Ergonomic bed/slipper-sock

Abstract

An Ergonomic Bed/Slipper-Sock (EBSS) combines a sock component with a sole component that may be shock-absorbing, integrated medium-density, highly flexible and slip-resistant. The sock component can be integrated (pre-vulcanized) with inserts to prevent the twisting or turning of the EBSS when worn on a foot of a user. The sole component may ergonomically conform to the anatomy of the foot and be fabricated from a variety of materials.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 669,938 filed Apr. 11, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention, an Ergonomic Bed / Slipper-Sock (EBSS), relates to the healthcare field, and can be used in hospitals, healthcare and recovery facilities, as well as at home. The bed / slipper sock is equipped with an ergonomic, shock-absorbing, and highly flexible polymer sole or base component that is structurally integrated with a textile sock component. The medium-density polymer sole includes any or all of the following features: a heel-cup, an arch support, a toe ridge, ball-of-the-foot and heel cushioning, and / or any design features that allow the sole to conform to the anatomical configuration of the foot. BACKGROUND [0004] The prior-art bed / slipper-socks, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The invention, an ergonomic bed/slipper sock (EBSS), is a healthcare and life-supporting device that combines the functions of shock absorption, slide prevention, and ergonomic comfort and support to the foot. The ergonomic bed/slipper sock is equipped with an ergonomic and shock-absorbing polymer sole or base component that is structurally integrated with a textile sock component. The sole may be constructed from a medium-density and highly flexible polymer, that may be designed, integrated and structured to include any or all of the following features: a heel-cup, an arch support, a toe ridge, and ball-of-the-foot and heel-strike cushioning properties. Its design may allow the sole to conform to the anatomical configuration of the sole of the foot.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, in contrast to the prior-art tube-sock, the suggested sock includes an integral sole-component. This integral sole-component may be affixed and/or pre-vulcanized to the textile sock component that includes both a woven heel-section as well as a woven toe-section configured to correctly fit the proportions of the foot, therefore, securing the foot. The sock component may prevent twisting and/or turning of the EBSS on the foot, as opposed to the prior art tube-sock products.

[0008] The top surface of the insole may be ergonomically engineered to replicate the characteristics of the bottom surface of the human foot. With this approach, the EBSS sock pair may be used distinctly on either the right or left foot. The reiterations of the fabrication to the top of the insole include: a toe-bar component; an arch-support, to aid with

Problems solved by technology

Although all these products are widely used in the health care field, the conventional designs lack support to the arch of the foot, as well as a stabilizing heel.

The products that are commonly in use incorporate materials and designs that insignificantly inadequately reduce the impact of the heel, and/or ball-of-the-foot, when striking the floor, therefore providing very limited protection to the wearer.

When causing in

Images