Knit Sock Inner Arch Compression Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knit hosiery does not effectively enhance proprioception, kinesthetic awareness, stamina, or endurance for athletes, particularly runners, due to lack of targeted compression zones that can lock the sock foot in position.
Innovation Solution
A circularly-knit sock with a targeted compression zone in the inner arch region, featuring axially extending compression ridges of variable length, made from body yarn and elastic yarns, which provides greater compression force than adjacent areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform compression is applied across the entire sock foot, then the sock provides general support, but it fails to enhance proprioception, kinesthetic awareness, stamina, or endurance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a targeted compression zone with increased stitch density and compression ridges specifically at the inner arch region, while other areas of the sock maintain standard compression levels. This localized enhancement provides the proprioceptive feedback and kinesthetic awareness needed for athletic performance without requiring the entire sock to be structurally complex.
2Reliability
If the sock foot is allowed to move freely on the wearer's foot, then the sock maintains comfort and flexibility, but it fails to lock the sock foot in position to enhance performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sock into distinct functional zones: a targeted compression zone with increased density and compression ridges at the inner arch, and adjacent areas with standard compression. This segmentation allows the compression zone to lock the sock foot in position while other areas maintain comfort and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between positioning reliability and ease of operation.
3Force
If compression force is distributed evenly across all areas, then the sock provides general support, but it fails to provide intensified compression at the inner arch to lock the foot in position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the stitch density and compression characteristics in different regions of the sock. The targeted compression zone at the inner arch features increased density and compression ridges formed by uncut yarns, creating intensified compression force specifically where needed to lock the foot in position, while adjacent areas maintain lower density for comfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sock enhances proprioception and kinesthetic awareness by providing intensified compression at the inner arch, improving stamina and endurance, and maintaining the sock foot in position during use.
Implementation Method 1
a compression force applied by the foot portion within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas
Implementation Method 2
The compression zone may comprise elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn
Data Source
AI summary
A knit sock includes a foot portion having an upper instep area and a lower sole area integrally knit of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. The lower sole area defines inner and outer arch regions. The inner arch region incorporates a targeted compression zone adapted to reside generally adjacent an inner arch of a wearer's foot. The compression zone includes axially extending compression ridges of variable length spaced apart from a top of the compression zone to a bottom of the compression zone. When the sock is worn, a compression force applied by the foot portion within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of said foot portion.