US 5,575,013 A · Easy on sock

Abstract

An easy-on sock having a split opening extending down the middle of the top surface of the sock from the lower leg portion to the toe pocket of the sock is provided. An extension flap, used to close the split, is connected along one edge of the split and extends substantially the full length of the split. Hook and loop closure strips are attached on the free edge of the extension strip and along the other edge of the split to enable the extension flap to be folded over the split and secured to the opposing hook and loop closure strip. In one embodiment, an insert flap is additionally connected to the other edge of the split, opposite the extension flap. A hook and loop type connector is attached to the outer surface of the insert flap and a mating hook and loop type sizing strip is attached to a corresponding location on the inner surface of the extension flap. Thus, the sock may be closely fitted to the foot of the user by first mating the hook and loop type closure strips and/or connectors. In all embodiments there is provided a sock having the ability to cover the split and the person's foot as in a conventional sock, but without the pulling, squeezing and rubbing associated with conventional socks.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A method of atraumatically placing a sock on a foot, comprising the steps of:

providing a sock made entirely from a soft and flexible fabric with a toe pocket, said soft and flexible fabric including a loop pile material in contact with the foot, a sole portion, a heel portion, a lower leg portion and an upper portion, the sock having a split extending from the toe pocket through the lower leg portion, an extension flap connected to the sock to close the split, and closure means attached to the extension flap and along the split, said closure means including at least one mating portion of hook and loop closure material;
laying said sock open except for said toe pockets, including laying said lower leg portion substantially flat such that it lays substantially within the same plane as at least a portion of said sole portion when said sock is laid open;
inserting the toes of the foot into the toe pocket with the split open;
contacting the sole of said foot with said sole portion with the split open;
wrapping said sock around the foot by covering the foot with at least said extension flap and said upper portion;
and
securing the closure means to close the split and cover the foot.

4 more elements

A sock for atraumatically covering a tender foot subject to pain when squeezed or rubbed, comprising a toe pocket, a sole portion, a heel portion, a lower leg portion and an upper portion extending between said toe portion and said lower leg portion;

said toe pocket being sized to receive a person's toes without contacting the remaining portion of the person's foot;
said sock having a split extending from said toe pocket through said lower leg portion, said split defining first and second opposing edges that terminate at said toe pocket;
an extension flap having a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge being connected to said sock along said first opposing edge of said split;
and
an insert flap having a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge being connected to said sock along said second opposing edge of said split and wherein said extension flap overlays said insert flap to close said split;
wherein said insert flap includes a hook and loop type connector and wherein said extension flap includes a hook and loop type sizing strip, said connector being detachably mated with said sizing strip to close said split over the instep of the foot;
adjustable closure means, attached to said extension flap along said second side edge and attached to said sock along said second opposing edge, for releasably securing said second side edge of said extension flap to said second opposing edge of said sock to cover and close said split, and being adjustable to permit a wearer of said sock to limit the amount of pressure exerted by said sock on the foot of the wearer, said closure means including at least one mating portion of hook and one loop closure material;
and
wherein said sock and said extension flap are made entirely from a soft and flexible fabric.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Easy on sock

Life of this patent

Easy on sock

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22