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 the balance when walking or standing; a heel-cup component designed to stabilize the ankle, with the enhanced properties of impact protection; and a ball-of-the-foot configuration to aid in balance.

[0009] The bottom of the EBSS sole may be designed and fabricated from a shock absorbing, medium-density, highly flexible, polymer, with a high friction coefficient. The heel-cup feature stabilizes the ankle in its correct natural position, which in turn stabilizes the knee and the hip-joint of the wearer. All the combined features of the invention lead to the improved homeostasis, which enhances the prospect for a shorter recovery period of a patient. Thus, in contrast to prior-art solutions, the entire base of the sole may be constructed of a non-slip material, increasing the area of resistance to slipping and sliding, and helping to prevent the episodes of injuries and death.

[0010] Aspects of the above described embodiments and features substantially increase the comfort, safety and stability for the wearer. They improve overall support to the foot and increase the balance of the wearer while walking or standing. With all these features the ergonomic bed / slipper-sock remains soft and flexible, therefore, comforting the wearer while situated in bed or ambulating. Its ergonomics increase safety and the overall well being of the individual, providing increased stability and balance when walking, or during physical therapies after surgeries or other medical procedures. In various embodiment implementations, EBSS may also include additional distinctive properties that further protect the wearer and comfort the foot.

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 injuries, these products may in some instances lead to mortality.

The prior-art slipper-socks do not provide the essential shock absorption, and ergonomic support to the foot.

The terrycloth tube-style sock often twist around the foot, so the slip-resistant strips or threads become incorrectly placed on the foot and thus not only prevent the incidents of falls, but actually create the opportunity for the individual to slip.

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