biomechanical socks

Abstract

A sock (100) comprising a foot portion (102) made of a woven fabric, the foot portion (102) comprising at least one inset (106, 108) at least partially integrated with the woven fabric at the bottom of the foot portion (102), the inset (106, 108) providing an increased thickness relative to a peripheral thickness of the woven fabric, the at least one inset (106, 108) being located in one or more of the following areas: an area covering at least the innermost metatarsal of a wearer; an area covering at least the outermost metatarsal of a wearer; an area covering at least the deep and medial regions of a wearer's calcaneus; and an area covering at least the superficial and lateral portions of a wearer's calcaneus.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to socks, and more particularly to biomechanical socks. [Background technology]

[0002] Pronation is the natural motion of the foot during walking and running. Pronation rotates the medial bones of the midtarsal region of the foot inward and downward to accommodate the body's ground reaction forces and uneven surfaces, releasing the Chopart joint (the midtarsal joint of the foot) and promoting shock absorption during the early stance phase.

[0003] Excessive STJ (subtalar or lower ankle) calcaneal eversion occurs in excessive pronation, causing the foot and ankle to rotate downward and inward excessively, and the foot is no longer able to provide strong leverage during push-off. As a result, this results in an abnormal push-off from the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and the medial aspect of the phalanges during walking. If the foot remains pronated during any part of the push-off, it is considered abnormal.

[0004] Athletic socks have been developed to provide reduced plantar pressure, reduced impact, and reduced blisters due to friction. Synthetic fiber compositions have improved the physical characteristics of athletic socks, such as water resistance, wicking, cushioning, weight, and elasticity, compared to cotton socks. Elastic compression in socks has been shown to improve venous insufficiency and reduce muscle soreness after sports activities.

[0005] Traditionally, orthopedic socks, commonly known as corrective socks, are used to reduce swelling and associated pain in the feet, ankles, and calves by exerting mild or moderate pressure or compression on the user's limbs. Individuals with foot or toe deformities, problematic foot injuries, or neurological conditions affecting the feet can benefit from corrective socks. In particular, people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency can find help by using compression socks or stockings.

[0006] However, no socks have been developed for biomechanical purposes, for example to control or correct abnormal foot movements such as overpronation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It has now been invented an improved sock in which the above problems are at least alleviated. Aspects of the invention include a sock characterized by what is set forth in the independent claims. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0008] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0009] According to one aspect, a sock is provided comprising a foot portion made of a woven fabric, the foot portion comprising at least one inset at the bottom of the foot at least partially integrated with the woven fabric, the inset providing an increased thickness relative to a periphery of the woven fabric, the at least one inset being located in the following areas: an area covering at least the wearer's innermost metatarsal; - an area covering at least the outermost metatarsal of the wearer; - an area covering at least the deep and medial areas of the wearer's calcaneus; - an area covering at least the front and rear of the wearer's heel bone.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the inset is a flat shaped post.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the inset is wedge-shaped.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a rearfoot medial wedge.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a rearfoot lateral wedge.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a medial forefoot wedge.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a lateral forefoot wedge.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the sock comprises a uniform inset that extends from at least the area of ​​the wearer's medial heel to an area that covers at least the wearer's medial most metatarsal.

[0017] According to one embodiment, said at least one inset is made by weaving a structure of increased thickness into the fabric.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the at least one inset is knitted into the top of the foot portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the at least one inset is knitted into the medial side of the foot.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the at least one inset is made by injection molding.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the at least one inset is produced by 3D printing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the at least one inset is made by lamination.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the material of the at least one inset comprises open-cell or closed-cell foam, or thermoplastic rubber.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the at least one inset is sewn or stitched to the top of the foot portion.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the foot fabric material comprises one or more of nylon, elastane, or polypropylene.

[0026] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of an orthopedic sock, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] 10A-10C illustrate various examples of insets implemented as wedge shapes, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2b] 10A-10C illustrate various examples of insets implemented as wedge shapes, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2c] 10A-10C illustrate various examples of insets implemented as wedge shapes, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2d] 10A-10C illustrate various examples of insets implemented as wedge shapes, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows an illustrative diagram of a sock wedge in relation to the structure of a foot according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the following, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to socks or orthopedic (corrective) socks, however it should be noted that different embodiments have application in any foot apparel, thereby encompassing, for example, stockings and any other type of hosiery.

[0029] A sock according to one embodiment comprises a foot portion made of a woven fabric, the foot portion comprising at least one inset at the bottom of the foot at least partially integrated with the woven fabric, the inset providing an increased thickness relative to a periphery of the woven fabric, the at least one inset being located in the following areas: an area covering at least the wearer's innermost metatarsal; - an area covering at least the outermost metatarsal of the wearer; - an area covering at least the deep and medial areas of the wearer's calcaneus; - an area covering at least the superficial and lateral portions of the wearer's heel bone.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the inset is wedge-shaped.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the inset is a flat-shaped post.

[0032] Thus, wedges or so-called posts can be used as insets. Thus, the sock with biomechanical features comprises at least one wedge / post, preferably with a stiff and rigid structure, to improve the alignment and pattern of the foot when walking, running, jumping, skiing, etc.

[0033] Such socks may preferably have two wedges / posts. The rearfoot wedge / post may be used to control excessive eversion or inversion of the calcaneus at heel strike to control excessive pronation or supination of the foot. The forefoot wedge / post may be used to support the forefoot and reduce the need for compensation for STJ and midtarsal joint movements, such as calcaneus eversion or inversion. Such biomechanical socks may include different combinations and patterns of rearfoot and forefoot wedges / posts. Socks with wedges / posts provide support, thereby reducing both the degree and velocity of abnormal foot movements. Therefore, the socks prevent and treat different types of foot, lower leg, and back conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, and back pain.

[0034] Typically, a wedge-shaped inset may be used to achieve the beneficial effect. Accordingly, the term "wedge" will be used broadly hereinafter to describe various embodiments. However, it should be noted that the terms "wedge," "inset," and "post" may be used interchangeably, and that in many cases a similar effect may be achieved by using a flat-shaped post.

[0035] 1 illustrates an example of a sock having two wedges. The sock 100 includes a foot portion 102 that covers a wearer's foot. The sock 100 may also include a shaft 104 that covers at least the wearer's ankle and possibly at least a portion of the wearer's leg as well. However, the sock may be implemented without any shaft 104. The foot portion 102 is made of a woven fabric, which may include one or more materials. The thickness of the fabric may be uniform throughout the foot portion 102, but may also vary, for example, by providing a thicker layer of fabric at the bottom of the sock compared to the top of the sock.

[0036] The foot section comprises at least a first wedge 106 and a second wedge 108 at least partially on the sole of the foot section. Thus, when the sock is worn, the wedges are at least partially located under the wearer's foot, although the wedges may also extend to the sides of the sock's foot section. Both wedges have an increased thickness compared to the thickness of the fabric section that surrounds them, i.e., the wedges protrude outward or inward from the surface of the fabric. In other words, insets such as wedges may be located on either the inner or outer surface of the sock.

[0037] The first wedge 106 is located approximately within the region of the wearer's medial most metatarsal, i.e., the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (the joint of the big toe), and the second wedge 108 may extend from the wearer's medial heel region, but at least cover the deep and medial regions of the wearer's heel bone (calcaneus).

[0038] Pronation is a natural movement of the human foot that occurs when weight is transferred from the heel to the forefoot during walking or running, causing the foot to naturally roll inward. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward and the arch flattens as the foot begins to move from a standing position. Excessive STJ (subtalar joint or lower ankle) calcaneal eversion occurs during over-pronation, causing the foot and ankle to rotate excessively downward and inward, and the foot is unable to provide strong leverage during push-off. As a result, this results in abnormal push-off from the first metatarsal joint and the medial aspect of the phalanges during gait. If the foot remains pronated during any part of push-off, it is considered abnormal. Therefore, if the foot rolls inward too much, over-pronation occurs and the arch becomes too flat.

[0039] The socks disclosed herein can at least partially correct foot biomechanics and thus the problem of overpronation. By placing wedges in the appropriate locations within the sock's foot, i.e., by placing a first wedge, such as a forefoot wedge, in the region of at least the wearer's innermost metatarsal, and / or a second wedge, such as a rearfoot wedge, in at least the inner and inner regions of the wearer's heel bone (calcaneus), additional support can be provided to the foot's correct location, thereby correcting the foot's biomechanics and alleviating the problem of overpronation. The immediate effect of overpronation at the time of stepping is excessive inward rotation of the foot. The second wedge is configured to provide additional support to correct overpronation of the foot by controlling excessive eversion of the calcaneus at heel strike. As the foot continues to step, an effect known as delayed overpronation occurs in the region of the innermost metatarsal, i.e., approximately where the big toe begins. The first wedge is located there and is configured to provide additional support to support the forefoot and to reduce the need for compensation for STJ and midtarsal joint movements, such as calcaneal eversion or inversion.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a rearfoot medial wedge.

[0041] FIG. 2a shows a schematic example of a rearfoot medial wedge, which may be located beneath the deepest and medial portions of the calcaneus (heel) and may extend longitudinally from the medial portion of the calcaneus to or just before the distal portion of the medial cuneiform bone, and laterally from the proximal portion of the calcaneus to or just before the lateral two-thirds of the calcaneus. The thickness of the wedge may vary, for example, from 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 12 mm, and the inclination of the wedge may vary from 30 to 0.5 degrees, preferably 20 to 0.5 degrees. Thus, with particularly low inclination values, the wedge effectively becomes a nearly flat-shaped post.

[0042] The planar shape of the medial rearfoot wedge can take on a variety of patterns, such as a square, semicircular, rectangular, or partially rounded rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 2a. The medial rearfoot wedge disclosed herein can at least partially prevent the adverse effects of overpronation, calcaneal eversion, calcaneal valgus, and STJ eversion.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a rearfoot lateral wedge.

[0044] FIG. 2b shows a schematic example of a rearfoot lateral wedge that is located under the superficial and lateral portions of the calcaneus (heel) and may extend longitudinally from the lateral portion of the calcaneus to or just before the distal portion of the cuboid, and laterally from the proximal portion of the calcaneus to or just before the medial two-thirds of the calcaneus.

[0045] The dimensions of the lateral rearfoot wedge can be similar to those of the medial rearfoot wedge. Thus, the thickness of the wedge can vary, for example, from 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 12 mm, and the slope of the wedge can vary from 30 to 0.5 degrees, preferably 20 to 0.5 degrees. Similarly, the planar shape of the lateral rearfoot wedge can take various patterns similar to those of the medial rearfoot wedge, such as a square, semilunar, rectangular, or partially rounded rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2b. The lateral rearfoot wedge disclosed herein can at least partially prevent the adverse effects of hypersupination, calcaneal inversion, calcaneus varus, and STJ inversion.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a medial forefoot wedge.

[0047] 2c shows a schematic example of a medial forefoot wedge that may be located under the first, second, and third metatarsal joints and / or distal portions of the metatarsals, but may be located under at least the first metatarsal joint, as indicated by the dashed line. The medial forefoot wedge may extend laterally across the foot from the distal portions of the first, second, and third metatarsals, or from the distal portion of at least the first metatarsal, to cover the corresponding metatarsal joints and metatarsals.

[0048] Again, the dimensions of the medial forefoot wedge can be similar to those of the medial / lateral rearfoot wedge. Thus, the thickness of the wedge can vary, for example, from 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 12 mm, and the slope of the wedge can vary from 30 to 0.5 degrees, preferably 20 to 0.5 degrees. Similarly, the planar shape of the medial forefoot wedge can take various patterns similar to those of the medial / lateral rearfoot wedge, such as a square, semicircular, rectangular, or partially rounded rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2c. The medial forefoot wedge disclosed herein can at least partially prevent the adverse effects of forefoot inversion, overpronation, calcaneal eversion, calcaneus valgus, and STJ eversion.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the sock includes a lateral forefoot wedge.

[0050] 2d shows a schematic example of a lateral forefoot wedge that may be located under the fifth, fourth, third, and even second metatarsal joints and / or distal portions of the metatarsals, but may be located under at least the fifth metatarsal joint, as indicated by the dashed line. The medial forefoot wedge may extend laterally from the distal portions of the fifth through second metatarsals, or from at least the distal portion of the fifth metatarsal, to cover the corresponding metatarsal joints and metatarsals.

[0051] Again, the dimensions of the lateral forefoot wedge can be similar to those described above. Thus, the thickness of the wedge can vary, for example, from 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 12 mm, and the slope of the wedge can vary from 30 to 0.5 degrees, preferably 20 to 0.5 degrees. Similarly, the planar shape of the lateral forefoot wedge can take on a variety of similar patterns, such as a square, semicircular, rectangular, or partially rounded rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2d. The lateral forefoot wedge disclosed herein can at least partially prevent the adverse effects of forefoot valgus, hypersupination, calcaneus varus, calcaneus varus, and STJ inversion.

[0052] It should be noted that excessive pronation is a much more common foot problem than excessive supination, but the adverse effects of excessive supination can also be prevented by the proper selection of insets (wedges) in socks. Excessive supination or excessive supination occurs when normal STJ (subtalar joint or lower ankle joint) eversion is restricted and the rearfoot does not fully rotate during and immediately after heel strike. This prevents normal pronation to absorb shock and adapt to the uneven ground surface. Therefore, the foot's own shock absorption is reduced, which can ultimately lead to several problems, such as ankle injuries and pain, stress fractures of the feet and legs, back pain, and hip pain.

[0053] A sock may include only one of the rearfoot / forefoot medial / lateral wedges, or may include one rearfoot wedge (medial / lateral) and one forefoot wedge (medial / lateral).

[0054] Thus, the sock may include one medial rearfoot wedge and / or one medial forefoot wedge to prevent the adverse effects of over-pronation. In a similar manner, the sock may include one lateral rearfoot wedge and / or one lateral forefoot wedge to prevent the adverse effects of over-supination.

[0055] Figure 3 shows an exemplary illustration of the location of the sock wedges relative to the anatomy of the foot. Figure 3 shows the wedges from the bottom of the sock and foot, illustrating how at least the first wedge preferably extends down the foot to near the second metatarsophalangeal joint (second toe joint), thereby providing support to the entire first metatarsophalangeal joint and surrounding area. Both the first and second wedges provide support to prevent the joint and bones of the foot from becoming misaligned.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the sock comprises at least one inset extending from the area of ​​the wearer's medial heel to an area covering at least the wearer's medial most metatarsal.

[0057] Thus, instead of two insets / wedges, one uniform inset, such as a wedge-shaped inset, may be used that not only substantially covers the area of ​​the first and second wedges shown in Figure 3, but also covers at least the area in between within the medial edge of the foot in the region of the medial longitudinal arch, providing additional support in that area. The inset may also extend beyond the medial most metatarsal, at least partially covering one or more phalanges (toes).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the wedge is made by weaving an increased thickness structure into a fabric. Thus, by weaving the wedge directly into the same fabric structure as the foot fabric, a very durable construction of the wedge can be achieved. Here, fiber materials or threads of the same size or thicker than the foot fabric can be used. Alternatively, fibers or threads of different materials can be used, achieving an even more durable construction for the wedge.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the wedge is knitted into the top of the foot part. From a sock manufacturing perspective, it may be easier to knit the wedge into the top of the fabric of the foot part.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the wedge is knitted into the medial side of the foot. Knitting the wedge into the medial side of the foot fabric may provide a more durable structure, which is less prone to friction because it is against the foot rather than the shoe.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the wedge is made by injection molding.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the wedge is made by 3D printing.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the wedge is made by lamination.

[0064] Thus, the wedge can be manufactured as a separate wedge for further attachment to the sock instead of knitting the wedge into the sock's textile structure. Knitting the wedge into the sock's textile structure can be a time-consuming manufacturing step, and therefore the sock manufacturing process can be made faster and more cost-efficient by using separately manufactured wedges and then attaching them by some means to the top surface of the sock's textile at the appropriate locations. Various options exist for manufacturing the wedge as a separate piece, including but not limited to, at least injection molding, 3D printing, or lamination.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the wedge material includes open-cell or closed-cell foam or thermoplastic rubber. Therefore, depending on whether the wedge is injection molded, 3D printed, or laminated, suitable materials may be open-cell or closed-cell foams, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), or neoprene. Alternatively, thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) may be used. TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer consisting of hard and soft segments, and exhibits good elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the wedge is sewn or stitched to the top of the foot. Whether the wedge is manufactured by injection molding, 3D printing, or lamination, the wedge can be attached to the top surface of the sock fabric by stitching or stitching.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the foot fabric material comprises one or more of nylon, elastane, or polypropylene, which are well suited for the wedge manufacturing methods and wedge materials described above.

[0068] It is obvious that the invention is not limited solely to the embodiments presented above, but it can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A sock comprising a foot portion made of a woven fabric, the foot portion comprising at least two wedge-shaped insets at the bottom of the foot at least partially integrated with the woven fabric, the insets providing an increased thickness relative to a periphery thickness of the woven fabric, the at least first wedge-shaped inset being positioned in the following areas: - an area covering at least the innermost metatarsal of the wearer; - in an area covering at least the outermost metatarsal of the wearer; At least a second wedge-shaped inset is provided in the following region: - an area covering at least the deep and medial areas of the calcaneus of the wearer; - an area covering at least the front and rear of the wearer's heel bone.

2. 10. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a medial rearfoot wedge.

3. The sock of claim 2 further comprising a rearfoot lateral wedge.

4. The sock of claim 1 , further comprising a medial forefoot wedge.

5. The sock of claim 4 , further comprising a lateral forefoot wedge.

6. 10. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least first or second wedge-shaped insets are created by knitting a structure of increased thickness into the fabric.

7. The sock of claim 6 , wherein the at least first or second wedge-shaped inset is knit into the top of the foot portion.

8. The sock of claim 6 , wherein the at least first or second wedge-shaped inset is knitted into the medial side of the foot portion.

9. The sock of claim 1 , wherein the at least first or second wedge-shaped inset is made by injection molding.

10. The sock of claim 1 , wherein the at least first or second wedge-shaped insets are made by 3D printing.

11. The sock of claim 1 , wherein the at least first or second wedge-shaped inset is made by lamination.

12. The sock of claim 1 , wherein the material of the at least first or second wedge-shaped inset comprises open-cell or closed-cell foam, or thermoplastic rubber.

13. 10. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least first or second wedge-shaped insets are sewn or stitched to the top of the foot portion.

14. The sock of claim 1 , wherein the woven material of the foot portion comprises one or more of nylon, elastane, or polypropylene.

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