SOCK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of articles of clothing.

BACKGROUND

A sock is an article of clothing worn on the foot. Millions of people worldwide wear socks every day, in order to keep their feet warm, to avoid frostbite, to reduce friction between the feet and shoes, to absorb sweat.

Some persons wear socks having a particular shape or color, for example, as part of uniforms worn by a worker of a particular organization or a student of a particular school.

Socks may be formed of one or more suitable materials, for example, nylon, cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or a mixture or blend of multiple materials.

SUMMARY

The present invention may include, for example, a sock, a pair of socks, or other suitable articles of clothing, as well as methods, processes and systems for producing or manufacturing such socks or such articles of clothing.

The present invention may provide other and/or additional benefits or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1J are schematic illustrations of multiple views of a sock having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area or toe-area, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2J are schematic illustrations of multiple views of another sock having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area or toe-area, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3J are schematic illustrations of multiple views of another sock having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area or toe-area, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4J are schematic illustrations of multiple views of another sock having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area or toe-area, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic illustrations of several socks, including one prior art sock and also including five novel socks that are in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a front-area of a prior art sock;

FIG. 7B is an illustration of a front-area (or toe-area) of a sock in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention, demonstrating the elongated or enlarged toe-area that the present invention may provide;

FIG. 8A is a schematic illustration of a conventional sock having a conventional toe-area;

FIG. 8B is a schematic illustration of a sock having an enlarged or elongated toe-area in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8C is a schematic illustration of sock having enlarged or elongated toe-area in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention, demonstrating how the sock may fit over a foot of a wearer;

FIG. 9A is a schematic illustration of a conventional knitting scheme for a conventional sock;

FIG. 9B is a schematic illustration of a knitting scheme for a sock in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a sock in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a sock in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a schematic illustration of a conventional toe-area implemented as a symmetrical trapezoid;

FIG. 12B is a schematic illustration of a novel ergonomic toe-area/fore-foot area implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12C is a schematic illustration of a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a schematic illustration of a conventional toe-area implemented as a symmetrical trapezoid;

FIG. 13B is a schematic illustration demonstrating an attempt to merely increase the number of lines in a conventional toe-area, resulting in an overly-narrow front edge of the toe-area;

FIG. 13C is a schematic illustration demonstrating a novel ergonomic toe-area/fore-foot area implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13D is a schematic illustration demonstrating a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14A is a schematic illustration of a conventional toe-area having up to 90 thread lines;

FIG. 14B a schematic illustration demonstrating a novel ergonomic toe-area implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14C is a schematic illustration demonstrating a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15A a schematic illustration of a conventional split toe-area having up to 90 thread lines;

FIG. 15B is a schematic illustration demonstrating a novel ergonomic split toe-area implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15C is a schematic illustration demonstrating a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 16A-16F are schematic illustrations demonstrating that toe-area or split-toe area (or fore-foot area, or split fore-foot area) having unique or different properties, relative to other regions or areas of the sock or of the fore-foot area, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 17A-17E are schematic illustrations demonstrating patterning or processing of the toe-area or the elongated-toe-area or the elongated split-toe area, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-18B are illustrations demonstrating (respectively) a top view and a bottom view of a sock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A-19B are illustrations demonstrating (respectively) a top view and a bottom view of a sock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 20A-20B are illustrations demonstrating (respectively) a top view and a bottom view of a sock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 21A-21B are illustrations demonstrating (respectively) a top view and a bottom view of a sock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “sock” as used herein may include, for example, any suitable sock or garment that is intended for covering the foot (or a portion thereof) or for enclosing the foot (or a portion thereof). Such sock may be of various sizes or dimensions, and may be implemented as, for example, a business sock or formal sock, a casual sock, a sports sock, a training sock, a sock suitable for wearing indoors and/or outdoors, a medical sock, an elastic sock, a knee-high sock, a bare sock or ankle sock, or the like.

Although portions of the discussion herein and/or the drawings may refer, for demonstrative purposes, to a sock worn on the foot, the present invention may further comprise, or may be used in conjunction with, other suitable garments; for example, stockings, lingerie items, hose, hosiery, leggings, soft shoes or fabric-made shoes, or other suitable articles of clothing or items of clothing or garments.

Applicants have realized that a conventional sock includes a conventional toe-box or toe-area, which covers only the toe fingers. In contrast, the present invention comprises a sock having a toe-box or toe-area that is extended backwardly (e.g., towards the ankle, towards the back of the foot) or is elongated backwardly or is enlarged backwardly, and reaches at least or approximately 25% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 33% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 40% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 50% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 51% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 60% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 66% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 70% of the foot length, or reaches at least or approximately 75% of the foot length; or reaches at least or approximately 80 or 85 or 90 or 95 or 99 or 100 percent of the foot length (e.g., optionally reaching the ankle area, or bordering directly with the ankle area, or attaching directly through a single seam or a single hem with the ankle area); or reaches (or covers) approximately between 25 to 75 percent of the foot length; or reaches (or covers) approximately between 25 to 66 percent of the foot length; or reaches (or covers) approximately between 33 to 66 percent of the foot length; or reaches (or covers) approximately between 25 to 50 percent of the foot length; or reaches (or covers) approximately between 33 to 75 percent of the foot length. Other suitable percentage values or ratios may be used, in accordance with the present invention.

In some embodiments, instead of creating a conventional toe-box, a special pre-defined knitting program may be used by a knitting machine in order to separately knit the enlarged fore-foot area, in parallel to or in series with the knitting of other region(s) of the sock.

In accordance with the present invention, the sock may have a toe area without excessive fabric that interrupt between the foot and the shoe; and the sock may lack or may exclude “ears” or “ear portions” that typically exist in a conventional sock in which a seam is present at the front edge of the tow-box, or on top of the toe itself, or under the toe itself. The present invention may allow to create a perfect fore-foot area that may be connected integrally to the central area (the mid-foot area or midfoot area) of the sock as one integrated piece.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the combined toe-area/fore-foot-area may reach backwardly and may cover up to 75 percent of the length of the foot, or even 80 or 90 or 95 or 99 or 100 percent of the length of the foot, almost reaching the ankle area (or actually reaching the ankle area). In some embodiments, for example, in socks that are intended for children or toddlers or infants or babies, or in other small-size socks or “petit” size, the combined toe-area/fore-foot-area may reach the ankle area of the sock, or may reach the ankle, such that the entire combined toe-area/fore-foot-area may be seam-less (or hem-less or stitch-less) and such that a single seam (or hem, or stitch) may exist at or near (or towards, or halfway towards, or two-thirds towards) the ankle area (e.g., under the foot, or over the foot), connecting the combined toe-area/fore-foot-area to the ankle area (or the hindfoot area or the hind-foot area) or to the central area (or the midfoot area or the mid-foot area) of the sock.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1A-1J, which are schematic illustrations of multiple views of a sock 101 having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area (or, an elongated toe-area, or an elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot-area), in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Sock 101 may comprise an enlarged or elongated toe area or front area, thereby providing an improved fit or a perfect fit for the foot of the wearer.

Reference is made to FIGS. 2A-2J, which are schematic illustrations of multiple views of a sock 101 having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area (or, an elongated toe-area, or an elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot-area), in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Sock 102 may comprise an enlarged or elongated toe area or front area, thereby providing an improved fit or a perfect fit for the foot of the wearer.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3A-3J, which are schematic illustrations of multiple views of a sock 103 having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area (or, an elongated toe-area, or an elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot-area), in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Sock 103 may comprise an enlarged or elongated toe area or front area, thereby providing an improved fit or a perfect fit for the foot of the wearer.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4A-4J, which are schematic illustrations of multiple views of a sock 101 having an enlarged or elongated fore-foot area (or, an elongated toe-area, or an elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot-area), in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Sock 104 may comprise an enlarged or elongated toe area or front area, thereby providing an improved fit or a perfect fit for the foot of the wearer.

Socks 101-104, and particularly sock 102 and/or sock 104, demonstrate a sock having a non-symmetrical (and optionally extended or enlarged or elongated) split-toe area, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Each sub-area of the toe-area (or, of the combined toe-area/fore-foot-area) may optionally have different properties, colors, fabric type, fabric processing type, finishing, patterning, and/or other features. The sock may comprise an enlarged or elongated or extended toe area (which may be split or divided as shown), thereby providing an improved fit or a perfect fit for the foot of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area may be formed as a non-symmetrical trapezoid, in contrast with conventional socks which may have a symmetrical trapezoid toe-area. Applicants have realized that the non-symmetrical toe-area may better hold or grasp the foot or the toes, and may provide an improved fit and greater convenience to the wearer. Optionally, the toe-area may be elongated or extended or enlarged, extending downwardly toward the heel area, and occupying an area having a length that is at least 1.5 times or 2.0 times relative to the length of the big-toe itself. The extended toe-area may be implemented as a seam-less region, free of any seams or stitches or stitching.

In some embodiments, the extended or elongated toe-area (which may be a split-toe area, namely a toe-area divided into two or more regions; or may be a unified un-divided toe-area) may have one or more properties which may differ from properties of other areas of the sock; for example, three-dimensional (3D) knitting or patterning, design knitting, stripes, lines, rows, columns, shapes, design knitting in a particular shape, logo, branding, holes, macro-vent, ribs, plain knitting, cushioning knitting; utilization of different fabric(s), or fabric type(s), or type(s) of processing of fabrics; utilization of different colors, fabric finishing, fabric processing; different elasticity, rigidity, flexibility, rigidness, stiffness; different number of lines of fabric, or threads, or thread-count or line-count; different fabric effects (e.g., towel style), or the like. Such properties may be implemented in the toe-area (or in the split-toe area, or in a sub-division of the split-toe area) in a particular manner which may differ from other regions(s) of the sock.

Reference is made to FIGS. 5A-5C, which are schematic illustration of six socks 3201-3206; the first sock 3201 being a prior art sock, whereas the other socks 3202-3206 are socks in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Conventional sock 3201 may have a short toe-area, which may only partially cover the big toe (indicated with an oval). The short toe-area may be a symmetrical trapezoid or an isosceles trapezoid. Typically, up to 90 lines or threads may be comprised in the short toe-area of conventional sock 3201. A seam or stitch or hem typically exists over or across the toes, or over the big toe; or under the toes, or under the big toe.

Sock 3202 may have a short toe-area; but the short toe-area may be a non-symmetrical trapezoid, providing an ergonomic structure and improved fitting; and enabling to include up to 140 lines or threads in the short toe-area; and avoiding undesired “ears” or excess fabric (e.g., not occupied by human toes) that often exist in conventional socks. In some embodiments, up to 140 lines or threads may be comprised in the short toe-area of sock 3202.

Sock 3203 may have an elongated toe-area which extends backwardly towards the heel and covers the fore-foot area, thereby creating a unified component of toe-area/fore-foot-area. The elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot area may cover the entire human big toe; and may cover, or may reach until, approximately 25% or 30% or 33% or 40% or 50% of the entire length of the foot-area of the sock. This structure may thus obviate the need to have a seam or a stitch that is located over or under the human toes in conventional sock 3201. For demonstrative purposes, the ending of the combined toe-area/fore-foot area may be symmetrical trapezoid or isosceles trapezoid. In some embodiments, around 250 or 280 or 300 (or more than 300) lines or threads may be comprised in the elongated toe-area/fore-foot-area of sock 3203.

Sock 3204 may combine the novel features of sock 3202 with the novel features of sock 3202. For example, sock 3204 may have an elongated toe-area which extends backwardly towards the heel and covers the fore-foot area, thereby creating a unified component of toe-area/fore-foot-area. The elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot area may cover the entire human big toe; and may cover, or may reach until, approximately 25% or 30% or 33% or 40% or 50% of the entire length of the foot-area of the sock. This structure may thus obviate the need to have a seam or a stitch or a hem that is located over or under the human toes in conventional sock 3201. Furthermore, the ending of the combined toe-area/fore-foot area may be non-symmetrical trapezoid, providing ergonomic structure and improved fitting. In some embodiments, around 250 or 280 or 300 lines or threads may be comprised in the elongated toe-area/fore-foot-area of sock 3204.

Sock 3205 may be generally similar to sock 3204, but may feature a split-toe structure; such that the elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot-area may be divided or split into two (or more) sub-areas. Sock 3205 may have an elongated toe-area which extends backwardly towards the heel and covers the fore-foot area, thereby creating a unified component of toe-area/fore-foot-area. The elongated combined toe-area/fore-foot area may cover the entire human big toe; and may cover, or may reach until, approximately 25% or 30% or 33% or 40% or 50% of the entire length of the foot-area of the sock. This structure may thus obviate the need to have a seam or a stitch or a hem that is located over or under the human toes in conventional sock 3201. Furthermore, the ending of the combined toe-area fore-foot area may be non-symmetrical trapezoid, providing ergonomic structure and improved fitting. In some embodiments, around 250 or 280 or 300 lines or threads may be comprised in the elongated toe-area fore-foot-area of sock 3205.

Sock 3206 may be generally similar to sock 3202, but may feature a split-toe structure; such that the short toe-area may be divided or split into two (or more) sub-areas. The short toe-area may be a non-symmetrical trapezoid, providing an ergonomic structure and improved fitting; and enabling to include up to 140 lines or threads in the short toe-area; and avoiding undesired “ears” or excess fabric (e.g., not occupied by human toes) that often exist in conventional socks. In some embodiments, up to 140 lines or threads may be comprised in the short toe-area of sock 3206.

Reference is made to FIG. 6, which is a schematic illustration of a sock 2100, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Instead of having a small convention toe-area 2101, the sock of the present invention may comprise an enlarged toe-area that includes both regions 2101 and 2102. Similarly, instead of the conventional toe-area 2101 that borders an adjacent area 2103, the sock of the present invention may comprise an enlarged toe-area 2101-2012 that borders an adjacent enlarged area 2103-2014.

Line A-B may indicate an optional seam or hem that connects or attaches the front area or the fore-foot area of the present invention (which comprises areas 2101-2104) with the main area 2105 of the sock (which may optionally comprise a heel-area 2106). Line A-B may be a visible seam, or a visible line; or may be an invisible seam, or an invisible line.

Line E-F may indicate an optional seam that connects or that borders between the enlarged (or elongated) toe-area 2101-2012, and its adjacent enlarged area 2103-2104. Line E-F may be a visible seam, or a visible line; or may be an invisible seam, or an invisible line.

Line C-D, as well as points H and F, are denoted in the drawing for demonstrative purposes only and in order to emphasize some of the unique features of the present invention relative to conventional sock; and they need not be comprised (or be visible) in sock 2100 of the present invention.

An arrow 2191 demonstrates the length of the novel, elongated toe-area of sock 2100; in contrast with a nearby arrow 2192 which indicates the length of a convention prior-art sock.

Reference is made to FIG. 7A, which is an illustration of a front-area of a prior art sock 2201; shown in contrast with FIG. 7B, which is an illustration of a front-area (or toe-area) of a sock 2202 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention, demonstrating the elongated or enlarged toe-area that the present invention may provide.

FIGS. 7A-7B further demonstrate, for example, that the sock 2202 of the present invention has a more elongated structure, which may allow an improved fit (or grasp) on the wearer's foot; and may lacks “ears” or “ear regions” that the convention sock 2201 may include.

FIGS. 7A-7B further demonstrate, for example, that the slopes or slanting of the front-area of the conventional sock 2201 are approximately 45 degrees; whereas the slopes or slanting of the front-area of the sock 2202 of the present invention are different, and may be significantly reduced (e.g., a slanting of 10 or 15 or 20 or 25 or 30 degrees, relative to the long axis of the sock).

Reference is made to FIG. 8A, which is a schematic illustration of a conventional sock 2301 having a conventional toe-area 2311; and to FIG. 8B, which is a schematic illustration of a sock 2302 having an enlarged or elongated toe-area 2322 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

As demonstrated in FIG. 8A, the conventional sock 2301 has toe-area 2311 which may cover the five toes of the foot but may leave excess fabric protruding sideways relative to the toes, or excess “ears” or “ear regions” there. Furthermore, in the conventional sock 2301, the conventional toe-area 2311 requires a connecting seam to be exist over the toe(s) and/or under the toe(s), thereby creating undesired friction in that area. The conventional sock 2301 fails to provide continuity of the fabric from the front-side or front-edge of the sock 2301 (or the foot), towards and through-out the fore-foot.

As demonstrated in FIG. 8B, the sock 2302 of the present invention may comprise an elongated toe-area 2322 which may seamlessly continue as a continuous or seamless fabric through or until, approximately, the center of the foot (or the sock), rather than having a toe-area that abruptly terminates (e.g., with an uncomfortable seam) immediately as the toes themselves end. The present invention thus allows to continuously connect the center-foot area, with the elongated or enlarge toe-box area, thereby creating an ergonomic structure with improved fit around the wearer's foot, and without the undesired feel or look of excessive “ears” fabric(s). The present invention allows continuous knitting of the foot-center area as a continuous extension of, or a seamless extension of, the toe-box area (or vice versa), without a bordering seam that needs to exist over the toe(s) or under the toe(s). Optionally, a connecting seam may be used, for example, over or under the center of the foot (or the sock), to connect the fore-foot area with the back-foot area.

Reference is made also to FIG. 8C, which is a schematic illustration of sock 2302 having enlarged or elongated toe-area 2322 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention, demonstrating how the sock 2302 may fit over a foot of a wearer. The five top ovals or ellipses indicate the five toes of the foot (big toe; second toe; third toe; fourth toe; little toe); the “P” denotes a location of a phalanx, or a location of a set of three phalanges of each toe (e.g., each “P” denoting a set of distal phalanx, middle phalanx, and proximal phalanx); the “MB” denotes a location of metatarsal bones, of which two are shown (rather than five) in order to avoid over-crowding of the drawing; the “MT” denotes a location of metatarsophalangeal joint(s) (showing only two instead of five, to not over-crowd the drawing); the “TM” denotes a location of tarsometatarsal joint(s) (showing only two instead of five, to not over-crowd the drawing).

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the elongated toe-box or toe-area, and/or the non-symmetrical toe-box or toe-area, may cover an entirety of all lengths of all the phalanges of the foot; and may cover all the metatarsophalangeal; and may optionally extend backwardly towards the ankle and may cover also a portion (but not all) of the metatarsal bones.

In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 25 to 50 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 30 to 50 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 33 to 50 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 40 to 50 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 25 to 45 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 30 to 45 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 33 to 45 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 33 to 40 percent of the entire length of the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, toe-box or toe-area or fore-foot area may cover, for example, between 25 to 33 percent of the entire length of the foot. Other suitable ratios or dimensions may be used.

Reference is made to FIG. 9A, which is a schematic illustration of a conventional knitting scheme 2401 for a conventional sock; and to FIG. 9B, which is a schematic illustration of a knitting scheme 2402 for a sock in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

As demonstrated in FIG. 9A, in the conventional knitting scheme 2401, each two lines are formed by using the same number of needles; and the knitting scheme 2401 is structured by utilizing a repetition of two-line cycles, thereby allowing to include up to 95 or 100 lines in the toe-box areas.

In contrast, as demonstrated in FIG. 9B, the knitting scheme 2402 of the present invention may utilize varying needle selection cycles, for example, having eight lines per cycle of needle selection. This may enable creation of the elongated or extended or enlarged toe area, which may include approximately 250 or 260 or 270 or 280 or 290 or 300 lines, or over 200 lines, or over 250 lines or over 300 lines (e.g., of threads of knitted fabric), thereby providing higher resolution or finer resolution to the fabric or the extended toe-box area.

In some embodiments, for example, the top half of knitting pattern 2402 may correspond to the area that covers the top-side of the toes and fore-foot; whereas the bottom half of knitting pattern 2402 may correspond to the area that covers the bottom-side of the toes and fore-foot. The two halves of knitting scheme 2402 may be generally similar, or may be substantially symmetrical to each other, or may be mirror image of each other.

Reference is made to FIG. 10, which is a schematic illustration of a sock 2501 in accordance with the present invention. The sock 2501 may comprise a unified, continuous- fabric, seamless region, that extends from point E at the front of the sock, extending backwardly towards the center of the foot, reaching the line (or the seam) denoted A-B. This extended or elongated or enlarged or combined or unified toe-box/fore-foot area, from point E to line A-B, may be substantially longer or larger (e.g., two or three times longer or larger) relative to a conventional, small, toe-box area that typically extends from point E to broken line C-D. Additionally, in the sock 2501 of the present invention, there may be no seam(s) at all within the combined elongated fore-foot/toe-box area (from point E to line A-B); instead of having a seam at line C-D in a conventional sock.

Reference is made to FIG. 11, which is a schematic illustration of a sock 2601 in accordance with the present invention. The sock 2601 may comprise a unified, continuous-fabric, seamless region, that extends from the front edge of the sock, extending backwardly towards the center of the foot, reaching (without any seams) approximately one-third or one-half or two-thirds of the length of the foot. This extended or elongated or enlarged or combined or unified toe-box/fore-foot area, shown in darker shade in FIG. 26, may be substantially longer or larger (e.g., two or three or four times longer or larger) relative to a conventional, small, toe-box area that typically extends only until a portion of the toe or until the entire length of the toe itself, and not beyond the toe. Additionally, in the sock 2501 of the present invention, there may be no seam(s) at all within the combined elongated fore-foot/toe-box area (the darker shade); instead of having a seam at or under (or on top of) the toe itself in a conventional sock. The entire fore-foot region is thus covered with, or enclosed in, a perfectly-fitting and seam-less toe/forefoot sock area, free of seams or stitches or stitching, free of cuts or excess fabric or “ear shaped” protruding regions.

Reference is made to FIG. 12A, demonstrating a conventional toe-area 2701 implemented as a symmetrical trapezoid; and to FIG. 12B, demonstrating a novel ergonomic toe-area/fore-foot area 2702 implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count; as well as to FIG. 12C, demonstrating a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area 2703 enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count.

Reference is made to FIG. 13A, demonstrating a conventional toe-area 2801 implemented as a symmetrical trapezoid; and to FIG. 13B, demonstrating an attempt to merely increase the number of lines in such conventional toe-area, resulting in a overly-narrow front edge A-B of a toe-area 2802.

Reference is also made to FIG. 13C, demonstrating a novel ergonomic toe-area/fore-foot area 2803 implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count; and to FIG. 13D, demonstrating a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area 2804 enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count.

Reference is made to FIG. 14A, demonstrating a conventional toe-area 2901 having up to 90 lines; and to FIG. 14B, demonstrating a novel ergonomic toe-area 2902 implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count; and to FIG. 14C, demonstrating a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area 2903 enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count.

In accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention, referring now to FIG. 14B, the angle A of the non-symmetrical trapezoid (of the toe-box, or the toe-area, or the combined toe-area/fore-foot-area) may be in the range of 90 to 120 degrees; or may be in the range of 90 to 115 degrees; or may be in the range of 90 to 110 degrees; or may be in the range of 90 to 105 degrees; or may be in the range of 90 to 100 degrees; or may be in the range of 90 to 95 degrees; or may be in the range of 95 to 120 degrees; or may be in the range of 95 to 115 degrees; or may be in the range of 95 to 110 degrees; or may be in the range of 95 to 105 degrees; or may be in the range of 95 to 100 degrees; or may be in the range of 100 to 120 degrees; or may be in the range of 100 to 115 degrees; or may be in the range of 100 to 110 degrees; or may be in the range of 100 to 105 degrees; or may be in the range of 105 to 120 degrees; or may be in the range of 110 to 115 degrees; or may be in the range of 115 to 120 degrees. The angle D of the non-symmetrical trapezoid may be equal to the difference between 180 degrees and the value (in degrees) of angle A. The angle B of the non-symmetrical trapezoid may be greater than angle A; for example, angle B may be at least 1 degree greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 3 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 5 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 8 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 10 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 12 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 15 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 18 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 20 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 22 degrees greater than angle A, or angle B may be at least 25 degrees greater than angle A. The angle C of the non-symmetrical trapezoid may be equal to the difference between 180 degrees and the value (in degrees) of angle B.

In some demonstrative implementations of the present invention, angle A may be equal to 90 degrees, and angle D may be equal to 90 degrees; whereas angle B may be greater than 100 degrees, and angle C may be smaller than 80 degrees.

In some demonstrative implementations of the present invention, angle A may be in the range of 90 to 93 degrees; angle D may be in the range of 87 to 90 degrees; whereas angle B may be greater than 100 degrees, and angle C may be smaller than 80 degrees.

In some demonstrative implementations of the present invention, angle A may be in the range of 90 to 95 degrees; angle D may be in the range of 85 to 90 degrees; whereas angle B may be greater than 100 degrees, and angle C may be smaller than 80 degrees.

In some demonstrative implementations of the present invention, angle A may be in the range of 90 to 97 degrees; angle D may be in the range of 83 to 90 degrees; whereas angle B may be greater than 100 degrees, and angle C may be smaller than 80 degrees.

In some demonstrative implementations of the present invention, angle A may be in the range of 90 to 100 degrees; angle D may be in the range of 80 to 90 degrees; whereas angle B may be greater than 100 degrees, and angle C may be smaller than 80 degrees.

In some demonstrative implementations of the present invention, angle A may be in the range of 90 to 105 degrees; angle D may be in the range of 75 to 90 degrees; whereas angle B may be greater than 100 degrees, and angle C may be smaller than 80 degrees.

In some demonstrative implementations of the present invention, angle A may be in the range of 90 to 110 degrees; angle D may be in the range of 70 to 90 degrees; whereas angle B may be greater than 100 degrees, and angle C may be smaller than 80 degrees.

The above degrees or ranges, as well as other suitable degree values, or ranges of degree values, may be used for the elongated trapezoid of the toe-area, or for the non-symmetrical trapezoid of the toe-area, or for the elongated non-symmetrical trapezoid of the toe-area, or for the elongated trapezoid of the combined toe-area/fore-foot-area.

Reference is made to FIG. 15A, demonstrating a conventional split toe-area 3001 having up to 90 lines; and to FIG. 15B, demonstrating a novel ergonomic split toe-area 3002 implemented as a non-symmetrical trapezoid and enabling a greater line-count or thread-count; and to FIG. 15C, demonstrating a novel elongated toe-area/fore-foot area 3003 enabling improved fit and significantly increased line-count or thread-count.

Reference is made to FIGS. 16A-16F, demonstrating that the toe-area or the split-toe area (or the fore-foot area, or the split fore-foot area) may have unique or different properties, relative to other regions or areas of the sock or of the fore-foot area; for example, by utilizing a different fabric or material, by utilizing a different fabric processing or fabric finishing, by utilizing different colors, by utilizing different patterning, by selectively utilizing different effects or features (e.g., holes, protrusions, ribs, craters, 3-D patterns, or the like); for example, three-dimensional (3D) knitting or patterning, design knitting, stripes, lines, rows, columns, shapes, design knitting in a particular shape, logo, branding, holes, macro-vent, ribs, plain knitting, cushioning knitting; utilization of different fabric(s), or fabric type(s), or type(s) of processing of fabrics; utilization of different colors, fabric finishing, fabric processing; different elasticity, rigidity, flexibility, rigidness, stiffness; different number of lines of fabric, or threads, or thread-count or line-count; different fabric effects (e.g., towel style), and/or other suitable methods.

For example, FIG. 16A demonstrates a split toe-area 3101 which may have different properties relative to other regions of the fore-foot and/or the sock, and/or may utilize different fabric(s), different processing, towel-like fabric, patterning, different smoothness, or the like. FIG. 16B demonstrates a toe-area 3102 which may have different sub-regions having different colors, patterns, different fabric types, and/or multiple fabric-processing types. FIG. 16C demonstrates a split toe-area 3103 having a patterning style based on rows or lines. FIG. 16D demonstrates a split toe-area 3104 having holes, apertures, craters, protrusions, and/or other three dimensional effects. FIG. 16E demonstrates a split toe-area 3105 having a “Chevron” type of patterning. FIG. 16F demonstrates a split toe-area 3106 which may have 3-D patterning, spacer knitting, and/or other effects. These features may be combined, and may be applied to a split toe-area of a sock, to a non-split (unified, monolithic) toe-area of a sock, to a split or non-split fore-foot area or toe-box of a sock, or the like.

Reference is made to FIGS. 17A-17E, demonstrating patterning or processing of the toe-area or the elongated-toe-area or the elongated split-toe area, such as toe-areas 1701-1705. Other suitable patterns (or multiple patterns combined together, or placed side-by-side) may be used.

Reference is made to FIGS. 18A-18B, demonstrating respectively a top view and a bottom view of a sock 1801, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 19A-19B, demonstrating respectively a top view and a bottom view of a sock 1802, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 20A-20B, demonstrating respectively a top view and a bottom view of a sock 1803, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 21A-21B, demonstrating respectively a top view and a bottom view of a sock 1804, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Socks 1801-1804 may have one or more of the features described herein, for example, an elongated toe-area and/or a split toe-area and/or a top-area that is a non-symmetrical trapezoid; or an elongated fore-foot area and/or a split fore-foot area and/or a fore-foot area that is a non-symmetrical trapezoid.

In some embodiments of the present invention, regions and/or portions and/or elements and/or components may have various scales and/or ratios and/or dimensions and/or sizes, such that the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention comprises and includes any combination of parameters and/or features that is disclosed in the text and/or is shown in any of the drawings, including the particular values and/or sizes and/or ratios that are disclosed in the text, and including the particular ratios and/or scales that are actually shown in the figures, and including any other suitable value that is disclosed in this text and/or in any of the drawings. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the articles or components shown in the drawings have the exact scale or ratio that is shown in the drawing(s) and which may be relied upon; such that the present invention does indeed comprise, among various other implementations and embodiments, also and/or at least the exact scale(s) and/or exact ratio(s) among components or dimensions as shown in the drawings.

The applicants have realized that in some embodiments of the present invention, the exact or the particular dimensions, ratios, scales and/or properties that are discussed herein and/or are shown in any of the drawings, are novel and may provide unique advantages with regard to convenience to the wearer, improved fit or better grip of the sock, improved functioning of the sock (e.g., during walking or running or a sports activity), reduced sweating of the wearer, reduced strain on the user's foot, and/or other functional advantageous that are not merely obvious design preferences and are not merely obvious ornamental preferences.

In the accompanying drawings and/or in the description herein, any line or solid line or broken line, may optionally indicate a seam, or a seam-less connection mechanism or a seam-less attachment mechanism (e.g., gluing, bonding, welding, ultrasonic cutting, ultrasonic welding), or an edge or a tip or a border, or a transition between two adjacent regions or elements, or a transition between two distinct regions or elements.

Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a sock comprising: a toe-area to cover at least all phalanges of all toes of a foot of a wearer of the sock; a sole area to cover a sole of the foot; an ankle area to at least partially cover an ankle of the foot; wherein the toe-area is distinct from other areas of the sock; wherein the toe-area is an elongated toe-area and extends backwardly beyond an entirety of a length of each phalanx of the foot, and covers at least part of metatarsal bones of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is an elongated split-toe area comprising a first region and a second region; wherein the first region borders with the second region, wherein the first region is distinct from the second region, wherein the first region covers at least a great toe of the foot, wherein the second region covers at least a little toe of the foot; wherein the toe-area is connected to the sole area via a seam, wherein the seam is located entirely over metatarsal bones of the foot, wherein the seam does not cover any phalanges of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is an elongated split-toe toe-area comprising a first region and a second region, wherein the first region borders with the second region, wherein the first region is distinct from the second region, wherein the first region covers at least a great toe of the foot, wherein the second region covers at least a little toe of the foot; wherein the toe-area is connected to the sole area via a seam-less connection, wherein the seam-less connection is located entirely over metatarsal bones of the foot, wherein the seam-less connection does not cover any phalanges of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is connected to the sole area via a seam. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is connected to the sole area via a seam, wherein the seam is located entirely over metatarsal bones of the foot, wherein the seam does not cover any phalanges of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is connected to the sole area via a seam-less connection, wherein the seam-less connection is located entirely over metatarsal bones of the foot, wherein the seam-less connection does not cover any phalanges of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is formed of a first fabric; wherein the sole area, which borders the elongated toe-area, is formed of a second, different, type of fabric.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is formed of a first fabric having a first thickness; wherein the sole area, which borders the elongated toe-area, is formed of a second fabric having a second, different, thickness.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is formed of a first fabric having a first type of three-dimensional features; wherein the sole area, which borders the elongated toe-area, is formed of a second fabric having a second, different, type of three-dimensional features.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is formed of a fabric having a first type of three-dimensional ribs or protrusions; wherein the sole area, which borders the elongated toe-area, is formed of said fabric having a second, different, type of three-dimensional ribs or protrusions.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is formed of a fabric having a first type of porosity or ventilation characteristic; wherein the sole area, which borders the elongated toe-area, is formed of said fabric having a second, different, type of type of porosity or ventilation characteristic.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 249 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 250 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 255 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 260 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 265 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 270 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 275 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 280 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 285 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 290 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 295 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 300 thread lines of fabric. In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises at least 301 thread lines of fabric.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area comprises between 249 and 301 thread lines of fabric; or between 250 and 300 thread lines of fabric; or between 260 and 295 thread lines of fabric; or between 265 and 290 thread lines of fabric; or between 270 and 290 thread lines of fabric; or between 280 and 290 thread lines of fabric; or between 280 and 285 thread lines of fabric; or between 275 and 300 thread lines of fabric.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area covers at least 25 percent of a length of the foot and less than 50 percent of the length of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area covers at least 33 percent of a length of the foot and less than 51 percent of the length of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area covers at least 40 percent of a length of the foot and less than 51 percent of the length of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is a non-symmetrical trapezoid elongated toe-area.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is a non-symmetrical trapezoid elongated toe-area having exactly two right angles; wherein a first right angle of said two right angles is located at a front-inner tip of the sock which covers a great toe of the foot.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is a non-symmetrical trapezoid elongated toe-area having: a first angle in a range of 90 to 100 degrees, the first angle located at a front-inner tip of the sock which covers a great toe of the foot, the first angle being an angle of a front-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid; a second angle in a range of 80 to 90 degrees, the second angle being an angle of a rear-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid; a third angle which is greater than the first angle, the third angle located at a front-outer tip of the sock which covers a little toe of the foot, the third angle being an angle of the front-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid, the third angle located opposite from the second angle; a fourth angle which is smaller than the second angle, the fourth angle located opposite from the first angle, the fourth angle being an angle of the rear-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid.

In some embodiments, the elongated toe-area is a non-symmetrical trapezoid elongated toe-area having: a first angle in a range of 90 to 110 degrees, the first angle located at a front-inner tip of the sock which covers a great toe of the foot, the first angle being an angle of a front-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid; a second angle in a range of 70 to 90 degrees, the second angle being an angle of a rear-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid; a third angle which is greater than the first angle, the third angle located at a front-outer tip of the sock which covers a little toe of the foot, the third angle being an angle of the front-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid, the third angle located opposite from the second angle; a fourth angle which is smaller than the second angle, the fourth angle located opposite from the first angle, the fourth angle being an angle of the rear-side base of the non-symmetrical trapezoid.

Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

While certain features of some embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents.

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