Sock Pull Loops Using Less Elastic Grosgrain for Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
People with impaired mobility and those wearing tight-fitting socks struggle to don and doff socks due to ineffective pull tabs and integrally knit pull loops that fray, weaken, or stretch excessively.
Innovation Solution
A sock design featuring pull loops positioned closer to the heel, made from less elastic material like grosgrain fabric, coupled to the sock via a durable base with enhanced adhesion and stitching for improved durability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pull loops are made from elastic sock material, then they provide flexibility and comfort, but they fray, weaken, and stretch excessively over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining two different materials: an elastic sock material (first material) for the main sock body providing flexibility and comfort, and a non-elastic or less elastic strip material (second material) for the pull loop providing durability and shape retention. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to perform its optimal function - the elastic material ensures ease of operation while the non-elastic strip ensures reliability and resistance to excessive stretching and fraying.
2Ease of operation
If pull loops are positioned at the upper edge (collar), then they are easy to grasp, but they are ineffective for pulling tight-fitting or crew socks over the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pull loop function into two distinct components positioned at different locations: a first pull loop at the upper edge (collar) for initial grasping and a second pull loop at the heel portion for the pulling action. This segmentation allows each pull loop to perform its specific function optimally - the upper pull loop provides easy grasping while the heel pull loop provides effective leverage for donning tight-fitting or crew socks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the first pull loop at the collar as an intermediary element that facilitates the donning process. The user grasps this upper pull loop to initially position the sock, then transitions to using the second pull loop at the heel for the main pulling action. This intermediary approach allows the user to effectively don difficult-to-wear socks by breaking the process into two manageable steps.
3Device complexity
If traditional pull tabs or integrally knit pull loops are used, then they are simple in construction, but they fray, weaken, and become difficult to grasp upon repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using a non-elastic or less elastic strip material (such as grosgrain ribbon or webbing) for the pull loop instead of traditional elastic sock material. This material substitution maintains construction simplicity while dramatically improving grasping effectiveness and durability. The non-elastic strip provides a firm, non-fraying structure that remains easy to grasp throughout repeated use and washing.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to a sock of a first material having a first elasticity. The sock comprises a welt area forming a collar; a leg portion having a front area and a back area; a heel portion extending below the leg portion; a foot portion extending from heel portion; and a first pull loop comprising a strip adhesively coupled to the sock at the back area, the strip having a second elasticity, wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.