SOCK FOR IMPROVING COMFORT FOR A USER

Abstract

A sock for improving comfort for a user is provided. The sock includes a foot area having a closed end, an open end opposite the closed end, and a notch extending from an edge of the open end of the sock toward the closed end. When a part of a user's body is inserted into the sock, the notch is configured to expand from a first state, in which edges of the notch are at a first angle with respect to each other, to a second state, in which the edges of the notch are at a second angle with respect to each other, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a sock for improving comfort for a user, and more particularly, to a sock having at least one notch for improving comfort of a user.

BACKGROUND

Conventional socks may be worn by people of all ages, including infants, toddlers, children, adults, elderly adults, etc. Conventional socks come in a variety of styles intended for various uses, such as dress socks, no-show socks, low cut socks, ankle socks, crew socks, work socks, knee high socks, compression socks, thigh high socks, infant, toddler, or children's socks, athletic socks, specialty socks, and more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments recognize that some users may experience indentations or so-called “sock marks” in the user's skin when wearing conventional socks. Such indentations may be visually or cosmetically undesirable to some users. Additionally, such indentations may result in, or cause, discomfort and/or swelling for some users. For example, an open end of a conventional sock may be configured to hold the sock in position on a user's body, such as in a position on a user's ankle, calf, or thigh. Some conventional socks may include a band at the open end of the sock configured to hold the sock in position on a user's body. The present invention recognizes that such open end and/or band on the open end may apply pressure on a user's feet, ankles, calves, or thighs, thereby causing indentations, swelling, or other marks in the person's skin. Additionally or alternatively, such pressure may provide discomfort to some users. Such indentations and/or discomfort may affect anyone that wears socks, including healthy users, users having existing medical conditions, users having any number of other conditions, and/or users wearing socks in various circumstances or for different periods of time. While such indentations and/or pressure from conventional socks may result in discomfort and/or swelling in otherwise healthy people, such indentations and/or pressure may be more pronounced depending on a health status of a user, a user's activity while wearing the sock, a duration in which the user wears the sock, among other factors. For example, the indentations and/or pressure applied by a conventional sock on a user may be exacerbated by other factors such as prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, being overweight, travel, aging, pregnancy, surgical procedures, venous insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, swelling leg conditions, and/or malnutrition, among other factors. As such, the present embodiments recognize that there is a need for a sock that minimizes or prevents indentions and/or other marks on a user's skin caused by wearing a sock, minimizes or prevents pressure being applied by a sock to a part of a user's body such as feet, ankles, calves, and/or thighs, and/or reduces or alleviates discomfort and/or swelling on a part of a user's body such as feet, ankles, calves, and/or thighs caused by wearing a sock, thereby improving the comfort of a user when wearing a sock.

These problems, and others, are addressed by the exemplary embodiments as described herein, an exemplary embodiment of which includes a sock for improving comfort, wherein the sock includes at least one notch in a part of an open end of the sock, such as in a part of a band at an open end of the sock. The present disclosure is based on a discovery that at least one notch, for example in the open end of the sock, such as in the band of an open end of a sock, unexpectedly minimizes or alleviates indentations and swelling on the skin, feet, ankles, calves, and/or thighs of a user caused by the sock, and/or unexpectedly minimizes or alleviates discomfort on feet, ankles, calves, and/or thighs of a user, for example, caused by the pressure of the band and/or open end of the sock.

An exemplary embodiment may include a sock for alleviating discomfort on a part of a body, such as feet, ankles, calves, and/or legs, the sock including a foot area and at least one notch at an open end of the sock. In other examples, the sock includes a band at the open end of the sock. In an example, the sock includes a mid area (e.g., an ankle, calf, leg, knee, and/or thigh area) between the foot area and the band.

In an example, the notch can be configured to expand from a first state prior to being placed on a user's body to a second state when positioned in place on a user's body. The notch can be configured, for example, to expand from a first state in which the edges of the notch are at a first angle with respect to each other to a second state in which the edges of the notch are at a second angle with respect to each other, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle. In another example, the notch can be configured to expand from a first state in which the edges of the notch are substantially parallel to each other to a second state in which the edges of the notch are at an angle with respect to each other such that an imaginary line extending along the first edge of the notch intersects an imaginary line of a second edge of the notch.

For purposes of this disclosure, a notch can include a slit, cut, gap, or division in the material of the sock.

An exemplary embodiment comprises a sock including a foot area having a closed end, an open end opposite the closed end, and at least one notch extending from an edge of the open end of the sock toward the closed end. In another example, the sock includes a mid area between the foot area and the open end. In another example, the sock includes a band at the open end.

For purposes of this disclosure, a band can include an elastic band, stitching, weaving, or the like configured to retain or secure a position of the sock on the user, such as on the ankle, mid-calf, calf, knee, thigh, etc. of the user. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other types of bands, stitching, weaving, or the like can be provided on the open end of the sock and/or on the band of the sock for the purpose of retaining or securing a position of the sock on the user. In other examples, an elastic or compressive characteristic of a part of the sock, a material or fabric forming the sock or woven into the sock, a stitching or weave design of the material or fabric, among other things, may be configured to retain or secure a position of the sock on the user.

In an example, the at least one notch extends from the edge of the open end of the sock into a part of the foot area. In another example, the at least one notch extends from the edge of the open end of the sock into a part of the band. In yet another example, the at least one notch extends from the edge of the open end of the sock through an entire height of the band and beyond the band into a part of the foot area.

In an example, when a part of a user's body is inserted into the sock, the at least one notch is configured to expand from a first state, wherein edges of the at least one notch are at a first angle with respect to each other, to a second state, wherein the edges of the at least one notch are at a second angle with respect to each other, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle. The second angle can vary as the notch expands to fit the user's body, such as the particular size and/or shape of the user's body and/or the particular part of the user's body.

In some examples, in the first state, the at least one notch is configured to have a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, a V-neck shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, in the second state, the at least one notch is configured to have a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, a V-neck shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, or a combination thereof. In another example, when a part of a user's body is inserted into the sock, the at least one notch is configured to expand from a first state, wherein edges of the at least one notch are substantially parallel to each other, to a second state, wherein the edges of the at least one notch are at an angle with respect to each other. In some examples, in the first state, the at least one notch is configured to have a linear shape or a rectangular shape. Additionally or alternatively, in the second state, the at least one notch is configured to have a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, a V-neck shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the at least one notch includes an elastic material in an edge of the at least one notch. In other examples, the at least one notch includes an elastic material in an opening of the at least one notch.

In some examples, the at least one notch is a single notch. In an example, the at least one notch is located on a front of the open end facing a toe portion of the foot area. In another example, the at least one notch is located on a back of the open end facing a heel portion of the foot area.

In some examples, the at least one notch comprises a plurality of notches. In an example, the plurality of notches includes a first notch and a second notch, wherein the first notch and the second notch are in the opposite sides of the open end. In some examples, the first notch is in a front of the open end facing a toe portion of the foot area and the second notch is in a back of the open end facing a heel portion of the foot area.

Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of making the sock including providing the foot area having the at least one notch integrally formed therein. Yet another exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of making the sock including providing the foot area having the closed end, providing an open end opposite the closed end, and cutting at least one slit extending from an edge of the open end of the sock toward the closed end to form the at least one notch.

The exemplary embodiments of a sock described herein can minimize or alleviate swelling and/or indentations in the skin on feet, ankles, calves, and/or thighs of a user caused by the sock, and/or minimize or alleviate discomfort on feet, ankles, calves, and/or thighs of a user, for example, caused by the pressure of the band and/or open end of the sock, thereby improving comfort of a user. The exemplary embodiments of a sock described herein can improve comfort of a user in a variety of situations and circumstances, and in a variety of populations of users. The socks can improve comfort for users of all ages, such as from infants or toddlers to elderly. The exemplary embodiments of a sock can improve comfort for users of various health status, such as healthy users or users with various health conditions. The exemplary embodiments of a sock can improve comfort for a user in a variety of situations and circumstances, such as during a variety of different activities while wearing a sock, a duration in which a user wears a sock, prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, being overweight, travel, aging, pregnancy, surgical procedures, venous insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, swelling leg conditions, and/or malnutrition, etc. The socks are suitable for everyday use and users of all activities and/or activity levels, such as so-called active users and/or inactive users. The socks can be used during extended sitting periods, during extended standing periods, during long walking periods, during travel and flights, during pregnancy, during fitness and exercise, during and after surgery, or for any medical reason.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art in view of the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present embodiments will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sock according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the sock of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of the sock of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of the sock of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows another perspective view of the sock of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A shows a top view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 9B shows another top view of the sock of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows a top view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 10B shows another top view of the sock of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A shows a top view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 11B shows another top view of the sock of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A shows a top view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 12B shows another top view of the sock of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A shows a top view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 13B shows another top view of the sock of FIG. 13A; and

FIG. 14A shows a top view of a sock according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 14B shows another top view of the sock of FIG. 14A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein may encompass many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-14B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a sock 10 for improving the comfort of a user.

As shown in FIGS. 1-14B, the exemplary embodiments of a sock are not limited to any particular type or configuration of a sock and can include, for example, a half sock, crew sock, ankle sock, mid-calf sock, quarter-length sock, over the calf sock, knee-high sock, thigh-high sock, low-cut sock, or no-show sock, among others. The sock can be a compression sock, an athletic sock such as a sock having integral support features, protective features (e.g., integral impact guards, integral cut-proof or cut-resistant materials such as a hockey sock), etc.

For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a sock 10, such as an ankle sock, including a foot area 12 and at least one notch 20 extending from an edge of an open end of the sock 10 toward a toe portion of the sock 10. In this example, the elasticity of the foot area 12 can be configured to retain or secure a position of the sock on the user, such as on the ankle, mid-calf, calf, knee, thigh, etc. of the user. In other types of a sock, the elasticity of another part of the sock, such as the mid area (see, e.g., mid area 16 in FIGS. 5-8), can be configured to retain or secure a position of the sock on the user, such as on the ankle, mid-calf, calf, knee, thigh, etc. of the user. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example of a sock 10, such as an ankle sock, including a foot area 12, a band 14, and at least one notch 20 extending from an edge of an open end of the sock 10, such as the edge of the band 14, toward a toe portion of the sock 10. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example of a sock 10, such as a mid-calf sock, including a foot area 12, a mid area 16, a band 14, and at least one notch 20 extending from an edge of an open end of the sock 10, such as the edge of the band 14, toward a toe portion of the sock 10. The mid area 18 can have various heights depending on the type of sock. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an example of a sock 10, such as an over the calf sock, including a foot area 12, a mid area 16, a band 14, and at least one notch 20 extending from an edge of an open end of the sock 10, such as the edge of the band 14, toward a toe portion of the sock 10. The mid area 18 can have various heights depending on the type of sock.

In the illustrated examples, a band 14 can include an elastic band or the like configured to retain or secure a position of the sock on the user, such as on the ankle, mid-calf, calf, knee, thigh, etc. of the user. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other types of bands, stitching, weaving, or the like can be provided on the open end of the sock 10 and/or on the band 14 of the sock 10 for the purpose of retaining or securing a position of the sock on the user. In other examples, an elastic or compressive characteristic of a part of the sock, a material or fabric forming the sock or woven into the sock, a stitching or weave design of the material or fabric, among other things, may be configured to retain or secure a position of the sock on the user.

With reference again to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1-14B, a sock 10 can include at least one notch 20 extending from an edge of an open end of the sock 10 toward a toe portion (or closed toe end) of the sock 10. As shown in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the notch 20 can be formed at the open end of the sock 10 such that the notch 20 extends from an edge of the open end into a part of the foot area 12 and/or a part of the mid area 16 of the sock 10 depending on the type of sock.

As shown in the examples illustrated FIGS. 3-8, when the open end of the sock includes a band 14, the notch 20 can extend from an edge of the band 14 toward a toe portion of the sock. As shown in the examples, the notch 20 can extend through an entire height of the band 14 and beyond the band 14 into a part of the foot area 12 and/or into a part of the mid area 16, depending on the type of sock, such that the notch 20 terminates in a part of the foot area 12 and/or into a part of the mid area 16. In other examples, the notch 20 can extend partially through a height of the band 14 such that a portion of the band 14 remains undivided by the notch 20. In still other examples, the notch 20 can extend through an entire height of the band 14 and terminate at an edge of the band 14 adjoining the foot area 12 and/or the mid area 16 depending on the type of sock.

With reference to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1-11B, the notch 20 can be configured, for example, to expand from a first state, wherein the edges of the notch 20 are at a first angle with respect to each other, to a second state in which a part of a user's body (A) is inserted into the sock 10, wherein the edges of the notch 20 are at a second angle with respect to each other. In the illustrated examples, the second angle is greater than the first angle. In operation, when a user inserts a part of the user's body (A) into the sock 10, at least an end of the notch 20 facing the open end of the sock 10 can be configured to expand or widen. As a result, when the part of the user's body (A) is positioned inside the sock 10, the edges of the notch 20 are disposed at an angle that is greater than an angle when no part of the user's body (A) is inserted into the sock 10.

For example, FIG. 1 shows a sock 10 in a first state, such as a resting state without a part of a user's body. FIG. 2 shows a sock 10 in a second state in which a part of a user's body (A) is inserted into the sock 10, such as a foot.

FIG. 3 shows a sock 10 in a first state, such as a resting state without a part of a user's body. FIG. 4 shows a sock 10 in a second state in which a part of a user's body (A) is inserted into the sock 10, such as a foot and ankle.

FIG. 5 shows a sock 10 in a first state, such as a resting state without a part of a user's body. FIG. 6 shows a sock 10 in a second state in which a part of a user's body (A) is inserted into the sock 10, such as a foot, ankle, and calf.

FIG. 7 shows a sock 10 in a first state, such as a resting state without a part of a user's body. FIG. 8 shows a sock 10 in a second state in which a part of a user's body (A) is inserted into the sock 10, such as a foot, ankle, and calf.

FIG. 9A shows a top view of a sock 10 in a first state, such as a resting state without a part of a user's body. FIG. 9B shows another top view of a sock 10 in a second state in which a part of a user's body (A) is inserted into the sock 10, such as a foot, ankle, and calf.

In the illustrated examples, the notch 20 can be configured to have a V-shape. An interior angle of the V-shape in a second state can be greater than an interior angle of the V-shape in a first state. In the illustrated examples, the edges of the notch 20 can be substantially linear in a first state. In some examples, the edges of the notch 20 can be curved in a first state. The notch 20 can be configured to have other exemplary arrangements such as a curved shaped, a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, all or a part of an edge of the notch 20 can have a linear shape in a first state. In other examples, all or a part of an edge of the notch 20 can have a non-linear shape in a first state. In yet another example, all or a part of a first edge of the notch 20 can have a linear shape in a first state while all or a part of a second edge of the notch 20 can have a non-linear shape in the first state. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other shapes, arrangements, or combinations thereof are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the illustrated examples, the notch 20 can include a closed end and an open end. In an example, the ends of the edges at the closed end can abut each other. In other examples, the ends of the edges of at the closed end can be spaced from one another. The spaced ends of the edges can be coupled to each other by another part, such as a connecting piece.

In an example, the notch 20 can be configured to expand from a first state in which the edges of the notch 20 are substantially parallel to each other such that an imaginary line extending along the first edge of the notch does not intersect an imaginary line extending along a second edge of the notch in the first state to a second state in which the edges of the notch 20 are at an angle with respect to each other such that an imaginary line extending along the first edge of the notch intersects an imaginary line extending along a second edge of the notch.

As explained above, an edge of the notch 20 can have a non-linear shape in the first state. In this way, the notch 20 can be configured to have other exemplary arrangements such as a curved shaped, a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, etc. In some examples, the notch 20 can include a closed end and an open end. In an example having one or more non-linear edges, a portion of the edges between the closed ends and open ends of the edges can be spaced from each other by a distance that is greater than a distance of the spacing between the closed ends of the edges and/or the open ends of the edges.

The notch 20 can include a slit, cut, gap, or division in the material of the sock. In an example, the notch 20 can be cut into the material of the sock 10, for example, after the sock is formed or woven. In another example, the notch 20 can be integrally formed or woven into the material of the sock 10. For example, the at least one notch 20 can be cut into a part of the sock 10, such as the foot area 12, mid area 16, and/or band 14. In other examples, a part of the sock 10, such as the foot area 12, mid area 16, and/or band 14 can be fabricated to include the notch 20.

With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B and FIGS. 11A and 11B, one or more edges of the notch 20 can include stitching, embroidering, piping, or the like. The stitching, embroidering, piping, or the like can be configured to maintain or retain a shape of the edge of the notch 20 at least in the first state. In some examples, the stitching, embroidering, piping, or the like can have an elastic quality such that it is configured to flex, expand, or stretch in the second state, thereby enabling the sock 10 to adapt or accommodate a part of the user's body (A), and more particularly, to adapt or accommodate different sizes, proportions, and/or shapes of different user's bodies. For example, an edge of the notch 20, such as the stitching, embroidering, piping, or the like, can include or be formed from an elastic material having an elastic modulus that is different from an elastic modulus of the part of the sock 10 having the notch 20. For example, the notch 20 can include an elastic material having a lower elastic modulus than an elastic modulus of the band 14, the mid area 16, and/or foot area 12 of the sock 10.

With reference again to FIGS. 1-11B, in some examples, the sock 10 can comprise a single notch 20. With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B and FIGS. 13A and 13B, in other examples, the sock 10 can comprise a plurality of notches 20.

The notch or notches 20 can be located anywhere at the open end of the sock 10, such as in the band 14, in a part of the foot area 12, and/or in a part of the mid area 16. For example, a notch 20 can be located on a front part of the sock 10, such as in the front of the open end of the sock 10, the front of the band 14, the front of a part of the foot area 12, and/or the front of a part of the mid area 16 facing toes of the foot area 12. In other examples, a notch 20 can be located on a back of the open end of the sock 10, such as a back of the band 14, a part of the foot area 12, and/or a part of the mid area 16 in line with a heel of the foot area 12. A notch 20 can be formed on (e.g., only on) a front of the open end of the sock 10, or the notch 20 can be formed on (e.g., only on) a back of the open end of the sock 10. In other examples, a notch 20 can be formed on (e.g., only on) a side of the open end of the sock 10, such as a side of the band 14, a side part of the foot area 12, and/or a side part of the mid area 16. Preferably, at least one notch 20 is located on a front of the open end of the sock 10, a front part of the band 14, a front part of the foot area 12, and/or a front part of the mid area 16 facing toes of the foot area 12.

In some embodiments, the sock 10 can comprise a plurality of notches 20, such as two notches 20. Each of the plurality of notches 20 can be located anywhere in the band 14, part of the foot area 12, and/or mid area 16. With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B and FIGS. 13A and 13B, in some examples, the two notches 20 can be on opposite sides of the band 14, part of the foot area 12, and/or mid area 16. In a preferred example having a plurality of notches 20, a first notch 20 can be in a front of the band 14, part of the foot area 12, and/or mid area 16 facing toes of the foot area 12 and a second notch 20 can be in a back of the band 14, part of the foot area 12, and/or mid area 16 in line with a heel of the foot area 12.

In some examples, the plurality of notches 20 can be the same size, shape, proportion, and/or configuration. In other examples, at least one of the plurality of notches 20 can be a different size, shape, proportion, and/or configuration from another of the plurality of notches 20.

In some examples, a part of one notch of the plurality of notches 20, such as a stitched edge of one of the notches 20, can have an elastic modulus that is different from an elastic modulus of the part of the sock 10 having the notches 20. In still other examples, a part of a first notch 20 can have an elastic modulus that is different from a part of a second notch 20, with each being different from an elastic modulus of the part (e.g., foot area 12, mid area 16, and/or band 14) of the sock 10 having the notches 20.

In some examples, each of the notches 20 can include stitching, embroidering, piping, or the like that include or are formed from an elastic material having an elastic modulus that is different from an elastic modulus of the part of the sock 10 having the notch 20. In other examples, a first notch of the plurality of notches 20 can include an elastic material having an elastic modulus that is different from an elastic modulus of the part of the sock 10 having the notch 20 and a second notch of the plurality of notches 20 can be devoid of any elastic material. In still other examples, one or more notches of the plurality of notches 20 can have a different elastic modulus from another of the notches of the plurality of notches 20. For example, a first notch 20 located on a front of the sock 10 can have a lower elastic modulus than a second notch 20 located on a back of the sock 10.

The present disclosure also provides methods of making the socks described herein. In some embodiments, the sock 10 can be formed or fabricated by (i) providing the foot area 12 and/or mid area 16 having at least one notch 20 integrally formed therein. In other examples, the sock 10 can be formed or fabricated by (i) providing the foot area 12 and/or mid area 16 and (ii) cutting at least one slit in a part of the foot area 12 and/or mid area 16 to form at least one notch 20. The method can further include stitching a perimeter of the at least one slit to form the at least one notch 20.

In other embodiments, the sock 10 can be formed or fabricated by (i) providing the foot area 12 and/or mid area 16 having a band 14 at an open end of the sock 10 with at least one notch 20 integrally formed therein. In other examples, the sock 10 can be formed or fabricated by (i) providing the foot area 12 and/or mid area 16 having a band 14 at an open end of the sock 10 and (ii) cutting at least one slit in a part of the foot area 12, mid area 16, and/or band 14 to form at least one notch 20. The method can further include stitching a perimeter of the at least one slit to form the at least one notch 20.

A length of the notch 20 can be selected based on one or more factors, such as a size, style, use, and/or type of the sock, among other things, such as a desired maximum width of an open end of the edges of the notch 20 when in the second state. In some examples, a length of the notch 20 can be proportional to a width of the open end of the sock 10 in a first state. When the sock 10 includes a plurality of notches 20, each notch 20 can have a same or different length.

With reference again to FIGS. 14A and 14B, in some examples, the sock 10 can comprise a notch 20 having a panel disposed within the notch 20, such as a mesh material or another material. The panel can be configured to maintain or preserve a desired shape of the notch 20 in the first state and/or the second state.

The panel can include or be formed from an elastic material having an elastic modulus that is different from an elastic modulus of the part of the sock 10 having the notch 20 and/or from the notch 20 itself. For example, the panel can include an elastic material having a lower elastic modulus than an elastic modulus of the band 14, the mid area 16, foot area 12 of the sock 10, and/or the notch 20. The panel can extend along all or a portion of the length of the notch 20.

While the present invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.

Claims

1. A sock comprising: a foot area having a closed end;an open end opposite the closed end; andat least one notch extending from an edge of the open end of the sock toward the closed end.

2. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a mid area between the foot area and the open end.

3. The sock of claim 1, further comprising a band at the open end.

4. The sock of claim 2, further comprising a band at the open end.

5. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch extends from the edge of the open end of the sock into a part of the foot area.

6. The sock of claim 3, wherein the at least one notch extends from the edge of the open end of the sock into a part of the band.

7. The sock of claim 3, wherein the at least one notch extends from the edge of the open end of the sock through an entire height of the band and beyond the band into a part of the foot area.

8. The sock of claim 4, wherein the at least one notch extends from the edge of the open end of the sock through an entire height of the band and beyond the band into a part of the mid area.

9. The sock of claim 1, wherein, when a part of a user's body is inserted into the sock, the at least one notch is configured to expand from a first state, wherein edges of the at least one notch are at a first angle with respect to each other, to a second state, wherein the edges of the at least one notch are at a second angle with respect to each other, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

10. The sock of claim 9, wherein, in the first state, the at least one notch is configured to have a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, a V-neck shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, or a combination thereof.

11. The sock of claim 9, wherein, in the second state, the at least one notch is configured to have a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, a V-neck shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, or a combination thereof.

12. The sock of claim 1, wherein, when a part of a user's body is inserted into the sock, the at least one notch is configured to expand from a first state, wherein edges of the at least one notch are substantially parallel to each other, to a second state, wherein the edges of the at least one notch are at an angle with respect to each other.

13. The sock of claim 12, wherein, in the first state, the at least one notch is configured to have a linear shape or a rectangular shape.

14. The sock of claim 12, wherein, in the second state, the at least one notch is configured to have a C shape, a D shape, a U shape, a V-neck shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, or a combination thereof.

15. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch includes an elastic material in an edge of the at least one notch.

16. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch includes an elastic material in an opening of the at least one notch.

17. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch is a single notch.

18. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch is located on a front of the open end facing a toe portion of the foot area.

19. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch is located on a back of the open end facing a heel portion of the foot area.

20. The sock of claim 1, wherein the at least one notch comprises a plurality of notches.

21. The sock of claim 20, wherein the plurality of notches includes a first notch and a second notch, wherein the first notch and the second notch are in the opposite sides of the open end.

22. The sock of claim 21, wherein the first notch is in a front of the open end facing a toe portion of the foot area and the second notch is in a back of the open end facing a heel portion of the foot area.

23. A method of making the sock according to claim 1, the method comprising: providing the foot area having the at least one notch integrally formed therein.

24. A method of making the sock according to claim 1, the method comprising: providing the foot area having the closed end;providing an open end opposite the closed end; andcutting at least one slit extending from an edge of the open end of the sock toward the closed end to form the at least one notch.