PERFORMANCE SOCK

• US 20110277218A1
• Filed: 05/11/2011
• Published: 11/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Columbia Sportswear North America Incorporated (Columbia Sportswear Company)
• Original Assignee: Columbia Sportswear North America Incorporated (Columbia Sportswear Company)
• Inventors: Murray, Kevin, Padilla, Phillip
• Application Number:
  US13/105,878
• Publication Number:
  US 20110277218A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 2/239
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 11/02 Reinforcements
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/06 Knee or foot protectors for the legs of players or sportsmen A63B71/1225
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/02 Pile fabrics or articles having similar surface features
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/126 with colour pattern, e.g. intarsia fabrics
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/26 stockings

Abstract

Embodiments relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to performance footwear, such as socks, for the prevention of bruising, blisters, irritation and moisture accumulation. In some embodiments, dynamic cushion socks are provided that may include independent cushioning segments in the midfoot region that allow for improved impact cushioning, while also reducing weight and improving ventilation. Some embodiments also include a medial tab for protecting the ankle bone (e.g., the malleolus) from scrapes, abrasions, friction, and/or impact.

Claims

1. A dynamic cushion sock comprising:

a sock body comprising an upper portion and a sole portion, wherein the sole portion comprises a toe region, a midfoot region, and a heel region;

wherein the midfoot region comprises a plurality of discrete cushioning segments, wherein the discrete cushioning segments are configured to provide a plurality of inter-segment channels, and wherein the inter-segment channels are configured to direct moisture and/or heat away from the sole region.

2. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body and the cushioning segments comprise knit facial yarn.

3. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 2, wherein the knit facial yarn comprises tetra-channel polyester fibers, merino wool, nylon fibers, polyester fibers, activated carbon particles, carbon fibers, bamboo fibers, acrylic fibers, or a combination thereof.

4. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the cushioning segments comprise an elastomeric material.

5. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 2, wherein the sock body comprises a stockinette stitch knit, a reverse stockinette stitch knit, or a rib knit stitch, and wherein the cushioning segments comprise a terry cushion stitch.

6. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the cushioning segments comprise at least one closed-loop segment.

7. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein each of the cushioning segments and the sock body have a thickness dimension, and wherein the thickness dimension of the cushioning segments is generally greater than the thickness dimension of the sock body.

8. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the cushioning segments project from an inside surface of the sock body, from an outside surface of the sock body, or from both the inside and outside surfaces of the sock body.

9. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the cushioning segments are aligned to generally correspond to an anatomical footstrike pattern.

10. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body further comprises heel and/or toe cushioning portions, and wherein the heel and/or toe cushioning portions are configured to cushion the heel and or toe of a user during a footstrike.

11. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 10, wherein the cushioning segments are discontinuous with the heel and/or toe cushioning portions.

12. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body further comprises one or more venting areas, wherein the one or more venting areas are configured to allow heat and/or moisture to exit the sock.

13. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 12, wherein the sock body further comprises one or more flex zones, wherein the flex zones are configured to prevent bunching of the sock in the metatarsal region or in an upper midfoot region.

14. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 13, wherein the one or more venting areas and/or flex zones comprise a plaiting yarn comprising nylon, spandex, polyester, and/or elastane.

15. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 13, wherein the one or more venting areas and/or flex zones comprise a mesh stitch or honeycomb stitch.

16. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body further comprises an arch support region, a cuff region, a medial tab, or a combination thereof.

17. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body further comprises a medial tab, wherein the medial tab comprises an elastomeric material, a terry cushion stitch, or a combination thereof.

18. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the sock body further comprises a medial tab, wherein the medial tab and the sock body each has a thickness dimension, and wherein the thickness dimension of the medial tab is generally greater than the thickness dimension of the sock body.

19. The dynamic cushion sock of claim 1, wherein the sock is a low-rise sock, a no-show sock, a quarter-length sock, a mid-height sock, or a knee-high sock.

20. A dynamic cushion sock comprising:

a sock body comprising an upper portion and a sole portion, wherein the sole portion comprises a toe region, a midfoot region, and a heel region;

wherein the midfoot region comprises a plurality of discrete cushioning segments, wherein the discrete cushioning segments are configured to provide a plurality of inter-segment channels, wherein the inter-segment channels are configured to direct moisture and/or heat away from the sole region, and wherein the cushioning segments are aligned to generally conform to an anatomical footstrike pattern;

wherein the sock body further comprises heel and/or toe cushioning portions configured to protect the heel and or toe of a user from impact during a footstrike;

wherein the sock body further comprises one or more venting areas configured to allow heat and/or moisture to exit the sock;

wherein the sock body further comprises one or more flex zones configured to prevent bunching of the sock in the metatarsal region and/or near the top of the midfoot region; and

wherein the sock body further comprises an arch support region, a cuff region, a medial tab, or a combination thereof.