Zoned Low-Friction Sock Structure for Easier Boot Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boots, such as ski boots, can be difficult to put on due to high friction, making it challenging to insert a socked foot.
Innovation Solution
Socks with specific low friction regions, such as above the heel and corresponding to the boot tongue, are designed to facilitate easier insertion by using materials like low friction polyester or nylon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sock is made entirely from low friction material, then the ease of insertion into boots is improved, but the moisture wicking and breathability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using low friction material only in specific regions of the sock (heel region and toe region) rather than the entire sock. This allows the sock to have low friction where needed for easy boot insertion while maintaining moisture wicking and breathability in other regions using conventional sock materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sock into different material zones: low friction material in the heel and toe regions, and conventional sock material in the intermediate and other regions. This segmentation allows each region to have optimized properties for its specific function.
2Ease of operation
If low friction material patches are attached to the sock, then the ease of insertion into boots is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the low friction material patches with the sock body through attachment methods such as stitching or bonding. This integration creates a unified structure that combines the functional benefits of low friction material with the comfort properties of conventional sock material without requiring separate components.
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 low friction regions allow for smoother and easier insertion of the socked foot into boots, enhancing user experience and reducing friction-related difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
Specific portions of the sock are formed from a different material, that provides for decreased friction (i.e., allowing a socked foot to be more easily pulled or pushed into a ski boot or other boot)
Implementation Method 2
the sock further includes hygroscopic threads or other hygroscopic material, which provides a heating effect when such threads or other material is moistened or damp
Data Source
AI summary
A sock includes a sock body with portions formed from different materials to provide decreased friction in particular regions of the sock. A decreased friction portion (a) is provided to include both a heel portion and a portion directly above the heel portion of the sock, and/or a decreased friction portion (b) is provided on a front portion of the sock, corresponding to a location of a tongue of a boot or shoe when the sock is worn over a user's foot, inserted into such boot or shoe. Portions (a) and (b) can be formed from one or more of a low friction nylon or low friction polyester material having a lower coefficient of friction than a remainder of the sock body, which remainder of the sock body can be formed from wool, cotton, a cotton blend, etc., which material has greater friction, providing other desired properties (e.g., insulation, wicking).