Patent Application
20240423295
The present invention relates to a cushion-padded sock in which a cushion pad is attached so as to adjust a thickness of the cushion pad.
The present invention relates to a compression hose adapted to be worn to cover at least the calf and foot of a leg of an individual, and a method for medically treating the individual with the hose.
The hose includes connected leg and foot portions formed of an elastic fabric material and adapted to cover, respectively, the calf and foot of the individual, and a heel section located between the leg and foot portions so as to be located in the hose to coincide with the heel of the leg of the individual.
In the past, a method of treating the individual with the hose described above. In particular, the hose is positioned on a leg of the individual so that the leg and foot portions cover, respectively, the calf and foot of the individual and the heel opening coincides with the heel of the leg. As a result of the hose being positioned on the leg, the heel opening expands and the heel protrudes through the expanded heel opening.
In view of the above, it can be seen that the heel opening prevents the hose from applying any pressure to the heel. In this manner, the risk of damage to the posterior heel tissues is reduced and heel pressure ulcers can be avoided in non-ambulatory and particularly bedridden patients.
Since there is a limitation in aesthetics of weaving knitted toe socks, yoga socks providing a decorated bottom nonslip design while simultaneously being functional have received attention on the market. However, current yoga socks are limited to only an external nonslip design.
An existing single-side nonslip bottom has an effect of strengthening a grip between a floor and a sock by attaching a nonslip member to an outer side of the sock but cannot resolve slipping between the sock and a foot. Also, there are problems such as a phenomenon wherein the sock is pulled backward and a phenomenon wherein the foot and sock slip due to the grip between the floor and the sock, and in a severe situation, the sock is folded.
Also, since the nonslip member is attached to a desired position on an outer side of the sock using a conventional method such as a sticker type patch, silk printing, silicone-coating or the like, it is structurally impossible to firmly attach the nonslip member to the sock such that the nonslip member is easily detached. Accordingly, there is a problem that the nonslip member is easily separated from the sock while being washed.
Also, since the conventional nonslip part is not ventilated, the foot sweats a great deal and becomes wet. When the nonslip member is wet with sweat, a water membrane is formed and slipping occurs such that a nonslip function is destroyed.
Also, conventionally, since the nonslip member is manufactured with a uniform thickness and a uniform area and is attached or the nonslip member is attached through silk printing or silicone coating with a uniform thickness and a uniform area, it is structurally impossible to adequately adjust a thickness and a size of the nonslip member.
Meanwhile, pile weave is considered to be essential in exercising socks for hygroscopicity and feet protection. However, it is impossible to apply pile weave to toe socks due to a problem of a current knitting skill.
To remedy such problems, as an alternative to a toe sock which is incapable of being pile-weaved, a cushion pad is attached to a toe part using needlework to increase a nonslip effect and a cushioning property. However, in the case of needlework type attachment, durability and grip are low and it is uncomfortable to wear.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a sock having a first end to receive toes, a second end to overlay a calf, and a heel zone therebetween to overlay a heel. A cushion component shaped to contour the heel, ankles, and posterior calf and positioned within and attached to the sock whereby when the sock is in use the cushion is positioned over the boney prominences of the foot and reduces pressure to the anatomy of the foot that covers the boney prominences of the foot by distributing pressure caused by direct contacts with any and all surfaces while accommodating the ability to ambulate. 1. A sock, comprising:
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a tube-sock comprising a first end to receive toes, a second end to overlay a calf, and a heel zone therebetween to overlay a heel. A cushion component shaped to contour the heel, ankles, and posterior calf and positioned within and attached to the inside of the tube-sock whereby when the tube-sock is in use the cushion is positioned over the boney prominences of the foot and reduces pressure to the anatomy of the foot (integument and body tissue) that covers the boney prominences of the foot by distributing pressure caused by direct contacts with any and all surfaces while accommodating the ability to ambulate. The tube-sock has anti-slip elements between the first end and the heel zone of the sock.
The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.
In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings which illustrate one embodiment of the invention.
In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present invention.
In the description that follows, exemplary dimensions may be presented for an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The dimensions should not be interpreted as limiting. They are included to provide a sense of proportion. Generally speaking, it is the relationship between various elements, where they are located, their contrasting compositions, and sometimes their relative sizes that is of significance.
In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) will be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.
Referring to
The therapeutic sock 10 of the present invention is especially beneficial for use by the following types of persons: hospitalized patients who have come out of surgery with heel shear (heel has rubbed on the operating room table during the surgical procedure); and hospital, rehabilitation center, nursing home and home care patients who spend a large amount of time in bed, but who are ambulatory. These patients are susceptible to developing skin shear, pressure sores, burning heels and pressure ulcers on any portion of the foot, especially the heel. The socks 10 are particularly advantageous for persons with diabetes who are at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers, persons with poor circulation who develop ulcers as a result of circulatory impairment and persons with injury to the bones in relation to the foot and ankle region, such as from surgery or blunt trauma.
Therefore, the pillow or therapeutic sock 10 form a heel/ankle unloading device 12 that functions as a system to help reduce the incidence of chaffing, shin shear, pressure sores or pressure ulcers, or diabetic ulcers. Further, the heel/ankle unloading device 12 is easy to apply and remove from the lower leg of a patient. Still further, the heel/ankle unloading device 12 protects the heel/ankle and both medial and lateral malleolus area of the patient regardless of his/her position-whether lying on the back, right side or left side. Further the heel/ankle unloading device 12 remains in its proper secured position on the lower leg when the patient moves or is turned from side to side.
Further, the heel/ankle unloading device 12 that can be machine washed and tumbled or drip dried as one complete unit.
Still further, the heel/ankle unloading device 12 significantly reduces pressure on the heel/ankle by relieving pressure from the region, even when in place for long periods of time.
The heel/ankle unloading device 12 does not restrict blood flow to, or air circulation around, the foot of the patient. The heel/ankle unloading device 12 adjusts to fit a wide range of sizes. The heel/ankle unloading device 12 minimizes friction and reduces pressure at the point of contact on the heel/ankle and both the medial and the lateral malleolus area, thereby reducing the possibility of skin shear, chaffing or pressure sores to these areas. The heel unloading device 12 can be used on a patient both when in bed, in a sitting position, or ambulating. The heel/ankle unloading device 12 offloads pressure by raising the area between the heel and calf, which reduces the load of the heel, while providing the ability to ambulate.
According to a first aspect of the invention, the sock 10 includes connected leg and foot portions formed of an elastic fabric material and adapted to cover, respectively, the calf and foot of the individual, and a heel opening located between the leg and foot portions so as to be located in the hose to coincide with the heel of the leg of the individual.
The gist of the invention, in general terms, is the placement and attachment of an elevating component 12 within a sock 10. The preferred embodiment of the therapeutic sock 10 of the present invention which is put on a patient's foot is a tube-sock. A generally “U” shaped foam insert 16 is attached to the inside of the tube-sock 14 to serve as the elevating component 12. The foam shaped insert 16 is positioned so that when the therapeutic sock 10 is worn, the foam insert 16 is placed on the wearer's Achilles tendon, which will lift the wearer's heel and relieve pressure caused by direct contact with any and all surfaces.
As shown in
The elevating component 12 can be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to foam, gel (flowing/nonflowing), air, soft fabric, or a combination of the above. The tube-sock material can be any type of fabric to allow for adaptation to the needs of a patient wearer, such as for example, elastic, cotton, nylon, crylic, crepe, elastane, linen, polyamide, polyester, silk, tencel, viscose, and viscolycra. In the preferred embodiment, the elevating component 12 can be placed in its own cloth pocket 22 and the cloth pocket has been attached with stitches 24 within and to the tube-sock 10. The location of the stitches 22 allows the foam to conform better to the rounded Achilles tendon.
The shape of the elevating component 12 is chosen so that it partially contours the calf and elevates the posterior heel, ankle and Sides of the foot when in use. This design helps unload the soft tissue covering these bony areas and helps maintain the circulation to and from the region. The tube-sock 10 design along with an anti-slip tread 18 allows the patient to wear the therapeutic sock 10 while in bed as well as while ambulating with assistance.
The design of the therapeutic sock 10 of the present invention will deliver a clinically and cost effective product that can be used by low risk patients who still have potential to develop pressure ulcers and other skin irritations in and about the heel, ankle and foot region.
Referring firstly to
The cushion 20 provides additional thickness to the sock 10 at a location, such as the back of the ankle or at the Achilles heel, subjected to increased possibility of chafing, while at the same time allowing the sock 10 to retain an optimum thickness throughout the rest of the main body of the sock.
Turning to
Alternatively, the cushion 20 may be referred to as a cushion, support or insulated portion. In one embodiment, the horizontal body 28 is between 2 and 5 inches in length. However, the horizontal body 28 may have any appropriate length. Further, the cushion is shown having a vertical lip 34 extending from the top of the sock towards a heel corner 36 of the sock. The vertical lip 34 further protects the ankle of the wearer and provides some leeway for heels of footwear having different heights.
In one embodiment, the vertical lip 34 is between 1 and 3 inches in length. However, the vertical lip may have any length that would be appropriate. It should be understood that the shape of the cushion 20 is not limited to this “U” shaped embodiment, however.
Further, the top of the “U”, the horizontal body 28, may be angled in any manner that would be appropriate to protect from the intended footwear to be worn with the sock 10. Cushions having other shapes, such as ovular, triangular or other polygonal shapes are also contemplated. The cushion 20 of the sock 10 is held in place between the main body and a fabric layer that is sewn into the main body 14.
In alternate embodiments, the cushion 20 may be adhered or attached to the inner portion, outer portion, or in-between layers of the sock. The cushion 20 may be directly attached to the main body of the sock 10 by sewing, tacking, riveting or any other feasible attachment means such as natural adhesives, synthetic adhesives, hook and loop fastener, drying adhesives, contact adhesives and hot or reactive adhesives. Furthermore, while the cushion 20 may be made of cotton, it should be understood that the cushion is not limited to being made of cotton, however, any analogous materials would be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the cushion 20 may be made of foam, feathers, polyester, silk, air, linen, gel or other liquid, rubber, synthetic plastic, or water.
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63508128 | Jun 2023 | US |
