TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates generally to a sock that is made of fabric having two different patterns and reversible so as one of the two patterns of the fabric is visible when the sock is worn. When the sock is not worn, the sock is displayed as a continuous double-ended sock made of two sock bodies. The toe end of each sock body is free but each sock body is attached to the other by a common band section. In use, the wearer inserts or tucks in one of the sock body portions that the wearer does not want visible, resulting in the inserted sock residing as a lining on the interior of the sock body that will be exposed. When not in use, presently described reversible sock may be displayed with both sock bodies and the associated fabrics exposed to provide the user and potential users such as retail purchasers with a view of the two patterns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and photographs.
FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a double-ended reversible sock according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of a double-ended reversible sock with one end partially inserted into the other according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B depicts an embodiment of a double-ended reversible sock with one end fully inserted into the other according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of a double-ended reversible sock with one end partially inserted into the other according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B depicts an embodiment of a double-ended reversible sock with one end fully inserted into the other according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a double-ended reversible sock with one end fully inserted into the other according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a double-ended reversible sock with one end fully inserted into the other according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Several embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
Socks and stockings have become a popular fashion accessory for men and women. Consumers may choose from socks made from seemingly thousands of fabrics and materials having a variety of patterns. Socks can be an important accessory and for the fashion conscious consumer, socks must be coordinated with an outfit or be appropriate for a particular setting. Accordingly, based on the number of possible combinations of clothing of a person or the variety of settings in which a person may be engaged, the consumer must own possibly several dozen or perhaps hundreds of pairs of socks. In terms of settings, an athlete, for example may be required to have several pairs of athletic socks of different colors or design patterns corresponding to a home and away team uniform or other uniform requirements. This need for multiple socks for coordination or otherwise causes users to spend large sums on socks. The other drawback to high volume sock ownership is that socks are easily lost within sock drawers, clothes dryers or elsewhere. The double-ended reversible sock presently described eliminates these drawbacks by reducing the number of sock units one must own, reducing cost and the likelihood that single socks will get lost.
The double-ended reversible sock described herein may also include distinct graphics on each sock body. For example, one sock body could include the team colors, logo or graphics of a professional, college or other sports team while the other body has a star player's image, number or name. Similarly, graphics concerning movies, destinations, theme parks or other popular people, places or brands could be depicted on each sock body of the double-ended reversible sock described herein.
FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the double-ended reversible sock of the present invention. Double-ended sock 100 includes a first sock body 102 that includes a heel section 104 and a toe section 106 that correspond to the wearer's heel and toe, respectively. First sock body 102 is constructed of a fabric that may include cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, silk or other suitable material. The fabric from which first sock body 102 is made includes a first pattern 108. As shown in FIG. 1, first pattern 108 is an addition sign “+” pattern but any pattern, design or color (including a single solid color) may be incorporated in the fabric or applied to the fabric through means such as embroidery, heat application, stitching or the like.
Double-ended sock 100 includes a second sock body 112 that includes a heel section 114 and a toe section 106 that correspond to the wearer's heal and toe, respectively. Second sock body 112 is likewise constructed of a fabric that may include cotton, wool, nylon, polyester or other suitable material. The fabric from which second sock body 112 is made includes a second pattern 118. As shown in FIG. 1, second pattern 118 is a plaid pattern but any pattern, design, texture or color (including a single solid color) may be incorporated in the fabric or applied to the fabric through means such as embroidery, heat application, stitching or the like. In addition, first pattern 108 may include a first image and second pattern 118 may include a second image. For example, first sock body 102 may present a first pattern 108 in the form of an image of a logo of a sports team and second sock body 112 may present a second pattern 118 in the form of an image of a star player or uniform number of a player on that team. Other images of popular items, places, people, destination, brands, and the like may be presented on the sock body as patterns. Typically, first pattern 108 and second pattern 118 are different in terms of look, whether in color, texture, image or pattern.
First sock body 102 and second sock body 112 individually share various features of typical socks. In one embodiment, however, first sock body 102 and second sock body 112 are joined by connecting band 120. Connecting band 120 may be an elasticized band that is co-extensive with the circumference of a cross section of each of the first sock body 102 and second sock body 112. Connecting band 120 bridges first sock body 102 and second sock body 112 and when the sock is worn serves as an upper border of the sock. The elastic properties of connecting band 120, that is optionally a feature, serves to keep the sock in place while worn. Each of first sock body 102 and second sock body 112, when detached from connecting band 120, are typical socks having a shape and configuration of a typical sock, having a tubular design and closed on the toe end.
In use, the wearer of double-ended sock 100 will select which pattern is to be exposed, that is facing outward when worn. If in the embodiment of FIG. 1 the wearer decides to wear socks with a “+” sign, then first pattern 108 of the first sock body 102 will be visible to others. At the same time, second pattern 118 will not be visible as second sock body 112 will be inserted or tucked into first sock body 102. As seen in FIG. 2A, second sock body 112 is partially inserted (typically by hand) into first sock body 102. In the process, second sock body 112 becomes co-extensive with and acts as a lining of first sock body 102. As seen in FIG. 2B, once second sock body 112 is fully inserted into first sock body 102, double-ended sock 100 appears as a regular single sock. In the example, the addition sign “+” pattern of sock 100 will show while the plaid pattern of sock 100 will not be visible. As seen in FIG. 4, however, the entirety of second sock body 112 is inserted within and extends to the interior of first sock body 102 and acts as a liner of first sock body 102. From the wearer's standpoint, double-ended sock 100 has the same feel and comfort of a traditional, single sock.
In the event that the wearer wishes to wear double-ended sock 100 with the second pattern 118 exposed and first pattern 108 hidden, the wearer arranges the sock as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, first sock body 102 is partially inserted (typically by hand) into second sock body 112. In the process, first sock body 102 becomes co-extensive with and acts as a lining of second sock body 112. As seen in FIG. 3B, once first sock body 102 is fully inserted into second sock body 112, double-ended sock 100 appears as a regular single sock. As seen in FIG. 5, however, the entirety of first sock body 102 is inserted within and extends to the interior of second sock body 112 and acts as a liner of second sock body 112 that is removable after use. Again, from the wearer's standpoint, double-ended sock 100 has the same feel and comfort of a traditional, single sock.
In an alternative embodiment, first sock body 102 and second sock body 112 may be connected to each other directly at each sock body's open end to form the continuous double ended sock, without use of connecting band 120. That is, the two sock bodies are directly connected to each other. Alternatively, the entirety of the double-ended sock may be manufactured by a single manufacturing process in which a continuous tubular body having two open ends is formed with each half of the body bearing a different pattern. Then, the ends are closed by stitching or other suitable means to form a closed toe end of each sock. In this manner, the double-ended sock may be formed by a single manufacturing process rather than piecing two independently manufactured socks together.
The double-ended reversible sock described herein is advantageous in a number of respects. First, it reduces the number of socks a consumer needs to purchase to meet his or her needs, reducing consumer expense. In addition, the connected double-ended sock described herein provides a unique product marketing opportunity as the reversible socks may be offered to consumers in a manner other than the typical way that detached socks are displayed. The long and potentially colorful double-ended socks will pique the curiosity of consumers and, in turn, enhance sales. In addition, the double-ended sock described herein is not a single sock that is turned inside out. Instead, the present double-ended sock is two socks joined at the open end of each. The novel arrangement reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need of stitching one sock in its entirety within another.
Additional modifications or enhancements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components described herein are intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to serve as limitations of alternative socks within the spirit and scope of the invention.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE
The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.
1. A footwear apparatus, comprising:
- a first elongated sock body having a first closed toe end and a first material pattern disposed thereon;
- a second elongated sock body have a second closed toe end and a second material pattern disposed thereon; and
- and a connecting band having a first side and a second side,
- wherein an open end of the first elongated sock body is attached to the first side of the connecting band and an open end of the second elongated sock body is attached to the second side of the connecting band.
2. The footwear apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the first elongated sock body is made of a material having a first texture and the second elongated sock body is made of a material having a second texture.
3. The footwear apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the first elongated sock body is made of a first material and the second elongated sock body is made of a second material.
4. The footwear apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting band is made of a material that visually contrasts the first material pattern and the second material pattern.
5. The footwear apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting band is made of an elasticized material.
6. The footwear apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the first elongated sock body is made of a material selected from a group consisting of cotton, wool, polyester, silk and nylon.
7. The footwear apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the second elongated sock body is made of a material selected from a group consisting of cotton, wool, polyester, silk and nylon.
8. The footwear apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the first closed toe end and the second closed toe end are detached from each other.
9. The footwear apparatus of preceding clause, wherein the first material pattern comprises a first image and the second material pattern comprises a second image.
10. A footwear apparatus, comprising:
- an elongated tubular sock body having a first closed toe end and a second closed toe end;
- a first heel section and a second heel section, each disposed within the elongated tubular sock body; and
- a first pattern disposed on a first side of the elongated tubular sock body and a second pattern disposed on a second side of the elongated tubular sock body,
- wherein one of the first pattern and the second pattern is visible when the elongated tubular sock body is placed on a foot of a user.
11. The footwear apparatus according to clause 10, wherein the first side of the elongated tubular sock body is made of a material having a first texture and the second side of the elongated tubular sock body is made of a material having a second texture.
12. The footwear apparatus according to clauses 10-11, wherein the first side the elongated tubular sock body is made of a first material and the second side of the elongated sock body is made of a second material.
13. The footwear apparatus according to clauses 10-12, wherein the first elongated sock body is made of a material selected from a group consisting of cotton, wool, polyester, silk and nylon.
14. The footwear apparatus according to clauses 10-13, wherein the second elongated sock body is made of a material selected from a group consisting of cotton, wool, polyester, silk and nylon.
15. The footwear apparatus according to clauses 10-14, wherein the first closed toe end and the second closed toe end are detached from each other.
16. The footwear apparatus according to clauses 10-15, wherein the first side of the elongated tubular sock body forms a lining within the second side of the elongated tubular sock body into which the foot of the user is inserted.
17. The footwear apparatus according to clauses 10-16, wherein the second side of the elongated tubular sock body forms a removable lining within the first side of the elongated tubular sock body into which the foot of the user is inserted.
18. The footwear apparatus according to clauses 10-17, wherein the first material pattern comprises a first image and the second material pattern comprises a second image.
19. A method of manufacturing a reversible sock, comprising:
- closing an end of a first tubular sock body made from a material having a first pattern disposed thereon to form a first closed toe section of the reversible sock;
- closing an end of a second tubular sock body made from a material having a second pattern disposed thereon to form a second closed toe section of the reversible sock; and
- connecting an open end of the first tubular sock body to an open end of the second tubular sock body to form an elongated sock body having two closed toe sections.
20. The method according to clause 19, wherein the open end of the first tubular sock body is connected to a first side of a connecting band and the open end of the second tubular sock body is connected to a second side of the connecting band.
Patent Application
20180020742
