticeable when only there is little contact surface area between the worn hosiery and the footwear, and only low friction is present between the footwear and the hosiery. Additionally, hosiery that easily slide against the inside of the footwear can cause uncomfortable rubbing sensation for the wearer with each step. Similarly, it has been recognized that hosiery that easily slide against the foot of the wearer can also cause similar problems.

[0044] As such, wearers can often encounter uncomfortable or hazardous situations when insufficient friction is present between the hosiery and the footwear being worn by the wearer, or between the hosiery and the skin of the foot of the wearer, or a combination thereof.

[0045] Although various solutions have been proposed for solving similar problems, known solutions for providing grip tend to be too bulky due to the thickness of the gripping surface, unfashionable due to the obvious presence of the gripping surface, or tend to cover undesirable portions of the wearer's feet, such as the entire sole of the wearer's feet, to make the wearer feel uncomfortable due to excessive grip and moisture being trapped by the presence of the gripping surface. Example embodiments of slip-resistant hosiery are described herein to address at least one of these issues.

[0046] A medial side view, a dorsal side view, and a bottom view of a typical foot of a person are illustrated in FIGs. 1 , 2, and 3, respectively. To assist in the explanation of the slip-resistant hosiery, the foot 1 is shown as having at least six main surface portions: a dorsal surface of the forefoot 5, a medial surface of the longitudinal arch 3, a lateral surface of the longitudinal arch 4, a posterior surface of the heel 2, a plantar surface of the heel 7 and a plantar surface of the forefoot 8. The plantar surfaces of the foot are shown in FIG. 3.

[0047] The dorsal surface of forefoot 5 generally encompasses the top area of toes and the area surrounding the toes as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. However, in other example embodiments, the dorsal surface of the forefoot may only contain the toes, or may only contain an area nearby the toes. [0048] The medial surface of the longitudinal arch 3 generally encompasses the inner side of the foot 1. The medial surface of the longitudinal arch may also be the area between the dorsal surface of the forefoot 5 and the posteromedial surface of the heel 2. Similarly, the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch 4 generally encompasses the outer side of the foot 1 . The lateral surface of the longitudinal arch may also be the area between the dorsal surface of forefoot 5 and the posterior surface of heel 2.

[0049] The posterior surface of the heel 2 generally contains an area nearby or on the back of the foot 1 . For example, the posterior surface of the heel 2 may only contain the rear most portion of the heel. In another embodiment, the posterior surface includes an area between the posteromedial to posterolateral surface of the heel, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. Additionally, the posterior surface of the heel 2 may extend upwards to cover at least a portion of the Achilles tendon.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows the bottom view of the foot. The plantar surface of the foot 6 generally encompasses the entire sole of the foot 1 , whereas the plantar surface of the heel 7 encompasses a heel portion of the sole of the foot, and the plantar surface of the forefoot 8 encompasses the area surrounding the toe portion of the sole of the foot, which may also include the plantar surfaces of the toes.

[0051] The surface portions of the foot are shown in FIGs. 1 -3 as an example only, and each surface portion may be defined using various shapes, sizes and configurations according to the locations described herein.

[0052] FIGs. 4-6 illustrate different types of example hosiery to which a gripping surface can be applied.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows pantyhose, FIG. 5 shows a pair of socks, and FIG. 6 shows a pair of leggings. The hosiery may be made of materials such as nylon, wool, silk, or cashmere, for example, and it typically fits snug over the wearer's foot. However, it should be understood that the gripping surface described herein may be applied to any type of garments worn over a wearer's feet, and is therefore not limited to the types of hosiery illustrated in the figures or the types of materials described above.

[0054] A side view of an example embodiment of the slip-resistant hosiery is shown in FIG. 7, wherein a body of a hosiery 10 is shown having a gripping surface 1 1 placed on an outer surface of a section of the hosiery 10 for covering the posterior surface of a heel. The rear view of the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In an example embodiment, the gripping surface 1 1 also extends to the posteromedial surface of the heel and the posterolateral surface of the heel.

[0055] In general, the term "slip-resistant hosiery" herein refers to a body of hosiery that includes a gripping surface positioned at least on the outer surface section of the body.

[0056] The term "gripping surface" herein refers to a surface which provides improved friction for the hosiery. The hosiery may also additionally grip the skin of the person's foot. The gripping surface may, for example, be a polymeric material such as silicone. However, the gripping surface may be any type of polymer, resin, or any other types of material that provides improved friction against the interior of the footwear and the skin of the person's foot. The gripping surface, whether positioned at the outer surface or the inner surface of the hosiery, has a higher coefficient of friction compared to the coefficient of friction of the body of hosiery.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the relative or absolute values of the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface and the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery may vary, taking into account that the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is greater than the coefficient of friction than the body of the hosiery. The following is a list of non-limiting example embodiments describing the values of the coefficient of friction. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 10% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 20% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 30% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 40% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 50% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 60% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 70% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 80% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 90% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the gripping surface is at least 100% greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hosiery. In an example embodiment, the gripping surface has a coefficient of friction greater than 0.5.

[0058] The gripping surface may be secured to the hosiery in a number of different ways, depending on the type of hosiery used and the choice of material for providing the gripping surface. For example, the gripping surface is directly or indirectly sprayed on, molded on, or embedded within the body of the hosiery. In another embodiment, the gripping surface is weaved into the fabric of the hosiery. In another example embodiment, the gripping surface is pre-formed and then secured to the hosiery using glue or any other methods.

[0059] In an example embodiment, the gripping surface is at least semi-transparent. In another example embodiment, the gripping surface is transparent. A semi-transparent or transparent gripping surface is desirable because it is not easily visible to people. This would make the slip-resistant hosiery more fashionably appealing while still providing a gripping surface. In another example embodiment, the gripping surface is opaque. In another example embodiment, the gripping surface has a color tint matching a color of the skin or a color of the hosiery, such that the presence of the gripping surface is not easily detected by eye. In example embodiments where there is an outer gripping surface and an inner gripping surface, the outer gripping surface may have a color tint matching the color of the body of the hosiery, or both the inner and the outer gripping surfaces have the color tint. The use of color for the gripping surface applies to semi-transparent and opaque materials. This enables a person to wear the hosiery with footwear having different designs and configurations without having to worry about the gripping surface being exposed in an unsightly manner.

[0060] In another example embodiment, the gripping surface comprises a material that stretches easily, such as an elastomer, for example, such that the gripping surface stretches to conform to the profile of the wearer's feet to provide additional comfort. The use of elastomer also enables the same hosiery to be worn by wearers with different sizes of feet.

[0061] In a preferred example embodiment, the gripping surface has a low profile, or, in other words, is thin. In some example embodiments, the gripping surface is embedded within the hosiery. In these ways, a person wearing the slip-resistant hosiery will not be able to easily feel any raised bumps or surfaces. The person wearing the slip-resistant hosiery will feel as if he or she is wearing a typical hosiery garment, however, with the advantage of reduced slipping against the interior of the shoe and the person's foot. It is recognized, for example, that high-profile or thick material added to hosiery would reduce the amount of room in a wearer's shoe, and may undesirably change the feel or fitting of the shoe when wearing hosiery with thick material.

[0062] Continuing with the example embodiment of the slip-resistant hosiery 10 shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, by placing the gripping surface 1 1 to cover the posterior surface of the heel, a person wearing the slip-resistant hosiery will be provided with better grip when wearing a shoe. When the hosiery is worn with a shoe, the gripping surface 1 1 is positioned to be in contact with at least the inner surface of the heel portion of the shoe. Therefore, when the person lifts their foot upwards, for example when taking a step, the gripping surface 1 1 will grip onto the inner surface of the heel portion of the shoe. In this way, the person's heel does not slip or slide out of the shoe, even when wearing hosiery. In another example embodiment, a gripping surface may also be provided on the inner surface of hosiery to grip the person's skin such that the slippage of the person's foot against the hosiery is reduced. The inner gripping surface may be positioned at any location on the inner surface of the hosiery. For example, the inner gripping surface may be positioned at the same section of the hosiery as the outer gripping surface, or the inner gripping surface and the outer gripping surface may be positioned at different sections of the hosiery.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of an example embodiment of the slip-resistant hosiery 10 having a gripping surface 1 1 , which includes an outer gripping surface 1 1 a and an inner gripping surface 1 1 b being positioned on the surface of hosiery 10. The outer gripping surface 1 1 a is positioned on the outer surface of the hosiery 10, and is adapted to engage the inner surface of the heel portion of the shoe to reduce the slippage of hosiery against the shoe. The inner gripping surface 1 1 b is positioned on the inner surface of the hosiery 10, and is similarly adapted to engage the skin at the person's posterior surface of the heel to provide increased friction, and therefore reduce the slippage of hosiery against the person's foot.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of another example embodiment of the slip- resistant hosiery 10 having a gripping surface 1 1 , which includes an embedded outer gripping surface 1 1 c and an embedded inner gripping surface 1 1 d. As shown in the figure, both embedded gripping surfaces 1 1 c, 1 1 d are integrated within the hosiery 10, and therefore do not add any significant thickness to the gripping surface 1 1 . As described previously, the embedded outer gripping surface 1 1 c is adapted to grip the inner surface of the heel portion of the shoe, while the embedded inner gripping surface 1 1 d is adapted to grip the skin at the person's posterior surface of the heel.

[0065] FIG. 1 1 shows an enlarged view of another example embodiment of the slip- resistant hosiery 10 having a gripping surface 1 1 , which includes a gripping material 12 embedded within the hosiery 10 to form an outer gripping surface 1 1 e and an inner gripping surface 1 1 f. The outer and the inner gripping surfaces are effectively formed by the outer and the inner surfaces of the embedded gripping material 12, and similar to previous example embodiments, the outer gripping surface 1 1 e is adapted to grip the inner surface of the shoe while the inner gripping surface 1 1 f is adapted to grip the skin of the wearer's foot. In other words, the outer gripping surface and the inner gripping surface are surfaces of a unitary piece of gripping material. The gripping material 12 may be embedded within the hosiery 10 using a variety of different methods. For example, a polymeric gripping material 12 may be embedded by submerging a portion of the hosiery 10 a solution containing the monomers, such that the monomers are adhered to the fabric of the hosiery. The monomers may then be polymerized to effectively form an embedded polymeric gripping material. In another example, at least a portion of the hosiery 10 may be submerged in a solution containing polymers, then the polymers adhered to the fabric of the hosiery may be cured, for example by exposing the polymers to heat or UV, such that the cured polymers become embedded within the hosiery. In yet another example, the hosiery may include a hole adapted to receive a gripping material, thus enabling the gripping material to be integrally formed within the hole. Alternatively, a prefabricated gripping material may be positioned within the hole and secured to the hosiery. The method and process for embedding the gripping material may vary depending on the fabric of the hosiery and the gripping material selected, among other factors. The method and process described above are examples only, and it will be understood that other suitable methods and processes may be used to form the gripping surfaces. Additionally, similar methods and processes, including those described above, may be used to form gripping surfaces according to any of the other example embodiments.

[0066] The inner and outer gripping surfaces are shown in FIGs. 9-1 1 as examples only. It will be appreciated that other forms of construction for the gripping surface may be used, and furthermore, these forms of construction, including those shown in FIGs. 9-1 1 , may similarly be applied to other embodiments of slip-resistant hosiery described herein. [0067] In FIGS. 9-1 1 , the outer gripping surface and the inner gripping surface are shown as being positioned on opposite surfaces of the same section of the body of the hosiery 10. However, in another example embodiment, the inner and outer gripping surfaces are positioned at different sections of the body of the hosiery.

[0068] The example embodiment of the slip-resistant hosiery shown in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8 can be used when wearing various shoes, including heels as illustrated in FIG. 12, and slingback shoes, as illustrated in FIG. 15. In FIG. 12, the gripping surface 1 1 may be positioned and oriented on the hosiery 10, such that when the hosiery 10 is worn, the gripping surface 1 1 is covered by the heel of the shoe 50 and is not visible to the eye.

[0069] FIGs. 13 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the gripping surface 1 1 including an outer gripping surface 1 1 a and an inner gripping surface 1 1 b positioned on the surface of the hosiery 10. As shown in the figure, the outer gripping surface 1 1 a grips against the inner surface of the shoe 50, while the inner gripping surface 1 1 b grips the skin of the person's foot 1 .

[0070] FIG. 14 shows a similar enlarged cross-sectional view of the gripping surface 1 1 including an embedded outer gripping surface 1 1 c and an embedded inner gripping surface 1 1 d. Since the gripping surfaces 1 1 c, 1 1 d are embedded within the hosiery 10, it does not add a significant amount of thickness of the hosiery, if any, and thus provide a tighter fit to the wearer's foot 1 as shown in the figure. The tighter fit may also enable the outer gripping surface 1 1 c and the inner gripping surface 1 1 d to retain a better grip against the inner surface of the shoe 50 and the wearer's foot 1 , respectively.

[0071] The combination of the inner gripping surface and the outer gripping surface generally reduces the slippage of both hosiery and the shoe experienced by the wearer.

[0072] In FIG. 15, the slip-resistant hosiery is worn with a slingback shoe. As shown in the figure, the gripping surface 1 1 may be made to have smaller area compared to the hosiery shown in FIG. 12, such that when the hosiery 10 is worn with a slingback shoe 51 , the gripping surface 1 1 is mostly or completely covered by the slingback strap 55 and is not easily visible to the eye.

[0073] The gripping surface 1 1 of the slip-resistant hosiery 10 may further include an outer gripping surface 1 1 e and an inner gripping surface 1 1 f as shown in FIG. 16. The outer gripping surface 1 1 e and the inner gripping surface 1 1 f are shown as being formed by the respective surfaces of an embedded gripping material 12. As with previously described example embodiments, the outer gripping surface 1 1 e is adapted to engage the slingback strap 55 of the shoe, while the inner gripping surface 1 1 f is adapted to engage the skin of the wearer's foot 1 .

[0074] For open-toed shoes, it can be desirable to have the gripping surface located only at the rear portion of the hosiery, so that the gripping surface is not visible at the open- toe portion of the shoe.

[0075] Turning to FIGs. 17-19, another example embodiment of slip-resistant hosiery 10 is shown, wherein the gripping surface 15 positioned at the rear of the hosiery 10 is sufficiently large to cover at least a portion of the plantar surface of the heel.

[0076] In the side view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 17, the gripping surface 15 extends slightly onto the plantar surface of the wearer's heel, however, it is preferred to leave at least a portion of the plantar surface of heel uncovered in order to maintain breathability and a level of comfort for the wearer. The uncovered region is also shown in FIGs. 18 and 19, illustrating the rear view and the bottom view of the hosiery 10, respectively.

[0077] As shown more clearly in FIG. 19, the gripping surface 15 covers the outer perimeter region of the plantar surface of the heel in an example embodiment. The gripping surface 15 may further include an inner gripping surface and an outer gripping surface as described previously.

[0078] FIGs. 20 and 21 show an example embodiment of slip-resistant hosiery with a gripping surface positioned to cover the dorsal surface of forefoot.

[0079] The example embodiment shown in FIGs. 20 and 21 reduces slipping of the shoe by placing the gripping surface 21 near the front of the wearer's foot. This example embodiment may be particularly useful when the wearer is wearing, for example, open back shoes that do not have any contact surface near the rear portion of the shoes, or slingback shoes that have narrow straps, since the gripping surface 21 is not visible to the eye when worn under such shoes. The gripping surface 21 may further include an outer gripping surface and an inner gripping surface as described in previous embodiments, such that the slippage of both the shoe and the foot against the hosiery are reduced by the hosiery. [0080] FIGs. 22 and 23 show the hosiery in FIG. 20 being worn with an open back shoe 53 and a slingback shoe 51 , respectively. When an open back shoe 53 is being worn as shown in FIG. 22, the gripping surface 21 is covered by the shoe 53, and is not visible to the eye. However, when the wearer is walking, the gripping surface 21 resists the shoe 53 from slipping against the wearer's foot. Similarly in FIG. 23, the gripping surface 21 is completely covered by the slingback shoe 51 , and the presence of the gripping surface 21 decreases the slippage of the shoe 51 , thus reducing the likelihood of the slingback strap 55 being displaced from its effective position.

[0081] FIGs. 24-26 show a similar example embodiment with a gripping surface 25 located near the front of the hosiery 10. The gripping surface 25 is shaped to cover a portion of the plantar surface of a wearer's forefoot. FIG. 24 shows the side view of the hosiery, while FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 show the front and the bottom of the hosiery, respectively. It should be noted, in particular with FIG. 26, that it is preferable for at least a portion of the plantar surface of the hosiery 10 to remain uncovered by the gripping surface 25. In this way, grip is provided on the top and bottom of a person's foot within the shoe, while still providing breathability and comfort on the plantar surface of the forefoot. As best seen in the example embodiment of FIG. 26, only the outer perimeter region of the plantar surface of the forefoot is covered by the gripping surface 25. Furthermore, the gripping surface 25 may include an outer gripping surface and an inner gripping surface as described previously.

[0082] FIG. 27 shows an example embodiment of slip-resistant hosiery 10 including a gripping surface 28 positioned on a side of hosiery 10. The gripping surface is positioned to cover either the medial arch of the wearer's foot or the lateral arch of the wearer's foot, depending on which side of hosiery 10 the gripping surface 28 is placed. Alternatively, the gripping surface 28 may be positioned to cover both the medial and the lateral arches of the foot by positioning the gripping surface 28 on both sides of hosiery 10. Furthermore, the gripping surface 28 may include an outer gripping surface and an inner gripping surface as described in previous embodiments. The slip-resistant hosiery 10 having a gripping surface 28 being positioned on the side may be particularly useful when the wearer desires to wear both an open-back shoe and an open-toe shoe with the same hosiery. Since both the open- back shoe and the open-toe shoe covers the arch of the wearer's foot, the wearer may wear the same slip-resistant hosiery having a gripping surface on the side with both designs of shoes without the worry of a portion of the gripping surface being exposed outside the shoe. [0083] FIG. 28 shows an example embodiment of slip-resistant hosiery 10 including a gripping surface 29 positioned on the side of hosiery 10 which extends to cover a portion of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot to provide additional grip against at least the interior surface of the shoe. The gripping surface 29 may further include an interior gripping surface to reduce the slippage of hosiery 10 against the foot of the user. The gripping surface 29 may be positioned to cover the medial surface of the longitudinal arch of the wearer's foot or the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch of the wearer's foot. The gripping surface 29 preferably extends to only cover a perimeter region of the plantar surface of the foot.

Furthermore, the hosiery 10 may include an additional gripping surface to cover both the medial surface and the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch of the wearer's foot.

[0084] FIG. 29 shows an example embodiment of the slip-resistant hosiery 10 including at least two gripping surfaces 29a, 29b positioned on the sides of the hosiery 10, and the gripping surfaces extending to cover a portion of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot. As shown in FIG. 29, the gripping surfaces 29a, 29b cover the medial surface of the longitudinal arch of the wearer's foot, the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch of the wearer's foot and a perimeter region of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot. The gripping surfaces 29a, 29b may each further include an inner gripping surface and an outer gripping surface as previously described.

[0085] In another example embodiment of the invention (not shown in the figures), the hosiery includes a front gripping surface placed on the portion of the hosiery for

encompassing the dorsal surface of the forefoot, a medial side gripping surface placed on the portion of the hosiery for encompassing the medial surface of the longitudinal arch, a lateral side gripping surface placed on the portion of the hosiery for encompassing the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch and a rear gripping surface placed on the portion of the hosiery for encompassing the posterior surface of the heel without any of the gripping surfaces overlapping. Furthermore, each of the gripping surfaces may include an outer gripping surface and an inner gripping surface as previously described.

[0086] In another example embodiment of a slip-resistant hosiery, the hosiery includes a gripping surface positioned to cover a surface of above the plantar surface of the foot. The gripping surface may be placed, for example, to cover at least one of the dorsal surface of the forefoot, the medial surface of the longitudinal arch, the posterior surface of the heel or the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch. However, the plantar surface of the foot may not be covered by the gripping surface in the example embodiment. Furthermore, the gripping surface may include an outer gripping surface or a combination of an outer gripping surface and an inner gripping surface as previously described.

[0087] FIGs. 30-32 show an example embodiment of slip-resistant hosiery 10 including a continuous gripping surface 31 encompassing the portions of the hosiery for covering the dorsal surface of the forefoot, the medial surface of the longitudinal arch, the posterior surface of the heel and the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch. FIG. 30 shows the side view of the hosiery 10, while FIG. 31 shows the rear view and FIG. 32 shows the front view of the same embodiment.

[0088] There are a number of advantages to forming a continuous gripping surface. The continuous gripping surface 31 provides a larger gripping surface area around the front, heel, and sides of the foot, thereby further reducing slippage of a wearer's foot within a shoe. Additionally, the continuous gripping surface 31 reduces the likelihood of the gripping surface peeling off the hosiery because there are less edges of the gripping surface being exposed in the continuous form. Additionally, a large portion of the dorsal surface of the foot and the entire plantar surface of the foot is not covered by the gripping surface. Thereby, breathability of the foot is maintained. Further, when the wearer takes off their shoes and walks in the hosiery, it will feel to the wearer as if they are wearing typical hosiery. Similarly with previous embodiments, the continuous gripping surface may further include an inner gripping surface adapted to grip the skin of the wearer's foot and an outer gripping surface adapted to grip the inner surface of the shoe. The combination of the inner gripping surface and the outer gripping surface further reduces the slippage of the wearer's foot within a shoe.

[0089] FIGs. 33-36 show another example embodiment of a slip-resistant hosiery 10 including a continuous gripping surface 35 for covering the dorsal surface of the forefoot, the medial surface of the longitudinal arch, the posterior surface of the heel and the lateral surface of the longitudinal arch. Further, the continuous gripping surface 35 is sized and positioned to extend onto at least a portion of the hosiery 10 for covering a section of the plantar surface of the foot. The side view of the embodiment is shown in FIG. 33, the rear view in FIG. 34, the front view in FIG. 35 and the bottom view is shown in FIG. 36.

[0090] It is preferable to maintain at least a portion of the plantar surface uncovered from the gripping surface, for example, to maintain breathability and comfort. As best seen in FIGs. 34 and 36, only the outer perimeter region of the plantar surface of the foot is covered by the gripping surface 35. In an example embodiment, the gripping surface 35 may further include an outer gripping surface and an inner gripping surface.

[0091] It will be appreciated that positioning of the gripping surface, whether on the outer surface or the inner surface of the body of the hosiery, or both, can vary. It will also be appreciated that there are many different combinations of the above mentioned surfaces of the foot that can be covered by the gripping surface, and all of these combinations are applicable to slip-resistant hosiery even if these combinations have not been explicitly described herein.

[0092] Non-limiting general example embodiments will now be described, including example aspects of such embodiments.

[0093] In a general embodiment, a slip-resistant hosiery includes a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer, a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body, and a second gripping surface positioned at an interior surface section of the body.

[0094] In an aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are positioned on opposite surfaces of the same section of the body.

[0095] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are surfaces of a unitary piece.

[0096] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are located at different sections of the body.

[0097] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot.

[0098] In another aspect, the first gripping surface has a color tint matching a color of the body.

[0099] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a dorsal surface of forefoot of the wearer's foot.

[00100] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a medial surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot. [00101] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a lateral surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot.

[00102] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot, a dorsal surface of forefoot of the wearer's foot, a medial surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot and a lateral surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot.

[00103] In another aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to further cover a perimeter region of a plantar surface of the heel.

[00104] In another aspect, the first gripping surface is at least semi-transparent.

[00105] In another general embodiment, a slip-resistant hosiery includes a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer, a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body adapted to cover a surface above the plantar surface of the foot, and the first gripping surface is at least semi-transparent.

[00106] In an aspect, the first gripping surface is adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot.

[00107] In another aspect, the first gripping surface is adapted to cover at least one of a medial surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot and a lateral surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot.

[00108] In another aspect, the first gripping surface is adapted to cover a dorsal surface of forefoot of the foot.

[00109] In another aspect, the slip-resistant hosiery further includes a second gripping surface positioned at an interior surface section of the body.

[00110] In a further aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are positioned on opposite surfaces of the same section of the body.

[00111] In another further aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are surfaces of a unitary piece.

[00112] In another further aspect, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are located at different sections of the body. [00113] In another aspect, the first gripping surface has a color tint matching a color of the body.

[00114] In another general embodiment, a slip-resistant hosiery includes a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer, and a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body adapted to cover a dorsal surface of a forefoot of the foot.

[00115] In another general embodiment, a slip-resistant hosiery includes a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer, and a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot, wherein the first gripping surface is at least semi-transparent.

[00116] Although not shown in the figures, any number of gripping surfaces having various shapes and sizes may be placed on the front, center, or rear portion of the hosiery, or combination thereof, in any number of configurations without departing from the scope of the principles described herein.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A slip-resistant hosiery comprising: a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer;

a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body; and a second gripping surface positioned at an interior surface section of the body.

2. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are positioned on opposite surfaces of the same section of the body.

3. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are surfaces of a unitary piece.

4. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are located at different sections of the body.

5. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot.

6. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface has a color tint matching a color of the body.

7. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a dorsal surface of a forefoot of the foot.

8. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover at least one of a medial surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot and a lateral surface of the longitudinal arch of the foot.

9. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot, a dorsal surface of a forefoot of the foot, a medial surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot and a lateral surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot.

10. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are adapted to further cover a perimeter region of a plantar surface of the heel.

1 1 . The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 1 , wherein the first gripping surface is at least semi- transparent.

12. A slip-resistant hosiery comprising: a body adapted to cover a foot of a wearer;

a first gripping surface positioned at an outer surface section of the body adapted to cover a surface above a plantar surface of the foot; and

the first gripping surface is at least semi-transparent.

13. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 12, wherein the first gripping surface is adapted to cover a posterior surface of a heel of the foot.

14. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 12, wherein the first gripping surface is adapted to cover at least one of a medial surface of a longitudinal arch of the foot and a lateral surface of the longitudinal arch of the foot.

15. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 12, wherein the first gripping surface is adapted to cover a dorsal surface of a forefoot of the foot.

16. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 12, wherein the first gripping surface has a color tint matching a color of the body.

17. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 12, further comprising a second gripping surface positioned at an interior surface section of the body.

18. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 17, wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are positioned on opposite surfaces of the same section of the body.

19. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 17, wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are surfaces of a unitary piece.

20. The slip-resistant hosiery of claim 17, wherein the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface are located at different sections of the body.