SOCK WITH ASSISTIVE KNIT POCKETS

Abstract

Aspects herein are directed to a sock comprising a first material layer having a first elasticity. The sock comprises a welt area comprising a collar; a leg portion having a front area and a rear area; a heel portion extending below the leg portion; a foot portion extending from heel portion; and at least one pocket structure in at least one of the leg portion or the collar.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects herein relate to a sock having one or more pockets that facilitate donning and doffing.

BACKGROUND

Socks are a generally tubular apparel item configured to be worn on the foot and possibly some portion of the lower leg. Socks are therefore typically shaped to correspond generally with the shape and relative dimensions of a foot and lower portion of a leg, with a foot insertion opening at the upper extent of the sock. Some socks have a longer leg portion (such as crew socks, knee high socks, etc.) and others have no leg portion, or only a very small leg portion (e.g., ankle socks, no-show socks). Socks are typically donned by grasping the upper edge, inserting the foot, and pulling over a heel and securing around a leg of a user. The user can also pinch the fabric at some portion of the sock to pull or otherwise manipulate it along portions of the foot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a rear perspective view of a sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1B illustrates a medial perspective view of the sock of FIG. 1A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1C illustrates a lateral perspective view of the sock of FIG. 1A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1D illustrates a user doffing the sock of FIG. 1A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1E illustrates a user donning the sock of FIG. 1A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1F illustrates a view of a cross section along lines 1F-1F of FIG. 1D, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1G illustrates a view of a cross section along line 1G-1G of FIG. 1D, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of another sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2B illustrates a medial perspective view of the sock of FIG. 2A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2C illustrates a lateral perspective view of the sock of FIG. 2A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2D illustrates a view of a cross section along line 2D-2D of FIG. 2B, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3A illustrates a rear perspective view of another sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3B illustrates a medial perspective view of the sock of FIG. 3A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3C illustrates a lateral perspective view of the sock of FIG. 3A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3D illustrates a view of a cross section along line 3D-3D of FIG. 3B, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4A illustrates a rear perspective view of another sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4B illustrates a medial perspective view of the sock of FIG. 4A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4C illustrates a lateral perspective view of the sock of FIG. 4A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4D illustrates a user donning the sock of FIG. 4A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4E illustrates a view of a cross section along line 4E-4E of FIG. 4B, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5A illustrates a rear perspective view of another sock, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5B illustrates a medial perspective view of the sock of FIG. 5A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5C illustrates a lateral perspective view of the sock of FIG. 5A, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5D illustrates a view of a cross section along line 5D-5D of FIG. 5B, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partially exploded view of an assistive pocket of another sock, in accordance with aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

People with impaired mobility, including impaired hand mobility, often struggle to put on and take off socks, especially socks that have a leg portion such as crew socks. Donning a sock can also be difficult for tight-fitting socks, such as athletic socks or compression socks. Crew socks are traditionally donned by a wearer exerting continued tension on the welt, or collar, of the sock to pull the sock over the foot, heel, and leg, until the sock is fully donned. Because the welt of a crew sock is positioned some distance away from, for example, the heel portion of the sock, the tension exerted on the welt may not always be effective to pull the heel portion of the sock over the wearer's heel. The inventors recognize deficiencies in prior socks that attempted to provide some type of pull tab or pull loop by merely stitching a tab to the sock (often positioned at the welt of the sock) and integrally knitting a pull loop into the structure of the sock. But the stitching of the tab to the sock may fray or weaken upon repeated use, and may still be difficult to effectively grasp. Also, the integrally knit pull loops may become damaged over time, stretch to a greater extent than desired, and may not recover over repeated uses (such as through normal wash and wear cycles).

In various aspects, a sock disclosed herein is comprised of a textile. As used herein, the terms “textile” or “textile component” include, for example, knitted, woven, and nonwoven fabrics or cloth.

In various aspects, a sock disclosed herein is comprised of a textile by a knitting process. In such aspects, the sock may be comprised of at least one yarn that is manipulated (e.g., with a knitting machine) to form a plurality of intermeshed loops that define courses and wales. The term “course,” as used herein, refers to a predominantly horizontal row of knit loops (in an upright textile as knit) that are produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The course may comprise one or more stitch types, such as a knit stitch, a held stitch, a float stitch, a tuck stitch, a transfer stitch, a rib stitch, and the like, as these terms are known in the art of knitting. The term “knit stitch,” as used herein, refers to the basic stitch type where the yarn is cleared from the needle after pulling a loop of the yarn from the back to the front of the textile through a previous stitch and may be referred to herein as “knit loop.” The term “wale,” as used herein, is a predominantly vertical column of intermeshed or interlooped knit loops, generally produced by the same needle at successive (but not necessarily all) courses or knitting cycles. Socks described herein may include weft-knitted or warp-socks.

At a high level, aspects herein contemplate a sock having a leg portion where the sock includes features that facilitate donning and doffing, especially for those with impaired mobility. For example, the sock may include one or more pockets that are formed as an integral one-piece element from a single knitting process, such as a weft knitting process (e.g., with a flat knitting machine with one, two, or more needle beds, or with a circular knitting machine), a warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. That is, a knitting process on a knitting machine may substantially form the knit structure of the sock without the need for significant post-knitting processes or steps. Alternatively, two or more portions of the sock may be formed separately as distinct integral one-piece elements, and then the respective elements may be attached. For example, when a pocket panel of a pocket structure comprises a nonwoven material, the nonwoven pocket panel may be affixed (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, etc.) to a sock to form the pocket structure. Materials such as leather are also contemplated to be used as a pocket panel that can be affixed to a sock to form a pocket structure.

The term “integrally knit,” as used herein, may mean a knit textile (e.g., a sock) having a yarn from one or more knitted courses in one area being interlooped with one or more knitted courses of another area. The interlooping may be through a simple knit stitch, a tuck stitch, a held stitch, a float or miss stitch, and the like. In this way, areas that are integrally knit together have a seamless transition.

Courses of socks described herein may extend laterally, in a direction extending from a lateral side to a medial side of the sock, may extend longitudinally, or may extend radially. The term “radially extending,” as used herein, refers to an orientation of a knit course that radiates out from a common portion of the sock. Specifically, the knit course may be radially extending if it extends from the common portion to an outer perimeter of the sock. In this manner, the courses may radiate outwards from the common portion towards the outer perimeter and do not, for example, extend continuously across the body of the sock.

The term “common portion,” as used herein, refers to an area of the sock towards which multiple similar structures (e.g., multiple courses) extend. The common portion may be relatively centrally located within the sock. In this way, the common portion may encompass and/or be directly adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the sock.

In various aspects, a sock may include at least a first layer formed on one or more needle beds (e.g., a first needle bed and/or a second needle bed) and which forms the majority of the sock. The sock may optionally include one or more additional knit layers (e.g., a second knit layer) that may overlap and may be coterminous in one or more dimensions with first layer in order to form one or more pockets that assist with donning or doffing the sock. Additionally, the one or more additional layers may add cushioning, protection, or other advantages. When the first layer is formed on more than one needle bed, or when the sock includes one or more additional layers that are formed on a different needle bed than the first layer, then the resulting sock has multi-bed knit construction. As used in this application, a first layer may comprise a first surface comprising a first plurality of knit loops, and a second layer may comprise a second surface comprising a second plurality of knit loops. In examples with more than one layer, the second layer may overlap at least a portion of a first layer to comprise one or more pocket spaces of the one or more pockets, and the first and second layers may be coterminous in one or more dimensions (e.g., at edges of the one or more pockets); however, the first and second layers need not be coterminous. At least a portion of the first layer may be freely separable from the second layer. In other words, the first layer and second layer may have opposite facing surfaces, thereby making at least a portion of the first layer freely separable from second layer to comprise the one or more pocket spaces.

That is, the first layer may have a first surface generally facing a first direction, and a second surface generally facing the opposite direction. Although the first layer may be freely separable from the second layer in certain areas, it need not be freely separable. For example, the sock may include one or more interlayer knit stitches (e.g., stitches formed between a first needle bed and a second needle bed). Such interlayer knit stitches may be comprised of the same yarn(s) that forms the first and/or second layers, or a different yarn. A single course of material may form at least a portion of both first layer and second layer (e.g., a knit structure formed on both first and second needle beds that includes a first plurality of knit loops on the first surface and a second plurality of loops on the second surface). For example, in an interlock knit structure or similar structure with each course having loops formed on a first and a second needle bed, each course may form part of the first and second layers. Alternatively, different courses of material may comprise first and second layers (e.g., a first course may form a single jersey first layer on a first needle bed and a second course may form a single jersey second layer on a second needle bed). In other examples, the one or more pockets may include additional layers (e.g., to add cushioning, protection, or for other advantage).

In various aspects where the sock is comprised of one or more yarns, the one or more yarns may be selected for durability (e.g., yarns with tensile strength ranging from approximately 0.4 kg-f to approximately 3.0 kg-f). Additionally or alternatively, the one or more yarns may have moderate stretch (e.g., yarns or strands, including elasticized yarns or strands, with approximately 20 percent to approximately 50 percent maximum elongation). Additionally, the one or more yarns may be weatherized, such as yarns or strands having water repellent or resistant properties (e.g., due to a durable water repellent coating). Properties may be imparted to various areas of the sock in accordance with selected knit structures and types of yarn. Example yarns comprising the sock may include yarns of synthetic material, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarns (commonly known as polyester), including recycled PET, polyamide yarns (commonly known as nylon), elastane, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, at least a portion of the sock includes “high-melting yarn”, which generally means that the yarn melts at about 175 degrees Celsius or higher. Additionally, in some aspects, a high-melting yarn may be arranged (e.g., knit) with a low-melting yarn, which may be a low-melting thermoplastic yarn, in the sock. As used herein, the term “low-melting” generally means yarns that melt at about 170 degrees Celsius or less. The low-melting thermoplastic yarns may comprise a synthetic polymeric material comprised of a polymer that melts at relatively low temperatures. In example aspects, the low-melting yarns may include yarns that are entirely comprised of a low-melting thermoplastic material such as low-melting PET or low-melting polyamide. In other aspects, a low-melting yarn may include a yarn with a sheath made of a low-melting thermoplastic polymer, including but not limited to a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), around a high-melting core yarn. In some examples, a combination of thermal and non-thermal yarns may be used to form a pocket structure (e.g., a pocket panel of the pocket structure) in order to provide durability and grip due to the relatively stiff thermal yarn while still maintaining adequate elasticity and comfort due to the non-thermal yarns.

Further, unless otherwise specified, the term “yarn”” as used herein, does not require multiple filaments or fibers. As such, a yarn comprising the sock may be a mono-filament yarn or a multi-filament yarn. The yarn may also include separate filaments that are each comprising different materials. In addition, the yarn may include filaments that each comprise two or more different materials, such as a bi-component yarn with filaments having a sheath-core configuration or two halves comprising different materials. Other configurations of the yarn structure may be used in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. These examples are non-limiting and are intended to illustrate the versatility of one or more yarns comprising a sock in accordance with aspects herein, which may be selected to provide advantageous properties to the one or more layers, portions, areas and/or regions of the sock.

In various aspects, one or more pocket structures included in a sock in accordance with aspects herein may be formed by pique, chevron, and/or other knitting patterns. For example, in some aspects, a pique knitting pattern is used with an alternating 2×1 stitch pattern (e.g., for every two knit stitches, there is one purl stitch) to create a non-ribbed structure with more surface area, which will aid a user gripping a pocket panel of the one or more pocket structures when donning or doffing the sock. The term “alternating” may imply that the 2×1 stitch pattern is knitted throughout the pocket panel of the one or more pocket structures consistently, thereby creating a regular, consistent structure. In other aspects, a chevron knitting pattern creates a zigzag or V-shaped pattern, which may be achieved by alternating colors or textures in a specific way (e.g., increasing or decreasing stitches in a particular manner).

Positional terms as used herein such as “front,” “back,” “lateral,” “medial,” “superior,” “inferior,” and the like are with respect to a sock being worn as intended by a wearer standing. As such, the front of the sock is configured to at least partially cover a front aspect of a wearer's leg, such as the shin, and the dorsum of the wearer's foot, and the back of the sock is configured to at least partially cover a rear aspect of the wearer's calf and the sole of the wearer's foot. In examples where the sock is a tube sock, however, there may not be a designated front or back.

The term “technical back” as used herein refers to the inner side or underside of the fabric or textile as it is being knit. The term “technical back” may also be defined as the side of the fabric or textile that contains back loops or purl loops. The term “technical face” as used herein refers to the outer or upper side of the fabric or textile as it is being knit. The term “technical face” may also be defined as the side of the fabric or textile that contains face loops or weft knit loops. In example aspects, the technical face of the sock described herein is an external-facing surface of the sock, and the technical back of the sock is an internal-facing surface of the sock (the surface configured to be adjacent to a wearer's skin surface). It should be appreciated that the technical back of the sock may include terry loops in particular areas of the sock (e.g., the heel portion) to provide comfort to the wearer's foot.

The term “elastic” as used herein generally means a material that may stretch under load (e.g., from application of a tensile force) prior to returning to its initial, non-stretched (e.g., relaxed) state when the load is removed. A material is more elastic than another material if it can withstand a greater stretch (i.e. a higher percentage or length of stretch) under load and still return to an initial, non-stretched state. Additionally, there are various measurements provided herein. Unless indicated otherwise, all measurements provided herein are taken when the sock, upper and/or sock of is at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and is in a resting (non-tensioned) state. Unless indicated otherwise, the term “about” or “substantially” with respect to a measurement means within +10% of the indicated value.

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate a sock 100 as described herein. While the sock 100 is shown in the form of a crew sock, other sock lengths are contemplated herein such as a leg sock, a quarter sock, an over-the-knee sock, or an over-the-calf or executive sock. The sock 100 includes a collar or a welt 102 that comprises a foot opening for receiving a wearer's foot. In example aspects, a leg portion 104 configured to cover a wearer's calf extends from the welt 102 towards a heel portion 106 configured to receive a wearer's heel. While shown as a continuous material, in some aspects, the sock 100 could be made without a heel portion (such that the wearer's heel is not covered in the heel area of the sock). The sock 100 further comprises a foot portion 108 that extends forwardly from the heel portion 106 to a forward portion 110 of the sock 100 and is configured to cover the dorsum and the sole of a wearer's foot. In some aspects, the sock 100 is a knit sock, and in some aspects the sock is knit with an elastic yarn having a first elasticity.

In example aspects, the sock 100 includes one or more of a pocket structure 120 and a pocket structure 130 comprised of a second material layer having a second elasticity. The second elasticity may be less than the first elasticity to provide stability to the pocket structures 120, 130 when they are being pulled to don or doff the sock 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E). As shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, the pocket structure 120 is located at or adjacent the welt 102 (e.g., the collar) and positioned at a rear (e.g., rear area) of the sock 100 and superior to the pocket structure 130. The pocket structure 130 may be located below the pocket structure 120, between the welt 102 and the heel portion 106 on the rear of the sock 100 (e.g., adjacent a wearer's Achilles tendon and/or adjacent the heel portion 106). In some example aspects, both of the pocket structures 120, 130 can be located in a front area of the sock 100. In other example aspects, the pocket structure 120 can be located on one of the front area and the rear area, and the pocket structure 130 can be located on the other of the front area and the rear area.

In example aspects, the pocket structure 120 is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a first pocket panel 121 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 100. A location of the first pocket panel 121 of the pocket structure 120 helps to determine where the pocket structure 120 is located. For example, in various aspects, the first pocket panel 121 could be located in or adjacent to one or more of the heel portion 106, the forward portion 110, and the welt area 102. The first pocket panel 121 can be integrally knit with the first material layer to comprise pocket structure 120 or the first pocket panel can be separately formed and affixed to the first material layer using any suitable method (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhesives, bar tacks, etc.). As seen in FIG. 1F, the pocket structure 120 can at least partially enclose a first pocket space 150. The first pocket space 150 can be at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the pocket structure 120.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the first pocket panel 121 of the pocket structure 120 is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern. However, the first pocket panel 121 of the pocket structure 120 could also be a square or rectangular shape formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. The first pocket panel 121 of the pocket structure 120 can comprise a first side edge 122 and a second side edge 124. The first side edge 122 and the second side edge 124 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 100 to help enclose the first pocket space 150. The first pocket panel 121 of the pocket structure 120 can further comprise a top edge 126 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the top edge 126 at least partially defines a pocket opening 128 of the first pocket space 150.

In example aspects, the sock 100 comprises the pocket structure 130 comprised of the second material layer and comprising a second pocket panel 131 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 100. While this disclosure uses terms such as “first pocket panel” and “second pocket panel,” it should be noted that the identification of various components described herein as being either a “first” or “second” component may be interchangeable and should not be limiting to the disclosure. For example, in some aspects, the sock 100 may not comprise the pocket structure 120 such that the pocket structure 130 would be comprised of a first pocket panel. Additionally, in some aspects, both of the pocket structures 120, 130 may be present, but the pocket structure 130 may be described as comprising a first pocket panel and the pocket structure 120 may be described as comprising a second pocket panel. Additionally, the pocket structures 120, 130 could be referred to as first or second pocket structures. Therefore, while the disclosure will continue to partition the description for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that such partitioning should not be limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, while both pocket structures 120, 130 are shown and described, the sock 100 may be comprised of only pocket structure 120 or pocket structure 130.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, the second pocket panel 131 of the pocket structure 130 is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern. However, the second pocket panel 131 of the pocket structure 130 could also be a square or rectangular shape formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. The second pocket panel 131 of the pocket structure 130 can comprise a first side edge 132 and a second side edge 134. The first side edge 132 and the second side edge 134 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 100 to help enclose a second pocket space 152 (as seen in FIG. 1G). The second pocket panel 131 of the pocket structure 130 can further comprise a bottom edge 136 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 136 at least partially defines a pocket opening 138 of the second pocket space 152. In some aspects, the second pocket panel 131 is comprised of the second material layer and overlays the first material layer.

FIGS. 1D and 1E depict examples of a user donning and doffing the sock 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1D, the user can put one or more fingers through the pocket opening 128 of the pocket structure 120 and into the first pocket space 150 that is at least partially enclosed and defined by the first pocket panel 121 and the first material layer. The pocket opening 128 of the pocket structure 120 can be located at the top edge 126. The user can then use their one or more fingers to pull on the first pocket panel 121 of the pocket structure 120 in order to assist in doffing the sock 100. In aspects with the V-shaped chevron knitting pattern, the user's one or more fingers are provided with angled side edges (e.g., side edges 122, 124) that help the user correctly position their one or more fingers to apply pressure while pulling in an optimal direction. Similar concepts apply in FIG. 1E, which shows the user being capable of putting one or more fingers through the pocket opening 138 of the pocket structure 130 and into the second pocket space 152 that is at least partially enclosed and defined by the second pocket panel 131 and the first material layer. The pocket opening 138 of the pocket structure 130 can be located at the bottom edge 136. The user can use their one or more fingers to pull on the second pocket panel 131 of the pocket structure 130 in order to assist in donning the sock 100. In aspects with the V-shaped chevron knitting pattern, the user's one or more fingers are provided with angled side edges (e.g., side edges 132,134) that help the user correctly position their one or more fingers to apply pressure while pulling in an optimal direction.

FIGS. 1F and 1G depict cross-sectional views of the pocket structures 120, 130. As discussed previously, the pocket structures 120, 130 can be comprised from a first material layer and a second material layer. As illustrated, the first material layer comprising the pocket structures 120, 130 is the leg portion 104 of the sock 100. A portion 104A of the leg portion 104 comprises the pocket structure 120 and helps to at least partially define the first pocket space 150. Similarly, a portion 104B of the leg portion 104 comprises pocket structure 130 and helps to at least partially define the second pocket space 152. In some examples, both of pocket structures 120, 130 can be comprised of the second material layer. For example, the pocket panels 121, 131 can be comprised by the second material layer. In other examples, the pocket structures 120, 130 can be comprised of different material layers (e.g., the pocket structure 120 could be comprised of the second material layer while the pocket structure 130 could be comprised of an additional third material layer). The pocket panels 120, 130 are secured to the leg portion 104 at the first side edges 122, 132 and the second side edges 124, 134 to help enclose the pocket spaces 150, 152. In these ways, the pocket spaces 150, 152 can be at least partially defined by the securement of pocket panels 120, 130 to the portions 104A, 104B of the leg portion 104.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a sock 200 as described herein. While the sock 200 is shown in the form of a crew sock, other sock lengths are contemplated herein such as a leg sock, a quarter sock, an over-the-knee sock, or an over-the-calf or executive sock. The sock 200 includes a collar or a welt 202 that comprises a foot opening for receiving a wearer's foot. In example aspects, a leg portion 204 configured to cover a wearer's calf extends from the welt 202 towards a heel portion 206 configured to receive a wearer's heel. While shown as a continuous material, in some aspects, the sock 200 could be made without a heel portion (such that the wearer's heel is not covered in the heel area of the sock). The sock 200 further comprises a foot portion 208 that extends forwardly from the heel portion 206 to a forward portion 210 of the sock 200 and is configured to cover the dorsum and the sole of a wearer's foot. In some aspects, the sock 200 is a knit sock, and in some aspects the sock is knit with an elastic yarn having a first elasticity.

In example aspects, the sock 200 includes one or more of a pocket structure 220 and a pocket structure 230 comprised of a second material layer having a second elasticity. The second elasticity may be less than the first elasticity to provide stability to the pocket structures 220, 230 when they are being pulled to don or doff the sock 200 (similarly to FIGS. 1D and 1E). As shown in FIGS. 2A-C, the pocket structure 220 can be located in the leg portion 204 and at or adjacent the heel portion 206 and the forward portion 210, and positioned on a side (e.g., illustrated as a medial side in FIGS. 2A-2D) of the sock 200. The pocket structure 230 can also be located in the leg portion 204 and at or adjacent the heel portion 206 and the forward portion 210, and positioned on a side opposite the pocket structure 220 (e.g., illustrated as a lateral side in FIGS. 2A-2D). In some aspects, sock 200 can be a quarter sock or ankle sock such that the pocket structures 220, 230 can also be at or adjacent the welt area 202 at the same time that it is located at or adjacent the previously mentioned portions. In some aspects, the pocket structures 220,230 can be located at least partially in both a front area and a rear area of the sock 200. For example, the pocket structures 220, 230 can have sides edges that can extend into one or more of the front area and the rear area. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the pocket structures 220, 230 can be located in a same horizontal plane as each other.

In example aspects, the pocket structure 220 is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a first pocket panel 221 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 200. A location of the first pocket panel 221 of the pocket structure 220 helps to determine where the pocket structure 220 is located. For example, in various aspects, the first pocket panel 221 could be located in or adjacent to one or more of the heel portion 206, the forward portion 210, and the welt area 202, depending on the desire of an operator or the style of sock. The first pocket panel 221 can be integrally knit with the first material layer to form pocket structure 220 or the first pocket panel 221 can be separately formed and affixed to the first material layer using any suitable method (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhesives, etc.). The pocket structure 220 can at least partially enclose a first pocket space 250 (as seen in FIG. 2D). The first pocket space 250 can be at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the first pocket structure 220.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the first pocket panel 221 of the pocket structure 220 is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern. However, the first pocket panel 221 of the pocket structure 220 could also be a square or rectangular shape formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. The first pocket panel 221 of the pocket structure 220 can comprise a first side edge 222 and a second side edge 224. The first side edge 222 and the second side edge 224 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 200 to help enclose the first pocket space 250. The first pocket panel 221 of the pocket structure 220 can further comprise a bottom edge 226 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 226 at least partially defines a pocket opening 228 of the first pocket space 250.

In example aspects, the sock 200 comprises the pocket structure 230 comprised of the second material layer and comprising a second pocket panel 231 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 200. While this disclosure uses terms such as “first pocket panel” and “second pocket panel,” it should be noted that the identification of various components described herein as being either a “first” or “second” component may be interchangeable and should not be limiting to the disclosure. For example, in some aspects, the sock 200 may not comprise the pocket structure 220 such that the pocket structure 230 would be comprised of a first pocket panel. Additionally, in some aspects, both of the pocket structures 220, 230 may be present, but the pocket structure 230 may be described as comprising a first pocket panel and the pocket structure 220 may be described as comprising a second pocket panel. Additionally, the pocket structures 220, 230 could be referred to as first or second pocket structures. Therefore, while the disclosure will continue to partition the description for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that such partitioning should not be limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, while both pocket structures 220, 230 are shown and described, the sock 200 may be comprised of only pocket structure 220 or pocket structure 230.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the second pocket panel 231 of the pocket structure 230 is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern. However, the second pocket panel 231 of the pocket structure 230 could also be a square or rectangular shape formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. The second pocket panel 231 of the pocket structure 230 can comprise a first side edge 232 and a second side edge 234. The first side edge 232 and the second side edge 234 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 200 to help enclose a second pocket space 252 (as seen in FIG. 2D). The second pocket panel 231 of the pocket structure 230 can further comprise a bottom edge 236 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 236 at least partially defines a pocket opening 238 of the second pocket space 252. In some aspects, the second pocket panel is comprised of the second material layer and overlays the first material layer.

A user is capable of putting one or more fingers through the pocket openings 228,238 of the pocket structures 220, 230 and into the first and second pocket spaces 250, 252 that are at least partially enclosed and defined by the first pocket panel 221, second pocket panel 231, and the first material layer. The pocket openings 228, 238 of the pocket structures 220, 230 can be located at the bottom edges 226, 236. The user can use their one or more fingers to pull on the first and second pocket panels 221, 231 of the pocket structures 220, 230 in order to assist in donning the sock 200. In aspects with the V-shaped chevron knitting pattern, the user's one or more fingers are provided with angled side edges (e.g., side edges 232, 234) that help the user correctly position their one or more fingers to apply pressure while pulling in an optimal direction. In some aspects, one of the pocket structures 220, 230 is inverted such that the pocket opening is at a top edge similar to the pocket structure 130 described above. In still other aspects, both of the pocket structures 220, 230 could be inverted. It can be appreciated than the operator would be able to configure the sock 200 based on the assistive needs. For example, when both of the pocket structures 220, 230 include pocket openings at bottom edges of the pocket panels 221, 231, the user is able to use one or both of the pocket structures 220, 230 to help don the sock 200. When both of the pocket structures 220, 230 include pocket openings at top edges of the pocket panels 221, 231, the user is able to use one or both of the pocket structure 220, 230 to help doff the sock 200. When one of the pocket structures 220, 230 includes a pocket opening at a top edge and the other includes a pocket opening at a bottom edge, the user is able to be assisted in both donning and doffing the sock 200. Variations such as this can be applied to socks 100, 200 as well as other socks described hereafter.

FIG. 2D depicts a cross-sectional view of the pocket structures 220, 230. As discussed previously, the pocket structures 220, 230 can be comprised of a first material layer and a second material layer. As illustrated, the first material layer comprising the pocket structures 220, 230 is the leg portion 204 of the sock 200. A portion 204A of the leg portion 204 comprises the pocket structure 220 and helps to at least partially define the first pocket space 250. Similarly, a portion 204B of the leg portion 204 comprises pocket structure 230 and helps to at least partially define the second pocket space 252. In some examples, both of pocket structures 220, 230 can be comprised of the second material layer. For example, the pocket panels 221, 231 can be comprised of the second material layer. In other examples, the pocket structures 220, 230 can be comprised of different material layers (e.g., the pocket structure 220 could be comprised of the second material layer while the pocket structure 230 could be comprised of an additional third material layer). The pocket panels 220, 230 are secured to the leg portion 204 at the first side edges 222, 232 and the second side edges 224, 234 to help enclose the pocket spaces 250, 252. In these ways, the pocket spaces 250, 252 can be at least partially defined by the securement of pocket panels 220, 230 to the portions 204A, 204B of the leg portion 204.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a sock 300 as described herein. While the sock 300 is shown in the form of a quarter, other sock lengths are contemplated herein such as a leg sock, a crew sock, an over-the-knee sock, or an over-the-calf or executive sock. The sock 300 includes a collar or a welt area 302 that comprises a foot opening for receiving a wearer's foot. In example aspects, a leg portion 304 configured to cover a wearer's calf extends from the welt area 302 towards a heel portion 306 configured to receive a wearer's heel. While shown as a continuous material, in some aspects, the sock 300 could be made without a heel portion (such that the wearer's heel is not covered in the heel area of the sock). The sock 300 further comprises a foot portion 308 that extends forwardly from the heel portion 306 to a forward portion 310 of the sock 300 and is configured to cover the dorsum and the sole of a wearer's foot. In some aspects, the sock 300 is a knit sock, and in some aspects the sock is knit with an elastic yarn having a first elasticity.

In example aspects, the sock 300 includes one or more of a pocket structure 320 and a pocket structure 330 comprised of a second material layer having a second elasticity. The second elasticity may be less than the first elasticity to provide stability to the pocket structures 320, 330 when they are being pulled to don or doff the sock 300 (similarly to FIGS. 1D and 1E). As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the pocket structure 320 can be located in the leg portion 304 and at or adjacent one or more of the heel portion 306, the forward portion 310, and the welt area 302, and positioned on a front area of the sock 300. The pocket structure 330 can also be located in the leg portion 304 and at or adjacent one or more of the heel portion 306, the forward portion 310, and the welt area 302, and positioned on a rear area opposite the pocket structure 320. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the pocket structures 320, 330 can be located in a same horizontal plane as each other.

In example aspects, the pocket structure 320 is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a first pocket panel 321 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 300. A location of the first pocket panel 321 of the pocket structure 320 helps to determine where the pocket structure 320 is located. For example, in various aspects, the first pocket panel 321 could be located in or adjacent to one or more of the heel portion 306, the forward portion 310, and the welt area 302, depending on the desire of an operator or the style of sock. The first pocket panel 321 can be integrally knit with the first material layer to comprise pocket structure 320 or the first pocket panel 321 can be separately formed and affixed to the first material layer using any suitable method (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhesives, etc.). The pocket structure 320 can at least partially enclose a first pocket space 350 (as seen in FIG. 3D). The first pocket space 350 can be at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the pocket structure 320.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the first pocket panel 321 of the pocket structure 320 is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern. However, the first pocket panel 321 of the pocket structure 320 could also be a square or rectangular shape formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. The first pocket panel 321 of the pocket structure 320 can comprise a first side edge 322 and a second side edge 324. The first side edge 322 and the second side edge 324 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 300 to help enclose the first pocket space 350. The first pocket panel of the pocket structure 320 can further comprise a bottom edge 326 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 326 at least partially defines a pocket opening 328 of the first pocket space 350.

In example aspects, the sock 300 comprises the pocket structure 330 comprised of the second material layer and comprising a second pocket panel 331 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 300. While this disclosure uses terms such as “first pocket panel” and “second pocket panel,” it should be noted that the identification of various components described herein as being either a “first” or “second” component may be interchangeable and should not be limiting to the disclosure. For example, in some aspects, the sock 300 may not comprise the pocket structure 320 such that the pocket structure 330 would be comprised of a first pocket panel. Additionally, in some aspects, both of the pocket structures 320, 330 may be present, but the pocket structure 330 may be described as comprising a first pocket panel and the pocket structure 320 may be described as comprising a second pocket panel. Additionally, the pocket structures 320, 330 could be referred to as first or second pocket structures. Therefore, while the disclosure will continue to partition the description for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that such partitioning should not be limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, while both pocket structures 320, 330 are shown and described, the sock 300 may be comprised of only pocket structure 320 or pocket structure 330.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the second pocket panel 331 of the pocket structure 330 is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern. However, the second pocket panel 331 of the pocket structure 330 could also be a square or rectangular shape formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. The second pocket panel 331 of the pocket structure 330 can comprise a first side edge 332 and a second side edge 334. The first side edge 332 and the second side edge 334 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 300 to help enclose a second pocket space 352 (as seen in FIG. 3D). The second pocket panel 331 of the pocket structure 330 can further comprise a bottom edge 336 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 336 at least partially defines a pocket opening 338 of the second pocket space 352. In some aspects, the second pocket panel is comprised of the second material layer and overlays the first material layer.

A user is capable of putting one or more fingers through the pocket openings 328, 338 of the pocket structures 320, 330 and into the first and second pocket spaces 350, 352 that are at least partially enclosed and defined by the first pocket panel 321, second pocket panel 331, and the first material layer. The pocket openings 328, 338 of the pocket structures 320, 330 can be located at the bottom edges 326, 336. The user can use their one or more fingers to pull on the first and second pocket panels 321, 331 of the pocket structures 320, 330 in order to assist in donning the sock 300. In aspects with the V-shaped chevron knitting pattern, the user's one or more fingers are provided with angled side edges (e.g., side edges 332, 334) that help the user correctly position their one or more fingers to apply pressure while pulling in an optimal direction. In some aspects, one of the pocket structures 320, 330 is inverted such that the pocket opening is at a top edge similar to the pocket structure 130 described above. In still other aspects, both of the pocket structures 320, 330 could be inverted. It can be appreciated than the operator would be able to configure the sock 300 based on the assistive needs.

FIG. 3D depicts a cross-sectional view of the pocket structures 320, 330. As discussed previously, the pocket structures 320, 330 can be comprised of a first material layer and a second material layer. As illustrated, the first material layer comprising the pocket structures 320, 330 is the leg portion 304 of the sock 300. A portion 304A of the leg portion 304 comprises the pocket structure 320 and helps to at least partially define the first pocket space 350. Similarly, a portion 304B of the leg portion 304 comprises pocket structure 330 and helps to at least partially define the second pocket space 352. In some examples, both of pocket structures 320, 330 can be comprised of the second material layer. For example, the pocket panels 321, 331 can be comprised of the second material layer. In other examples, the pocket structures 320, 330 can be comprised of different material layers (e.g., the pocket structure 320 could be comprised of the second material layer while the pocket structure 330 could be comprised of an additional third material layer). The pocket panels 320, 330 are secured to the leg portion 304 at the first side edges 322, 332 and the second side edges 324, 334 to help enclose the pocket spaces 350, 352. In these ways, the pocket spaces 350, 352 can be at least partially defined by the securement of pocket panels 320, 330 to the portions 304A, 304B of the leg portion 304.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate a sock 400 as described herein. While the sock 400 is shown in the form of a crew sock, other sock lengths are contemplated herein such as a leg sock, a quarter sock, an over-the-knee sock, or an over-the-calf or executive sock. The sock 400 includes a collar or a welt area 402 that comprises a foot opening for receiving a wearer's foot. In example aspects, a leg portion 404 configured to cover a wearer's calf extends from the welt area 402 towards a heel portion 406 configured to receive a wearer's heel. While shown as a continuous material, in some aspects, the sock 400 could be made without a heel portion (such that the wearer's heel is not covered in the heel area of the sock). The sock 400 further comprises a foot portion 408 that extends forwardly from the heel portion 406 to a forward portion 410 of the sock 400 and is configured to cover the dorsum and the sole of a wearer's foot. In some aspects, the sock 400 is a knit sock, and in some aspects the sock is knit with an elastic yarn having a first elasticity.

In example aspects, the sock 400 includes one or more of a pocket structure 420, a pocket structure 430, and a pocket structure 440 comprised of a second material layer having a second elasticity. The second elasticity may be less than the first elasticity to provide stability to the pocket structures 420, 430, 440 when they are being pulled to don or doff the sock 400 (similarly to FIGS. 1D and 1E). As shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, the pocket structure 420 can be located in the welt area 402 and at or adjacent the leg portion 404, and positioned on a front area of the sock 400. The pocket structure 430 can also be located in the welt area 402 and at or adjacent the leg portion 404, and positioned on a rear area opposite the pocket structure 420. The pocket structure 440 can be located in the leg portion 406 and can at least partially cover an Achilles tendon of a user. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, the pocket structures 420, 430 can be located in a same horizontal plane as each other.

In example aspects, the pocket structure 420 is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a first pocket panel 421 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 400. The first pocket panel 421 can be integrally knit with the first material layer to form pocket structure 420 or the first pocket panel 421 can be separately formed and affixed to the first material layer using any suitable method (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhesives, etc.). The pocket structure 420 can at least partially enclose a first pocket space 450. The first pocket space can be at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the pocket structure 420.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, the first pocket panel 421 of the pocket structure 420 is shaped like a square or a rectangle formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. However, the first pocket panel 421 of the pocket structure 420 could also be V-shaped and formed by a chevron knitting pattern. The first pocket panel 421 of the pocket structure 420 can comprise a first side edge 422 and a second side edge 424. The first side edge 422 and the second side edge 424 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 400 to help enclose the first pocket space (as seen in FIG. 4E). The first pocket panel 421 of the pocket structure 420 can further comprise a bottom edge 426 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 426 at least partially defines a pocket opening 428 of the first pocket space 450. The pocket structure 420 can further comprise a top edge 427 that can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 400 to help enclose the first pocket space 450. In some example aspects, the bottom edge 426 has a length that is greater than a length of the top edge 427. The difference in lengths of the edges provides a wider pocket opening 428 at the bottom edge 426 for a user's fingers to access the first pocket space 450 while also providing a tighter fit for the user's fingers once they begin to exert a pulling force.

In example aspects, the sock 400 comprises the pocket structure 430 comprised of the second material layer and comprising a second pocket panel 431 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 400. While this disclosure uses terms such as “first pocket panel” and “second pocket panel,” it should be noted that the identification of various components described herein as being either a “first” or “second” component may be interchangeable and should not be limiting to the disclosure. For example, in some aspects, the sock 400 may not comprise the pocket structure 420 such that the pocket structure 430 would be comprised of a first pocket panel. Additionally, in some aspects, both of the pocket structures 420, 430 may be present, but the pocket structure 430 may be described as comprising a first pocket panel and the pocket structure 420 may be described as comprising a second pocket panel. Additionally, the pocket structures 420, 430 could be referred to as first or second pocket structures. Therefore, while the disclosure will continue to partition the description for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that such partitioning should not be limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, while both pocket structures 420, 430 are shown and described, the sock 400 may be comprised of only pocket structure 420 or only pocket structure 430.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, the second pocket panel 431 of the pocket structure 430 is shaped like a square or a rectangle formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. However, the second pocket panel 431 of the pocket structure 430 could also be V-shaped and formed by a chevron knitting pattern. The second pocket panel 431 of the pocket structure 430 can comprise a first side edge 432 and a second side edge 434. The first side edge 432 and the second side edge 434 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 400 to help enclose a second pocket space 452 (as seen in FIG. 4E). The second pocket panel 431 of the pocket structure 430 can further comprise a bottom edge 436 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 436 at least partially defines a pocket opening 438 of the second pocket space 452. In some aspects, the second pocket panel 431 is comprised of the second material layer and overlays the first material layer. The pocket structure 430 can further comprise a top edge 437 that can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 400 to help enclose the second pocket space 452. In some example aspects, the bottom edge 436 has a length that is greater than a length of the top edge 437. The difference in lengths of the edges provides a wider pocket opening 438 at the bottom edge 436 for a user's fingers to access the second pocket space 452 while also providing a tighter fit for the user's fingers once they begin to exert a pulling force.

In example aspects, the pocket structure 440 is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a third pocket panel 441 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 400. The third pocket panel 441 can be integrally knit with the first material layer to form pocket structure 440 or the third pocket panel 441 can be separately formed and affixed to the first material layer using any suitable method (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhesives, etc.). The pocket structure 440 can at least partially enclose a third pocket space. The third pocket space can be at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the pocket structure 440.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, the third pocket panel 441 of the pocket structure 440 is shaped like a square or a rectangle formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. However, the third pocket panel 441 of the pocket structure 440 could also be V-shaped and formed by a chevron knitting pattern. The third pocket panel 441 of the pocket structure 440 can comprise a first side edge 442 and a second side edge 444. The first side edge 442 and the second side edge 444 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 400 to help enclose the third pocket space. The third pocket panel 441 of the pocket structure 440 can further comprise a bottom edge 446 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. The bottom edge 446 may be located at or adjacent the heel portion 406 in some examples. In example aspects, the bottom edge 446 at least partially defines a pocket opening 448 of the first pocket space. The pocket structure 440 can further comprise a top edge 447 that can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 400 to help enclose the first pocket space. In some example aspects, the bottom edge 446 has a length that is greater than a length of the top edge 447. The difference in lengths of the edges provides a wider pocket opening 448 at the bottom edge 446 for a user's fingers to access the first pocket space while also providing a tighter fit for the user's fingers once they begin to exert a pulling force.

As illustrated in FIG. 4D, a user is capable of putting one or more fingers through the pocket openings 428, 438 of the pocket structures 420, 430 and into the first and second pocket spaces 450, 452 that are at least partially enclosed and defined by the first pocket panel 421, second pocket panel 431, and the first material layer. The pocket openings 428, 438 of the pocket structures 420, 430 can be located at the bottom edges 426, 436. The user can use their one or more fingers to pull on the first and second pocket panels 421, 431 of the pocket structures 420, 430 in order to assist in donning the sock 400. In aspects where the length of the bottom edges is greater than the length of the top edges, the user's one or more fingers are provided with angled side edges (e.g., side edges 432, 434) that help the user correctly position their one or more fingers to apply pressure while pulling in an optimal direction. In some aspects, one of the pocket structures 420, 430 is inverted such that the pocket opening is at a top edge similar to the pocket structure 130 described above. In still other aspects, both of the pocket structures 420, 430 could be inverted. It can be appreciated than the operator would be able to configure the sock 400 based on the necessary assistive needs.

FIG. 4E depicts a cross-sectional view of the pocket structures 420, 430. As discussed previously, the pocket structures 420, 430 can be comprised of a first material layer and a second material layer. As illustrated, the first material layer comprising the pocket structures 420, 430 is the welt area 402 of the sock 400. A portion 402A of the welt area 402 comprises the pocket structure 420 and helps to at least partially define the first pocket space 450. Similarly, a portion 402B of the welt area 402 comprises pocket structure 430 and helps to at least partially define the second pocket space 452. In some examples, both of pocket structures 420, 430 can be comprised of the second material layer. For example, the pocket panels 421, 431 can be comprised of the second material layer. In other examples, the pocket structures 420, 430 can be comprised of different material layers (e.g., the pocket structure 420 could be comprised of the second material layer while the pocket structure 430 could be comprised of an additional third material layer). The pocket panels 420, 430 are secured to the welt area 402 at the first side edges 422, 432 and the second side edges 424, 434 to help enclose the pocket spaces 450, 452. In these ways, the pocket spaces 450, 452 can be at least partially defined by the securement of pocket panels 420, 430 to the portions 402A, 402B of the welt area 402.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a sock 500 as described herein. While the sock 500 is shown in the form of a crew sock, other sock lengths are contemplated herein such as a leg sock, a quarter sock, an over-the-knee sock, or an over-the-calf or executive sock. The sock 500 includes a collar or a welt 502 that comprises a foot opening for receiving a wearer's foot. In example aspects, a leg portion 504 configured to cover a wearer's calf extends from the welt 502 towards a heel portion 506 configured to receive a wearer's heel. While shown as a continuous material, in some aspects, the sock 500 could be made without a heel portion (such that the wearer's heel is not covered in the heel area of the sock). The sock 500 further comprises a foot portion 508 that extends forwardly from the heel portion 506 to a forward portion 510 of the sock 500 and is configured to cover the dorsum and the sole of a wearer's foot. In some aspects, the sock 500 is a knit sock, and in some aspects the sock is knit with an elastic yarn having a first elasticity.

In example aspects, the sock 500 includes one or more of a pocket structure 520, a pocket structure 530, and a pocket structure 540 comprised of a second material layer having a second elasticity. The second elasticity may be less than the first elasticity to provide stability to the pocket structures 520, 530, 540 when they are being pulled to don or doff the sock 500 (similarly to FIGS. 1D and 1E). As shown in FIGS. 5A-C, the pocket structure 520 can be located in the welt area 502 and at or adjacent the leg portion 504, and positioned on a side (e.g., illustrated as a medial side in FIGS. 5A-5D) of the sock 500. The pocket structure 530 can also be located in the welt area 502 and at or adjacent the leg portion 504, and positioned on a side opposite the pocket structure 520 (e.g., illustrated as a lateral side in FIGS. 5A-5D). In some aspects, the pocket structures 520, 530 can be located at least partially in both a front area and a rear area of the sock 500. For example, the pocket structures 520, 530 can have sides edges that can extend into one or more of the front area and the rear area. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the pocket structures 520, 530 can be located in a same horizontal plane as each other. The pocket structure 440 can be located in the leg portion 506 and can at least partially cover an Achilles tendon of a user.

In example aspects, the pocket structure 520 is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a first pocket panel 521 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 500. The first pocket panel 521 can be integrally knit with the first material layer to comprise pocket structure 520 or the first pocket panel 521 can be separately formed and affixed to the first material layer using any suitable method (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhesives, etc.). The pocket structure 520 can at least partially enclose a first pocket space 550 (as seen in FIG. 5D). The first pocket space 550 can be at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the pocket structure 520.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the first pocket panel 521 of the pocket structure 520 is shaped like a square or a rectangle formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. However, the first pocket panel 521 of the pocket structure 530 could also be V-shaped and formed by a chevron knitting pattern. The first pocket panel 521 of the pocket structure 520 can comprise a first side edge 522 and a second side edge 524. The first side edge 522 and the second side edge 524 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 500 to help enclose the first pocket space. The first pocket panel 521 of the pocket structure 520 can further comprise a bottom edge 526 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 526 at least partially defines a pocket opening 528 of the first pocket space 550. The pocket structure 520 can further comprise a top edge 527 that can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 500 to help enclose the first pocket space 550. In some example aspects, the bottom edge 526 has a length that is greater than a length of the top edge 527. The difference in lengths of the edges provides a wider pocket opening 528 at the bottom edge 526 for a user's fingers to access the first pocket space while also providing a tighter fit for the user's fingers once they begin to exert a pulling force.

In example aspects, the sock 500 comprises the pocket structure 530 comprised of the second material layer and comprising a second pocket panel 531 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 500. While this disclosure uses terms such as “first pocket panel” and “second pocket panel,” it should be noted that the identification of various components described herein as being either a “first” or “second” component may be interchangeable and should not be limiting to the disclosure. For example, in some aspects, the sock 500 may not comprise the pocket structure 520 such that the pocket structure 530 would be comprised of a first pocket panel. Additionally, in some aspects, both of the pocket structures 520, 530 may be present, but the pocket structure 530 may be described as comprising a first pocket panel and a pocket structure 520 may be described as comprising a second pocket panel. Additionally, the pocket structures 520, 530 could be referred to as first or second pocket structures. Therefore, while the disclosure will continue to partition the description for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that such partitioning should not be limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, while both pocket structures 520, 530 are shown and described, the sock 100 may be comprised of only pocket structure 520 or pocket structure 530.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the second pocket panel 531 of the pocket structure 530 is shaped like a square or a rectangle formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. However, the second pocket panel 531 of the pocket structure 530 could also be V-shaped and formed by a chevron knitting pattern. The second pocket panel 531 of the pocket structure 530 can comprise a first side edge 532 and a second side edge 534. The first side edge 532 and the second side edge 534 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 500 to help enclose a second pocket space 552 (as seen in FIG. 5D). The second pocket panel 531 of the pocket structure 530 can further comprise a bottom edge 536 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 536 at least partially defines a pocket opening 538 of the second pocket space 552. In some aspects, the second pocket panel 531 is comprised of the second material layer and overlays the first material layer. The pocket structure 530 can further comprise a top edge 537 that can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 500 to help enclose the second pocket space 552. In some example aspects, the bottom edge 536 has a length that is greater than a length of the top edge 537. The difference in lengths of the edges provides a wider pocket opening 538 at the bottom edge 536 for a user's fingers to access the first pocket space while also providing a tighter fit for the user's fingers once they begin to exert a pulling force.

A user is capable of putting one or more fingers through the pocket openings 528, 538 of the pocket structures 520, 530 and into the first and second pocket spaces 550, 552 that are at least partially enclosed and defined by the first pocket panel 521, second pocket panel 531, and the first material layer. The pocket openings 528, 538 of the pocket structures 520, 530 can be located at the bottom edges 526, 536. The user can use their one or more fingers to pull on the first and second pocket panels 521, 531 of the pocket structures 520, 530 in order to assist in donning the sock 500. In aspects where the length of the bottom edges is greater than the length of the top edges, the user's one or more fingers are provided with angled side edges (e.g., side edges 532, 534) that help the user correctly position their one or more fingers to apply pressure while pulling in an optimal direction. In some aspects, one of the pocket structures 520, 530 is inverted such that the pocket opening is at a top edge similar to the pocket structure 130 described above. In still other aspects, both of the pocket structures 520, 530 could be inverted. It can be appreciated that the operator would be able to configure the sock 500 based on the necessary assistive needs.

In example aspects, the pocket structure 540 is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a third pocket panel 541 that overlays the first material layer of the sock 500. The third pocket panel 541 can be integrally knit with the first material layer to comprise pocket structure 540 or the third pocket panel 541 can be separately formed and affixed to the first material layer using any suitable method (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhesives, etc.). The pocket structure 540 can at least partially enclose a third and fourth pocket spaces. The third and fourth pocket spaces can be at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the pocket structure 540. As illustrated, the third pocket panel 541 is affixed to the sock 500 diagonally from opposing corners in order to form the third and fourth pocket spaces. Other methods of affixing the third pocket panel 541 to create multiple pocket spaces is contemplated. Affixing the third pocket panel 541 in such a way also provides additional reinforcement to the pocket structure 540 at the connection with the first material layer to keep the pocket structure 540 in place and to prevent the third pocket panel 541 from accidentally inverting during use.

In example aspects shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the third pocket panel 541 of the pocket structure 540 is shaped like a square or a rectangle formed by a 2×1 alternating pique knitting pattern. However, the third pocket panel 541 of the pocket structure 540 could also take on other suitable forms. The third pocket panel 541 of the pocket structure 540 can comprise a first side edge 542 and a second side edge 544. The first side edge 542 and the second side edge 544 can be secured to the first material layer of the sock 500 to help enclose the third and fourth pocket spaces. The third pocket panel 541 of the pocket structure 540 can further comprise a bottom edge 546 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the bottom edge 546 at least partially defines a pocket opening 548 of the third pocket space. The pocket structure 540 can further comprise a top edge 547 that is at least partially separable from the first material layer. In such example aspects, the top edge 546 at least partially defines a pocket opening 549 of the fourth pocket space.

The pocket structure 440 and the pocket structure 540 may be incorporated into any examples disclosed herein. For example, a two-pocket configuration such as the pocket structure 540 may be incorporated into the sock 400 or any other sock discussed. The variations of the socks and their configurations are merely to illustrate various ways that one or more pocket structures can be implemented into a sock to help a user with donning or doffing the sock. It is also contemplated that the two-pocket configuration could be included as a pocket structure in a welt area of any of the socks discussed.

FIG. 5D depicts a cross-sectional view of the pocket structures 520, 530. As discussed previously, the pocket structures 520, 530 can be comprised of a first material layer and a second material layer. As illustrated, the first material layer comprising the pocket structures 520, 530 is the welt area 502 of the sock 500. A portion 502A of the welt area 502 comprises the pocket structure 520 and helps to at least partially define the first pocket space 550. Similarly, a portion 502B of the welt area 502 comprises pocket structure 530 and helps to at least partially define the second pocket space 552. In some examples, both of pocket structures 520, 530 can be comprised of the second material layer. For example, the pocket panels 521, 531 can be comprised of the second material layer. In other examples, the pocket structures 520, 530 can be comprised of different material layers (e.g., the pocket structure 520 could be comprised of the second material layer while the pocket structure 530 could be comprised of an additional third material layer). The pocket panels 520, 530 are secured to the welt area 502 at the first side edges 522, 532 and the second side edges 524, 534 to help enclose the pocket spaces 550, 552. In these ways, the pocket spaces 550, 552 can be at least partially defined by the securement of pocket panels 520, 530 to the portions 502A, 502B of the welt area 502.

In some examples, a height of a welt area may be modified in order to increase or decrease a length of a pocket structure (e.g., about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm). For example, when the height of the welt area (e.g., welt area 402 or welt area 502) is increased, the length of the pocket structure corresponding to that portion of the welt area (e.g., portions 502A, 402A, etc.) may also be increased for enhanced pulling. If the pocket structure is too shallow, a user will not be able to obtain a proper grip when pulling. If the pocket structure is too deep, the pocket may fold in on itself and, again, the user would not be able to obtain the proper grip when pulling.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sock 600 including a first material layer 611, a second material layer 612, and a pocket structure 620. FIG. 6 is provided to generally describe the first material layer 611 and the second material layer 612 relative to the sock 600. Features of the first material layer 611 and the second material layer 612 can apply to the aspects described above in the discussion of socks 100-500.

In example aspects, the first material layer 611 comprises a majority of the sock 600. For example, the first material layer 611 can comprise one or more of a welt area defining a collar, a leg portion, a heel portion, a foot portion, and a forward portion. At the same time, the first material layer 611 can comprise a part of the pocket structure 620 and at least partially define a pocket space within the pocket structure 620. This can be seen as the part of the first material layer 611 from the cutout of the pocket structure 620 also comprises part of the leg portion of sock 600.

In example aspects, the second material layer 612 can be secured to the first material layer 611 along side edges of the second material layer 612 and along one of a top edge or a bottom edge. As depicted in FIG. 6, the bottom edge of the second material layer 612 is secured to the first material layer 611 and the top edge is at least partially separable from the first material layer 611 to provide access to the pocket space within.

While pocket structures shown in the figures and described herein are illustrated in certain orientations, this disclosure also contemplates a reversal of the illustrated orientations. For example, a pocket structure with an opening adjacent a bottom edge could just as easily be reversed (e.g., 180 degrees) to show the pocket structure with the opening adjacent a top edge. Similarly, the pocket structure could be shifted less than 180 degrees (e.g., between 0 and 180 degrees) to provide varying entry angles into the pocket structure as well as varying angles that the pocket structure could be pulled on by a user when donning or doffing a sock.

The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.

Clause 1. A sock with a first pocket structure comprising a first material layer having a first elasticity comprising a welt area defining a collar; a leg portion extending from the collar, the leg portion including a front area and a rear area, the rear area at least partially covering the Achilles tendon of a wearer in an as-worn condition; a heel portion extending below the leg portion; a foot portion extending forwardly from the heel portion; and a second material layer comprising a first pocket panel overlaying a portion of the first material layer.

Clause 2. The sock of clause 1, wherein the second material layer has a second elasticity, and wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Clause 3. The sock of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first pocket panel is integrally knit with the first material layer.

Clause 4. The sock of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the first pocket panel is separately formed and affixed to the first material layer.

Clause 5. The sock of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the first pocket panel at least partially encloses a first pocket space, and wherein the first pocket space is at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the first pocket panel.

Clause 6. The sock of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first pocket panel comprises a first side edge and a second side edge.

Clause 7. The sock of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a bottom edge, and wherein the bottom edge is at least partially separable from the first material layer.

Clause 8. The sock of clause 7, wherein the bottom edge at least partially defines a pocket opening of the first pocket space.

Clause 9. The sock of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a top edge, and wherein the top edge is at least partially separable from the first material layer.

Clause 10. The sock of clause 9, wherein the top edge at least partially defines a pocket opening of the first pocket space.

Clause 11. The sock of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the first pocket panel is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern.

Clause 12. The sock of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the first pocket panel is a rectangular shape formed by a 2x1 alternating pique knitting pattern.

Clause 13. The sock of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the first pocket panel is located adjacent to the collar.

Clause 14. The sock of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the first pocket panel is located adjacent to the heel portion.

Clause 15. The sock of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the first pocket panel is located adjacent to the forward portion.

Clause 16. The sock of any of clauses 1-15, wherein the first pocket panel is located at least partially in both the front area and the rear area.

Clause 17. The sock of any of clauses 1-16, wherein the first pocket panel is located adjacent to the collar and one or more of the forward portion or the heel portion.

Clause 18. The sock of any of the preceding clauses further comprising a second pocket structure within the leg portion.

Clause 19. The sock of clause 18, wherein the second pocket structure is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a second pocket panel that overlays the first material layer.

Clause 20. The sock of any of clauses 18-19, wherein the first pocket structure is located superior to the second pocket structure.

Clause 21. The sock of any of clauses 18-19 wherein the first pocket structure is located in a same horizontal plane as the second pocket structure.

Clause 22. A sock with a first pocket structure comprising a first material layer having a first elasticity comprising a welt area defining a collar; a leg portion extending from the collar; a heel portion extending below the leg portion; a foot portion extending forwardly from the heel portion; and a second material layer comprising a first pocket panel overlaying a portion of the first material layer.

Clause 23. The sock of clause 22, wherein the second material layer has a second elasticity, and wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

Clause 24. The sock of any of clauses 22-23, wherein the first pocket panel is integrally knit with the first material layer.

Clause 25. The sock of any of clauses 22-23, wherein the first pocket panel is separately formed and affixed to the first material layer.

Clause 26. The sock of any of clauses 22-25, wherein the first pocket panel at least partially encloses a first pocket space, and wherein the first pocket space is at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the first pocket panel.

Clause 27. The sock of any of clauses 20-26, wherein the first pocket panel comprises a first side edge and a second side edge.

Clause 28. The sock of any of clauses 20-27, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a bottom edge, and wherein the bottom edge is at least partially separable from the first material layer.

Clause 29. The sock of clause 28, wherein the bottom edge at least partially defines a pocket opening of the first pocket space.

Clause 30. The sock of any of clauses 22-28, wherein the first pocket panel is a V-shape formed by a chevron knitting pattern.

Clause 31. The sock of any of clauses 22-28, wherein the first pocket panel is a rectangular shape formed by a 2x1 alternating pique knitting pattern.

Clause 32. The sock of any of clauses 28-31, wherein the bottom edge is adjacent to the leg portion.

Clause 33. The sock of any of clauses 22-32, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a top edge, and wherein the top edge of the first pocket panel is adjacent a top edge of the collar.

Clause 34. The sock of clauses 33, wherein the top edge of the first pocket panel has a length, wherein the bottom edge of the first pocket panel has a length, and wherein the length of the bottom edge is greater than the length of the top edge.

Clause 35. The sock of any of clauses 22-34, wherein the collar further comprises a front area and a rear area, and wherein the first pocket structure is located in the front area.

Clause 36. The sock of any of clauses 22-35, wherein the first pocket structure is located at least partially in the front area of the collar.

Clause 37. The sock of any of clauses 22-36, wherein the first pocket structure is located at least partially in the rear area of the collar.

Clause 38. The sock of any of clauses 22-37 further comprising a second pocket structure within the collar.

Clause 39. The sock of clause 38, wherein the second pocket structure is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a second pocket panel that overlays the first material layer.

Clause 40. The sock of any of clauses 38-39, wherein the first pocket structure is located in a same horizontal plane as the second pocket structure.

Clause 41. The sock of any of clauses 38-40, wherein the second pocket structure is located at least partially in the front area of the collar.

Clause 42. The sock of any of clauses 18-21, wherein the first pocket structure is located on a medial side of the sock and the second pocket structure is located opposite of the first pocket structure on a lateral side of the sock.

Clause 43. The sock of any of clauses 18-21, wherein the first pocket structure is located on an anterior side of the sock and the second pocket structure is located opposite of the first pocket structure on a posterior side of the sock.

Clause 44. The sock of any of clauses 18-21, wherein the first pocket structure is adjacent the collar, wherein the second pocket structure is adjacent the first pocket structure, and wherein a bottom edge of the second pocket structure at least partially defines a pocket opening.

Clause 45. The sock of any of clauses 18-21, wherein the first pocket panel is a rectangular shape, the first pocket panel secured to the fist material layer along its opposing sides, the first pocket panel also stitched to the first material layer diagonally from both bottom corners to both top corners forming an X-shaped stitching pattern, wherein a top edge of the first pocket panel at least partially forms an opening, and wherein a bottom edge of the first pocket panel at least partially forms an opening.

Clause 46. The sock of any of clauses 38-41, wherein the first pocket structure is located on a medial side of the sock and the second pocket structure is located opposite of the first pocket structure on a lateral side of the sock.

Clause 47. The sock of any of clauses 38-41. wherein the first pocket structure is located on an anterior side of the sock and the second pocket structure is located opposite of the first pocket structure on a posterior side of the sock.

Clause 48. The sock of any of clauses 38-41, wherein the first pocket structure is adjacent the collar, wherein the second pocket structure is adjacent the first pocket structure, and wherein a bottom edge of the second pocket structure at least partially defines a pocket opening.

Clause 49. The sock of any of clauses 38-41, wherein the first pocket panel is a rectangular shape, the first pocket panel secured to the fist material layer along its opposing sides, the first pocket panel also stitched to the first material layer diagonally from both bottom corners to both top corners forming an X-shaped stitching pattern, wherein a top edge of the first pocket panel at least partially forms an opening, and wherein a bottom edge of the first pocket panel at least partially forms an opening.

While various examples of the present disclosure have been described, the present disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Rather, the examples discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the present disclosure in various forms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended and will be appreciated that examples may be variously combined or separated without departing from the present disclosure and all exemplary features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the present disclosure described herein. Moreover, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the present disclosure and it is not necessarily expected that every example of the present disclosure will achieve all of the advantages described.

Claims

1. A sock with a first pocket structure comprising: a first material layer having a first elasticity comprising: a welt area defining a collar;a leg portion extending from the collar, the leg portion including a front area and a rear area, the rear area at least partially covering the Achilles tendon of a wearer in an as-worn condition;a heel portion extending below the leg portion;a foot portion extending forwardly from the heel portion; anda second material layer comprising: a first pocket panel overlaying a portion of the first material layer.

2. The sock of claim 1, wherein the second material layer has a second elasticity, and wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

3. The sock of claim 1, wherein the first pocket panel is integrally knit with the first material layer.

4. The sock of claim 1, wherein the first pocket panel at least partially encloses a first pocket space, and wherein the first pocket space is at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the first pocket panel.

5. The sock of claim 4, wherein the first pocket panel comprises a first side edge and a second side edge.

6. The sock of claim 5, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a bottom edge, and wherein the bottom edge is at least partially separable from the first material layer.

7. The sock of claim 6, wherein the bottom edge at least partially defines a pocket opening of the first pocket space.

8. The sock of claim 4, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a top edge, and wherein the top edge is at least partially separable from the first material layer.

9. The sock of claim 8, wherein the top edge at least partially defines a pocket opening of the first pocket space.

10. The sock of claim 2 further comprising a second pocket structure within the leg portion, wherein the second pocket structure is comprised of the second material layer and comprises a second pocket panel that overlays the first material layer.

11. A sock with a first pocket structure comprising: a first material layer having a first elasticity comprising: a welt area defining a collar;a leg portion extending from the collar;a heel portion extending below the leg portion;a foot portion extending from heel portion; anda second material layer comprising: a first pocket panel overlaying a portion of the first material layer.

12. The sock of claim 11, wherein the second material layer has a second elasticity, and wherein the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

13. The sock of claim 11, wherein the first pocket panel is integrally knit with the first material layer.

14. The sock of claim 11, wherein the first pocket panel at least partially encloses a first pocket space, and wherein the first pocket space is at least partially defined by the first material layer and the second material layer of the first pocket panel.

15. The sock of claim 14, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a bottom edge, and wherein the bottom edge is at least partially separable from the first material layer to at least partially define a pocket opening of the first pocket space.

16. The sock of claim 15, wherein the bottom edge is adjacent to the leg portion.

17. The sock of claim 16, wherein the first pocket panel further comprises a top edge, and wherein the top edge of the first pocket panel is adjacent a top edge of the collar.

18. The sock of claim 17, wherein the top edge of the first pocket panel has a length, wherein the bottom edge of the first pocket panel has a length, and wherein the length of the bottom edge is greater than the length of the top edge.

19. The sock of claim 11, wherein the collar comprises a front area and a rear area, and wherein the first pocket structure is located at least partially in the front area.

20. The sock of claim 19, wherein the first pocket structure is located at least partially in the rear area of the collar.