Sport Climbing Sock Structure for Curved Foot Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socks do not maintain the foot in an optimal position for sport climbing, causing discomfort and chafing due to their thickness, lack of resistance, and inadequate friction with climbing shoes.
Innovation Solution
A sport climbing sock designed with distinct sections made from different materials, including a rigid first part covering the toes and heel, a flexible second part covering the arch, and optional silicone-coated tape, using 3D knitting to maintain a curved foot position compatible with climbing shoes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If normal socks are used in sport climbing shoes, then comfort and hygiene are improved, but the foot cannot be held in the climbing position and the sock is too thick causing wrinkles and chafing
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing sock is designed with different sections having different properties: a rigid first section covering the toes and heel for structural support and positioning, and a flexible second section covering the arch for comfort. This local differentiation allows the sock to simultaneously provide foot positioning reliability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sock combines rigid and flexible materials in different sections, and optionally includes silicone-coated tape for enhanced friction. This composite approach enables the sock to fulfill multiple functions: maintaining climbing position, preventing chafing, and providing adequate grip within the shoe.
2Ease of operation
If normal socks are used in sport climbing shoes, then hygiene is improved, but wrinkles are formed that cause chafing and do not allow the use of climbing shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid first section is designed to be wrinkle-resistant and maintain its shape, preventing the formation of wrinkles that cause chafing. The flexible second section accommodates foot movement without creating harmful folds, thus eliminating chafing while maintaining hygiene.
3Ease of operation
If normal socks are used in sport climbing shoes, then comfort is improved, but the materials do not provide adequate friction between the sock and the shoe
Solution Approach 1:
Silicone-coated tape is applied locally to specific areas of the sock where friction with the shoe is needed, such as the heel and toe regions. This localized enhancement of friction properties provides adequate grip without compromising the overall comfort and flexibility of the sock.
4Reliability
If a rigid material is used for the first part of the sock, then the foot is held in the climbing position, but the sock may reduce flexibility and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sock is divided into distinct sections: a rigid first section for structural support and positioning, and a flexible second section for comfort and adaptability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different rigidity levels are applied to different parts of the sock based on functional requirements. The rigid first section maintains climbing position, while the flexible second section provides comfort and adapts to foot movement, achieving both positioning reliability and flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of socks, particularly to the field of socks for special use, such as together with specialized footwear. The invention relates to a sock for wearing inside a climbing shoe and a method for manufacturing said sock. The essence of the invention is in that the sock is divided into at least two parts, namely - a first part is designed to cover the top of the toes from at least the nails of the toes, the ball and the arch of the foot across the entire length of the foot and at least a part of the width of the foot, and at least a part of the heel to the attachment of the Achilles tendon, so that the first part covers at least a part of toes, a part of the sole of the foot and a part of the heel, and - a second part designed to cover at least the bridge of the foot, wherein the first part is made from a highly resistant rigid material and the second part may be made from a flexible material. When the foot is placed in the basket at the front on the toes and the sock is pulled over the heel, the sock pushes the foot into a "climbing" position characteristic for its curved shape in which the toes are clearly downwards, the arch of the foot is emphasized and the heel is pushed towards the toes.