Proprioceptive sock

Abstract

Sock (1) with an outer surface (3) facing the ground, wherein the outer surface (3) comprises a heel section (9), a midfoot section (11), a ball of the foot section (13) and a forefoot section (15) in a sequence running from a rear end (5) to a front end (7) along the sock (1); and has a proprioceptive guidance element (17) designed to control the optimal movement sequence of the foot, wherein the proprioceptive guidance element (17) extends along an S-shaped line (19) starting at the heel section (9), running along the midfoot section (11) and ball of the foot section (13) and ending at the forefoot section (15);and a medial area (21) of the midfoot section (11) and a medial area (23) of the heel section (9) is free from the proprioceptive guidance element (17), and wherein a local thickness DF of the proprioceptive guidance element (17) is always greater than a local thickness DS of the sock (1).;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sock comprising a proprioceptive guide element according to claim 1.

[0002] The term "sock" generally refers to an article of clothing worn primarily to protect and cover the foot. Socks are typically made from textile materials such as cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, or blends, and are generally intended to protect the skin of the feet from friction and pressure points that can be caused by wearing shoes. In addition to providing cushioning, socks also serve to regulate temperature and moisture: socks help wick sweat and moisture away from the skin, keeping the feet dry and reducing the risk of fungal infections and unpleasant odors. Furthermore, socks keep the feet warm, preventing them from getting cold.

[0003] To enhance certain of the aforementioned effects, socks with special properties were developed. For example, DE 102014105610 A1 discloses a sock consisting of a stocking element and at least one sole element, wherein the stocking and sole elements are joined in one piece and the sole element is designed as a traction aid – i.e., to improve grip.

[0004] Further efforts have been made to make socks more resistant to the stresses of wear. The toe and heel areas, in particular, are prone to wear. Special shoe insoles can also increase stress in certain areas. Against this background, EP 0849998 B1 discloses a sock with a reinforced footbed area to compensate for the height difference between the toe and heel areas, reduce wear, and better adapt the sock to orthopaedic shoe insoles.

[0005] One problem is that socks can distort sensory feedback and impair proprioception. While thick or padded socks may be comfortable, they can also reduce the fine perception of the soles of the feet and the ability to feel subtle changes in ground contact.

[0006] The human ability to move upright and safely relies largely on the complex interplay of sensory, motor, and cognitive processes. Proprioception, the internal sensory organ for perceiving one's own body position and movement, plays a central role in this context. Proprioception enables the central pattern generator—a specialized network of nerve cells in the spinal cord—to precisely detect and control the position and movement of the limbs, as well as the forces acting on the joints. It thus forms an essential basis for harmonious and coordinated locomotion, such as walking.

[0007] When walking, humans naturally follow an S-shaped gait pattern. This specific movement path results from the biomechanical optimization of the walking motion, which maximizes efficiency and stability. Deviations from this ideal gait pattern can not only impair walking efficiency but also increase the risk of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to support and promote proprioception in order to minimize deviations from the optimal gait pattern and improve overall movement quality.

[0008] Traditional methods for improving proprioception often focus on physical exercises and therapeutic interventions. However, the effectiveness of physiotherapy depends heavily on the patient's motivation and compliance. Exercises that are not integrated into daily life or are treated as isolated tasks often have less lasting effects. Therefore, movement patterns should ideally be trained in such a way that they become automatic and applicable in everyday life.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a sock that contributes to making walking more efficient, safer and more comfortable.

[0010] The invention relates to a sock comprising a proprioceptive guide element according to claim 1.

[0011] The sock according to the invention has an outer surface facing the ground, which, in a sequence running from a rear to a front end along the sock, comprises a heel section, a midfoot section, a ball of the foot section, and a forefoot section. The sock further includes a proprioceptive guidance element for controlling the optimal movement of the foot. The proprioceptive guidance element extends along an S-shaped line that begins at the heel section, runs along the midfoot and ball of the foot sections, and ends at the forefoot section. A medial area of ​​the midfoot section and a medial area of ​​the heel section are free of the proprioceptive guidance element. In the midfoot and heel sections, the proprioceptive guidance element runs predominantly in a lateral direction.The proprioceptive guide element has a local thickness DF, which is always greater than a local thickness DS of the sock.

[0012] In the context of the invention, the term "local thickness" is understood to mean the thickness of the corresponding element.

[0013] In the context of the invention, the term "s-shaped line" is understood to mean an essentially S-shaped line that begins in the lateral heel region, runs through the lateral midfoot section, extends essentially diagonally through the ball of the foot, runs through the medial region of the forefoot section, and ends in the region of the big toe. This S-shaped line is also referred to as the ideal gait line.

[0014] The inventive sock has the advantage of providing the wearer with subtle yet perceptible proprioceptive feedback as to whether they are currently walking along the ideal gait line or not. Furthermore, compared to prior art shoes designed to support proprioception, the inventive sock is significantly cheaper to manufacture and can be adapted to the wearer much more easily. In addition, the inventive sock offers more comfortable proprioception than prior art shoes and can therefore be worn all day without overstimulating the foot muscles.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the sock according to the invention, the proprioceptive guide element is formed on the outer surface of the sock.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the sock according to the invention, the proprioceptive guide element is formed on an inner surface of the sock facing the foot.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the sock according to the invention, the proprioceptive guide element is formed between the outer surface and an inner surface of the sock facing the foot.

[0018] Regardless of whether the proprioceptive guide element is arranged on the outer surface, on the inner surface or in between, the features described below are particularly preferred.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the sock is made from a yarn Gs and the proprioceptive guide element is made from a yarn GF, wherein the yarn Gs has a lower yarn thickness than the yarn GF.

[0020] In the context of the invention, the term "yarn" is understood to mean a linear textile structure according to DIN 60900.

[0021] In the context of the invention, the term "yarn thickness" is understood to mean a measure of the thickness or fineness of a yarn. Yarn thickness indicates how much yarn material is present in a given length or mass. A yarn with a higher yarn thickness therefore has more mass per unit length than a yarn with a lower yarn thickness.

[0022] Preferably, the local thickness of the proprioceptive guide element DF is 0.5–10 mm greater, particularly preferably 2–8 mm greater, and most preferably 3–5 mm greater than the local thickness of the sock DS. For better explanation, the concept of local thickness is illustrated using the example of the proprioceptive guide element formed on the outer surface of the sock. Here, the proprioceptive guide element extends by its thickness DF towards the floor, creating a height difference between the proprioceptive guide element and the outer surface.

[0023] Preferably, rubber nubs are arranged on the proprioceptive guide element to further enhance proprioception.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a reinforcing element, preferably detachable, is attached to the proprioceptive guidance element in at least one area to further reinforce this area. In this embodiment, the sock is equipped with the proprioceptive guidance element described above, which provides the wearer with important feedback on their gait pattern and helps them correct their walking style towards the ideal gait line. The guidance element according to the invention already offers considerable advantages in this respect. However, by attaching one or more reinforcing elements to the proprioceptive guidance element, the sock can be even better adapted to the individual needs of the wearer. In the case of various gait abnormalities, the feedback can thus be specifically reinforced in certain areas of the foot to achieve the best possible gait pattern. For this purpose, or...One or more reinforcing elements can be installed in one area. It is also possible that one reinforcing element is installed in several areas, or that several reinforcing elements are installed in several areas.

[0025] The reinforcing element can be flexible or rigid. It can have the same or a greater hardness than the proprioceptive guide element to further enhance proprioception in this area. A flexible reinforcing element is particularly preferred.

[0026] In the context of the invention, the term "flexible" is understood to mean that the reinforcing element can deform under load or pressure without losing or breaking its basic structure.

[0027] In the context of the invention, the term "detachably connected" means that the reinforcing element is connected to the proprioceptive guide element in a way that allows it to be detached by hand, in particular without additional tools, and without damaging the proprioceptive guide element. For example, the reinforcing element can be connected to the proprioceptive guide element via a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0028] Preferably, the reinforcement element can also be sewn or glued to the proprioceptive guide element in order to fix the reinforcement element (semi-)permanently to the proprioceptive guide element.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the local thickness of the reinforcing element DV is 1–5 mm greater, and particularly preferably 2–4 mm greater, than the local thickness of the proprioceptive guide element DF. The reinforcing element preferably extends out of the plane of the proprioceptive guide element by its thickness DV, thereby creating a height difference between the reinforcing element and the proprioceptive guide element.

[0030] The preferred area is the one in which the reinforcement element is attached, selected from the group consisting of the lateral heel section, lateral midfoot section, lateral ball of foot section metatarsal-5, medial ball of foot section metatarsal-1, big toe and combinations thereof.

[0031] In the context of the invention, the term "lateral ball of foot section metatarsal-5" refers to an area which, when wearing the sock, lies under the fifth metatarsal bone in the ball of the foot section.

[0032] In the context of the invention, the term "medial ball of foot section metatarsal-1" refers to an area which, when wearing the sock, lies under the first metatarsal bone in the ball of the foot section.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element is made of a material that is harder than or equal to the hardness of the proprioceptive guide element. Particularly preferred is the reinforcing element made of a yarn with a yarn thickness equal to or greater than that of the proprioceptive guide element. This effectively reinforces the proprioceptive guide element.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element is made of a less hard material than the proprioceptive guide element. Particularly preferred is the reinforcing element made of a yarn with a smaller yarn thickness than the yarn thickness of the proprioceptive guide element.

[0035] In the context of the invention, the term "hard" refers to a material's resistance to plastic deformation, penetration, or abrasion. A material with greater hardness is therefore more difficult to penetrate or scratch than a material with less hardness.

[0036] Preferably, the reinforcing element has a diameter of 0.5–3 cm in the plane of the outer surface. This size allows for local reinforcement of the proprioceptive guide element.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element has a thickness of 0.2–2 mm. This thickness allows for feedback perceptible to the wearer without impairing wearing comfort.

[0038] Preferably, loops of a hook-and-loop fastener are formed on an outer surface of the guide element facing the ground. These loops are also commonly referred to as the loop part of a hook-and-loop fastener. In this embodiment, hook-and-loop fastener hooks are preferably arranged on the outer surface of the reinforcement element facing the ground. These hooks are also commonly referred to as the adhesive part of a hook-and-loop fastener. This enables a simple and efficient hook-and-loop connection between the guide element and the reinforcement element.

[0039] Preferably, the proprioceptive guidance element is made of a rubberized yarn (GG). Preferably, the sock is also made of such a rubberized yarn. A sock made at least partially of rubberized yarn offers several advantages. Among other things, a rubberized yarn gives the sock excellent elasticity, allowing it to adapt better to the shape of the foot. Furthermore, socks made of rubberized yarn can provide a certain degree of compression, which promotes blood circulation and can reduce leg fatigue. In addition, socks made of rubberized yarn are more resistant to wear and tear, which extends their lifespan. Compared to socks made of non-rubberized yarn, they are also less likely to lose their shape or stretch out, increasing wearing comfort because the socks cause fewer pressure points and friction. They are also less likely to slip inside the shoe, which reduces the risk of blisters.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the local hardness HF of the proprioceptive guidance element is greater than the local hardness HS of the sock. Such a sock is particularly advantageous in combination with a shoe that itself does not provide proprioceptive feedback. Examples of such shoes include, for instance, so-called barefoot shoes or non-supportive running shoes.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the local hardness HF of the proprioceptive guide element is lower than the local hardness HS of the sock. Such a sock is particularly suitable for use in combination with a shoe that itself provides proprioceptive feedback. Examples of such shoes are known, for instance, from WO 2023152094 A1, EP 3229636 B1 and EP 2768336 B1.

[0042] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to some exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. Where alternative embodiments differ only in individual features, the same reference numerals have been used for the features that remain the same. The figures are shown purely schematically: Fig. 1 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the sock according to the invention; and Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the sock according to the invention;

[0043] The in Fig. 1The sock 1 shown comprises an outer surface 3 facing the floor. This outer surface 3 includes a sequence running along the sock from a posterior end 5 to an anterior end 7, comprising a heel section 9, a midfoot section 11, a ball of the foot section 13, and a forefoot section 15. The sock 1 further includes a proprioceptive guidance element 17, which extends along an S-shaped line 19. This S-shaped line 19 begins at the heel section 9, runs along the midfoot section 11 and ball of the foot section 13, and ends at the forefoot section 15. A medial area 21 of the midfoot section 11 and a medial area 23 of the heel section 9 remain free of the proprioceptive guidance element 17.

[0044] The in Fig. 2 The illustrated sock 1 essentially corresponds to sock 1 from the Figure 1, wherein several reinforcement elements 25 are additionally attached to the proprioceptive guide element 17. The reinforcement elements 25 are arranged in different areas along the S-shaped line 19. Shown here, the reinforcement elements 25 are located in a lateral heel section 27, a lateral midfoot section 29, a lateral ball of the foot section metatarsal 5 31, a medial ball of the foot section metatarsal 1 33, and a great toe section 35. The reinforcement elements 25 can be attached to the proprioceptive guide element 17 by means of hook and loop fasteners or sewn to it.

Claims

1. Sock (1) with an outer surface (3) facing the ground, wherein the outer surface (3) comprises a heel section (9), a midfoot section (11), a ball of the foot section (13), and a forefoot section (15) in a sequence running along the sock (1) from a posterior end (5) to an anterior end (7); and a proprioceptive guidance element (17) designed to control the optimal movement of the foot, wherein the proprioceptive guidance element (17) extends along an S-shaped line (19) starting at the heel section (9), running along the midfoot section (11) and ball of the foot section (13), and ending at the forefoot section (15); a medial area (21) of the midfoot section (11) and a medial area (23) of the heel section (9) are free of the proprioceptive guidance element (17), and wherein a local thickness D Fof the proprioceptive guide element (17) is always larger than a local thickness D S the sock (1).

2. Sock according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that the proprioceptive guiding element (17) is formed on the outer surface of the sock.

3. Sock according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that the proprioceptive guidance element (17) is formed on an inner surface of the sock facing the foot.

4. Sock according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that the proprioceptive guiding element (17) is formed between the outer surface (3) and an inner surface of the sock facing the foot.

5. Sock according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized by the fact that the sock (1) made from yarn Gs and the proprioceptive guide element (17) made from yarn G F is manufactured and wherein the yarn Gs has a lower yarn thickness than the yarn G F exhibits.

6. Sock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the local thickness DF the proprioceptive guide element (17) is 0.5 - 2 mm larger, preferably 2 - 8 mm larger, particularly preferably 3 - 5 mm larger than the local thickness D S the sock (1) .

7. Sock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that a reinforcement element (25), preferably a flexible reinforcement element (25), is attached to the proprioceptive guide element (17) in at least one area (27, 29, 31, 33, 35) to further reinforce this area (27, 29, 31, 33, 35).

8. Sock according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the area (27, 29, 31, 33, 35) selected from the group consisting of lateral heel section (27), lateral midfoot section (29), lateral ball of foot section metatarsal-5 (31), medial ball of foot section metatarsal-1 (33), big toe (35) and combinations thereof.

9. Sock according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by the fact thatthe reinforcing element (25) is made of a harder or equally hard material as the proprioceptive guide element (17).

10. Sock according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that the reinforcing element (25) has a diameter of 0.5 - 3 cm.

11. Sock according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by the fact that the reinforcing element (25) has a thickness of 0.2 - 2 mm.

12. Sock according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by the fact that Loops of a hook and loop fastener are formed on an outer surface of the guide element (17) facing the ground, and hooks of a hook and loop fastener are arranged on an outer surface of the reinforcement element (25) facing away from the ground.

13. Sock according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that the proprioceptive guide element (17) made of a rubberized yarn G G is manufactured.

14. Sock according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that where the local hardness H F of the proprioceptive guide element (17) is greater than the local hardness H S the sock (1).

15. Sock according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that where the local hardness H F of the proprioceptive guide element (17) is smaller than the local hardness H S the sock (1).

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