Flat, topless socks

Abstract

The flat, topless sock is are re-usable, machine washable/dryable, sock/stocking alternative that is inserted into a shoe or sandal, adhering to the shoe's insole so it can be worn in place of traditional socks to give the wearer the “no-sock” look while providing the benefits of wearing a sock. The preferred embodiment of the flat, topless sock consists of a soft, durable, absorbent surface in contact with the skin on the bottom of the foot and an adhesive/anti-slip surface on the opposite side which is in contact with/adheres to the insole of the shoe or sandal. Optional features may include but are not limited to: the addition of extra layer(s) for added comfort, shock and/or sweat absorption; the addition of an anti-microbial agent; a design modification to allow for use in a thong sandal; and an unlimited variety of decorative material designs, colors, textures, stitching patterns or appliqués.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of provisional application No. 61 / 472,845 filed on Apr. 7, 2011.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention is in the technical field of footwear. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of socks.[0005]In warmer climates conventional socks and stockings don't provide the comfort and ventilation desired for the foot to breath, nor do they lend themselves to the preferred “sockless” or bare leg / bare foot look dictated by fashion. People often wish to forego socks or stockings when wearing sandals or when dressing in hot weather to keep cool and to look fashionable, but have had to trade off the comfort and hygiene benefits of wearing socks or stockings in doing so.[0006]People have...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention is the flat, topless sock, which is a re-usable, machine washable and dryable sock / stocking or shoe insert alternative that is inserted into a shoe or sandal (in the same manner as a shoe insert), sticking to the insoles, that can be worn in place of traditional socks or stockings, and allows for a bare leg / bare foot look while providing the comfort and hygiene benefits of wearing socks or stockings. The flat, topless sock has a soft, durable, absorbent surface in contact with the skin on the bottom of the foot and an adhesive / anti-slip surface on the opposite side which is in contact with the insole of the shoe or sandal that retains its adhesive properties after machine washing and drying, thus enabling re-use.

Problems solved by technology

In warmer climates conventional socks and stockings don't provide the comfort and ventilation desired for the foot to breath, nor do they lend themselves to the preferred “sockless” or bare leg / bare foot look dictated by fashion.

People have tried to use existing “no-show” socks, peds and shoe inserts as a way to solve this problem, but these technologies fall short as they either fail to be truly “no-show,” as in the case of the peds or low profile socks (which still come up over at least part of the top of the foot), or in the case of traditional shoe inserts, once adhered to the insoles they can't be used, removed and machine washed / dried for reuse over and over—leaving them either stuck in the shoe along with the bacteria they harbor or making them disposable after a single use.

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