Therapeutic Sock Elastomeric Band Muscle Strengthening

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of portable devices that effectively strengthen targeted muscle groups of the foot to prevent and address lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders, such as fallen arches, hammertoes, and ankle sprains, which current compression socks do not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

The therapeutic sock incorporates elastomeric bands positioned opposite the line of pull of targeted muscle groups to provide resistance, support, and increase proprioceptive awareness, featuring a textile body with specific band configurations to strengthen, stretch, and support foot muscles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compression socks are used to promote blood flow, then circulation is improved, but they fail to strengthen targeted muscle groups and address musculoskeletal foot structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow promotionVSAvoidmuscle strengthening capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sock is divided into multiple functional zones with different elastomeric band configurations targeting specific muscle groups (arch, ankle, toe muscles). Each zone provides localized resistance to strengthen specific muscles while the overall sock maintains compression for blood flow promotion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sock have different elastomeric band properties (placement, tension, width) to provide localized resistance tailored to each muscle group's anatomical position and function, allowing simultaneous blood flow promotion and targeted muscle strengthening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If elastomeric bands are added to provide resistance for muscle strengthening, then muscle strengthening capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle strengthening capabilityVSAvoidsock structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric bands are integrated directly into the sock's knit structure rather than being separate attachments. This merging of resistance elements with the sock fabric simplifies construction while providing targeted muscle strengthening through strategically placed bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric bands serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing resistance for muscle strengthening, maintaining sock structure, and contributing to overall compression. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastomeric bands are positioned opposite the line of pull of targeted muscle groups, then resistance is provided for strengthening, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted muscle resistanceVSAvoidband placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric bands are positioned at specific locations corresponding to the anatomical attachment points and lines of pull of target muscles. This localized placement provides effective resistance while using standard knitting techniques to achieve consistent positioning during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 therapeutic sock effectively strengthens and supports foot muscles, reducing pain and stress on the ankle and adjacent soft tissue, thereby preventing and alleviating musculoskeletal disorders by providing targeted resistance and support.

Implementation Method 1

At least one elastomeric band is disposed within the textile body and positioned to strengthen, stretch, or support one or more targeted muscle groups of the foot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Elastomeric bands are also used to support weak muscles and to increase the proprioceptive awareness of the wearer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanoreception:

Data Source

PatentUS20250091802A1Therapeutic sock with one or more elastomeric bands

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 STULL JARED DANIEL

AI summary

A therapeutic sock includes a knitted body having a top, a bottom opposite the top, an inside side connecting the top to the bottom, an outside side opposite the inside side and connecting the top to the bottom, a heel portion, a toe portion, and an opening into which a wearer inserts his or her foot. At least one elastomeric band is disposed within the knitted body and positioned to strengthen, stretch, or support one or more muscle groups of the foot of the wearer. The at least one elastomeric band is disposed opposite a line of pull of the one or more muscle groups. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcement bands may be used in conjunction with the at least one elastomeric band.