Foot Sole Sensory Stimulation Socks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foot sole sensory stimulating sock, which is worn on a user's foot and comprises a sock body having a receiving space for accommodating the user's foot, and a stimulating part formed on the bottom surface of the receiving space where the user's foot contacts to stimulate the user's foot sole so as to improve the user's sense of balance. The foot sole sensory stimulating socks according to the present invention can improve the user's sense of balance and stability by effectively stimulating proprioceptive receptors on the soles of the feet through dome-shaped or pyramid-shaped protrusions protruding inside the socks.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot sole sensory stimulating sock, and more specifically, to a foot sole sensory stimulating sock having a plurality of protrusions formed thereon to stimulate the sole of a user's foot wearing the sock. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional functional socks primarily focus on protecting the feet, improving comfort, and reducing fatigue by emphasizing cushioning and compression. While these socks are effective in alleviating foot fatigue during exercise, they lack the ability to stimulate proprioception in the soles or improve balance. In particular, since they do not include functions to activate proprioceptive receptors in the soles to maintain balance or enhance physical stability, they provide only limited assistance in situations such as sports activities requiring improved balance or fall prevention for the elderly.

[0003] In addition, devices that provide electrical stimulation to the soles of the feet have been developed and are in use. While this technology can be effective in maintaining balance and improving athletic performance by directly stimulating the sensory nerves in the soles, it is not economically viable due to the high cost of the equipment. Furthermore, its complex design and lack of portability make it difficult to use in daily life. In particular, it has limitations in terms of practicality when users continuously wear and utilize it in specific environments. Prior art literature

[0004] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2709383: Functional Sports Socks The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention was devised to improve the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a foot sole sensory stimulating sock equipped with a plurality of protrusions to stimulate the soles of a user's feet while wearing the sock, thereby enhancing the user's sense of balance. means of solving the problem

[0006] A foot sole sensory stimulating sock according to the present invention for achieving the above objective is worn on a user's foot and comprises a sock body having a receiving space for accommodating the user's foot, and a stimulating part formed on the bottom surface of the receiving space where the user's foot contacts to stimulate the user's foot sole so as to improve the user's sense of balance.

[0007] The above-mentioned stimulating member comprises an inner stimulating member having a plurality of inner protrusions formed spaced apart from each other by a first spacing distance, which protrudes into an arch area corresponding to the user's foot arch on the bottom surface of the receiving space, and an outer stimulating member having a plurality of spaced-apart outer protrusions formed in the remaining area of ​​the bottom surface of the receiving space excluding the arch area.

[0008] The above-described outer stimulating member comprises a plurality of first outer protrusions formed spaced apart from each other by a second spacing distance, which protrude from the edge area corresponding to the user's sole edge and toes, excluding the arch area of ​​the bottom surface of the receiving space, and a plurality of second outer protrusions formed spaced apart from each other by a third spacing distance, which protrude from the middle area of ​​the bottom surface of the receiving space excluding the arch area and the edge area.

[0009] It is preferable that the above first to third separation distances are mutually different.

[0010] The above first separation distance is applied as a distance smaller than the above second and third separation distances.

[0011] The above third separation distance is applied as a distance smaller than the above second separation distance.

[0012] The inner projection, the first and second outer projections protrude in a direction away from the bottom surface of the receiving space, and their ends may be formed sharply.

[0013] The inner projection, the first and second outer projections may be formed to protrude in a direction away from the bottom surface of the receiving space, with their ends curved to have a predetermined curvature. Effects of the invention

[0014] The foot sole sensory stimulating socks according to the present invention can improve the user's sense of balance and stability by effectively stimulating proprioceptive receptors on the soles of the feet through dome-shaped or pyramid-shaped protrusions protruding inside the socks. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sole-sensory stimulating sock according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the stimulating portion of the sole sensory stimulating sock of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stimulating portion of the sole sensory stimulating sock of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a stimulating portion of a sole-of-the-foot sensory stimulating sock according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 to 7 are performance test results related to the sole sensory stimulating socks of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sole-sensory stimulating sock according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a foot sole sensory stimulating sock according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown enlarged compared to the actual dimensions to ensure clarity of the present invention.

[0017] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0018] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0020] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a foot sole sensory stimulating sock (100) according to the present invention.

[0021] Referring to the drawing, the sole sensory stimulating sock (100) is worn on the foot of a user and comprises a sock body (200) having a receiving space (not shown) for receiving the user's foot, and a stimulating part (300) formed on the bottom surface of the receiving space where the user's sole contacts to stimulate the user's sole so as to improve the user's sense of balance.

[0022] The above sock body (200) has an opening (201) formed at the top for a user to insert their foot, and a receiving space provided inside. The sock body (200) is formed to correspond to the shape of the foot to wrap around the user's foot, and it is preferable that it be formed of a material such as fiber.

[0023] The stimulation portion (300) has an inner stimulation member (310) having a plurality of inner protrusions (311) formed spaced apart from each other by a first spacing distance, which protrudes from an arch area (11) corresponding to the arch of the user's foot on the bottom surface of the receiving space, and an outer stimulation member (320) having a plurality of spaced-apart outer protrusions formed in the remaining area of ​​the bottom surface of the receiving space excluding the arch area (11).

[0024] The inner stimulating member (310) is provided with a plurality of inner protrusions (311) that protrude upward from the arch area (11) of the bottom surface of the receiving space. The inner protrusions (311) have sharply formed ends and are arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other by the first spacing distance. The first spacing distance is 3 mm. Meanwhile, the inner protrusions (311) may be formed with a curved upper end having a predetermined curvature, as shown in FIG. 4. It is preferable that the inner protrusions (311) be formed from a synthetic resin material such as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) which has a predetermined durability so as to firmly maintain their shape even under the weight of the user.

[0025] The outer stimulating member (320) comprises a plurality of first outer protrusions (321) formed protrudingly on the edge area (12) corresponding to the edge of the user's sole and toes, excluding the arch area (11) on the bottom surface of the receiving space, and a second outer protrusion (322) formed protrudingly on the middle area (13) excluding the arch area (11) and the edge area (12) on the bottom surface of the receiving space.

[0026] The first outer projection (321) is formed to protrude upward relative to the edge region (12) of the bottom surface of the receiving space. At this time, it is preferable that the first outer projection (321) protrudes upward relative to the bottom surface of the receiving space by the protrusion length of the inner projection (311). The first outer projection (321) has a sharply formed end and a plurality of them are arranged spaced apart from each other by a second spacing distance. Here, the second spacing distance is 9 mm, which is a distance smaller than the first spacing distance. Meanwhile, the first outer projection (321) may be formed curved so that the upper end has a predetermined curvature. In addition, it is preferable that the first outer projection (321) be formed from a synthetic resin material such as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) having a predetermined durability so that it can firmly maintain its shape even under the weight of the user.

[0027] The second outer projection (322) is formed to protrude upward relative to the middle area (13) of the bottom surface of the receiving space. At this time, it is preferable that the second outer projection (322) protrudes upward relative to the bottom surface of the receiving space by the protrusion length of the first outer projection (321). The end of the second outer projection (322) is formed to be sharp, and a plurality of them are arranged spaced apart from each other by a third spacing distance. Here, the third spacing distance is applied as 6 mm, which is a distance smaller than the second spacing distance. In addition, it is preferable that the second outer projection (322) be formed from a synthetic resin material such as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) having a certain durability so as to firmly maintain its shape even under the weight of the user.

[0028] As described above, the medial protrusions (311) are spaced further apart than the first and second lateral protrusions (321, 322), and the second lateral protrusions (322) are spaced further apart than the first lateral protrusions (321). The arch portion of the sole of the foot is a region where sensory receptors are densely concentrated, and the medial protrusions (311) corresponding to the arch portion are set with a relatively narrow spacing to maximize sensitivity to protrusion stimulation, thereby enhancing the maintenance of body balance and the neural feedback effect. In addition, the first lateral protrusions (321) corresponding to the edge portion of the sole of the foot, including the toes or heels, are spaced further apart than other protrusions, thereby preventing unnecessary stimulation from being applied to the sole of the foot and providing stable support for the sole of the foot. The second outer protrusions (322) corresponding to the middle part of the sole of the foot are formed with a spacing larger than that of the inner protrusions (311) and smaller than that of the first outer protrusions (321), thereby providing appropriate stimulation to the sole of the foot and stable support, which can contribute to improving the user's ability to maintain balance and reducing foot fatigue.

[0029] Meanwhile, a performance test was conducted with respect to the sole-of-the-foot sensory stimulating socks (100) of the present invention. Twelve subjects were made to wear ordinary socks (OS) and the sole-of-the-foot sensory stimulating socks (TS) of the present invention, and then the effects on balance (QS), dynamic stability (SLDL), explosive force (CMJ), and isometric muscle strength (IMTP) were evaluated. The information on the subjects is as shown in Table 1 of the document.

[0030]

[0031] A subject wearing either regular socks or sole-sensory stimulating socks stepped onto the upper surface of a force plate and then performed the test. Here, the force plate is a conventional test device equipped with a pressure sensor or a strain sensor to measure the center of pressure (COP) of the subject standing on it. The test includes heart rate measurement (HR), standing still (QS), single leg landing and holding (SLDL), counter-movement jump (CMJ), and mid-thigh isometric pull (IMTP).

[0032] Here, the Static Stand (QS) is an evaluation of static balance under two visual conditions, namely with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC); the Single Leg Landing and Holding (SLDL) is an evaluation of dynamic balance / stability performance; the Counter-Movement Jump (CMJ) is an evaluation of lower body explosive power; and the Mid-Thigh Isometric Pull (IMTP) is an analysis of muscle strength and power development rate. The subjects' heart rates were measured before and after each test.

[0033] Figure 5 presents the test results for the QS (Quick Standing) test. Figure 5 summarizes the positive and negative effects experienced by subjects when wearing regular socks (OS) and textured socks (TS) in the QS test, showing changes at two time points: immediately after wearing the socks and after 24 hours of continuous wear. In terms of immediate effects, positive and negative effects were nearly identical for anterior-posterior stability (CoP-EO-AP, CoP-EC-AP). However, more subjects experienced negative effects in lateral stability (CoP-EO-ML, CoP-EC-ML) or movement speed (MV_EO, MV_EC).

[0034] In terms of the effects 24 hours after wearing the socks (24hrs), positive effects increased and negative effects decreased in most fore-and-aft stability indices (CoP-EO-AP, CoP-EC-AP). Movement (TE-EO, TE-EC) and average movement speed (MV_EO, MV_EC) showed improved stability with a distinct increase in positive effects.

[0035] In terms of anterior-posterior stability (CoP-EO-AP, CoP-EC-AP), the stimulating socks of the present invention are shown to be effective in improving anterior-posterior stability over time. In terms of total displacement (TE-EO, TE-EC), it can be seen that the positive effect increases over time. In particular, the number of subjects showing a positive effect in TE-EO increased significantly from 3 to 9.

[0036] Therefore, it can be seen that the stimulating socks of the present invention are effective in improving front-and-back stability over time and increasing stability in indicators such as movement volume and movement speed.

[0037] Meanwhile, Figure 6 shows a graph representing the difference between the two socks in balance-related indicators as a percentage when wearing the stimulating socks of the present invention and ordinary socks (OS). In the figure, the immediate effect and the effect after 24 hours of wearing are compared, and the main variables are the anterior-posterior (CoP Anterior-Posterior) and medial-lateral (CoP Medial-Lateral) range of movement, total excursion (CoP Total Excursion), and mean velocity (CoP Mean Velocity).

[0038] Here, the X-axis represents the test time (Immediate, after 24hr), and the Y-axis represents the percentage difference (%) of the stimulating socks of the present invention compared to standard socks (OS). A value of 0% indicates that the performance of the standard socks (OS) and the stimulating socks of the present invention is identical. A positive (+) value indicates that the stimulating socks of the present invention showed better performance, and a negative (-) value indicates that the stimulating socks of the present invention showed lower performance than OS. The boxplot represents the distribution of the data, where the center line represents the median, the box represents the interquartile range (IQR), and the top / bottom lines represent the minimum / maximum values. Referring to the figure, in terms of anterior-posterior stability, the stimulating socks of the present invention show improved stability over time. In particular, the stimulating socks of the present invention show improved balance stability over time under demanding conditions, namely with eyes closed.

[0039] Meanwhile, Figure 7 displays the results regarding force-related indicators and dynamic stability experienced by subjects when wearing the stimulating socks of the present invention and ordinary socks (OS). In the figure, the immediate effect and the effect after 24 hours of wear are compared, and the positive and negative effects for each variable are summarized. In the figure, the left box plot is a graph showing the difference in performance of the stimulating socks of the present invention compared to ordinary socks (OS) for each variable as a percentage (%), where the X-axis represents the test time (Immediate, after 24hr) and the Y-axis represents the percentage difference in performance of the stimulating socks of the present invention compared to OS. Additionally, the table on the right in the figure indicates the number of subjects who experienced positive and negative effects, where the green portion represents the number of subjects who showed positive effects and the red portion represents the number of subjects who showed negative effects.

[0040] Referring to the drawings, in terms of IMTP, the stimulating socks of the present invention have a positive effect on immediate power generation, and in terms of CMJ, the stimulating socks of the present invention show a certain positive effect on immediate power generation. In addition, in terms of SLDL, the stimulating socks of the present invention continuously maintain positive effects in both immediate stability (Time to Stabilization) and dynamic stability after 24 hours, and show an advantage favorable for stabilization.

[0041] In summary, in force-related tasks (IMTP, CMJ), the stimulating socks of the present invention show positive effects in the short term, and in dynamic stability (SLDL), the stimulating socks of the present invention have a continuous and consistent positive effect on dynamic stability tasks (e.g., stabilization after landing) and maintain performance over time.

[0042] Table 2 below shows the difference in performance for variables by major task when wearing the stimulating socks of the present invention and ordinary socks (OS), expressed as an effect percentage (Effect %) by comparing the immediate effect and the effect after wearing for 24 hours (24hrs).

[0043]

[0044] Here, Variable is a detailed indicator measured in each task, for example, CoP-EO-AP is the back-and-forth movement of the center of pressure, and RFD-200ms / BM is the rate of force development over 200ms. In the Effect %), a positive (+) value means that the stimulating socks of the present invention showed better performance than ordinary socks, and a negative (-) value means that the stimulating socks of the present invention showed lower performance than ordinary socks.

[0045] Referring to Table 2, regarding the immediate effects of Quiet Standing, positive performance is observed in CoP-EO-ML stability, while regarding the effects after 24 hours, CoP-EO-AP and CoP-EC-AP stability improve. Furthermore, regarding the immediate effects of Force and Explosive Power (IMTP, CMJ), significant performance improvements are seen in Explosive Power (CMJ) and Force Development Rate (RFD); regarding the effects after 24 hours, force-related indicators show performance degradation, and while Explosive Power decreases slightly, it still maintains a positive effect. In terms of Dynamic Stability (SLDL), both stabilization time and variability show improvements in both the immediate and long term, exhibiting the most consistent positive results.

[0046] As described above, the foot sole sensory stimulating sock according to the present invention can improve the user's sense of balance and stability by effectively stimulating proprioceptive receptors on the sole of the foot through protrusions protruding inside the sock.

[0047] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 shows a sole-sensory stimulating sock (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Elements that perform the same function as those in the previously illustrated drawings are indicated by the same reference numeral.

[0049] Referring to the drawing, the sole sensory stimulating sock (400) may further be provided with a reduction pad (410) installed in the sock to reduce the stimulation intensity of the stimulating part (300).

[0050] The above-mentioned reduction pad (410) is formed in a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the receiving space so as to cover the bottom surface of the receiving space of the sock body (200). The reduction pad (410) is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and a through hole (411) is formed that penetrates in the vertical direction at a position opposite to the inner protrusion (311) and the first and second outer protrusions (321, 322) so that the inner protrusion (311) and the first and second outer protrusions (321, 322) formed on the bottom surface of the receiving space can penetrate.

[0051] The reduction pad (410) is formed of a material having a certain elasticity to provide a cushioning sensation when the user's sole contacts it, and is formed with a thickness smaller than the protrusion length of the inner protrusion (311) and the first and second outer protrusions (321, 322). Additionally, an adhesive layer (412) is formed on the lower surface of the reduction pad (410) so that it can be adhered to the sock body (200). The adhesive layer (412) can be formed by applying an adhesive material to the lower surface of the reduction pad (410).

[0052] If the stimulation of the stimulation portion (300) is relatively strong, the user may attach the corresponding reduction pad (410) to the bottom surface of the receiving space of the sock body (200). The corresponding reduction pad (410) has a predetermined thickness and provides a cushioning sensation to the sole of the foot, thereby reducing the stimulation of the protrusions of the stimulation portion (300). Therefore, the user can adjust the stimulation of the stimulation portion (300) by attaching and detaching the reduction pad (410) according to their preference.

[0053] The description of the presented embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to use or practice the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein, but should be interpreted in the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein. Explanation of the symbols

[0054] 100: Foot sole sensory stimulating socks 200: Sock body 201: Input 300: Stimulation area 310: Internal stimulation member 311: Medial process 320: External stimulation absence 321: 1st lateral process 322: Second lateral process

Claims

Claim 1 A sock body that is worn on a user's foot and has a receiving space for accommodating the user's foot; a stimulating part formed on the bottom surface of the receiving space where the user's sole contacts to stimulate the user's sole to improve the user's sense of balance; wherein the stimulating part comprises an inner stimulating member having a plurality of inner protrusions formed spaced apart from each other by a first spacing distance, protruding from an arch area corresponding to the user's sole arch on the bottom surface of the receiving space; and an outer stimulating member having a plurality of spaced-apart outer protrusions formed in the remaining area of ​​the bottom surface of the receiving space excluding the arch area; wherein the outer stimulating member has a plurality of first outer protrusions formed spaced apart from each other by a second spacing distance, protruding from an edge area corresponding to the user's sole edge and toes on the bottom surface of the receiving space excluding the arch area. A foot sole sensory stimulating sock having a plurality of second outer protrusions formed spaced apart from each other by a third spacing distance, protruding from an intermediate area excluding the arch area and edge area among the bottom surface of the above-mentioned receiving space. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 In claim 1, the first to third spacing distances are mutually different, foot sole sensory stimulating socks. Claim 5 Foot sole sensory stimulating socks according to claim 1, wherein the first separation distance is smaller than the second and third separation distances. Claim 6 Foot sole sensory stimulating socks, wherein the third separation distance is smaller than the second separation distance in paragraph 5. Claim 7 A foot sole sensory stimulating sock according to claim 1, wherein the inner projection, the first and second outer projections protrude in a direction away from the bottom surface of the receiving space, and the ends are formed sharply. Claim 8 A foot sole sensory stimulating sock according to claim 1, wherein the inner projection, the first and second outer projections protrude in a direction away from the bottom surface of the receiving space, and the ends are formed to be curved to have a predetermined curvature.

Images